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Ontario Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ontario, Oregon?

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.

How to Look Up Ontario Arrest Records in 2025

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.

Contents of an Ontario Arrest Record

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:

    • Full legal name of the arrested individual
    • Known aliases or alternative names
    • Date of birth
    • Gender
    • Race/ethnicity (as categorized by arresting officer)
    • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
    • Residential address at time of arrest
    • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Arrest-specific information:

    • Date and time of arrest
    • Geographic location where apprehension occurred
    • Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
    • Agency case number and booking reference
    • Statutory citations for alleged violations
    • Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
    • Property seized incident to arrest
  • Processing information:

    • Booking photograph ("mugshot")
    • Complete set of fingerprints
    • Detention facility assignment
    • Bail amount (if applicable)
    • Court appearance date
    • Disposition of charges

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.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Ontario

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:

  • Completion of all court-imposed requirements related to the arrest
  • Passage of statutory waiting periods (typically 1-3 years for arrests not resulting in conviction)
  • Absence of pending criminal proceedings
  • Compliance with offense-specific eligibility requirements

Certain categories of offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including:

  • Class A felonies (with limited exceptions)
  • Most sex offenses
  • Child abuse offenses
  • Traffic crimes resulting in death or serious injury
  • Driving under the influence of intoxicants

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).

Search Arrest Records in Ontario

  • Ontario Police Department Records
  • Malheur County Court Records
  • Oregon Judicial Department Case Information
  • Malheur County Sheriff Inmate Roster
  • Oregon State Police Criminal History