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Riley County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Riley County

Arrest records in Riley County are considered public information under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), specifically pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-215 through 45-223. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records shall be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history record information that is accessible to the public with certain limitations. Under K.S.A. § 22-4707, criminal history record information is available to the public when the request is for a specific person. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

  • Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. These records may be available even if the person was never charged or convicted.
  • Conviction Records: Document that an individual was found guilty of a crime. These records are generally more accessible to the public than arrest-only records.

The Riley County Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within their jurisdiction. While these records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile information as provided by exemptions under KORA.

What's in Riley County Arrest Records

Riley County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with K.S.A. § 22-4701, which defines criminal history record information. A complete arrest record generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Aliases or known nicknames
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Race and gender
  • Residential address
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
  • Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency (typically Riley County Police Department)
  • Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
  • Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute numbers of alleged violations
  • Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
  • Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date of issuance
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking number
  • Date and time of booking
  • Booking facility
  • Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
  • Bond status (posted, denied)
  • Conditions of release

Court Information:

  • Court case number
  • Assigned court
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
  • Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior criminal history
  • Known associates
  • Vehicle information
  • Employment information
  • Emergency contact information

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Riley County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Riley County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest record information:

  1. Submit a request to the Riley County Police Department:

    • Complete an official records request form
    • Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
    • Submit a government-issued photo ID
    • Pay applicable fees (currently $5-$25 depending on record type)

    Riley County Police Department
    1001 Seth Child Road
    Manhattan, KS 66502
    (785) 537-2112
    Riley County Police Department
    Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  2. Request records from the Riley County District Court:

    • Visit the court clerk's office in person
    • Provide case number or name of individual
    • Pay applicable fees for copies

    Riley County District Court
    100 Courthouse Plaza, 3rd Floor
    Manhattan, KS 66502
    (785) 537-6371
    Riley County District Court
    Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  3. Submit a request to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation:

    • Complete a Criminal History Record Check form
    • Provide required identification information
    • Submit payment for record search (currently $20 per name)
    • Mail or deliver request to KBI Records Section

    Kansas Bureau of Investigation
    1620 SW Tyler Street
    Topeka, KS 66612
    (785) 296-8200
    Kansas Bureau of Investigation
    Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  4. Contact the Kansas Department of Corrections for information on individuals currently in state custody:

    • Provide full name and date of birth of subject
    • Specify information requested

    Kansas Department of Corrections
    714 SW Jackson, Suite 300
    Topeka, KS 66603
    (785) 296-3317
    Kansas Department of Corrections
    Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-218, agencies must respond to record requests within three business days. Agencies may require advance payment of fees before providing records.

How To Find Riley County Arrest Records Online

Riley County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following electronic methods are available to the public:

  1. Riley County Police Department Website:

    • Navigate to the Riley County Police Department official website
    • Select "Records" or "Public Information" section
    • Access daily arrest reports and booking logs
    • Search by date range for recent arrests
    • Note that historical records may not be available online
  2. Kansas Bureau of Investigation Online Records Portal:

  3. Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER):

    • Access the KASPER system maintained by the Kansas Department of Corrections
    • Accept the terms and conditions
    • Search by name or Kansas Department of Corrections number
    • View information on current inmates and those under supervision
  4. Riley County District Court Records:

    • Visit the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal
    • Search by name or case number
    • View case summaries, charges, and disposition information
    • Note that some documents may require in-person requests

When conducting online searches, users should be aware that:

  • Not all arrest records are available online
  • Records may be incomplete or limited in detail
  • Certain sensitive information is redacted from online records
  • Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
  • Official record verification may require contacting the agency directly

How To Search Riley County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Riley County arrest records without payment through several available channels. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:

  1. Riley County Police Department Daily Booking Reports:

    • Visit the Riley County Police Department website
    • Navigate to the "Daily Activity Reports" section
    • View recent booking information at no cost
    • Information typically includes name, age, charges, and bond amount
  2. In-Person Inspection at Riley County Police Department:

    • Visit the Records Division during public counter hours
    • Request to inspect (not copy) specific arrest records
    • Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-219(a), agencies must allow free inspection of records
    • Note that copying fees will apply if printed copies are requested
  3. KASPER Inmate Search System:

  4. Local News Media Reports:

    • Review local newspaper websites and social media pages
    • Many news outlets publish daily booking reports
    • Information is typically limited to recent arrests
    • Details may be incomplete compared to official records
  5. Riley County District Court Public Access Terminals:

    • Visit the courthouse during business hours
    • Use public access terminals to search court cases
    • View case information related to arrests and charges
    • No fee for searching, though printing fees may apply

When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:

  • Information may be limited compared to official record requests
  • Historical records may not be available through free resources
  • Free inspection does not include the right to photographs or copies without payment
  • Some information may be redacted from publicly viewable records
  • For comprehensive records, a formal request with applicable fees may be necessary

How To Delete Arrest Records in Riley County

Under Kansas law, individuals may petition for expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. The distinction is important:

  • Expungement: Removes the record from public view and most official databases. Under K.S.A. § 22-2410, expunged records are treated as if they never occurred for most purposes.

  • Sealing: Restricts public access to records but maintains them for certain official uses, such as law enforcement investigations.

