Rock Island County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rock Island County
Arrest records in Rock Island County are considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively open to public inspection. Pursuant to § 2.15 of the Illinois FOIA, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are specifically designated as public records that must be disclosed upon request.
It is important for requestors to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. This record exists regardless of whether the individual was subsequently charged, prosecuted, or convicted. In contrast, a conviction record indicates that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process.
The Illinois State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest data from Rock Island County. Under Illinois law, specifically the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/), certain arrest information must be made available to the public, particularly when it pertains to individuals who have been convicted of crimes.
However, access restrictions may apply to arrest records in certain circumstances, such as:
- Records pertaining to juvenile arrests (individuals under 18)
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Records where disclosure would interfere with an active investigation
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The Rock Island County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and processes requests for these records in accordance with state law.
What's in Rock Island County Arrest Records
Rock Island County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond conditions
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
- Prosecutor information
- Defense attorney information (if known)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if in custody)
- Projected release date (if applicable)
- Custody level classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known gang affiliations
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Protective orders
- Special custody considerations
These records are maintained by the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office and may be shared with other law enforcement agencies, courts, and authorized entities as permitted by law. The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Rock Island County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Rock Island County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for processing these requests in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Requestors may pursue the following options:
In-Person Requests:
Individuals may visit the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office to submit requests for arrest records in person:
Rock Island County Sheriff's Office
1317 3rd Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 558-3606
Rock Island County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
When making an in-person request, requestors should:
- Complete the designated FOIA request form available at the counter
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for record reproduction
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Sheriff's Office address listed above. Request letters should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific details about the records being sought
- Date range for the search
- Preferred method of receiving records (mail, email, in-person pickup)
Electronic Requests:
The Rock Island County Sheriff's Office accepts electronic requests through their online system. Requestors may:
- Visit the Rock Island County website
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office section
- Locate the "Records Request" form
- Complete all required fields
- Submit the request electronically
Pursuant to § 3(d) of the Illinois FOIA, the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within 5 business days under normal circumstances. This period may be extended for an additional 5 business days if certain conditions apply.
Fees for record reproduction are established in accordance with § 6 of the Illinois FOIA. Currently, the first 50 pages of black and white copies are provided free of charge, with a fee of $0.15 per page thereafter. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or records provided in specialized formats.
How To Find Rock Island County Arrest Records Online
Rock Island County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. These electronic systems allow for efficient searches while maintaining compliance with state public records laws.
The primary online resource for arrest record information is the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office website. This portal offers access to:
-
Current Inmate Search:
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office webpage
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" function
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results showing current inmates and their basic arrest information
-
Court Records Search:
- Visit the Rock Island County Circuit Clerk's website
- Access the "Case Information" search tool
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review court records that may contain arrest information
- Note that while basic case information is viewable online, detailed documents may require in-person inspection
-
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search:
- For individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction
- Access the IDOC Inmate Search portal
- Enter the individual's name or IDOC number
- Review custody status and facility information
-
Illinois State Police Criminal History:
- For comprehensive criminal history information including arrests
- Visit the Illinois State Police Criminal History portal
- Note that full criminal history reports require fingerprint submission and fees
- Conviction information is available to the public through name-based searches
When conducting online searches, users should be aware that:
- Information may be updated at varying intervals
- Not all arrest records are available online due to privacy restrictions
- Some detailed information may be redacted from public view
- Online records should be verified through official channels for complete accuracy
Pursuant to the Criminal Identification Act § 2630/7, certain arrest information may be restricted from online access, particularly if the arrest did not result in conviction or if the record has been expunged or sealed.
How To Search Rock Island County Arrest Records for Free?
Rock Island County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several authorized channels. These no-cost options are provided in accordance with Illinois public records laws.
