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Knox County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Knox County in 2026

KnoxINRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Knox 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. Available record categories may include:

  • Arrest and booking records
  • Criminal court case filings
  • Jail roster and inmate status
  • Bond and release information
  • Charge classifications and statute references

Records are subject to applicable state law and may not reflect the most current case status or final disposition.

Members of the public may search Knox County arrest records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available for locating arrest-related information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently held at the Knox County Jail. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status. Members of the public may access the Indiana Jail Public Portal to search Knox County inmates by last name, first name, and date of birth. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The Vincennes Police Department, which serves the county seat, periodically publishes press releases and arrest logs through its official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal law enforcement may contact the department directly or submit a public records request pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA).

Vincennes Police Department
201 N. 3rd Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 882-1630
Vincennes Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Knox County are filed in the Knox County Circuit and Superior Courts. Members of the public may search case records through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search, the official statewide court case portal maintained by the Indiana Supreme Court. Searches may be conducted by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. As noted by the Indiana Judicial Branch, "official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining" those records.

Knox County Clerk of Courts
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Knox County Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request through the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Search portal. This database contains felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests occurring within Indiana. A fee of $16.32 is currently assessed per search for public requesters. The search returns arrest and disposition information where available, though it does not include all misdemeanor arrests or records from jurisdictions that have not reported to the state repository.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Knox County Sheriff's Office
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 882-7660
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Knox County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees are assessed pursuant to Indiana law, with standard charges of $0.10 per page for paper copies.

Police Departments:

Vincennes Police Department
201 N. 3rd Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 882-1630
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Vincennes Police Department

Records requests submitted to the Vincennes Police Department must be made in writing. Requesters should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of the incident. Fees for copies are assessed at the standard rate permitted under Indiana law.

Clerk of Court:

Knox County Clerk of Courts
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Knox County Clerk

Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the Clerk's office during regular business hours. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page provides additional guidance on accessing court documents statewide.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Knox County Sheriff's Office at 111 N. 7th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies but is typically 7–10 business days for routine requests.

By Phone:

  • Knox County Sheriff's Office: (812) 882-7660
  • Vincennes Police Department: (812) 882-1630

Telephone inquiries are limited in scope. Staff may confirm basic custody status but will refer requesters to online systems or in-person visits for detailed record information. Requesters should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated documentation through the discovery process in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed investigative materials, including police narrative reports and evidence inventories, are accessible through formal legal proceedings rather than standard public records requests.

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's Office, Vincennes PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Knox County

Arrest records in Knox County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, the Indiana Access to Public Records Act establishes that public records are accessible to any person, and law enforcement agencies are required to disclose arrest logs, booking information, and related records unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:

  • Government transparency and accountability
  • Public safety and community awareness
  • Journalism and investigative 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
  • Mugshot/booking photograph
  • 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 (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
  • Information pertaining to active investigations
  • Identities of undercover officers
  • Confidential informant information
  • Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
  • Records pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Indiana Constitution, Article 1, Section 12, affirms the right of Indiana residents to seek remedy through the courts, and the state's public records framework reflects a legislative commitment to open government. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through specific statutory exemptions within the APRA. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information, as a matter of democratic accountability.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

  • Members of the general public
  • Media organizations and journalists
  • 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:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. 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 expose employers to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination frameworks.

What's in Knox County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Aliases or "also known as" names
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Sex/gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Height and weight
  • Eye color and hair color
  • Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

  • Arrest date and time
  • Location of arrest (street address or general area)
  • Arresting agency (Knox County Sheriff's Office, Vincennes Police Department, Indiana State Police, or other)
  • Arresting officer name and badge number (where disclosed)
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges
  • Indiana statute numbers violated
  • Charge descriptions
  • Classification (felony level or misdemeanor class)
  • Number of counts per charge
  • Domestic violence designation, if applicable
  • Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

  • Booking facility name and location
  • Intake process timestamp
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public-facing records)
  • Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

  • Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
  • Bond amount as set by the court
  • Bond type:
    • Cash bond
    • Surety bond
    • Personal recognizance (PR bond)
    • No bond
  • Bail bondsman information, if applicable
  • Release date and time, if released
  • Conditions of release, where publicly disclosed

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned
  • Court jurisdiction (Circuit or Superior Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

  • Previous arrests recorded in Knox County
  • Prior booking numbers
  • Historical charge information
  • Not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report content)
  • Witness statements
  • Victim identifying information
  • Evidence collected during investigation
  • Investigative techniques or methods
  • Medical or mental health information
  • Substance abuse records
  • Social Security number (redacted by law)
  • Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

  • Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
  • Court records: Document legal proceedings following arrest and are maintained by the Clerk of Courts
  • Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
  • Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources, including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Knox County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Knox County is governed by Indiana law and the fee schedules of the relevant agencies. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge fees for the reproduction of public records but may not charge for the inspection of records.

