Oklahoma County Arrest Records

When someone is caught or reported for defiling the criminal justice system, law enforcement officers may apprehend the person for questioning and necessary criminal procedures. (Oklahoma Statutes, Title 21). § 21-4 classifies crimes worthy of an arrest as felonies and misdemeanors. A felony is a crime punishable by death or penitentiary confinement. Other crimes within the state are categorized as misdemeanors.

An arrest typically involves taking the suspect into custody to answer for an alleged public offense. At the local police unit, the suspect is led through a mandatory booking process. This includes entering their personal information, mugshot, DNA samples, fingerprints, and possessions into the law enforcement database. If the suspect is not released on bail per court orders, they must be held in a county jail facility for further court arraignments and verdicts.

The above processes create these official files termed ‘arrest records’. Oklahoma County police departments are primarily delegated to maintain and preserve these records. Since arrest records provide adequate background information on a person’s criminal history, they are typically entered into the central database of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Furthermore, the police department must provide the required arrest records of suspects to the county court in charge of court proceedings for adequate creation and maintenance of the Oklahoma County court records. Arrest records are independently available to the public unless restricted or sealed by court order.

Are Arrest Records Public in Oklahoma County?

Yes. Arrest records are public in Oklahoma County per the Oklahoma Public Records Act, 51 O.S. §24 A.1. It is the public policy of the Sooner State to vest its citizens with the inherent right to be fully aware of the activities of public offices, including the law enforcement office. Thus, members of the public have legal grounds to view and reproduce arrest records within public disclosure rights.

Nonetheless, the Public Records Act also protects the privacy interest of arrest record subjects by providing specific exemptions. Thus, the law enforcement agency may redact or obscure specific records or portions of arrest records that fall under this category. A few of them are:

• Information that showcases nudity
• Juvenile information per Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes,
• Non-public personal medical information
• Alleged sex crimes or domestic violence victims
• Investigative witness information that requires anonymity
• Information that could threaten or endanger the physical safety of a person
• Personal information like financial information, Social Security Number, and government-issued identification number
• Information that could jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution

Unless the court finds that the public interest far outweighs the reason for denial, law enforcement agencies may deny public access. Likewise, state or local laws may grant public access to restricted records.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Section 24A.8 of the Oklahoma Public Records Act provides the following arrest records for public inspection and copying:

• The description of the arrestee, including name, address, date of birth, and occupation
• Arresee’s physical descriptors including race, sex, body scars, and tattoos
• Arrest information, including the reason for arrest and the arresting officer’s name
• A brief summary of the incident, offense report detailing the type of offense, date, time, and general location
• A listing of the dispatched calls and radio logs
• Conviction details of someone who is convicted of a criminal offense;
• Warrant information, and disposition of all warrants, including signed court order authorizing the arresting agency to apprehend someone
• Detailed crime summary
• Jail registers, including booking information on individuals at the time of incarceration, and jail blotter data

Typically, information that may jeopardize an ongoing investigation is withdrawn from the public unless it is past ten days following the suspect’s initial arraignment.

Oklahoma County Crime Rate

In 2021, law enforcement agencies reported 246,321 index crimes in Oklahoma as provided by the Office of Criminal Justice Statistics, compared to the 2020 crime rate which is reported at 123,194, a decline of 2.5% from 2021.

The 2021 crime statistics reported property crimes as the most reputable crime, comprising 80% (151,583) of the crime total, while violent crimes comprised the remaining 20% (94,738). Specifically, property vandalism (15.3%), burglary (13.8%), and larceny (42.7%) were the most reported crimes within the property category.

Conversely, 2020 records 17,950 violent crimes (6.6%) in the violent crime category. The largest violent crimes within the category include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

2021 crime statistics report simple/aggravated assault, narcotics violations, and weapon law violations as the top violent offenses crime. Assault Offenses accounts for (90.7%), of the crime total, followed by drug/narcotics violations at (79.1%), weapon law violations at (16.4%), forcible sex offenses records (7.3%), and pornography at (3.2%).

As of 2023, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections records approximately 43% of Oklahoma inmates who are serving sentences for the following crimes:

• First-degree murder - 6.02%
• Robbery with a dangerous weapon -5.22%
• Lewd acts to a minor - 4.73%
• Assault with a dangerous weapon - 4.10%
• First-degree rape- 4.05%
• Possession with intent to distribute a controlled deadly substance - 3.94%
• Child abuse - 3.78%
• Trafficking illegal drugs - 3.68%
• Second-degree burglary - 3.24%

Oklahoma County Arrest Statistics

The Statistical Analysis Centre also reported arrest statistics for Oklahoma County. According to the 2020 report, Oklahoma County reported 25,252 arrests in both the adult and juvenile categories. Adults filled 93.4% of these arrests. Of the 25,252 arrests, 19.8% were alcohol-related.

