Salem Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Salem, Oregon?
Arrest records in Salem, Oregon are considered public information pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). Members of the public may access these records as part of the state's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability. The Oregon Public Records Law establishes that government documents, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to citizens with limited exceptions as provided by statute. This public accessibility serves multiple purposes, including maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations, enabling background checks for employment or housing, and allowing individuals to verify the accuracy of their own records. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with ORS 192.355 to protect personal privacy, ongoing investigations, or other statutorily protected interests.
How to Look Up Salem Arrest Records in 2025
The retrieval of arrest records in Salem, Oregon may be accomplished through several authorized channels. Individuals seeking such information should be aware of the following official methods:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Salem Police Department Records Division, located at 333 Division Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Online requests may be submitted through the City of Salem's public records portal. The system allows users to create an account, submit requests, and track their status electronically.
Mail requests should be directed to: Salem Police Department, Records Division, 333 Division Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Include a detailed description of the records sought, relevant dates, names, and contact information.
Marion County Sheriff's Office maintains records for arrests made within county jurisdiction at 100 High Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Their Records Unit is available by phone at (503) 588-5094 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Oregon State Police provides statewide criminal history information through their Criminal Justice Information Services Division at 3565 Trelstad Avenue SE, Salem, OR 97317. Phone inquiries can be directed to (503) 378-3070.
Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to ORS 192.324(4) and may include charges for search time, review, and duplication. Payment methods typically include cash, check, or credit card depending on the agency and request method. Processing times vary based on request complexity and agency workload, with standard processing typically completed within 5-15 business days as required by ORS 192.329.
Contents of a Salem Arrest Record
Salem arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 166-200-0100) and local record-keeping protocols. These official documents typically include:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases or known monikers
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification information
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest with corresponding Oregon Revised Statutes citations
- Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Case numbers and incident report references
- Detention status information including bail amount if applicable
- Preliminary court appearance scheduling
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Rights advisement documentation
- Medical screening notations (with certain privacy protections)
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with ORS 192.355, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that might compromise ongoing investigations. The completeness of publicly available arrest records may vary based on case status, judicial orders, and applicable exemptions under Oregon Public Records Law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Salem
The expungement process in Salem follows Oregon's statutory framework for setting aside arrest and conviction records as outlined in ORS 137.225. Eligible individuals may petition to have their arrest records sealed from public view under specific circumstances:
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges may be eligible for immediate expungement
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal generally qualify after a waiting period
- Certain conviction categories become eligible after statutorily defined waiting periods ranging from 1-20 years
- Class B felonies require a 7-year waiting period with no subsequent convictions
- Class C felonies and misdemeanors require a 3-year waiting period with no subsequent convictions
- Traffic violations and certain offenses including sex crimes, child abuse, and certain violent felonies are ineligible for expungement
The formal process requires filing a petition with the Marion County Circuit Court, located at 100 High Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Court filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals. Petitioners must also:
- Submit fingerprints to the Oregon State Police for verification
- Provide certified copies of relevant court documents
- Notify the District Attorney's Office of the expungement petition
- Attend a scheduled hearing if the petition is contested
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all agencies to seal the records, including the Salem Police Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, and the FBI. Pursuant to ORS 137.225(3), expunged records are treated as though the arrest never occurred, allowing individuals to legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies.
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