Arrest records in Marion County, Oregon are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This statute establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, must be made available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the principle that transparency in governmental operations serves the public interest and promotes accountability among law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims as specified under ORS 192.345. The Marion County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through various channels as prescribed by law.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, they document only that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Oregon law, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Marion County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Marion County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website, including a searchable database of current inmates and recent bookings.
The Web Jail Viewer system allows members of the public to search for individuals currently in custody at the Marion County Jail. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic information about arrests, charges, and custody status. Users should be advised that pursuant to ORS 192.355, certain sensitive information may be omitted from online records.
Additionally, the Oregon Judicial Department maintains the Oregon eCourt Case Information system (OECI), which provides access to court records associated with arrests in Marion County. This system requires registration and may involve user fees for certain searches as authorized by ORS 192.324(4).
Online access to these records is provided as a public service, though the Marion County Sheriff's Office and Oregon Judicial Department maintain the right to modify or restrict online access in accordance with applicable laws and administrative rules.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Marion County. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests:
Online Access:
Written Requests:
Pursuant to ORS 192.324, the Marion County Sheriff's Office must acknowledge receipt of records requests within five business days and complete the request within a reasonable time. Fees for records are established in accordance with ORS 192.324(4) and are designed to recover actual costs of record production.
Marion County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 166-150-0135) governing law enforcement record retention. These official documents typically include:
Biographical Information:
Arrest Details:
Processing Information:
Case Disposition:
The Marion County Jail, located at 4000 Aumsville Hwy. SE, Salem, OR 97317, processes approximately 16,000 bookings annually, generating arrest records for each individual taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with state retention schedules and are subject to disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law with appropriate redactions to protect confidential information.
Oregon law provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records through a process formally known as "setting aside" a record. Pursuant to ORS 137.225, individuals meeting specific eligibility criteria may petition the Marion County Circuit Court to have their arrest records sealed from public view.
Eligibility Requirements:
Application Process:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the Marion County Justice Court will schedule a hearing if the District Attorney objects to the expungement. If no objection is filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. When granted, the court issues an order directing all agencies to seal the record and prohibit disclosure of its existence.
Successful expungement allows individuals to legally respond "no" when asked about the arrest on employment, housing, or licensing applications, with limited exceptions for certain professions and security clearances as specified in ORS 137.225(3).