DeKalb County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in DeKalb County in 2026
DeKalbCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in DeKalb County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, bond details, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories may be available: arrest logs, jail rosters, mugshots, criminal charges, and bond information. Data availability varies by source and record age.
Arrest records in DeKalb County may be searched through official law enforcement portals, the county clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online tools. The sections below outline each available method in detail.
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary jail roster and booking records for individuals arrested and processed through the DeKalb County Jail in Auburn, Indiana. Members of the public may use the inmate search portal to view current inmates, booking information, charges filed at the time of arrest, and bond details. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status. Searches may be conducted by name or booking number.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Auburn Police Department and other municipal law enforcement agencies operating within DeKalb County maintain their own arrest logs and incident records. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published on agency websites. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from a specific municipal jurisdiction should contact the relevant department directly, as records are maintained separately from those held by the Sheriff's Office.
Auburn Police Department 118 W. Ninth St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-3535 City of Auburn
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in DeKalb Circuit Court or DeKalb Superior Court. Members of the public may search court case records through the Indiana Courts public case search portal, which allows searches by defendant name and returns associated case numbers, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This resource is maintained by the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Indiana State Police maintains the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS), which serves as the state's central criminal history repository. Members of the public seeking a certified criminal history report may submit a request through the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History portal. A fee applies for certified reports. The database includes arrests from all Indiana jurisdictions and is updated as agencies submit records.
Online Methods Summary:
| Resource | Access Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb County Sheriff Inmate Search | Online, real-time | Free |
| Indiana Courts MyCase | Online | Free |
| Indiana State Police Criminal History | Online, certified | Fee applies |
| DeKalbCountyRecords.us | Online directory | Varies |
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office 215 E. Ninth St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-3455 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees apply per page.
Clerk of Court:
DeKalb County Clerk of Courts 100 S. Main St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-0912 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. DeKalb County Government
Criminal case files may be inspected at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Indiana law.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at 215 E. Ninth St., Auburn, IN 46706. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on record volume and request complexity.
By Phone:
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (260) 925-3455 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm general custody status but will direct requestors to the online inmate search or an in-person visit for detailed booking information.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest
Are Arrest Records Public in DeKalb County
Arrest records in DeKalb County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created and maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records fall within the category of disclosable public records because they document official government action and serve the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Indiana law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are protected
- Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Indiana Constitution, Article 1, Section 12, affirms the right of the public to open courts and accessible government. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which enumerates categories of records that agencies may or must withhold. First Amendment protections extend to press access to arrest information, and due process considerations inform the treatment of arrest records that do not result in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and carries different legal weight in employment and housing contexts.
What's in DeKalb County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date, time, and assigned booking number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge classification, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations, where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount and bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Assigned court case number
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and, where available, judge assignment
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number, which is redacted
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Police report | Detailed incident narrative prepared by the arresting officer |
| Court records | Legal proceedings initiated following arrest |
| Criminal records | Convictions, sentences, and dispositions |
| Background checks | Comprehensive screening drawing from multiple sources |
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in DeKalb County?
Under Indiana law, public agencies are authorized to charge fees for the reproduction of public records. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act permits agencies to charge the actual cost of reproduction, which at present is set at a standard rate for paper copies. Inspection of records in person carries no fee; charges apply only when copies are requested.
Current Fee Structure:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies | $0.10 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication |
| Inspection only | No charge |
| Indiana State Police certified criminal history | $16.32 (online request) |
Accepted payment methods at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. Electronic payment options may be available for online requests submitted through state portals.
Fee waiver provisions exist for indigent requestors in certain circumstances; members of the public seeking a waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.
The Indiana State Police charges a separate fee for certified criminal history reports requested through the Indiana State Police background check portal. This fee is distinct from local copy fees and is set by state administrative rule.
What members of the public may obtain at no cost includes online inspection of the Sheriff's Office inmate roster, the Indiana Courts MyCase portal, and publicly available court dockets.
