Jackson County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jackson County in 2026
JacksonINRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Jackson County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case links, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources may include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and disposition records. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable state law.
Records may be searched through official county and state resources, including the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Indiana Judicial Branch.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department maintains booking and incarceration records for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access current incarceration information through the Sheriff's Department jail portal, which includes custody status, charges, and booking details. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects individuals currently held at the Jackson County Jail. Searches may be conducted by name or booking number.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Seymour Police Department and the City of Brownstown Police Department serve as the primary municipal law enforcement agencies within Jackson County. Both departments may release arrest information through press releases and public records requests. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from a specific municipal agency should contact that department's records division directly.
Seymour Police Department
101 E 2nd St
Seymour, IN 47274
Phone: (812) 522-1234
City of Seymour
Brownstown Police Department
111 W Walnut St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-2141
Jackson County, IN
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Jackson County are accessible through the Indiana Judicial Branch's MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. As noted by the Indiana Supreme Court, "official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining" those records. The MyCase system provides public access to case-level data but does not substitute for certified court documents.
Jackson County Clerk of Courts
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6116
Jackson County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
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 check may submit a request through the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History portal. A fee of $16.32 is currently assessed for an online limited criminal history search. The state repository includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide.
Indiana State Police – Criminal History Division
100 N Senate Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-8266
Indiana State Police
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Jackson County Sheriff's Department
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-2141
Jackson County Sheriff's Department
Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office 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. Fees for copies of records are assessed pursuant to applicable Indiana law.
Clerk of Court:
Jackson County Clerk of Courts
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6116
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jackson County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Indiana statute.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department at 111 S Main St, Brownstown, IN 47220. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's return mailing address and contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume.
By Phone:
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department may be reached at (812) 358-2141 for general inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of specified documents. In active criminal proceedings, discovery disclosures are governed by the Indiana Rules of Criminal Procedure.
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 (Sheriff, Seymour PD, Brownstown PD, etc.)
Are Arrest Records Public in Jackson County
Arrest records in Jackson County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency. Arrest records fall within the definition of public records because they are created and maintained by law enforcement agencies in the course of their official duties. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) establishes the framework under which members of the public, media organizations, researchers, and legal professionals may obtain these records.
Arrest records are made publicly accessible for several recognized purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness
- Journalism and investigative reporting
- Academic and policy research
- Employment and housing background screening
- Legal proceedings and due process
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
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Indiana law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
- Information pertaining to active investigations
- Identities of undercover officers
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681) when obtaining records through consumer reporting agencies. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in adverse employment decisions may implicate state and federal anti-discrimination provisions.
What's in Jackson County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and associated law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and 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 (may be limited in public release)
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 booking number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount and bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if applicable
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected or investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in the public arrest record
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Aggregate data from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Jackson County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Jackson County depends on the requesting method and the custodial agency. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, public agencies may charge fees for copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
| Record Type | Method | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection of records | In-person | No charge |
| Paper copies | In-person or mail | $0.10–$1.00 per page (varies by agency) |
| Certified copies | Clerk of Courts | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Electronic records | Email or portal | Varies; may be no charge |
| State criminal history (ISP) | Online portal | $16.32 per search |
| Court case documents | MyCase portal | Free to view; fees for certified copies |
Accepted payment methods at the Jackson County Clerk of Courts and Sheriff's Department include cash, check, and money order. Some agencies may accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in circumstances where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency. Inspection of records in person is available at no charge; fees apply only to reproduction.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Jackson County
Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). These are distinct remedies. Expungement results in the physical or electronic destruction of records and their removal from public databases. Sealing restricts public access but does not destroy the underlying records, which remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, Indiana's expungement statute, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- Arrest with no criminal charges filed
- Charges filed but subsequently dismissed
- Acquittal at trial
- Conviction for certain misdemeanors or Class D/Level 6 felonies, subject to waiting periods and eligibility criteria
- Conviction for certain higher-level felonies, subject to longer waiting periods and prosecutorial consent
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Jackson County:
- Determine eligibility based on the nature of the arrest or conviction and applicable waiting periods under Indiana Code § 35-38-9.
- Obtain the relevant case number(s) from the Jackson County Clerk of Courts or through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal.
- Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Jackson County Circuit or Superior Court. Filing fees apply unless waived by the court.
- Serve the petition on the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office and any other required parties.
- Attend the scheduled hearing, if required by the court.
- If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the records.
Jackson County Prosecutor's Office
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6120
Jackson County, IN
Jackson County Circuit Court / Superior Court
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6116
Jackson County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Indiana attorney, as eligibility criteria and procedural requirements vary based on the specific offense and case history. The Indiana State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service may assist in locating qualified counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Jackson County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Jackson County Jail, located at 111 S Main St, Brownstown, IN 47220. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Jackson County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and the complexity of the intake. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours following a warrantless arrest. At the initial hearing, the court:
- Formally notifies the defendant of the charges
- Determines eligibility for appointed counsel (public defender) if the defendant is indigent
- Sets bond or bail
- Advises the defendant of their rights
Initial hearings in Jackson County may be conducted in person or via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the Clerk of Courts. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at ten percent of the bond amount in Indiana.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the defendant is assigned to a housing unit within the Jackson County Jail, receives an inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation privileges.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Jackson County Public Defender's Office
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6116
Jackson County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
Eligibility for appointed counsel is determined based on financial affidavit submitted at the initial hearing. Private counsel may visit the jail for confidential consultations at scheduled times.
Charging Decision:
The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. For felony offenses, the prosecutor may proceed by Information or, in certain cases, present the matter to a grand jury. The arraignment, at which the defendant enters a formal plea, is scheduled following the filing of charges.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery exchanges between prosecution and defense, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court, mental health court, or veterans court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Governed by Indiana Criminal Rule 4
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Jackson County Sheriff's Department (Jail)
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-2141
Jackson County Sheriff's Department
Jackson County Clerk of Courts
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6116
Jackson County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
Jackson County Prosecutor's Office
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6120
Jackson County, IN
Jackson County Public Defender's Office
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6116
Jackson County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jackson County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Jackson County is governed by Indiana state law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The Indiana Administrative Code and agency-specific retention schedules establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the subject's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts and state repository
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of ten years under standard Indiana retention schedules
Dismissed Charges:
- May remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged
- Court records are often retained permanently but may not appear on standard background checks
- Eligible for expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9
Acquittals:
- Court records retained permanently
- Local law enforcement records retained per agency schedule
- May be expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed / No-Information:
- Booking records retained for a minimum of three to five years at the local level
- Eligible for expungement, in some cases immediately following the decision not to prosecute
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork: Retained per agency schedule, minimum five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently in state and federal databases
- Booking photographs: Retained per agency schedule; digital images often retained indefinitely
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years
- Electronic court records: Retained permanently in the MyCase system
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy and to update records when notified of expungements, but enforcement varies. Individuals whose records have been expunged by court order may need to separately contact third-party websites to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Jackson County Sheriff's Department
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-2141
Jackson County Sheriff's Department
Booking records and arrest reports are retained per Indiana Commission on Public Records schedules. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.
Jackson County Clerk of Courts
111 S Main St
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-6116
Jackson County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Traffic case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Electronic records in the MyCase system are retained permanently.
Indiana State Police – Criminal History Repository
100 N Senate Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-8266
Indiana State Police
The Indiana State Police maintains arrest and disposition data submitted by all law enforcement agencies in the state. Retention is permanent for conviction records. Non-conviction records may be updated or restricted following a court-ordered expungement.
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain criminal history records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Local Retention | State Repository | Background Check Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conviction (felony) | Permanent | Permanent | Indefinite |
| Conviction (misdemeanor) | 10+ years | Permanent | Indefinite |
| Dismissal | Varies | Retained unless expunged | Limited |
| Acquittal | Varies | Retained unless expunged | Limited |
| No charges filed | 3–5 years | Retained unless expunged | Typically not reported |
| Expunged | Destroyed/sealed | Updated per court order | Removed (with exceptions) |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most consumer reporting agencies limit reporting of non-conviction arrest records to seven years. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute for private-sector background checks. Individuals subject to adverse action based on a background check have the right to dispute inaccurate or outdated information with the reporting agency.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Records Division at (812) 358-2141 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 111 S Main St, Brownstown, IN 47220. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.