Scioto County Public Records / Scioto County Arrest Records

Scioto County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Scioto County

Arrest records in Scioto County are considered public information under Ohio's Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes that records kept by any public office, including law enforcement agencies, are public records unless specifically exempted by law.

The Ohio Public Records Act defines public records as any records kept by a public office that document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. Under this definition, arrest records maintained by the Scioto County Sheriff's Office and local police departments are generally accessible to the public.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through a legal proceeding, either by trial or plea.

While both types of records are generally public in Ohio, certain exemptions may apply. For example, records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(2). Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different rules and are generally not public information.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office provides comprehensive guidance on public records access through its Sunshine Laws Manual, which clarifies the public's right to access government records, including arrest records.

What's in Scioto County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Scioto County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized across law enforcement agencies in the county and includes the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, level)
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 date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Immigration status
Emergency contact information
Medical alerts or special needs

The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Scioto County Sheriff's Office may contain different details than those kept by municipal police departments within the county, such as the Portsmouth Police Department.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Scioto County in 2026

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

In-Person Requests:

Visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency during regular business hours.
Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay any applicable fees for copies of records.

Scioto County Sheriff's Office
612 6th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8261
Scioto County Sheriff's Office

Portsmouth Police Department
728 2nd Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 354-1600
Portsmouth Police Department

Written Requests:

Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate agency.
Include specific details about the records being requested, such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Provide contact information for response.
Include payment for any applicable fees.

Online Requests:

Visit the official website of the law enforcement agency.
Navigate to the records or public information section.
Complete the online records request form if available.
Submit payment for any applicable fees using the online payment system.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare and make available public records for inspection upon request during regular business hours. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time.

Requesters are not required to identify themselves or explain the purpose of their request. However, providing specific information about the record being sought will facilitate a more efficient search process.

How To Find Scioto County Arrest Records Online

Scioto County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official government portals. The following online methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest information:

Scioto County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:

Navigate to the Scioto County Sheriff's Office website.
Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Roster" section.
Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search fields.
Review the results, which typically include current inmates and recently released individuals.

Scioto County Clerk of Courts Online Portal:

Access the Scioto County Clerk of Courts website.
Select the "Case Search" or "Records Search" option.
Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range.
Review case information, which may include arrest details for cases that have been filed with the court.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search:

Visit the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search portal.
Enter the individual's name or offender number.
Review information about current inmates in state custody, including those from Scioto County.

Portsmouth Police Department Records:

Navigate to the Portsmouth Police Department website.
Locate the "Records" or "Public Information" section.
Follow the instructions for accessing arrest records or daily arrest logs.

When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:

Information may not be comprehensive or include historical records.
Recent arrests may not appear immediately due to processing time.
Some details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws.
Online records may not include the same level of detail as official records obtained directly from the agency.

Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which permits public offices to make public records available through electronic means.

How To Search Scioto County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Scioto County arrest records without incurring costs through several methods established under Ohio's Public Records Law. The following no-cost options are available:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency during regular business hours.
Submit a verbal or written request to inspect specific arrest records.
Review the records on-site without requesting copies.

Scioto County Sheriff's Office
612 6th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8261
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Scioto County Sheriff's Office

Free Online Resources:

Access the Scioto County Sheriff's Office website to view the current jail roster.
Visit the Portsmouth Municipal Court website to search case information at no charge.
Utilize the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search to locate information about individuals in state custody.

Public Access Terminals:

Visit the Scioto County Clerk of Courts office to use public access terminals.
Access case information, including arrest details, through the court's computer system.

Scioto County Clerk of Courts
602 7th Street, Room 105
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8208
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Scioto County Clerk of Courts

Public Libraries:

Visit local public libraries that may provide free internet access.
Use library computers to access public online resources for arrest records.

Portsmouth Public Library
1220 Gallia Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 354-5688
Portsmouth Public Library

While inspection of records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1). The law permits public offices to charge only the actual cost of making copies, not including labor costs.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Scioto County

Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Scioto County have limited options under Ohio law. The state provides mechanisms for sealing or expunging records under specific circumstances, but complete deletion is rarely possible. The following information outlines the available processes:

Record Sealing vs. Expungement:

Record sealing (officially called "sealing of record of conviction" or "sealing of record of not guilty finding/dismissed charges") restricts public access to records but does not physically destroy them. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers.
Expungement (officially called "expungement of record of conviction" in limited circumstances) involves the physical destruction of records and is rarely granted in Ohio.

Eligibility for Record Sealing:

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, individuals may apply to have conviction records sealed if they meet specific criteria.
For non-conviction records (arrests that did not lead to conviction), Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52 provides a pathway for sealing.
Generally, individuals must complete all terms of their sentence, including probation and payment of fines, and observe a waiting period before applying.

Process for Record Sealing in Scioto County:

Determine eligibility based on the nature of the offense and time elapsed since completion of sentence.
File an application with the court that handled the case.
Pay the filing fee (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available).
Attend a hearing where a judge will consider factors such as the applicant's criminal history and rehabilitation.

Scioto County Court of Common Pleas
602 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8208
Scioto County Court of Common Pleas

Portsmouth Municipal Court
728 2nd Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 354-3283
Portsmouth Municipal Court

Legal Assistance: Due to the complexity of record sealing laws, individuals may benefit from seeking legal counsel. The following resources provide assistance:

Southeastern Ohio Legal Services
646 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 354-7563
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services

Ohio Justice & Policy Center
215 E. 9th Street, Suite 601
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 421-1108
Ohio Justice & Policy Center

It is important to note that certain offenses, particularly violent or sexual offenses, may not be eligible for sealing under Ohio law. Additionally, federal records and non-Ohio state records are not affected by Ohio's record sealing process.

