Arrest records in Josephine County, Oregon are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 to 192.478). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests, to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations. The Josephine County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the county jurisdiction.
Members of the public seeking arrest information should be aware that while most arrest records are publicly available, certain exceptions exist under Oregon law. Records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, or those sealed by court order may have restricted access. Additionally, records containing sensitive personal information may be redacted prior to release in accordance with privacy protections outlined in ORS 192.355.
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for the county and processes requests in accordance with established protocols and statutory requirements.
Josephine County Sheriff's Office
500 NW 6th Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
(541) 474-5123
Official Website
Josephine County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official county platforms. The county maintains an online inmate inquiry system that allows the public to search for current inmates and recent booking information. This system represents the county's commitment to modernizing public records access while maintaining compliance with Oregon public records statutes.
The online system provides basic information about individuals currently in custody or recently processed through the Josephine County Jail. Information typically available through this portal includes:
Users should note that the online system primarily displays current inmate information and recent bookings. Historical arrest records or more detailed information may require submission of a formal records request through the Josephine County Sheriff's Records Division.
For case disposition information and court records related to arrests, the Josephine County Circuit Court maintains separate record systems that may be accessed through the Oregon Judicial Department's online case information system.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Josephine County as of 2025. The county has established procedures to facilitate public access to these documents while maintaining compliance with Oregon Public Records Law. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Online Inmate Search System: The Josephine County Jail Inmate Inquiry portal provides real-time information about current inmates and recent bookings. This system allows searches by name, booking number, or subject number.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to request arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with completing the necessary request forms and identifying available records.
Josephine County Sheriff's Records Division
500 NW 6th Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
(541) 474-5123
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Sheriff's Records Division by mail or in person using the county's Public Records Request Form. Pursuant to ORS 192.324, the county will acknowledge receipt of requests within five business days and provide a reasonable time estimate for fulfilling the request.
Court Records: For case disposition information following an arrest, the Josephine County Circuit Court maintains records accessible through the Oregon Judicial Department's online records system.
Josephine County Circuit Court
301 NW F Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
(541) 476-2309
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information. Fees for record reproduction may apply in accordance with the county's established fee schedule pursuant to ORS 192.324(4).
Arrest records maintained by Josephine County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records serve both administrative and legal purposes within the criminal justice system. Standard arrest records in Josephine County typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, address, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; legal authority for the arrest; and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Oregon Revised Statutes or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including citation numbers and statutory references.
Booking Information: Processing details including booking number, fingerprinting, and photographing (mugshot) documentation.
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release conditions, or bail/bond amounts as determined at initial appearance.
Property Inventory: Documentation of personal items taken into custody during the booking process.
Medical Screening: Basic health assessment information relevant to incarceration requirements.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions that may be relevant to current charges or custody decisions.
The Josephine County Sheriff's Records Division maintains these records in accordance with Oregon law enforcement records retention schedules. When records are released to the public, certain sensitive information may be redacted pursuant to exemptions under ORS 192.355 to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations.
Oregon law provides mechanisms for the expungement or setting aside of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. This process, governed by ORS 137.225, allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal records of arrests and, in some cases, convictions. The Josephine County District Attorney's Office provides guidance on this process through their Setting Aside Arrest and Conviction program.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Josephine County include:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all agencies to seal the specified records. Pursuant to ORS 137.225(3), once records are set aside, the person may legally respond to questions about the arrest or conviction as though the event never occurred.
Josephine County District Attorney's Office
500 NW 6th Street, Room 200
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
(541) 474-5200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM