>Kootenai County Arrest Records Online

Kootenai County, Idaho Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kootenai County, Idaho?

Arrest records are public in Kootenai County, Idaho, pursuant to the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Idaho Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability to the citizenry by ensuring access to public records, including those pertaining to arrests made within Kootenai County jurisdictions.

Members of the public may inspect and copy arrest records maintained by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-105, which provides exemptions for records that would interfere with enforcement proceedings, deprive a person of a right to a fair trial, constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, or disclose the identity of a confidential source.

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
5500 N Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
(208) 446-1300
Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Kootenai County?

Arrest records can be accessed online through various official Kootenai County platforms. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office maintains several digital resources that provide public access to arrest information. These online resources include the Daily Press Log, which documents recent arrests, and the Current Inmate List, which provides information on individuals currently in custody.

The Kootenai County District Court also maintains an online portal where case information related to arrests may be accessed. This system allows users to search for court cases by name, case number, or other identifiers. Additionally, the Active Wanted Persons report is published regularly online, listing individuals with outstanding warrants in Kootenai County.

Online access to these records is provided in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-102, which states that public records must be available for inspection and copying during regular office hours. The provision of online access extends this availability beyond physical office hours, enhancing public accessibility to these records.

How to Look Up Kootenai County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Kootenai County arrest records, multiple methods are available to members of the public:

Online Resources: The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office website provides access to current inmate information, daily booking reports, and active warrant listings.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit formal requests for arrest records at the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Written Requests: Public records requests may be submitted in writing to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest.
Idaho State Police: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may contact the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification for fingerprint-based background checks.
Court Records: The Kootenai County District Court maintains records of criminal proceedings that may contain information about arrests. These records can be accessed at the courthouse or through the Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository.

Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102(1), agencies may establish fees for copying records, not exceeding actual labor and copying costs. Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies of arrest records.

Contents of a Kootenai County Arrest Record

Kootenai County arrest records typically contain the following information as mandated by Idaho Code § 67-3004:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date and time of the arrest
Location where the arrest occurred
Specific charges filed, including Idaho Code citations
Arresting agency and officer information
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records
Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Residence address (may be partially redacted)
Booking number and facility information
Bail or bond amount, if applicable
Court appearance dates
Case disposition information, if available

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-105, particularly information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation. Such redactions typically include Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information.

The Idaho Department of Correction maintains records of individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction, which may include information related to the original arrest.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Kootenai County

In Kootenai County, expungement of arrest records is governed by Idaho Code § 67-3004(10). Under this statute, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances:

Cases where charges were dismissed
Acquittals following trial
Arrests made without charges being filed
Successful completion of diversion programs
Juvenile records (subject to separate provisions under Idaho Code § 20-525A)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Kootenai County District Court. Petitioners must demonstrate eligibility under the applicable statutes and may need to attend a hearing before a judge. If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the arrest records from public view.

It is important to note that even after expungement, certain government agencies, particularly law enforcement and licensing boards, may retain access to the sealed records for specific purposes as authorized by Idaho Code § 67-3004(10)(d).

The Idaho Background Check Unit maintains information about criminal history records and can provide guidance on the impact of expungement on background checks for employment or licensing purposes.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Kootenai County

Arrest records in Kootenai County may be legally utilized for various purposes as permitted under Idaho law:

Employment Screening: Certain employers, particularly those in education, healthcare, and public safety, may review arrest records as part of pre-employment background checks in accordance with the Kootenai County hiring process.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records when evaluating rental applications, subject to fair housing laws.
Professional Licensing: State licensing boards may consider arrest records when evaluating applications for professional licenses, particularly in fields requiring public trust.
Firearm Purchases: Federal and state laws require background checks for firearm purchases, which include review of arrest records.
Immigration Proceedings: Federal immigration authorities may review arrest records when making determinations about immigration status or deportation proceedings.
Child Custody Cases: Family courts may consider arrest records when making determinations about child custody and visitation rights.
Volunteer Screening: Organizations working with vulnerable populations may review arrest records when screening volunteers.

It should be noted that pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-3008, the use of criminal history information is restricted to purposes authorized by law. Unauthorized access or use of arrest records may result in civil or criminal penalties. Additionally, the Idaho Human Rights Commission provides guidance on the appropriate use of arrest records in employment decisions to prevent discrimination.

Search Arrest Records in Kootenai County

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