Broken Bow Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Broken Bow, Oklahoma?
Arrest records are public documents in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, accessible to all citizens under state transparency laws. The Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. §§ 24A.1-24A.31) establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests. This legislation affirms that the people's right to know and be informed about governmental activities is essential to the proper functioning of democracy. Law enforcement agencies in Broken Bow maintain these records as part of their official duties and must make them available for public inspection during regular business hours.
The McCurtain County Sheriff's Office and the Broken Bow Police Department serve as the primary custodians of arrest records within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies process and maintain documentation of all arrests occurring within their authority. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in § 24A.8 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should note that while the information is public, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, certified copies, or extensive search requests as permitted under § 24A.5(3) of the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
How to Look Up Broken Bow Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Individuals seeking this information may utilize any of the following methods:
Submit a formal records request to the Broken Bow Police Department located at 210 N Broadway St, Broken Bow, OK 74728. The department maintains records of arrests within city limits and accepts in-person requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Contact the McCurtain County Sheriff's Office at 108 N Central Ave, Idabel, OK 74745. This office maintains county-wide arrest records and accepts records requests by mail, phone (580-286-3331), or in person during regular business hours.
Access the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) online portal, which provides court case information related to arrests. This resource is available 24 hours a day and includes case status, hearing dates, and disposition information.
Utilize the McCurtain County Clerk's office at 108 N Central Ave, Idabel, OK 74745 for court records related to arrests. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any additional identifying information. Pursuant to Oklahoma law, agencies may require written requests for certain records and may assess reasonable fees for document reproduction or extensive searches.
Contents of a Broken Bow Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Broken Bow law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual involved. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested person, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and last known address.
Arrest details such as the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
The Oklahoma Statute citation and description of the alleged offense(s) for which the individual was arrested.
Booking information including the arresting agency, officer identification, and booking number assigned to the case.
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as mugshots, taken during the booking process.
Fingerprint impressions collected at the time of booking, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal criminal databases.
Custody status information indicating whether the individual was released on bail, personal recognizance, or remained in detention pending court proceedings.
Initial court appearance details, including arraignment date and preliminary hearing schedules.
Case disposition information, if available, showing the outcome of the arrest (e.g., charges filed, dismissed, or referred to another jurisdiction).
Law enforcement agencies in Broken Bow maintain these records in accordance with Oklahoma State Archives retention schedules. The comprehensiveness of information may vary based on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process at the time of the records request.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Broken Bow
The State of Oklahoma provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as defined in 22 O.S. §§ 18 and 19. Expungement in Broken Bow follows these state provisions and allows eligible individuals to have their arrest records sealed from public view.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Broken Bow include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges.
- Arrests where no charges were filed within the statute of limitations.
- Successful completion of a deferred judgment or delayed sentence, provided the individual has no felony convictions and specified waiting periods have elapsed.
- Misdemeanor convictions, after completion of the sentence and a waiting period of one year with no subsequent misdemeanor or felony charges.
- Nonviolent felony convictions, after completion of the sentence and a waiting period of five years with no subsequent misdemeanor or felony charges.
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the McCurtain County District Court. This procedure involves:
- Preparation and filing of a Petition for Expungement with the court clerk at 108 N Central Ave, Idabel, OK 74745.
- Payment of required filing fees, currently set at $164.14 for most expungement actions.
- Service of the petition on all agencies holding records related to the arrest, including the District Attorney, arresting agency, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and any other relevant entities.
- Attendance at a court hearing where a judge will determine if the statutory requirements for expungement have been satisfied.
Upon court approval, all public agencies must comply with the expungement order by sealing the records from public view. However, these records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. Individuals should note that expunged records may still be considered in certain circumstances, such as subsequent criminal proceedings or applications for certain professional licenses.
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