Arrest records in Clatsop County, Oregon are public documents accessible to citizens pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This statute establishes that records created, maintained, or possessed by public bodies are available for inspection by any person, with certain statutory exceptions. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the presumption that government records shall be open to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Arrest records maintained by the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county are generally considered public information. These records document official law enforcement actions and serve multiple public interests, including:
Pursuant to ORS 192.345, certain arrest information may be exempt from disclosure under limited circumstances, such as when release would:
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that juvenile records are subject to stricter confidentiality provisions under ORS 419A.255 and may not be publicly accessible without a court order.
Clatsop County provides digital access to certain arrest records through authorized online platforms. The Clatsop County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail roster that is updated regularly in accordance with ORS 192.355(3), which permits the disclosure of information relating to the status of individuals in custody.
The online jail roster includes information about individuals currently in custody, those on electronic monitoring, and certain individuals in outside custody arrangements. This digital resource is maintained pursuant to the county's obligation to provide reasonable public access to government records while balancing privacy and security considerations.
Digital access to arrest records is also available through the Oregon Judicial Department's case information system for cases that have been filed with the court. This system provides basic case information including:
Users should note that online records may not contain complete arrest information, as certain details may be redacted in accordance with ORS 192.355 to protect personal privacy, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected interests.
Individuals seeking Clatsop County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels established pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law. The following methods are available for accessing these records:
Online Resources:
In-Person Requests:
Clatsop County Sheriff's Office
1190 SE 19th Street
Warrenton, OR 97146
(503) 325-8635
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Clatsop County Circuit Court
749 Commercial Street
Astoria, OR 97103
(503) 325-8555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Written public records requests may be submitted to the appropriate agency pursuant to ORS 192.324. Requests should include:
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for search time, review, and duplication of records as permitted under ORS 192.324(4). Fee schedules are established by each agency and may include provisions for fee waivers when disclosure is in the public interest.
Arrest records maintained by Clatsop County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 166-150-0135) governing records retention. These records generally include the following components:
Identifying Information:
Arrest Details:
Case Processing Information:
Additional Documentation:
Pursuant to ORS 181A.230, certain arrest information is transmitted to the Oregon State Police for inclusion in the Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) and may be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
Oregon law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by ORS 137.225, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for setting aside convictions and arrests.
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Clatsop County if:
Statutory Waiting Periods:
Filing Process: Petitions for expungement must be filed with the Clatsop County Circuit Court and include:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will notify the District Attorney's Office, which has 120 days to file objections. If no objections are filed or if the court overrules any objections, the court may issue an order setting aside the conviction or arrest record.
When an expungement order is granted, all official records of the arrest are sealed pursuant to ORS 137.225(3), and the person may legally respond to questions about the arrest as though it never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing and employment situations.