Record TypeAccess MethodCurrent Fee
Inspection of arrest recordsIn-person at agencyNo charge
Paper copiesPer page$0.10 per page
Certified court document copiesKnox County Clerk$1.00 per page + $5.00 certification
State criminal history searchIndiana State Police online portal$16.32 per search
Electronic records (where available)Online portalVaries by agency

Accepted payment methods vary by office. The Knox County Clerk's office accepts cash, check, and money order. The Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History portal accepts credit and debit card payments online. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific agency prior to submitting a request.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in connection with legal proceedings. Agencies are not required to waive fees but retain discretion to do so under applicable law.

The following services are available at no cost:

How To Delete Arrest Records in Knox 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 with different legal effects.

Expungement results in the restriction of records from public access and, in some cases, the physical destruction or notation of records in law enforcement and court databases. Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, Indiana's expungement statute, eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records, charges that did not result in conviction, and certain conviction records after applicable waiting periods have elapsed.

Sealing restricts public access to records without destroying them. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records for official purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement in Indiana:

  • Arrests with no charges filed: Eligible immediately after the prosecutor declines to file charges or the statute of limitations expires
  • Arrests resulting in acquittal or dismissal: Eligible after one year from the date of arrest
  • Misdemeanor convictions: Eligible five years after the date of conviction, provided no other criminal charges are pending
  • Class D/Level 6 felony convictions: Eligible eight years after the date of conviction, subject to additional conditions
  • Higher-level felony convictions: Subject to longer waiting periods and additional restrictions; some offenses are ineligible

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

  1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record or court case from the Knox County Clerk of Courts
  2. Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and applicable waiting period under Indiana Code § 35-38-9
  3. Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Knox County Circuit or Superior Court
  4. Serve the petition on the Knox County Prosecutor's Office
  5. Attend the scheduled hearing, if required by the court
  6. If granted, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to restrict or destroy the records

Knox County Prosecutor's Office
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2506
Knox County Prosecutor

Knox County Circuit Court / Superior Court
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Knox County Courts

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Indiana Legal Services or the Knox County Public Defender's Office. Following the issuance of an expungement order, the Indiana State Police repository is notified and updates the state criminal history record accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to update their records upon expungement, and individuals may need to contact those services separately.

What Happens After Arrest in Knox County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Knox County, the arrested individual is transported to the Knox County Jail, located at 111 N. 7th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Knox County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

  • Personal information is recorded
  • Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
  • Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
  • Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks are conducted
  • Personal property is inventoried and stored
  • Jail-issued clothing is provided
  • Medical and brief mental health screenings are administered
  • Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours of arrest for an initial hearing. At this hearing:

  • The individual is formally notified of the charges
  • The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
  • Bond or bail is determined
  • Rights are formally advisement

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are accessible through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

  • Full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
  • Amount is refunded upon case conclusion, minus applicable fees
  • Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or pursuant to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

  • A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
  • The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
  • The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

  • The defendant is released on a written promise to appear
  • No monetary payment is required
  • Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

  • The individual is held without bond
  • Applicable 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:

  • Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
  • Travel restrictions
  • No-contact orders
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • GPS monitoring
  • Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

  • Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours
  • Personal property is returned
  • A written court date is provided
  • Written conditions of release are issued
  • Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

  • The individual remains in custody at the Knox County Jail
  • Housing assignment is made
  • Inmate orientation is conducted
  • Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Knox County Public Defender's Office
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Knox County Courts

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants must complete an application for indigency determination at the time of the initial hearing.

