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  2. McLean County Arrest Records

McLean County, Illinois Arrest Records

In McLean County, arrest records are official documentation on arrests by the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, the Bloomington Police Department, Normal Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. These documents serve as evidence of arrests, providing information about individuals arrested within McLean County. A typical arrest record contains the identifying information, booking details, and the conditions for regaining freedom.

McLean County arrest records serve several purposes. These documents ensure law enforcement accountability and transparency, and aid the execution of criminal justice in line with the county’s laws. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act establishes the presumption that government records (including McLean County arrest records) are public, unless there are statutory or judicial restrictions. 

Notwithstanding public disclosure of government records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, access to criminal history records information is governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act. This law also outlines the process for expungement and sealing of criminal records, including arrest information.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in McLean, Illinois?

Yes, McLean County's arrest records are public documents. Chapter 5, Act 140, Section 1 et seq. of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (Illinois Freedom of Information Act) mandates public disclosure of government records, including arrest records (if there are no restricting orders or statutory exemptions). In particular, Chapter 5, Act 140, Section 2.15 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes stipulates that an arresting agency must make basic information about arrests it conducts available to the public within 72 hours of the event. Consequently, individuals can access an arrestee's name, age, charges, and the time/location of the arrest. 

What Do Public McLean County Arrest Records Contain?

Generally, arrest records provide snapshots of law enforcement activities. According to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, law enforcement agencies must make the documents available upon request. A typical McLean County arrest record includes:

  • Full name and age of the arrestee
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Mugshots 
  • A list of the initial charges filed against the owner of the record 
  • The arresting agency 
  • Information regarding the bail/bond amount 
  • Custody status. 

While McLean County arrest records are open to public scrutiny, Chapter 5, Act 140, Section 7 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes exempts certain information from public disclosure. In addition to statutory and court-ordered prohibitions (juvenile, sealed, and expunged records), individuals cannot access a McLean County arrest record if its disclosure:

  • Interfere with pending investigations 
  • Deprive the owner of the record of the right to a fair hearing 
  • Reveals the identity of a confidential informant or investigative techniques.

Furthermore, a McLean County arrest record is not disclosable if public access infringes personal privacy. 

McLean County,  Illinois Arrest Search

While local search tools and custodians provide easier access to McLean County arrest records, individuals may also access these documents using state and federal resources. The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) provides fingerprint-based access to conviction records (including arrest information) from all Illinois counties. Information seekers can also use the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC) Individual In Custody Search portal to track McLean County's arrestees serving prison terms in state facilities. 

As an alternative, record seekers can access McLean County arrest records as part of nationwide criminal information through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI Identity History Summary Checks provides access to rap sheets through criminal history reports. A McLean County background check through the FBI may include federal arrests within McLean County and criminal case disposition documents submitted by participating agencies within McLean County. Other federal resources that may provide access to McLean County's arrest records include PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) and the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) SMART Search Portal. PACER allows users to access records of prosecutions under federal laws (including criminal cases originating in McLean County). Likewise, the NSOPW provides access to information about sex offenders arrested in McLean County and other jurisdictions across the United States. 

McLean County Inmate Locator

The most convenient way to access McLean County arrest records is through the McLean County Sheriff’s Office App. Users can access arrest information through inmate records.  In addition to inmate records, this mobile app also provides details of sex offenders in the county. To access arrest information through McLean County's inmate locator:

  • Download and install the McLean County Sheriff’s Office mobile app for Android or IOS through Google Play or Apple Store.
  • Click the “Inmate Search” icon to access McLean County's jail roster. 
  • Use the search tool to locate the specific inmate, or scroll down and perform a manual search. 
  • Click the name of the inmate to reveal the arrest and custody details.

For information about persons arrested for sex offenses in McLean County, visit the McLean County Sheriff’s Office and click THE McLean County Offender Watch link. Alternatively, access sex offender information through the McLean County Sheriff’s Office mobile app. 

Other options for accessing arrest information in McLean County include the McLean County Circuit Clerk’s Public Access Criminal/Traffic Search System. This option provides access to arrest information as part of criminal case records or through press releases on local police departments' websites. Additionally, individuals seeking access to McLean County's arrest records can contact the McLean County Sheriff’s Office at:

104 W Front Street, 

Bloomington, 

IL 61701

Phone: (309) 888-5072.

Active Warrant Search in McLean County

In McLean County, arrest warrants are official orders issued by the McLean County Circuit Court to instruct law enforcement agencies to apprehend and bring specified individuals before the court. Judges issue these documents to warrant seekers when they prove probable cause that a crime has occurred. Per Chapter 725, Act 5, Section 107-9 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, a McLean County arrest warrant must be in written form, contain the judge's signature, and state the date of issuance. Additionally, the document must:

  • Indicate the name, date of birth, and gender of the defendant. 
  • Explicitly state the nature of the offense for which the warrant is issued.
  • Command law enforcement to arrest and bring the named individual before the court. 
  • Specify the geographical limits of the warrant. Otherwise, it is valid statewide.
  • Contain a sworn statement establishing probable cause.