How To Delete Arrest Records in DeKalb County
Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the restriction or, in some cases, physical sealing of records, and limited criminal history restriction. Expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9 does not result in the destruction of records but restricts their disclosure to the general public. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to expunged records for specified purposes.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in a conviction may be eligible for expungement one year after the date of arrest, provided no charges were filed or all charges were dismissed
- Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement five years after the date of conviction, subject to statutory conditions
- Class D and Level 6 felony convictions may be eligible eight years after the date of conviction
- Higher-level felony convictions carry longer waiting periods and additional restrictions
- Certain offenses, including sex offenses and crimes resulting in serious bodily injury, are not eligible for expungement
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Confirm eligibility under Indiana Code § 35-38-9 by reviewing the specific waiting periods and offense categories
- Obtain the case number and relevant court information from the DeKalb County Clerk of Courts
- Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the court where the case was adjudicated
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing, if required by the court
- Upon entry of the expungement order, the court notifies relevant agencies to restrict the record
DeKalb County Clerk of Courts 100 S. Main St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-0912 DeKalb County Government
DeKalb County Prosecutor's Office 100 S. Main St., Suite 202 Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-0912 DeKalb County Government
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to review the Indiana Courts self-service legal center for forms and procedural guidance. Following the entry of an expungement order, the Indiana State Police updates the state criminal history repository, and the record is restricted from public background check results. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may require separate dispute requests under the FCRA.
What Happens After Arrest in DeKalb County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the DeKalb County Jail, located at 215 E. Ninth St., Auburn, IN 46706. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the DeKalb County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process involves recording personal identifying information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying and storing personal property, issuing jail clothing, and completing medical and mental health screenings. Booking duration varies based on facility volume but is completed prior to housing assignment.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial hearing, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and, where applicable, appoints a public defender. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Indiana law at ten percent of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The court may order the individual held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which may take one to eight hours depending on facility volume. Written conditions of release and the next court date are provided at the time of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone access, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
DeKalb County Public Defender's Office 100 S. Main St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-0912 DeKalb County Government
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for appointed counsel retain the right to hire private counsel. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.
Charging Decision:
The DeKalb County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or pretrial intervention, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted at trial or through a plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | 48–72 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor) | Weeks to several months |
| Arraignment to resolution (felony) | Several months to over one year |
Important Contacts:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 215 E. Ninth St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-3455 DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
DeKalb County Clerk of Courts 100 S. Main St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-0912 DeKalb County Government
DeKalb County Prosecutor's Office 100 S. Main St., Suite 202 Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-0912 DeKalb County Government
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Refrain from discussing the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in DeKalb County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in DeKalb County is governed by Indiana law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The Indiana Administrative Code establishes retention schedules for law enforcement and court records. Records are retained for periods that vary based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency maintaining the record.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and state repository
- Local law enforcement retention may vary by department policy
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period before potential purging
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
- State repository records remain unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently in most cases
- Local law enforcement records are subject to applicable retention schedules
- Records may be eligible for expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are subject to shorter retention periods
- Individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest
Digital vs. Physical Records:
| Record Type | Format | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Booking paperwork | Physical/digital | Per retention schedule |
| Mugshot photographs | Digital | Often permanent in database |
| Court electronic records | Digital | Often permanent |
| CAD dispatch records | Digital | Varies by agency policy |
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to Indiana expungement orders. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records; individuals may dispute inaccurate or outdated information directly with the reporting agency. Removal from third-party websites requires separate requests to each individual operator.
Retention by Agency:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office 215 E. Ninth St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-3455 DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
DeKalb County Clerk of Courts 100 S. Main St. Auburn, IN 46706 Phone: (260) 925-0912 DeKalb County Government
The Indiana State Police maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records from all Indiana jurisdictions. The FBI's National Crime Information Center and Interstate Identification Index retain records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background check and investigative purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all primary databases. A dismissal may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. An expungement order directs local agencies and the state repository to restrict the record, but does not compel removal from federal databases or third-party commercial services. Cases in which no charges were filed carry the shortest retention periods and may be eligible for the earliest expungement.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction arrest records. Employers and landlords are advised to consult applicable federal and state law before taking adverse action based solely on an arrest record that did not result in conviction.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the DeKalb County Sheriff's Records Division at (260) 925-3455 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.