Arrest records are public documents in Wasco County, Oregon, pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This legislation establishes that government documents and records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the presumption that government transparency serves the public interest and promotes accountability of public officials and agencies.
The Wasco County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available in accordance with state law. Pursuant to ORS 192.311 to 192.478, public bodies must respond to records requests within a reasonable timeframe. Requesters may be required to pay reasonable fees associated with record retrieval, review, and duplication as permitted under ORS 192.324(4).
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld if it falls under statutory exemptions, such as information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or reveal the identity of confidential informants as specified in ORS 192.345 and 192.355.
Wasco County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. The Records Division of the Wasco County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database that allows for the retrieval of arrest information. This online accessibility aligns with the county's commitment to governmental transparency and efficient public service.
The online system permits searches based on various criteria, including name, date of arrest, and case number. However, pursuant to ORS 192.345, certain records may be exempt from disclosure if they pertain to ongoing investigations or contain sensitive information protected by privacy statutes.
Members of the public should note that while basic arrest information may be available online, comprehensive records often require formal requests through established procedures. The electronic system is regularly updated, but there may be a delay between an arrest and the appearance of related records in the online database.
Wasco County Sheriff's Office
511 Washington Street
The Dalles, OR 97058
(541) 506-2580
Official Website
The process for obtaining arrest records in Wasco County involves several methodologies established by county ordinances and state regulations. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Submit a formal public records request to the Wasco County Sheriff's Office in person, by mail, or through their online portal. Requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information.
Visit the Wasco County Circuit Court to access judicial records related to arrests. Court records often contain additional information regarding case dispositions and proceedings.
Utilize the Oregon State Police Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) for criminal history information, though access is restricted to authorized agencies and individuals with proper credentials.
Access the Oregon State Records inventory for historical arrest records that may have been archived.
Pursuant to ORS 192.324, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs associated with record retrieval, review, and duplication. Fee schedules are established by each agency and are subject to periodic revision.
Wasco County Circuit Court
511 Washington Street
The Dalles, OR 97058
(541) 506-2700
Official Website
Wasco County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 166, Division 150, which governs law enforcement records retention. These official documents typically include the following components:
Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of applicable Oregon Revised Statutes allegedly violated.
Booking information, including the assigned booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot).
Property inventory documenting items in the arrestee's possession at the time of booking.
Preliminary hearing information, including date, time, and judicial officer presiding.
Custody status, including bail amount if applicable, and detention facility information.
Case disposition information, if available, indicating whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction.
Pursuant to ORS 192.345(3), certain information within these records may be exempt from disclosure if release would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.
The expungement process in Wasco County operates under the authority of ORS 137.225, which provides for the setting aside of arrest and conviction records under specified circumstances. Eligible individuals may petition the court to have their arrest records sealed from public view, effectively removing them from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Wasco County include:
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Wasco County Circuit Court, including:
Upon receipt of a complete petition, the District Attorney's Office reviews the request and may file objections within 120 days. If no objections are filed or the court overrules any objections, a hearing is scheduled. Pursuant to ORS 137.225(3), if the court grants the expungement, all official records of the arrest and conviction are sealed and the petitioner may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest or conviction never occurred.
Wasco County District Attorney's Office
511 Washington Street, Suite 304
The Dalles, OR 97058
(541) 506-2680
Official Website