What Happens After Arrest in Scioto County?

Following an arrest in Scioto County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Ohio law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Initial Custody and Booking:

Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a local detention facility, typically the Scioto County Jail.
During booking, law enforcement officials record personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, conduct a search, inventory personal property, and check for outstanding warrants.
Health screening is performed to identify immediate medical needs.

Scioto County Jail
612 6th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8261

Initial Appearance:

Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge or magistrate.
The judge informs the individual of the charges, their constitutional rights, and makes initial determinations regarding bail or bond.
For misdemeanors, this typically occurs at Portsmouth Municipal Court; for felonies, at Scioto County Court of Common Pleas.

Bail Determination:

The court sets bail based on factors including the nature of the offense, criminal history, community ties, and flight risk.
Bail options may include release on personal recognizance, cash bail, or surety bond.
Individuals unable to post bail remain in custody pending resolution of their case.

Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only):

For felony cases, a preliminary hearing must be held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody, or 15 days if released on bail.
The prosecution must demonstrate probable cause that the defendant committed the alleged offense.
If probable cause is established, the case is bound over to the Scioto County Grand Jury.

Grand Jury Proceedings (Felonies Only):

The Scioto County Grand Jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor.
If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, they issue an indictment formally charging the defendant.
Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public and the defendant is not present.

Arraignment:

Following indictment (for felonies) or formal charging (for misdemeanors), defendants appear for arraignment.
The charges are formally read, and defendants enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
For those pleading not guilty, the court schedules pretrial conferences and potentially a trial date.

Pretrial Proceedings:

Discovery phase where prosecution and defense exchange evidence.
Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
Plea negotiations may occur between defense counsel and prosecutors.

Trial:

Defendants have the right to a jury trial or may opt for a bench trial (judge only).
The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Trials follow formal procedures for evidence presentation, witness testimony, and legal arguments.

Sentencing:

Following a guilty plea or conviction, the court imposes a sentence.
Sentencing options may include incarceration, probation, fines, community service, or treatment programs.
Victims may have the opportunity to provide impact statements.

Post-Conviction:

Defendants have the right to appeal convictions within 30 days.
Appeals are filed with the Fourth District Court of Appeals.

This process adheres to procedures established in the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure and relevant sections of the Ohio Revised Code.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Scioto County?

Arrest records in Scioto County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which governs records management for local government entities. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important criminal justice information while balancing administrative needs and public access rights.

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

Arrest reports and booking information are typically retained permanently by the Scioto County Sheriff's Office and local police departments.
Investigative records related to felony cases are generally maintained for 25 years after the case is closed.
Misdemeanor case records are typically retained for 5 years after the case is closed.
Juvenile arrest records are subject to different retention requirements and may be maintained until the individual reaches age 23 or longer for serious offenses.

Court Records Retention:

The Scioto County Clerk of Courts maintains felony case records permanently, including associated arrest information.
Misdemeanor case records are typically retained for 50 years after case disposition.
Traffic case records are generally maintained for 25 years.
Records of cases that have been sealed or expunged are maintained according to special protocols that restrict public access.

Digital Records:

Electronic arrest records maintained in law enforcement databases may be retained indefinitely.
The Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) and other state databases maintain arrest information according to state-level retention schedules.
Digital fingerprint records submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are maintained permanently.

Records Destruction Process:

Before any records can be destroyed, agencies must submit a Records Disposal Form (RC-3) to the Ohio History Connection for approval.
The Records Commission of Scioto County must authorize the destruction of records in accordance with approved retention schedules.
Even after physical records are destroyed, summary information may be maintained in databases or indices.

The Ohio Department of Administrative Services provides guidance on records retention through its Records Management program, which establishes minimum retention periods for various types of government records, including arrest records.

It is important to note that even if original arrest records are destroyed according to retention schedules, information about arrests may persist in court records, news archives, and third-party databases that aggregate public records.

How to Find Mugshots in Scioto County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Scioto County under Ohio law. The following information outlines what mugshots are and how they may be accessed:

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process after an arrest. These images typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile view (in some cases)
Booking information board showing the arrestee's name, booking number, and date

Where Mugshots Are Maintained:

Primary custodians of mugshots in Scioto County include:
- Scioto County Sheriff's Office
- Portsmouth Police Department
- New Boston Police Department
- Other municipal police departments within the county
Mugshots become part of an individual's arrest record and booking file.

Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking mugshots may utilize the following methods:

Direct Request to Law Enforcement:
- Submit a public records request to the arresting agency.
- Specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Pay any applicable fees for reproduction of the photograph.
Scioto County Sheriff's Office
612 6th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8261
Scioto County Sheriff's Office
Online Resources:
- The Scioto County Sheriff's Office website may publish current inmate mugshots as part of the jail roster.
- The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction maintains photographs of individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities.
Court Records:
- In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files if submitted as evidence.
- Visit the Scioto County Clerk of Courts to review case files that may contain mugshots.
Scioto County Clerk of Courts
602 7th Street, Room 105
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8208

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile mugshots are typically not public records under Ohio law.
Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld.
Mugshots associated with sealed or expunged records are not accessible to the public.
Recent legislation in Ohio has placed limitations on commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal.

When requesting mugshots, individuals should be aware that law enforcement agencies may require specific information to locate the records and may charge reasonable fees for reproduction costs as permitted under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1).

Lookup Arrest Records in Scioto County

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search

Portsmouth Police Department Records Division