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits at the Knox County Jail are conducted in designated confidential consultation areas.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Knox County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:

  • File formal charges by Information
  • Request additional investigation
  • Decline to prosecute
  • File different or additional charges from those listed at booking

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters an initial plea. The available pleas in Indiana are:

  • Not guilty
  • Guilty
  • Not guilty by reason of insanity

The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Additional court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to assess case status, discuss resolution, and address trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. Following dismissal, the defendant may be eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation. A sentencing hearing is subsequently scheduled.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include:

  • Incarceration in the Indiana Department of Correction or Knox County Jail
  • Probation
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution to victims
  • Community service
  • Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
  • A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any custodial sentence. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

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 three to six months in many cases
  • Felonies: May extend to one year or longer depending on complexity
  • Indiana's constitutional speedy trial provision requires trial within one year of arrest for most offenses

Rights Throughout the Process:

  • Right to remain silent
  • Right to counsel
  • Right to a speedy trial
  • Right to confront witnesses
  • Right to present a defense
  • Right against self-incrimination
  • Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Knox County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 882-7660
Knox County Sheriff's Office

Knox County Clerk of Courts
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Knox County Clerk

Knox County Prosecutor's Office
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2506
Knox County Prosecutor

Knox County Public Defender's Office
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Knox County Courts

Indiana Department of Correction
302 W. Washington Street, Room E334
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-5711
Indiana Incarcerated Database Search

What to Do If You're Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Politely invoke the right to remain silent
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
  5. Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
  6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of bond or pretrial release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Knox County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Knox County is governed by Indiana law and the records management policies of the relevant agencies. The Indiana Commission on Public Records establishes retention schedules applicable to county law enforcement and court agencies. Records retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

  • Retained permanently by the Knox County Sheriff's Office, Knox County Clerk of Courts, and the Indiana State Police criminal history repository
  • Submitted to the FBI's Interstate Identification Index and retained at the federal level indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts for court case records
  • Local law enforcement records retained pursuant to the Indiana Commission on Public Records schedule, at present a minimum of ten years
  • State repository retains Class A misdemeanor records permanently; lower-level misdemeanor records may have shorter retention periods

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement records: Retained a minimum of five years under current Indiana retention schedules
  • Court records: Retained permanently in electronic form
  • State repository: Records remain unless expunged by court order

Acquittals:

  • Court records: Retained permanently
  • Local law enforcement: Retained pursuant to applicable retention schedule
  • May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records: Retained a minimum of five years
  • Eligible for expungement immediately upon confirmation that no charges were filed

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

  • Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained pursuant to the Indiana Commission on Public Records schedule
  • Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record's retention period
  • Physical evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

  • Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained a minimum of three years under current Indiana schedules
  • Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
  • Electronic court records: Retained permanently in the statewide court system

Third-Party Databases:

  • Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
  • These entities are not subject to the same retention and destruction requirements as government agencies
  • The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy but does not mandate deletion upon expungement
  • Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact third-party services directly to request removal

Retention by Agency:

Knox County Sheriff's Office
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 882-7660
Knox County Sheriff's Office

  • Booking records: Minimum five years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for felony conviction arrests
  • Arrest reports: Minimum five years
  • Investigative files: Varies by offense classification; serious violent offenses retained permanently

Knox County Clerk of Courts
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Knox County Clerk

  • Felony case files: Permanent retention
  • Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
  • Traffic cases: Minimum five years
  • Electronic records: Permanent in the statewide MyCase system

Indiana State Police Criminal History Repository: The Indiana State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which aggregates arrest and disposition data from all Indiana jurisdictions. Members of the public may access this data through the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Search portal. The repository retains felony and Class A misdemeanor records indefinitely unless modified by court order.

FBI Database: The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records submitted by Indiana agencies at the federal level. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated activities.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently across all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records remain in agency databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records.

Expungement: Following a court-ordered expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, local law enforcement and court agencies restrict public access to the records. The Indiana State Police repository is updated. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Third-party commercial databases are not automatically updated.

No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and are eligible for immediate expungement petition. Some agencies may purge these records automatically after the applicable retention period.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (within the past five years):

  • Available online through the Indiana Jail Public Portal and MyCase
  • Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (five to twenty years ago):

  • May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts
  • Retrieval fees may apply
  • Processing time is typically seven to ten business days

Very Old Arrests (more than twenty years ago):

  • Records may not be digitized
  • Paper records may be held in archival storage
  • Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
  • Inquiries should be directed to the Knox County Sheriff's Records Division at (812) 882-7660

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or pursuant to the Indiana Commission on Public Records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks conducted by consumer reporting agencies report criminal history for a period of seven years for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting conviction records beyond the FCRA's framework. Arrests without conviction are subject to accuracy requirements, and consumer reporting agencies must reflect expungements when notified.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may submit a written public records request to the Knox County Sheriff's Records Division at 111 N. 7th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591, or call (812) 882-7660. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Knox County