Adams County Public Records / Adams County Arrest Records

Adams County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Adams County in 2026

AdamsINRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Adams County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, inmate rosters, warrant information, court case filings, and bond details. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not be complete or current.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Adams County Sheriff's Office, the Adams County Clerk of Court, local police departments, and online public access tools. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records, the legal framework governing access, and the procedures applicable under Indiana law.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Adams County Sheriff's Office public records portal provides access to arrest-related information maintained by the Sheriff's Office, including inmate rosters, warrant searches, and case file requests. Members of the public may use the inmate search tool to locate individuals currently or recently held at the Adams County Jail. The search function allows queries by name and returns available booking information including charges, booking number, and custody status. The inmate roster is updated on a regular basis, though real-time accuracy is not guaranteed. As noted on the Sheriff's Office website, "criminal justice records cannot be used for solicitation of business for monetary gain."

2. Local Police Departments

The Decatur Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Adams County. The department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within the City of Decatur's jurisdiction. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the department. Press releases and public notices regarding arrests may be issued through the department's official communications channels.

Decatur Police Department
360 N. Second St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-4444
Decatur Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Adams County are filed with the Adams County Clerk of Court and are accessible through the Adams County Courts portal maintained by the Indiana Judicial Branch. Members of the public may search by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. The Indiana Judicial Branch's public access system, mycase.in.gov, provides statewide case search functionality at no charge for basic case information.

Adams County Clerk of Court
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5300
Adams County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana State Police maintains the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS), which serves as the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public seeking a certified criminal history check may submit a request through the Indiana State Police criminal history records division. A fee applies for certified background checks. The state repository includes arrest and conviction data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide and is the authoritative source for Indiana criminal history information.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Adams County Sheriff's Office
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5353
Adams County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number
Copy fees apply per page; cash and check are accepted payment methods

Police Departments:

Decatur Police Department
360 N. Second St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-4444
Decatur Police Department

Records requests are accepted in person during business hours
Requestors should provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of incident
Per-page copy fees apply

Clerk of Court:

Adams County Clerk of Court
313 W. Jefferson St., Room 203
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5300
Adams County Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection during business hours
Certified copy fees are assessed per document; standard copy fees apply per page

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Adams County Sheriff's Office at 313 W. Jefferson St., Decatur, IN 46733. Each written request should include:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Adams County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the volume of pending requests and the complexity of the search. Requestors should allow a minimum of five to ten business days for a response.

By Phone:

Adams County Sheriff's Office: (260) 724-5353
Requestors should have available the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
Telephone inquiries yield limited information; staff may direct callers to the online inmate search or to submit an in-person or written request for detailed records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. In active criminal proceedings, discovery under the Indiana Rules of Criminal Procedure governs the exchange of arrest-related materials between the prosecution and defense.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Decatur Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Adams County

Arrest records in Adams County are public records subject to disclosure under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, codified at Ind. Code § 5-14-3. Under current law, records created by law enforcement agencies in the course of their official duties are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public. The Act reflects Indiana's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to monitor the conduct of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Arrest records serve multiple recognized public interests, including government accountability, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, academic research, background screening for employment and licensing, and use in legal proceedings. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act establishes that the default posture of government is openness, with specific and enumerated exceptions.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Indiana law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access pursuant to court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Indiana's public records framework is grounded in Article 1 of the Indiana Constitution, which affirms the right of the public to scrutinize the actions of government. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution further supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges do not result in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers and landlords using background check reports must comply with FCRA adverse action procedures. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain jurisdictions and employers have adopted fair chance hiring policies. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Adams County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public disclosures

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Adams County Sheriff's Office, Decatur Police Department, Indiana State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Indiana statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony level or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record disclosures
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Conditions of release, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned upon filing
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available through the Adams County Courts system

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Adams County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charge information. Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record and its availability depends on the custodial agency's records management practices.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted from public disclosures)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records document legal proceedings initiated after arrest and are maintained by the Clerk of Court
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including law enforcement, court, and state repository data

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Adams County?