In McLean County, the county’s Circuit Court and the Sheriff's Office handle warrant-related issues. While the court issues arrest warrants, the Sheriff’s Office executes these orders. manage the documents. Similar to other government records, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act grants public access to McLean County arrest warrants. The McLean County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a dedicated searchable warrant database. Nonetheless, information seekers can verify warrant status through the McLean County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (309) 888-5034 or visit the McLean County Sheriff’s Office at:

McLean County Law & Justice Center 

104 W Front Street, 

Bloomington, 

IL 61701.

Alternatively, use the McLean County Circuit Clerk’s Public Access System to search for arrest warrants associated with criminal case records, or contact the McLean County Circuit Clerk’s Office during work hours at:

104 W Front Street, Room 404,

Bloomington, 

Il 61701

Phone: (309) 888-5301.

Agency / Resource

Purpose

Search Methods

Notes

McLean County Sheriff’s Office

Maintains and serves warrants

Phone and in person

The McLean County Sheriff’s Office does not maintain a real-time active warrants database

McLean County Court

Handles all civil and criminal cases in McLean County and issues arrest warrants if there is probable cause 

Online through the McLean County Circuit Clerk’s Public Access System. Individuals can also call the Circuit Clerk’s Office to verify warrant status or visit the office to inquire in person 

While McLean County does not maintain a warrant database, interested parties can search for warrant information through criminal case records. 

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in McLean County

There are several ways individuals can access McLean County's arrest records for free. While the county does not maintain a dedicated searchable arrest record database, individuals can access arrest information in McLean County through inmate records or criminal case files. The McLean County Sheriff’s Office mobile app provides real-time access to arrest information for free through the county’s jail roster. In addition to the county's inmate roster, the McLean County Circuit Clerk’s Public Access Criminal/Traffic Search System can also provide free-tier access to arrest-related information after the State Attorney files criminal, traffic, or felony charges at the McLean County Circuit Court. Interested parties can also use Public Access Terminals at the McLean County Law & Justice Center. 

Other options for free access to McLean County arrest records include press releases and daily/weekly arrest logs or blotters on police department websites or official social media pages. While there are ways to access McLean County's arrest records free of charge, information seekers should note the following practical limits and considerations:

  • Most online tools provide access to recent and active cases; access to older records may require requesters to contact the custodian agencies.  
  • Users of free tools need to provide the subject's full name to link their queries to the relevant records. 
  • Free public search tools do not provide access to redacted materials. 
  • Access to physical files (viewing only) through custodian agencies may require a valid government-issued photo ID.

McLean County Arrest Report

A McLean County arrest report is distinct from an arrest record. Unlike arrest records, which are basically summary entries for tracking arrests and criminal proceedings, arrest reports provide more comprehensive information about arrests. Typically, an arrest report may include:

  • The arresting officer’s firsthand description of the event
  • Witness statements 
  • List of evidence collected during the arrest 
  • Observations made during the incident 
  • Use-of-force or resistance details (if applicable)
  • Victim information 
  • Probable cause allegations 
  • Investigative details. 

Like arrest records, McLean County arrest reports are publicly accessible per the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Nonetheless, law enforcement agencies will redact certain details or deny public access to full arrest reports if disclosure will:

  • Interfere with pending investigations. 
  • Reveal confidential informant details. 
  • Compromise the safety of witnesses or officers. 
  • Infringe on privacy laws. 
  • Divulge sensitive information.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in McLean County

Under Chapter 20, Act 2630, Section 5.2 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, individuals can expunge or seal their criminal records if they fulfill certain requirements. Expungement destroys records and makes them legally non-existent, while sealing hides the information from the public. 

A McLean County arrest record qualifies for expungement if the arrest does not result in charges, or the McLean County Circuit Court dismisses the resulting charges, acquits the arrestee, or reverse/vacates the conviction. Likewise, the owner of the arrest record can petition for its expungement after completing a standard court-supervised program, first offender or qualified probation, or a specialized diversion program.

Illinois also allows sealing of arrest records for certain misdemeanors and felonies if the offender completes the sentence for the crime,  observes the applicable waiting period, and has no disqualifying convictions. 

To expunge a McLean County arrest record:

  • Obtain the criminal history record from the arresting agency (if the expungement is for one arrest only) or the Illinois State Police (for multiple arrests), and the disposition documents from the McLean County Circuit Clerk’s Office. 
  • Download and complete the Illinois Expungement and Sealing Forms.
  • File a petition at the McLean County Circuit Clerk’s Office. 
  • Send notice of the petition to the arresting agency and the McLean County State's Attorney’s Office.
  • If there are objections to the expungement/sealing, attend the associated court hearing to provide answers to questions. 
  • Wait for the judge to rule on the petition. If the court approves the expungement order, it will order government agencies to remove the record from their databases (expungement) or hide it from the public (sealing).

How Do You Remove McLean County Arrest Records From the Internet?

In most cases, expungement and sealing alone may not totally remove a McLean County arrest record from the internet. While these are the foundation processes, making the document inaccessible online requires additional steps. Expungement and sealing of a McLean County arrest record deletes it from official databases. However, the information may still be accessible online through third-party platforms. The following guidelines outline how to remove a McLean arrest record from the internet:

  • Expunge the arrest record through the McLean County Circuit Court. 
  • Identify the online platforms that published the arrest record and submit removal requests along with copies of the expungement order or sealing order.
  • Request search de-indexing. 
  • Submit copies of the court order to news websites that published the information and request that they update their story.