Arrest records in Riley County may be eligible for expungement under the following conditions:

  1. Arrests resulting in no charges:

    • At least one year has passed since the arrest
    • No criminal proceedings are pending against the individual
    • The arrest was not for a serious offense listed in the statute
  2. Arrests resulting in dismissed charges:

    • The case was dismissed or the defendant was acquitted
    • No criminal proceedings are pending against the individual
    • Statutory waiting periods have been satisfied
  3. Arrests resulting in diversion:

    • The diversion agreement has been successfully completed
    • Required waiting periods have elapsed (typically 3-5 years)
    • No subsequent criminal convictions have occurred
  4. Arrests resulting in conviction:

    • The sentence has been completed, including probation/parole
    • Required waiting periods have elapsed (3-5 years for misdemeanors, 5-10 years for felonies)
    • All fines and restitution have been paid
    • The conviction is eligible under K.S.A. § 21-6614

The process for expungement in Riley County requires:

  1. Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Riley County District Court
  2. Paying the filing fee (currently $195)
  3. Serving copies of the petition on the prosecuting attorney and arresting agency
  4. Attending a scheduled hearing before a judge
  5. If granted, providing copies of the expungement order to all agencies with records

Certain serious offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and some drug trafficking charges, are not eligible for expungement under Kansas law.

What Happens After Arrest in Riley County?

The criminal justice process in Riley County follows a standardized progression from arrest through disposition. This process adheres to procedures established under Kansas law and includes the following stages:

  1. Arrest and Booking:

    • Law enforcement takes the individual into custody
    • Arrestee is transported to the Riley County Police Department
    • Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information
    • Personal property is inventoried and secured
  2. Initial Appearance:

    • Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
    • Judge informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
    • Bail or bond is set, or release on recognizance may be granted
    • Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
  3. Charging Decision:

    • Riley County Attorney's Office reviews evidence
    • Prosecutor decides whether to file formal charges
    • Charges may be filed, modified, or declined
    • If charges are declined, the arrestee is released
  4. Preliminary Hearing (for felonies):

    • Court determines if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the crime
    • Typically occurs within 10-14 days of initial appearance
    • If probable cause is found, case proceeds to arraignment
    • If no probable cause is found, charges are dismissed
  5. Arraignment:

    • Formal reading of charges
    • Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
    • Trial date may be set if not guilty plea is entered
    • Pretrial motions and discovery process begins
  6. Pretrial Proceedings:

    • Discovery of evidence between prosecution and defense
    • Plea negotiations may occur
    • Pretrial motions may be filed and heard
    • Case management conferences to track progress
  7. Trial:

    • Jury trial or bench trial (before judge only)
    • Prosecution presents evidence to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
    • Defense may present evidence and challenge prosecution's case
    • Jury or judge renders verdict
  8. Sentencing (if convicted):

    • Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
    • Victim impact statements may be presented
    • Judge imposes sentence according to Kansas sentencing guidelines
    • Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or community service
  9. Post-Conviction:

    • Right to appeal within 14 days of sentencing
    • Possible transfer to Kansas Department of Corrections for felony sentences
    • Probation supervision by Community Corrections
    • Payment of fines, restitution, and court costs

Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to confront witnesses, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Riley County?

Arrest records in Riley County are maintained according to retention schedules established by K.S.A. § 45-403 - Government Records Preservation Act and the Kansas Local Government Records Management Manual. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement records.

The standard retention periods for arrest records in Riley County are:

  • Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
  • Arrest Warrants: 5 years after execution or cancellation
  • Fingerprint Cards: 75 years from date of creation
  • Mugshot Photographs: 75 years from date of creation
  • Incident Reports Related to Arrests: 5 years for misdemeanors, 25 years for felonies
  • Juvenile Arrest Records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed or destroyed
  • Arrest Records Resulting in No Charges: 5 years from date of arrest
  • Arrest Records for Dismissed Cases: 5 years from date of dismissal

Different agencies maintain different retention requirements:

  • The Riley County Police Department maintains arrest records according to local retention schedules
  • The Kansas Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history information indefinitely
  • The Riley County District Court maintains case records according to judicial retention schedules
  • The Kansas Department of Corrections maintains records on incarcerated individuals indefinitely

Records retention serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
  • Maintains accountability and transparency in law enforcement
  • Provides historical documentation of law enforcement activities
  • Supports statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
  • Ensures compliance with state and federal reporting requirements

It is important to note that expunged records, while removed from public access, may still be maintained in sealed form by law enforcement agencies for limited official purposes as permitted by K.S.A. § 22-2410.

How to Find Mugshots in Riley County

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Riley County, these images are maintained as part of the official arrest record.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual. These photographs serve to document the appearance of the arrestee at the time of booking and are used for identification purposes throughout the criminal justice process.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: The Riley County Police Department is the primary custodian of mugshots for arrests occurring within their jurisdiction. These photographs are stored in the department's records management system and are linked to the corresponding arrest record.

Finding Mugshots: To obtain mugshots in Riley County, individuals may:

  1. Submit a formal records request to the Riley County Police Department
  2. Complete the required request form specifying the mugshot being sought
  3. Provide identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth)
  4. Pay applicable fees for reproduction (currently $5 per photograph)
  5. Present valid identification when submitting the request

Can They Be Found Online: The Riley County Police Department does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. While some mugshots may appear on third-party websites or news media outlets, these are not official sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: Official requests must be submitted to:

Riley County Police Department Records Division
1001 Seth Child Road
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 537-2112
Riley County Police Department
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile mugshots are generally not available to the public
  • Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
  • Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are removed from public access
  • Certain sensitive cases may have restricted access pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-221
  • Mugshots may be redacted to protect the identity of undercover officers or confidential informants

Requestors should be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records under the Kansas Open Records Act, their use and publication may be subject to other legal restrictions, particularly for commercial purposes.

Lookup Arrest Records in Riley County

Riley County Police Department

Kansas Criminal History Record Check

Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository

Kansas Department of Corrections