Public Access Terminals:
The Rock Island County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains public access terminals that allow free on-site searches of court records, which often contain arrest information:
Rock Island County Circuit Clerk
1317 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 786-4451
Rock Island County Circuit Clerk
Public terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
At these terminals, users may:
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- View basic case information including charges and court dates
- Review public court documents related to arrests
- Print limited pages (fees may apply for extensive printing)
Online Resources:
Several free online resources provide basic arrest information:
-
Rock Island County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup:
- This free online tool displays current inmates in county custody
- Provides basic booking information and charges
- Updated regularly throughout the day
-
Illinois Public Case Lookup:
- Access through the Illinois Courts website
- Search by name or case number
- View basic case information including charges filed following arrest
-
Local Law Enforcement Websites:
- Some municipal police departments within Rock Island County maintain their own arrest logs
- These typically show recent arrests within city limits
- Information is usually limited to name, age, and basic charge information
FOIA Requests:
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act provides for free access to certain public records:
- The first 50 pages of black and white copies are provided at no charge
- Electronic records may be provided via email at no cost
- Indigent requestors may qualify for fee waivers for additional pages
To submit a free FOIA request, individuals may:
- Complete the standard FOIA request form available on the Rock Island County website
- Specify preference for electronic delivery to avoid fees
- Submit the request via email to the designated FOIA officer
Pursuant to § 6(b) of the Illinois FOIA, agencies may not charge for the first 50 pages of black and white copies provided to requestors, and may only charge the actual cost of reproduction for additional pages.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Rock Island County
Rock Island County arrest records may be eligible for removal from public access through legal processes established under Illinois law. These processes fall into two distinct categories: expungement (complete erasure) and sealing (restricting public access while maintaining the record for limited official use).
Expungement vs. Sealing:
Expungement results in the physical destruction of records and removal from databases, while sealing maintains the records but restricts access to authorized entities such as law enforcement and certain employers. Both processes require court approval and specific eligibility criteria must be met.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act § 2630/5.2, the following arrest records may be eligible for expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in charges
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Certain non-conviction dispositions
- Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (typically 2-5 years)
Eligibility for Sealing:
Pursuant to § 2630/5.2(c), most misdemeanor and certain felony convictions may be eligible for sealing after a waiting period (typically 3 years from completion of sentence). However, certain offenses are ineligible, including:
- Sexual offenses
- Domestic violence convictions
- DUI/reckless driving
- Certain weapons offenses
Expungement/Sealing Process:
-
Obtain Criminal History: Request a complete criminal history transcript from the Illinois State Police.
-
File Petition: Complete and file a Petition for Expungement or Sealing with the Rock Island County Circuit Clerk:
Rock Island County Circuit Clerk
1317 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 786-4451
Rock Island County Circuit Clerk
-
Pay Filing Fee: Current filing fees are approximately $120-160 (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals).
-
Serve Notice: Provide copies of the petition to:
- Rock Island County State's Attorney
- Arresting agency
- Illinois State Police
- Other agencies with records
-
Attend Hearing: If objections are filed, attend the scheduled court hearing.
-
Order Implementation: If granted, the court order is sent to all relevant agencies for implementation.
The entire process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion. Individuals may wish to consult with an attorney specializing in expungement law, as the process can be complex and eligibility requirements change periodically through legislative updates.
Recent amendments to the Illinois Criminal Identification Act have expanded eligibility for both expungement and sealing, particularly for cannabis-related offenses following legalization under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
What Happens After Arrest in Rock Island County?
Following an arrest in Rock Island County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Illinois law. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.
Initial Custody and Booking:
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Rock Island County Jail for processing:
Rock Island County Jail
1317 3rd Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 558-3606
Rock Island County Sheriff's Office
The booking process includes:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Initial charge determination
Bond Determination:
Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge for a bond hearing. The judge determines:
- Bond amount and conditions
- Whether release is appropriate
- Preliminary hearing date
- Appointment of public defender if eligible
Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 528, certain minor offenses allow for release on personal recognizance (I-Bond) without cash payment.
Formal Charging:
The Rock Island County State's Attorney's Office reviews arrest information and determines formal charges:
Rock Island County State's Attorney
1317 3rd Avenue, 4th Floor
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 558-3570
Rock Island County State's Attorney
Charging decisions include:
- Filing formal charges
- Reducing charges
- Declining prosecution
- Referring for diversion programs
Preliminary Proceedings:
For felony cases, a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding determines if probable cause exists to proceed. Misdemeanor cases proceed directly to arraignment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, defendants:
- Hear formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Receive trial date if pleading not guilty
- May negotiate plea agreements
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
This phase includes:
- Discovery exchange
- Motion hearings
- Status conferences
- Plea negotiations
- Trial preparation
Trial:
If no plea agreement is reached, cases proceed to trial:
- Misdemeanors: Bench or jury trial
- Felonies: Jury trial (unless jury is waived)
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
Sentencing:
Following conviction (by plea or trial), sentencing occurs:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be ordered
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge determines appropriate sentence based on:
- Statutory guidelines
- Criminal history
- Case circumstances
- Mitigating/aggravating factors
Post-Conviction:
After sentencing, options include:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Petition for post-conviction relief
- Petition for executive clemency
- Expungement/sealing eligibility (after sentence completion)
Throughout this process, individuals may file online reports for certain non-emergency situations or to provide additional information related to their case.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Rock Island County?
