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Happy Valley Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Happy Valley, Oregon?

Arrest records in Happy Valley, Oregon are public documents pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The City of Happy Valley maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements, which serve to ensure accountability in law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings.

The Oregon Public Records Law stipulates that public bodies must make non-exempt records available for inspection by any person upon request. Under ORS 192.324, public bodies must respond to records requests "as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay." Happy Valley adheres to these statutory requirements through established protocols for records management and dissemination.

Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections under ORS 192.355, particularly when records contain personal information about juveniles, victims of certain crimes, or when disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy.

How to Look Up Happy Valley Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Happy Valley provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. As of 2025, the following methods are available for obtaining these public documents:

Online Public Records Portal: The City of Happy Valley maintains a digital records system where certain arrest records may be searched and retrieved electronically. Users must complete the online Public Records Request form to initiate the process.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Happy Valley Police Department or City Hall during regular business hours. Staff will assist with completing the necessary request forms and identifying available records.
Written Requests: Standard mail submissions are accepted and should be directed to the Records Division. All requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office: As the Happy Valley Police Department contracts with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services, some arrest records may be maintained by the county. Requestors may need to contact both agencies for comprehensive results.

Happy Valley Police Department
16000 SE Misty Drive
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Phone: (503) 783-3800
Police Department - City of Happy Valley

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
2223 Kaen Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 655-8211

Contents of a Happy Valley Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the City of Happy Valley typically contain standardized information as required by Oregon law. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and generally include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency case number and booking reference information
Custody status and bail information, if applicable
Photographic identification (mugshot) taken during booking
Fingerprint records collected during processing
Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
Initial appearance court date, if scheduled

Pursuant to ORS 192.345, certain elements of arrest records may be exempt from disclosure if release would interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution. Additionally, information regarding confidential informants, investigative techniques, or details that would compromise officer safety may be redacted prior to release.

The Municipal Court of Happy Valley maintains records of subsequent judicial proceedings related to arrests within city jurisdiction. These records are maintained separately from arrest documentation and may require additional requests to access.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Happy Valley

The management and disclosure of arrest records in Happy Valley operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by state and local statutes. This framework balances public access rights with privacy protections and law enforcement needs.

Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 192 establishes the foundational requirements for public records access. Under ORS 192.311 through 192.478, government bodies must maintain and provide access to public records with limited exceptions. The City of Happy Valley has implemented Municipal Code Chapter 2.56 to establish local procedures for records management in compliance with state law.

Records custodians must adhere to the following legal principles when processing arrest record requests:

Records must be provided in the format requested if reasonably available (ORS 192.324(3))
Fees may be assessed to cover actual costs of record production (ORS 192.324(4))
Certain information must be redacted to protect privacy interests (ORS 192.355)
Denials of access must cite specific statutory exemptions (ORS 192.329)

The Happy Valley Municipal Court adjudicates violations of city ordinances and certain misdemeanors, maintaining records of these proceedings in accordance with Oregon Judicial Department standards. Court records related to arrests may be accessed through separate procedures established by the court administrator.

Fees and Processing Times for Arrest Records

The City of Happy Valley assesses fees for arrest record requests in accordance with ORS 192.324(4), which permits public bodies to charge reasonable fees covering actual costs incurred in making records available. The current fee schedule for arrest records includes:

Standard arrest record search: $25.00 per name
Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
Research requiring more than 30 minutes: $40.00 per hour (billed in 15-minute increments)
Electronic delivery: No additional charge
Physical copies: $0.25 per page

Processing times vary based on record complexity and current departmental workload. Pursuant to ORS 192.329, the City of Happy Valley acknowledges all public records requests within five business days and completes simple requests within ten business days. Complex requests involving multiple records, extensive redaction, or legal review may require additional time, with updates provided to requestors every ten business days until fulfillment.

Fee waivers or reductions may be available when disclosure primarily benefits the public interest. Requests for fee adjustments must be submitted in writing with the initial records request, explaining the public benefit that would result from disclosure.

Payment options for records fees include cash, check, or credit card through the city's payment portal.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Happy Valley

Oregon law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement, governed by ORS 137.225, allows for the sealing of arrest and conviction records when statutory requirements are met. The City of Happy Valley processes expungement orders in compliance with state law and court directives.

Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

Arrests that did not lead to charging within one year
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Successful completion of diversion programs
Certain convictions after applicable waiting periods (typically 3-10 years depending on offense classification)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the circuit court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Happy Valley arrests, petitions are typically filed with the Clackamas County Circuit Court. Upon receipt of a court-ordered expungement, the Happy Valley Police Department and other relevant agencies must seal the specified records and respond to inquiries as though the record does not exist.

Expunged records are not destroyed but are segregated from public records and accessible only through court order. The expungement process does not automatically extend to records maintained by private entities or background check companies that may have previously obtained the information.

Individuals seeking expungement should consult with legal counsel regarding eligibility and procedural requirements. The Oregon State Bar provides referral services for attorneys specializing in expungement matters.