Arrest records are public documents in Ashland, Oregon, pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This statute establishes that governmental bodies must provide public access to their records unless specifically exempted by law. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the fundamental principle that government transparency and accountability are essential to a functioning democracy.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Ashland Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within Jackson County. These records typically become available after the booking process is complete and the information has been entered into the official record-keeping system. Under ORS 192.345, certain information may be redacted if disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.
The Ashland Police Department maintains weekly arrest logs that document police activity and arrests within city limits. These logs are published as part of the department's commitment to transparency and community awareness.
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Ashland, Oregon. The City of Ashland has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these documents in accordance with state transparency laws.
Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following methods:
Ashland Police Department
1155 E. Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Police Records: 541-482-5211
Official Website
Online Access: The Ashland Police Department provides weekly arrest logs on their official website. These logs contain information about recent arrests and police activities within the jurisdiction.
Public Records Request: Formal requests may be submitted through the City of Ashland's public records request process. Pursuant to ORS 192.324, public bodies must respond to records requests "as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay."
Municipal Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, the Ashland Municipal Court maintains records that may be accessed by the public.
Ashland Municipal Court
1175 E. Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: 541-488-5490
Official Website
Arrest records maintained by the Ashland Police Department contain standardized information as required by Oregon law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any known aliases or identifiers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of law for which the individual was arrested, including relevant Oregon Revised Statutes or Ashland Municipal Code sections.
Case Identifiers: Booking number, case number, and other administrative identifiers used for tracking purposes within the criminal justice system.
Processing Information: Location where the individual was processed and detained following arrest, including transfer information if applicable.
Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process, showing front and profile views of the arrested individual.
Fingerprint Records: Digital or ink fingerprint impressions collected during processing.
Bail/Bond Information: Amount set for release, conditions imposed, and status of payment if applicable.
The Ashland Police Department utilizes standardized abbreviations and codes in their arrest logs and reports to efficiently document incident types and outcomes.
While arrest records are generally public in Ashland, certain legal restrictions limit access to specific information contained within these records. These limitations are designed to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the justice system.
The following restrictions apply to arrest record access in Ashland:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to ORS 419A.255, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) are subject to heightened confidentiality protections and are not generally available to the public.
Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged through court order under ORS 137.225 are removed from public access and treated as though the arrest never occurred.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld if disclosure would compromise law enforcement activities, as permitted under ORS 192.345(3).
Personal Privacy Protections: Certain personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and victim information in sensitive cases may be redacted prior to public disclosure.
Sealed Records: Court orders may seal certain records from public view based on specific statutory provisions or judicial discretion.
The Ashland Police Department and Municipal Court are required to evaluate each records request against these statutory exemptions before releasing information to the public.
Oregon law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed or destroyed, effectively removing them from public access.
Individuals seeking expungement of Ashland arrest records must meet eligibility criteria established in ORS 137.225. Generally, expungement may be available in the following situations:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Jackson County Circuit Court. Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all agencies, including the Ashland Police Department, to seal the records. Following expungement, the individual may legally respond to questions about the arrest as though it never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain professional licensing and law enforcement purposes.
Jackson County Circuit Court
100 S Oakdale Avenue
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: 541-776-7171
Official Website
The City of Ashland assesses fees for processing and providing copies of arrest records in accordance with ORS 192.324(4), which permits public bodies to establish reasonable fees to reimburse the actual cost of making public records available.
Current fee structure for arrest record requests:
Fee waivers or reductions may be available when the request is determined to be in the public interest. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with the initial records request, explaining how disclosure will primarily benefit the general public.
Payment must be received before records are released and can be made by cash, check, or credit card at the Ashland Police Department Records Division or through the City's online payment portal for electronic requests.