Arrest records in Rock Island County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Illinois state law. The Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) provides the legal framework for record retention, while specific schedules are approved by the Local Records Commission.
Standard Retention Periods:
Law enforcement agencies in Rock Island County typically maintain arrest records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest Reports (No Charges Filed): 5 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor Arrest Records: 10 years from date of arrest
- Felony Arrest Records: 25 years from date of arrest
- Homicide/Sexual Assault Cases: Permanent retention
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Until age 18, then sealed automatically in many cases
- Booking Photos/Fingerprints: Maintained by Illinois State Police indefinitely unless expunged
These retention periods ensure that records remain available for:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Prosecution of related cases
- Background checks for authorized purposes
- Statistical analysis and reporting
- Historical documentation
Agency-Specific Retention:
Different agencies maintain separate copies of arrest records with varying retention requirements:
-
Rock Island County Sheriff's Office:
- Maintains original arrest reports according to the standard schedule
- Booking information retained in jail management system for 10 years
- Incident reports maintained for 5 years
-
Circuit Clerk's Office:
- Court case files related to arrests maintained for 10-25 years depending on case type
- Index information maintained permanently
- Electronic case management records maintained indefinitely
-
Illinois State Police:
- Maintains central repository of all arrest fingerprint cards indefinitely
- Criminal history records maintained permanently unless expunged
- Provides official criminal history reports to authorized requestors
Digital Record Retention:
As agencies transition to electronic records management, digital arrest records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Electronic Commerce Security Act (5 ILCS 175/) establishes that electronic records have the same legal standing as paper records when properly maintained.
Records Destruction Process:
When records reach the end of their retention period, they must be destroyed according to procedures established by the Local Records Commission:
- Agency submits application for destruction
- Commission reviews and approves destruction
- Records are destroyed in a secure manner
- Certificate of destruction is filed
It is important to note that expunged records are destroyed outside of the normal retention schedule through court order, while sealed records remain in existence but with restricted access.
How to Find Mugshots in Rock Island County
Mugshot photographs in Rock Island County are considered part of the official arrest record and are subject to specific regulations regarding access and distribution.
What Mugshots Are:
Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
These images serve as visual identification records for law enforcement purposes and become part of the official arrest documentation.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Rock Island County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Rock Island County Sheriff's Office
1317 3rd Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 558-3606
Rock Island County Sheriff's Office
Municipal police departments within the county also maintain mugshots for arrests they process before transferring individuals to county custody.
Finding Mugshots:
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may:
-
Submit a FOIA Request:
- Complete the standard FOIA request form
- Specify the mugshot being requested (name, date of arrest)
- Submit to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Pay applicable reproduction fees
-
Check Court Records:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office
- Request to view the case file for the related criminal case
- Mugshots may be included in the discovery materials
- Reproduction fees may apply
Online Availability:
The Rock Island County Sheriff's Office does not currently publish a comprehensive online mugshot database for public access. Limited booking information may be available through:
-
Current Inmate Lookup:
- Provides basic information about currently detained individuals
- May include booking photos for current inmates only
- Accessible through the Sheriff's Office website
-
Third-Party Websites:
- Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots
- These sites are not officially affiliated with Rock Island County
- Information may be outdated or inaccurate
- Some sites charge fees for removal of photos
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (under 18): Mugshots are confidential under the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/)
- Expunged/sealed records: Mugshots are removed from public access
- Active investigations: Temporary restrictions may apply
- Privacy concerns: Certain details may be redacted
The Illinois Mugshot Publication Act (815 ILCS 505/2QQQ) prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots and requires removal upon request if the record has been expunged or sealed.
When seeking mugshots, requestors should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their publication and distribution may have significant privacy implications for the individuals depicted.
Lookup Arrest Records in Rock Island County
Sheriff's Office information and inmate lookup
Court records and case information requests
File online reports with Rock Island County Sheriff