Oklahoma Arrest Records

Is Oklahoma an Open Arrest Records State?

Oklahoma is considered an open arrest records state pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act, 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq. This comprehensive legislation establishes that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are public records accessible to Oklahoma residents and non-residents alike. The state's commitment to transparency in governmental operations extends to its criminal justice system, allowing citizens to obtain information about arrests made within state jurisdiction. This public access serves multiple purposes, including promoting accountability within law enforcement agencies, enabling informed decision-making by employers and landlords, and facilitating public awareness of criminal activity within communities.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) serves as the central repository for arrest records and criminal history information throughout the state. Through the Criminal History Information Request Portal (CHIRP), members of the public may request and obtain arrest record information in accordance with established protocols and applicable fees.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
6600 North Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 848-6724
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

How to Look Up Oklahoma Arrest Records in 2025

Oklahoma residents and other interested parties have multiple avenues through which to access arrest records in 2025. The state maintains several official channels for obtaining this information, each with specific procedures and requirements. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following methods:

Online Criminal History Searches: The OSBI Criminal History Information Request Portal (CHIRP) provides a convenient electronic platform for requesting criminal history information, including arrest records. Users must create an account, provide required identifying information about the subject of the search, and pay the applicable fee ($15 for name-based searches, $19 for fingerprint-based searches).
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the OSBI headquarters in Oklahoma City or designated county sheriff's offices to submit requests in person. Proper identification is required, and standard processing fees apply.
County Sheriff's Offices: Local sheriff's departments maintain records of arrests within their jurisdictions. Many counties provide online inmate rosters or arrest logs that are updated regularly.
Court Records: The Oklahoma State Courts Network maintains an online database of court records, which often include information about arrests that led to court proceedings.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections: For information about individuals currently in state custody or under supervision, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections maintains searchable databases.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections
4345 North Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 425-2500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contents of an Oklahoma Arrest Record

Oklahoma arrest records contain standardized information designed to document the circumstances of an arrest and identify the individual taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency responsible for the arrest; and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Oklahoma Statutes citations (e.g., 21 O.S. § 1114 for first-degree rape) and classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking Information: Processing details, including fingerprinting, photographing (mugshots), and assignment of booking numbers or other administrative identifiers.
Detention Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, pretrial release conditions, or detention orders.
Case Disposition: Ultimate resolution of the case, which may include dismissal, conviction, acquittal, or other judicial determinations.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints, DNA samples (if collected), and other physical identifiers obtained during processing.

Pursuant to 74 O.S. § 150.9, the OSBI maintains these records in a centralized database accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide and, with appropriate authorization, to members of the public.

Understanding the Oklahoma Open Records Act

The Oklahoma Open Records Act, codified at 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq., establishes the fundamental right of Oklahoma citizens to access and review government records, including arrest records. Enacted to ensure transparency in governmental operations, this legislation declares that "the people are vested with the inherent right to know and be fully informed about their government." The Act applies to records created by, received by, under the authority of, or coming into the custody, control, or possession of public officials, public bodies, or their representatives in connection with public business.

Key provisions of the Oklahoma Open Records Act include:

Presumption of Openness: All government records are presumed open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Reasonable Access: Public bodies must provide prompt, reasonable access to records during regular business hours.
Fee Structure: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for document retrieval, review, and copying, but such fees must reflect actual costs.
Exemptions: Certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure, including some investigative reports, records protected by state evidentiary privilege, and personal information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Enforcement Mechanisms: The Act provides for judicial review of denied requests and establishes penalties for willful violations.

The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the interpretation and application of the Open Records Act, issuing advisory opinions that help ensure consistent implementation across state agencies.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Oklahoma

Oklahoma law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (sealing) of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process is governed primarily by 22 O.S. § 18 and § 19, which establish eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. When an expungement is granted, the arrest record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.

Eligibility for expungement in Oklahoma typically requires one of the following conditions:

The person was acquitted of the charges.
The charges were dismissed.
The person received a deferred sentence, successfully completed the probationary period, and the case was subsequently dismissed.
The person was convicted of a misdemeanor, has paid all fines and completed all sentences, and has not been charged with or arrested for any crime for at least five years.
The person was convicted of a nonviolent felony, has received a pardon, has paid all fines and completed all sentences, and has not been charged with or arrested for any crime for at least five years.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. Notice must be provided to the district attorney, the arresting agency, the OSBI, and any other agencies that may have records related to the arrest. A hearing is typically scheduled, during which the court determines whether the statutory requirements for expungement have been met and whether granting the petition would serve the ends of justice.

Oklahoma County District Court
321 Park Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 713-1423
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Find Local Arrests in Oklahoma?

Information about local arrests in Oklahoma is available through various channels maintained by municipal and county law enforcement agencies. These resources provide timely updates on recent arrest activities within specific jurisdictions, enabling community members to stay informed about law enforcement operations in their areas.

Local arrest information can be accessed through the following means:

County Sheriff's Office Websites: Many Oklahoma county sheriff's offices maintain online inmate rosters or daily arrest logs. These resources typically include basic information about individuals recently taken into custody, including names, charges, and booking dates.
Municipal Police Department Records: City police departments often provide arrest information through their public information offices or online portals. Some departments issue regular press releases detailing significant arrests.
County Courthouse Records: Court clerks maintain dockets of criminal cases, which include information about arrests that have resulted in formal charges. Many of these records are accessible through the Oklahoma State Courts Network.
Local Newspaper Crime Reports: Many Oklahoma newspapers publish regular crime reports based on information provided by local law enforcement agencies.
Community Crime Mapping Tools: Some jurisdictions participate in online crime mapping services that display recent arrest and incident data in geographic format.

Tulsa Police Department
600 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-9222
Hours: Records Division open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Oklahoma City Police Department
700 Colcord Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 297-1000
Hours: Records Division open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Search Arrest Records in Oklahoma

Counties

Atoka Beckham Bryan Canadian Choctaw Cleveland Creek Custer Garvin Kay Mayes McClain McCurtain Oklahoma Pawnee Payne Pittsburg Pottawatomie Tulsa Woodward