Arrest records are public in Ontario, Oregon, pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This statute establishes the legal framework for public access to government-maintained information, including arrest documentation. The Oregon legislature has determined that transparency in governmental operations serves the public interest, and consequently, records of arrests made by law enforcement agencies operating within Ontario's jurisdiction are generally accessible to members of the public. Exceptions to disclosure may apply in certain circumstances as provided by statute, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy under ORS 192.355.
Individuals seeking arrest records may be required to submit formal requests and pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and duplication services as permitted under ORS 192.324. The custodian of records is obligated to respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe as specified by state law.
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Ontario, Oregon. The following constitutes the primary methods through which such information may be obtained:
Ontario Police Department: Requestors may submit written applications for arrest records in person at the department headquarters. Staff will process requests during regular business hours.
Ontario Police Department
444 SW 4th Street
Ontario, OR 97914
(541) 881-3200
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Malheur County Sheriff's Office: This agency maintains records of arrests conducted within county jurisdiction, including those in Ontario city limits.
Malheur County Sheriff's Office
151 B Street West
Vale, OR 97918
(541) 473-5126
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Malheur County Circuit Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed through the court clerk's office.
Malheur County Circuit Court
251 B Street West
Vale, OR 97918
(541) 473-5171
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oregon Judicial Department Online Records Search: The state maintains an electronic portal through which certain arrest and case information may be accessed remotely.
Oregon State Police - Open Records Unit: For statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Ontario, requests may be submitted to the state police.
Oregon State Police - Open Records Unit
3565 Trelstad Avenue SE
Salem, OR 97317
(503) 378-3070
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requestors should note that processing times may vary based on staff availability and the complexity of the request. Fees are assessed in accordance with ORS 192.324(4) and local agency fee schedules.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Ontario, Oregon typically contain standardized information as required by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 166-200-0100). The following elements are commonly included in such documentation:
Subject identification information:
Arrest-specific information:
Processing information:
Law enforcement agencies are required to maintain these records in accordance with retention schedules established by the Oregon State Archives under OAR 166-150-0135. Standard retention periods for arrest records extend a minimum of 75 years from the date of creation, though digital conversion may alter physical storage requirements.
Oregon law provides mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by agencies operating in Ontario. The legal process, governed by ORS 137.225, allows for the setting aside of arrests and convictions under specific circumstances. Upon successful petition, records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
Certain categories of offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including:
The expungement process requires submission of formal petitions to the Malheur County Circuit Court, accompanied by filing fees established by the Oregon Judicial Department. Petitioners must provide fingerprints for verification purposes and serve notice upon the District Attorney's Office, which maintains statutory right to object to the petition.
Malheur County District Attorney's Office
251 B Street West, Suite 6
Vale, OR 97918
(541) 473-5127
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Upon judicial approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all agencies possessing relevant records to seal such information from public disclosure. Agencies must comply within 21 days of receiving the court order as specified in ORS 137.225(3).