Boise Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Boise, Idaho?
Arrest records are public in Boise, Idaho, pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102, which establishes the right of citizens to examine and copy public records. The Idaho Public Records Act mandates that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. This transparency requirement applies to records maintained by the Boise Police Department, Ada County Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement agencies operating within Boise city limits.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal functions:
- Promotes accountability in law enforcement operations
- Enables citizens to monitor the administration of justice
- Facilitates background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Provides statistical data for policy analysis and development
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-105, which provides exemptions for information that would compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informants, or violate privacy rights protected by state or federal law.
How to Look Up Boise Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Boise have several official channels through which such information may be obtained. The following methods are available for accessing arrest record information:
Online Public Access Systems: The Ada County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital records portal where recent booking information and arrest data can be accessed. This system is updated regularly and provides basic arrest information including charges, booking dates, and case status.
Boise Police Department Records Division: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the Boise Police Department headquarters. Boise Police Department 333 N. Mark Stall Place Boise, ID 83704 (208) 377-6790 Boise Police Department Official Website Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ada County Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be obtained from the county clerk. Ada County Courthouse 200 W. Front Street Boise, ID 83702 (208) 287-6900 Ada County Clerk of the Court Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification: For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest records from multiple jurisdictions within Idaho. Idaho State Police 700 S. Stratford Drive Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 884-7130 Idaho State Police Criminal History Unit Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102(4), written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency. Requests must reasonably identify the record sought and may require payment of applicable fees.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to complete a formal records request form. Fees for record retrieval and copying are established in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-102(10) and vary by agency.
Contents of a Boise Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Boise law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Idaho Code § 67-3001. The following elements are commonly included in official arrest documentation:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Idaho Code or Boise City Code for which the individual was arrested
- Case Identifiers: Booking number, case number, and other administrative identifiers
- Biometric Data: Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) collected during the booking process
- Custody Status: Information regarding bail, bond amounts, or release conditions
- Preliminary Hearing Information: Date and time of initial court appearance, if applicable
- Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions, if relevant to the current case
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited in accordance with privacy protections established under Idaho Code § 74-105. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, medical information, and details pertaining to minors, is typically redacted from public versions of arrest records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Boise
Idaho law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-3004, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest information in cases where:
- The arrest did not lead to a charging document being filed with the court
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted of all charges
- The conviction has been vacated or set aside by court order
- The individual has received a pardon
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred. For arrests in Boise, petitions are filed with the Ada County District Court. The petition must include:
- Complete identification information of the petitioner
- Date and location of the arrest
- Law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest
- Charges for which the person was arrested
- Final disposition of the case
- Certified copies of relevant court documents
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. The prosecuting attorney and arresting agency must be notified and given opportunity to object. If the court grants the petition, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge the records.
It should be noted that expungement in Idaho does not physically destroy records but rather seals them from public view. Certain government agencies, particularly law enforcement and licensing boards, may retain access to expunged records for official purposes as permitted by Idaho Code § 67-3004(10).
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