Arrest records are public documents in Douglas County, Oregon, pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the presumption that government transparency serves the public interest and promotes accountability within law enforcement agencies and other governmental bodies.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the appropriate custodial agencies in Douglas County. These records are maintained as part of the official documentation of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Pursuant to ORS § 192.324, public bodies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time frame, typically 5-15 business days depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with ORS § 192.355, which provides exemptions for personal privacy, ongoing investigations, and other statutorily protected information.
Douglas County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Oregon's commitment to public information accessibility. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains electronic systems that provide public access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings.
The primary online resource for Douglas County arrest records is the Oregon eCourt Case Information system (OECI), which is maintained by the Oregon Judicial Department pursuant to ORS § 192.318. This system contains records of arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. Access to this system requires registration and may involve nominal fees for certain searches or document retrievals.
Additionally, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including their arrest charges. This information is updated regularly in compliance with ORS § 192.345(3), which governs the disclosure of information relating to individuals in custody.
Users of these online systems should be aware that the information provided may not be comprehensive, as certain records may be sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted from public view in accordance with applicable Oregon statutes.
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Douglas County. The following methods are available pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law:
In-Person Requests at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office maintains physical records of arrests conducted within its jurisdiction. Interested parties may submit records requests in person at:
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
680 Fir Avenue
Reedsport, OR 97467
(541) 271-4802
Official Website
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Douglas County Circuit Court Records
For arrests that have proceeded to court action, records may be obtained through the Douglas County Circuit Court. The courthouse is located at:
Douglas County Circuit Court
1036 SE Douglas Avenue
Roseburg, OR 97470
(541) 957-2471
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Online Access Through Oregon Judicial Department
The Oregon Judicial Department provides electronic access to court records through its online portal. Users may search for cases by name, case number, or other identifiers. The system provides access to public case information pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule (UTCR) 3.190.
Oregon eCourt Case Information System
This statewide system allows for searches of court records across Oregon jurisdictions, including Douglas County. Registration is required for access, in accordance with ORS § 192.324(2).
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth or case numbers to ensure accurate results.
Douglas County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 166-150-0135 governing law enforcement record retention. A typical arrest record includes the following components:
These records are maintained in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Oregon State Archives under OAR 166-150-0135, which requires law enforcement agencies to retain arrest records for a minimum of 75 years from the date of creation.
Oregon law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in ORS Chapter 137. Expungement, legally termed "setting aside a conviction" or "setting aside an arrest record," removes eligible arrests from public record and allows individuals to legally state they have not been arrested for the expunged offense.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Douglas County include:
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Douglas County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must submit:
Upon granting of an expungement order, all records of the arrest are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes authorized by statute.