The index crime arrests report 5,402 adult arrests and 574 juveniles. Furthermore, alcohol arrests account for 4,314 adults and 126 for juveniles, followed by drug arrests at 3,274 adult arrests and 222 juveniles.

Find Oklahoma County Arrest Records

As the Oklahoma state capital, Oklahoma County has designated municipality police departments and sheriff’s offices overseeing each jurisdiction.

The Big Friendly (OKC) houses over 16 city police departments, patrol units, and federal law enforcement bodies within the county. These local law enforcement agencies are usually the first point of call for most arrests in Oklahoma County. Therefore, anyone wishing to obtain an arrest record can contact the county/city police department records unit.

As earlier stated, certain arrest records and information are withdrawn from public disclosure, unless the law enforcement agency redacts the records to remove confidential information. It is advised to visit the specific law enforcement agency within one’s jurisdiction, for example, the Norman City Police Department, to inquire about their procedures and fees for obtaining arrest records.

Most offices receive walk-in inquiries, electronics, and request mail forms. Others do not provide record inquiries over the phone. As a note of caution, defendants should visit law enforcement offices with an attorney to avoid immediate arrests.

Regardless of the jurisdiction, individuals must provide important information concerning the arrestee, including name, date of birth, incident number, incident date/time, requestor’s contact details, government-issued ID, and supplementary information to aid the search and retrieval.

Typically, local law enforcement agencies provide a temporary confinement facility that houses adult males and females charged with civil or criminal offenses, and awaiting an initial court appearance. Likewise, an arrestee may remain in custody after arraignment if the court adjourns the case.

The city's local law enforcement departments, usually the police department, should be the first place of inquiry for a person held in custody prior to their first court appearance. Contact the arresting department’s jail division to determine if they made the arrest. For instance, the Edmond Police Department provides an inmate rooster lookup to find adult males and females charged with crimes and awaiting trial.

Conversely, one can query the Oklahoma County Detention Center for information regarding any arrestee held in custody after arraignment. The county’s Resident Search Tool provides information on current inmates in custody. One can also reach the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office to make inquiries concerning suspects in custody at the County Detention Center.

Generally, state or federal law enforcement agencies may arrest someone in Oklahoma County for breaking a state or federal law. This usually happens when the crime is not county-associated.

Individuals can explore the following options to find information regarding state and federal arrests:

State Arrests:

• The Oklahoma Department of Corrections provides an offender database to find inmates arrested by state law enforcement agencies. Regardless, one can contact the county detention facility or sheriff’s office for inquiries. Contact the ODC at (405) 425-2570 for inmate inquiries.

Federal Arrests:

• The Federal Bureau of Investigations may arrest and remand someone in custody for committing a federal crime or defying a federal order. To find inmates confined in federal custody, query the FBI in person, or explore Federal Inmate Locator.
• Required search parameters are the inmate’s name or number.
• To find someone who is apprehended for flaunting immigration laws, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in person during visiting hours, or search the Online Detainee Locator System.

Free Arrest Record Search in Oklahoma County

The Public Records Act permits citizens and residents of Oklahoma County to request arrest records from local law enforcement agencies, like the police department. The OCPD and other associated agencies may conduct the record search at no cost to the requester. However, the agency may charge a nominal fee if the person requests physical copies of the arrest record.

For convenience's sake, the Oklahoma County Detention Center provides an alternative online database for people to obtain public arrest information for free. It is important to note that the local law enforcement departments are not permitted to disclose details of sealed or expunged arrest records. Furthermore, each department has a retention schedule for records in their custody.

An alternative place to conduct arrest record searches in Oklahoma County is via third-party public record platforms, These independent databases are owned by private persons who obtain comprehensive public information from law enforcement agencies and other government offices,

The required parameters for retrieving arrest records via third-party aggregate websites are the arrestee’s name, location of arrest, and other necessary details. Just like government offices, these third-party websites also require a nominal processing fee.

Note: always cross-check third-party records with those of law enforcement agencies to verify their authenticity and legibility.

Get Oklahoma County Criminal Records

Oklahoma County criminal records are a comprehensive account of an individual’s criminal interactions and involvements with the justice system. This includes the booking process, indictments, arrests, criminal court proceedings, and verdicts.

As the state repository for all criminal history information, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) collects, maintains, and disseminates county criminal records to interested requestors regardless of the arresting law enforcement agency.

Unlike arrest records which are easily retrieved from the local law enforcement agencies, like the local police department, criminal records follow a different procedure. Requesters can opt for a name-based, fingerprint-based, or online search.

To conduct a name-based Oklahoma county criminal record, fill out and submit a criminal history record check form request by mail or in person. Name-based criminal record searches cost a processing fee of $15.

