Randolph County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Randolph County in 2026
RandolphCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records, booking logs, and related criminal justice data for Randolph County, Indiana. Members of the public may find records that include booking details, charges filed, custody status, court case numbers, and mugshots, subject to applicable state law and agency disclosure policies. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Jail roster and inmate information
- Court case filings linked to arrests
- State incarceration records
- Criminal history summaries
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible arrest log through the official IN.gov portal. Members of the public may view recent arrests in Randolph County directly through the Sheriff's department page. The arrest log is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. The Sheriff's Office also offers a dedicated mobile application through which users may view new arrests in the recent arrest section and all current inmates housed at the Randolph County Jail.
2. Local Police Departments
The Winchester Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Randolph County. Arrest information originating from city police activity may appear in the Sheriff's booking log when individuals are transferred to the county jail. Press releases and public notices regarding significant arrests are periodically published through official agency channels. Members of the public seeking city-level arrest logs may submit a public records request directly to the Winchester Police Department.
Winchester Police Department
110 W Washington St
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-1721
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Randolph County are accessible through MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search, the statewide online portal administered by the Office of Judicial Administration. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page provides additional guidance on locating records in the county where a case is being heard.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Indiana Department of Correction maintains the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search, which allows searches by last name or by both first and last names. This resource reflects individuals currently or previously incarcerated within the state prison system. The database does not include individuals held solely at the county jail level. No fee is required to conduct a basic name search through this portal.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
100 S Main St
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-1760
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
- Copy fees apply per page; cash and check are accepted at the records window
Clerk of Court:
Randolph County Clerk of Courts
100 S Main St, Suite 1
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-7070
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Criminal case files are available for public inspection at the clerk's office
- Copies are available at the standard rate established under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which governs fees for public record copies
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at 100 S Main St, Winchester, IN 47394. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's full name and return address. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.
By Phone:
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (765) 584-1760 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide limited booking information. Detailed record copies are not available by phone and require an in-person visit or written request.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to court-imposed confidentiality orders where applicable.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Winchester PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Randolph County
Arrest records in Randolph County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, public records are open for inspection and copying by any person, and law enforcement agencies are required to disclose certain arrest and booking information upon request. The public interest in government transparency, community safety, accountability of law enforcement, and the free flow of information to the press and public supports broad access to arrest records.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Indiana law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are not disclosed
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Indiana Constitution and the Indiana Access to Public Records Act establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations require that arrest records not be treated as proof of guilt, as an arrest reflects a charge rather than a conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA and applicable Indiana employment laws. An arrest that did not result in a conviction carries no legal presumption of guilt, and reliance on such records in employment or housing decisions may give rise to legal liability in certain circumstances.
What's in Randolph County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date, time, and booking number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount and bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time if applicable
- Release conditions if publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected or investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available to the public
- Court records: Reflect legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Document convictions and sentences
- Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Randolph County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Randolph County is governed by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge fees for copies of public records but may not charge for the inspection of records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection of records | No charge |
| Paper copies | $0.10 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies (court records) | Varies; set by Clerk of Court |
| Electronic copies | May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Indiana law for standard requests |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash and personal check
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest
- Online searches through MyCase and the Sheriff's arrest log are available at no charge
- The Indiana Incarcerated Database Search is free to use
How To Delete Arrest Records in Randolph County
Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the sealing or restriction of records from public view, and in certain cases, the restriction of records held by the state criminal history repository. Expungement does not physically destroy records in all instances but restricts their disclosure to the general public. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to expunged records for specified purposes.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records where:
- No charges were filed following the arrest
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- A conviction was vacated or set aside
- The individual has completed the sentence for certain misdemeanor or felony convictions and the required waiting period has elapsed
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case number from the Randolph County Clerk of Courts
- Confirm eligibility based on the outcome of the case and applicable waiting periods
- Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Randolph County Circuit or Superior Court
- Serve copies of the petition on the prosecuting attorney and all agencies holding records related to the arrest
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the court requires one
- If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to seal or restrict the records
Randolph County Circuit Court
100 S Main St
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-7070
Randolph County Prosecutor's Office
100 S Main St
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-0906
Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Indiana Legal Services or the public defender's office. The Indiana Supreme Court also provides self-help resources through the Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal.
What Happens After Arrest in Randolph County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Randolph County Jail, located at 100 S Main St, Winchester, IN 47394. The Randolph County Jail was constructed in 1994 and has a capacity of 106 beds. The facility is staffed by 20 full-time officers and maintains additional part-time officers.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
- Outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Issuance of jail uniform
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Indiana law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial hearing, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the Clerk of Court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Indiana law.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The court may order that an individual be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which takes between one and eight hours depending on facility volume. Written conditions of release and the next court date are provided at the time of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Randolph County Public Defender's Office
100 S Main St
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-7070
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail by appointment, and all attorney-client consultations are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Randolph County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programming.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying by complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
- Indiana's right to speedy trial is governed by Indiana Criminal Rule 4
Important Contacts:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
100 S Main St
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-1760
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
Randolph County Clerk of Courts
100 S Main St, Suite 1
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-7070
MyCase Indiana Court Search
Randolph County Prosecutor's Office
100 S Main St
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-0906
Randolph County Public Defender's Office
100 S Main St
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-7070
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Randolph County?
Records retention in Randolph County is governed by Indiana law and the policies of each maintaining agency. The Indiana Commission on Public Records establishes retention schedules applicable to county law enforcement and court agencies.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and court records systems
- Included in the state criminal history repository maintained by the Indiana State Police
Dismissed Charges:
- May remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged
- Court records are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
- Eligible for expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained; local booking records may be retained for several years
- Eligible for expungement upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period before potential purging
- Among the most eligible categories for expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing platforms are retained for extended periods, often permanently. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the agency's approved retention schedule. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case outcome.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Indiana Commission on Public Records schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case classification and outcome.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained for periods specified in the court records retention schedule. Electronic records are retained permanently in most instances.
Indiana State Police: The state criminal history repository retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in Indiana. Retention policy is governed by state administrative rule and is subject to update upon receipt of expungement orders.
FBI Database: Records submitted to the NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) are retained at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all major databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement. Expungement directs local agencies and the state repository to seal or restrict the record, though the FBI database may retain a notation. Records for which no charges were filed have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after a set number of years.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana law does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on reporting arrests without conviction, though employers are advised to consider the distinction between an arrest and a conviction when making employment decisions.