How to Find an Arrest Record for Genealogy
Locating arrest records for genealogical purposes can be a challenging but rewarding task. Arrest records can be located in local police departments, local courts, federal courts or at the FBI. Determining the correct location is the most difficult part of finding the arrest record. Once you have located where a record is kept, request copies citing your right to the record under the Freedom of Information Act. Access to the Internet is critical to a successful search.
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Instructions
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Determine where the arrest took place. Use online newspaper archives to help pinpoint the exact location. Examine local newspapers to find clues to where an arrest record is located. The local news sections and police blotters are where information about arrests are found. Newspapers will give you the time, place and date of arrest.
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Call the appropriate police station and say you are looking for arrest records. The clerk should be able to tell you the name of the person to contact for record information. Once you have the correct department, explain to the clerk that you are requesting the arrest record for your ancestor on the date, place and time that you located in the newspaper. Most municipalities will require you to either visit in person or to make the request in writing.
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Write to or go in person to the records department. Bring cash for copy fees and have your identification handy. Many small towns do not take credit or debit cards, and some locations accept only money orders. Find out about payment types and fees in advance.
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Contact the court clerk if the arrest resulted in any court action. This includes arraignments and court appearances. You must have the full name of your ancestor and the court date in order to obtain information from the court clerk's office.
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Contact the FBI for arrest records. To request records belonging to your ancestor, you must provide proof of death by way of a death certificate, obituary or Social Security Index page. The request must include the deceased's Social Security number if there was one. People who died prior to 1935 did not have a Social Security number.
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Tips & Warnings
Always treat clerks with respect and kindness. Common courtesy will get you access to the records you desire.
Depending on the age of the records, you may not be able to have access to them. Personal information less than 50 years old is usually omitted from any public record.