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Adams County varies by record type and the office from which records are requested. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act at Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of copying. Standard fees currently applicable are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10 per page (standard rate)
Certified copies	Varies by office; typically $1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic records	No charge for inspection; nominal fee for reproduction
Search fee	Not permitted under Indiana law beyond actual cost
Inspection of records	No charge for in-person inspection

Accepted payment methods at the Adams County Sheriff's Office include cash and check
The Adams County Clerk of Court accepts cash, check, and credit card for copy fees
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in specific circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the custodial agency
Basic case information available through the Indiana Judicial Branch's online case search system is accessible at no charge
Certified criminal history checks through the Indiana State Police carry a fee established by the Indiana State Police; current fee schedules are posted on the Indiana State Police website

How To Delete Arrest Records in Adams County

Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for the legal removal or restriction of arrest records: expungement, which results in the sealing or restriction of records from public access, and sealing, which limits access to specific categories of records. Under Indiana's expungement statute, Ind. Code § 35-38-9, eligible individuals may petition the court to restrict public access to arrest records, charges that did not result in conviction, and certain conviction records.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement in Indiana results in the restriction of records from public access and directs agencies to treat the matter as if it did not occur for most purposes. Sealing refers to the court's order restricting access to specific records. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to expunged records for limited purposes, including subsequent criminal proceedings.

Cases Eligible for Expungement:

Arrests where no charges were filed
Charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Convictions for certain misdemeanors, after a waiting period of five years from the date of conviction
Convictions for certain Class D or Level 6 felonies, after a waiting period of eight years
More serious felony convictions may be eligible after longer waiting periods, subject to specific statutory criteria

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Confirm eligibility under Ind. Code § 35-38-9, including applicable waiting periods and the absence of disqualifying factors
Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record or court case from the Adams County Clerk of Court
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Adams County Circuit or Superior Court
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $157.00 for expungement petitions in Indiana courts, subject to change)
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition
If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to restrict public access to the records

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Adams County Circuit Court / Superior Court
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5300
Adams County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch

Adams County Prosecutor's Office
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5370

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Indiana attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Indiana State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service may assist in locating qualified counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Adams County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Adams County Jail, which is operated by the Adams County Sheriff's Office and located at 313 W. Jefferson St., Decatur, IN 46733. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene pending completion of initial investigative steps.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Adams County Jail, the booking process is initiated. Booking typically requires one to four hours depending on facility volume. The process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

Members of the public may access inmate services information through the Adams County Sheriff's Office website, including details on inmate funds, visitation, mail, and bond procedures.

3. First Appearance / Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer for an initial hearing within a reasonable time, and no later than 48 hours following a warrantless arrest. At the initial hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advisement

Initial hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or clerk. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on financial circumstances. The Adams County Public Defender's Office handles appointments for qualifying defendants.

Adams County Public Defender's Office
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5370

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

The Adams County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine probable cause, resulting in an indictment if the matter proceeds.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea. Court dates for pretrial proceedings are set at arraignment.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase involves discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court, mental health court, or veterans court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to several months
Felony cases: resolved within several months to over one year
Indiana's constitutional speedy trial provisions require trial within one year of arrest for most offenses

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Adams County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5353
Adams County Sheriff's Office

Adams County Clerk of Court
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5300
Adams County Courts

Adams County Prosecutor's Office
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5370

Adams County Public Defender's Office
313 W. Jefferson St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5370

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent, stated politely
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends to assist with bond
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Adams County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Adams County is governed by Indiana law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The Indiana Public Records Act and associated administrative rules establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records prior to the expiration of the applicable retention period.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and Indiana State Police criminal history repository
Submitted to the FBI's Interstate Identification Index and retained at the federal level

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of ten years
State repository retains records permanently

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
Court records retained permanently unless expunged
State repository retains records unless updated following expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Court records retained permanently unless sealed or expunged
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
May be eligible for expungement under Ind. Code § 35-38-9

Charges Not Filed / No Information:

Booking records retained for a minimum of three years
Eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained permanently in most cases. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Adams County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: minimum five years
Arrest reports: minimum five years
Investigative files: varies by case outcome and offense classification
Contact: (260) 724-5353

Adams County Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: permanent
Misdemeanor case files: minimum ten years
Traffic cases: minimum five years
Electronic records: permanent

Indiana State Police Criminal History Repository:

Retains arrest and conviction data submitted by all Indiana law enforcement agencies
Retention is permanent for conviction records
Non-conviction records may be updated or restricted following expungement

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention is permanent for most records
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all applicable databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement. Expungement directs local agencies and the state repository to restrict public access, but the FBI database may retain records with a notation reflecting the expungement. Records for which no charges were filed have the shortest retention period and may be eligible for immediate expungement in certain circumstances.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681), consumer reporting agencies are prohibited from reporting arrests that did not result in conviction after seven years from the date of the arrest for most employment purposes. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period beyond federal requirements for most private-sector background checks. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party commercial databases, which are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following a court order.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Adams County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (260) 724-5353 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request submitted under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act may be required. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.