Arrest records in West Linn, Oregon are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the presumption that transparency in governmental operations serves the public interest by enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and ensuring accountability of public officials.
Pursuant to ORS § 192.311-192.478, public bodies in West Linn must make arrest records available within a reasonable timeframe following a proper request. These provisions reflect Oregon's commitment to open government and the principle that public records belong to the citizens of the state. The West Linn Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Oregon State Archives.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions outlined in ORS § 192.345 and § 192.355.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in West Linn, Oregon as of 2025. The City of West Linn has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these documents in compliance with Oregon Public Records Law. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Submit a records request directly to the West Linn Police Department located at 22825 Willamette Drive, West Linn, OR 97068. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: 503-655-6214.
Access the West Linn Municipal Court online portal for violation searches and case status information. The Municipal Court is located at 22500 Salamo Road, West Linn, OR 97068. Telephone: 503-722-4741.
File a formal public records request with the City Recorder's Office at West Linn City Hall, 22500 Salamo Road, West Linn, OR 97068. Telephone: 503-657-0331.
Utilize the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system for information on individuals currently in custody. The Sheriff's Office is located at 2223 Kaen Road, Oregon City, OR 97045. Telephone: 503-655-8211.
Contact the Clackamas County Circuit Court for arrest records related to cases processed through the county judicial system. The courthouse is located at 807 Main Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. Telephone: 503-655-8447.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number (if known) to facilitate efficient processing of records requests. Pursuant to ORS § 192.324, public bodies may charge reasonable fees to cover the actual costs of fulfilling records requests.
West Linn arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These official documents typically include the following elements as mandated by Oregon law and departmental policies:
The West Linn Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 166-200-0100, which establishes retention schedules for law enforcement records. Standard arrest records must be retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of creation, while records pertaining to juvenile arrests follow separate retention guidelines as specified in OAR 166-200-0025.
Pursuant to ORS § 192.345(3), certain investigative information within arrest records may be temporarily exempt from disclosure if release would interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution. Additionally, information regarding victims of certain crimes may be redacted in accordance with ORS § 192.345(5) to protect their privacy and safety.
The State of Oregon provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement, formally known as "setting aside a conviction" or "sealing of records," is governed by ORS § 137.225. This process allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal their arrest records from public view, effectively removing these incidents from their public record.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in West Linn include:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
Upon successful expungement, all official records pertaining to the arrest are sealed from public view. Pursuant to ORS § 137.225(3), the person whose record is expunged may thereafter legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred. However, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, the courts, and certain licensing bodies under specific circumstances outlined in ORS § 137.225(8).
The West Linn Municipal Court can provide guidance on the expungement process for violations processed through their jurisdiction, while the Clackamas County Circuit Court handles expungements for more serious offenses.