Correspondingly, individuals may request a fingerprint-based record check in person or through mail by filling out the above record check. The agency does not accept faxed fingerprint cards. Fingerprint-based search costs a processing fee of $19.

Fees are payable to:

6600 North Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Phone: (405) 848-6724
Fax: (405) 879-2503

For quick search results, one may explore the Online Criminal History Request Portal CHIRP to obtain criminal history information. Requests for criminal history record information must include a subject’s first/last name and date of birth.

Subjects of criminal records may also request an Identity History Summary, often called a "rap sheet" from the FBI.

Oklahoma County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records are interchangeably employed to relate a person’s criminal interactions with law enforcement agencies. In reality, both terms share a unique difference and repercussions

An arrest record is locally maintained information about a person’s offense, booking, detention, and outcome. These records are commonly maintained by local law enforcement agencies, like the local police department and county sheriff's office. Also, there are no details of court arraignments, verdicts, and other criminal information. does not

Conversely, criminal records chronicle a person’s criminal experiences, from arrest to court arraignments, rulings, and incarceration. The OSBI is the central repository for this record.

One may request the expungement of certain arrest records, but criminal records may last forever until death. In most cases, criminal record expungements take longer to process.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

There is no established deadline for expunging arrests on one’s record. Arrests may stay on an individual’s record for a few years or until death, depending on the crime. For example, minor traffic offenses may only stay on a person’s history for a while. On the other hand, violent crime arrests may remain on one’s record until death.

Expunge Oklahoma County Arrest Records

Expunging one’s arrest record in Oklahoma County means that members of the public can no longer access the information on the record. Per Section 18, arrest record subjects in Oklahoma County may expunge their entire arrest record if they satisfy the requirements.

Conversely, Section 991(c) only allows anyone who obtained a deferred sentence in court to expunge their plea and update the case disposition. In this sense, the disposition will read "Not guilty, case dismissed". Nonetheless, the person’s arrest record is not completely expunged. Thus, certain parts of the arrest records are not withdrawn from public disclosure.

The processing fee for expunging an arrest record costs $150 and is payable to the local law enforcement agencies handling the expungement.

Furthermore, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) also handles arrest record expungement. However, only eligible persons may file an expungement petition. To attain eligibility, the person must not attract an arrest for five years from their last conviction, and also fulfill the court’s sentence requirements.

Expungement petitions or orders of dismissal must include the arrestee’s name, social security number, date of birth, incident, date of arrest, and outcome of arrest.

The filing fee of $150 is payable to:

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
6500 North Harvey Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73116-7909

Note: To avoid unnecessary delay in record expungement, especially for anyone who was incarcerated for domestic violence crimes, provide a detailed police report on the case.

Finally, the OSBI will decide if the petitioner is worthy of an arrest record expungement. If the petition is approved, the OSBI will forward an approval letter to the local court for record expungement.

In turn, the court will inform all local law enforcement agencies in custody of the arrest record within the county to follow through with the petition.

Oklahoma County Arrest Warrants

An Oklahoma County arrest warrant is an order issued by a judge or magistrate, for the apprehension of an individual believed to be guilty of a public offense. To obtain an arrest warrant, the magistrate must verify the authenticity of the local law enforcement officer’s complaint by oath.

If the issuing magistrate is satisfied that the suspect should be apprehended, and that there is reasonable ground to believe that the suspect has committed such a crime, the court will issue a warrant of arrest. For proper execution, the arrest warrant is typically issued to the officer who brought the complaint before the court.

Furthermore, an arrest warrant must specify the name of the defendant whom the warrant is issued for, the type of offense, the time of the missing warrant, and the location where the warrant is issued. If the charged offense is bailable, the court may specify the bail amount with clear instructions that the defendant is to be admitted to bail in the sum of a specified amount.

Admittedly, a peace officer may arrest someone without an arrest warrant if the person falls into any description according to O.S. § 196.

Oklahoma County Arrest Warrant Search

Anyone who wants to perform an Oklahoma County arrest warrant search should visit the local police department or sheriff’s office. Most law enforcement agencies do not provide warrant information over the phone. Thus, one may need to visit the office in person, in the company of an attorney to avoid arrest.

Inquirers may also visit the district court clerk’s office to perform an arrest warrant search. Court clerks are generally in charge of maintaining returned arrest warrants. Finally, one may explore the online database of the Oklahoma State Courts Network to confirm the issuance of an arrest warrant. Typically, users may search records by name or case number.

Do Oklahoma County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Arrest warrants do not expire. Until the local law enforcement officer executes the warrant by apprehending the defendant, the warrant remains in existence. However, the issuing court may recall the warrant if there is reasonable ground to believe that the complaint is false.