Wichita Arrest Records

Following Kansas law, an officer may arrest when a misdemeanor warrant is issued or there is probable cause to believe a misdemeanor has been committed (K.S.A. 22-2401). This policy applies to arrests made by the Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement officers. Individuals in detention or under arrest in Wichita are kept in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, where the process into the jail's system begins. This process involves recording personal information and taking fingerprints using a live-scan system, which is then submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). In Wichita, these arrest files are found in various databases such as criminal history records, jail rosters, prosecution dockets, and Sedgwick County Arrest Records.

Are Wichita Arrests Public Record?

Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) (K.S.A. 45-215, et. seq.), the public can inspect arrest reports in Wichita, Sedgwick County. However, the law also recognizes that certain records are not open to the public for protection purposes, of which disclosure (K.S.A 45-221) could:

• Reveal criminal investigation privilege information
• Interfere with any prospective law enforcement action, criminal investigation, or prosecution
• Expose medical lab reports or treatment details
• Identify an undercover agent or any informant of a criminal case.

While arrest records are seemingly public, certain information may be withheld unless the requester has a direct and tangible interest (subject of the record or legal representative) or legitimate need for the information. Furthermore, a criminal justice agency and the central repository may not disseminate criminal history record information except in strict accordance with laws (K.S.A 22-4707). Requesters will be required to submit proof of relationship or any legal documentation to verify the claim.

Wichita Crime Rate

The Wichita Police Department, Records Bureau presented a recent Crime Statistics showing a decline in Part I crimes (violent and property crimes) throughout the month of June, 2025. Notable declines from the Police department's violent crime report include homicide (35%), rapes (21%), and robberies (19%). From the property crime report, a decline was noted in larceny (16%), burglary (15%), and auto thefts (11%).

Compared to the same period in the last two years, 2025 crime data shows a more consistent decline across nearly all major crime categories. The largest drop in homicides (35%) means that intervention programs targeting violence are having a major impact in Wichita. If the crime rate for robberies, rapes, and larcenies further declines in the next few months, 2025 will mark Wichita's best overall crime drop through the end of the year.

Find Wichita Arrest Records

Individuals can search for Wichita arrest records in person or online at different agencies and locations. To search for arrest records at the city level, the requester may visit the Wichita Police Department Records Bureau in person.

According to the Kansas Open Records Act, the public can submit a written request for copies of documents related to the Wichita Police Department through the Records Bureau. The Records Bureau is available for in-person requests from Monday through Friday (8 AM - 5 PM) and by phone at (316) 268-4186.

The Wichita Police Department also provides a NextRequest portal for individuals to file an online request in writing for arrest records. Each staff time request may cost about $6 per 15 minutes, or the individual may request a waiver. For the complete list of charges, visit the Fee Schedule Ordinance (Chapter 2.77 of the City Code).

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office also maintains an inmate search database of individuals currently in custody at the county jail. To complete a search for inmate record information, provide the inmate's first and last name. The results may include the booking number, charges filed, facility location, and custody status.

Alternatively, inquirers may visit the Sedgwick County Detention Facility in person at 141 W Elm St, Wichita, KS 67203, or by phone at (316) 660-3960.

Free Arrest Record Search in Wichita

The cost-free options for searching for free arrest records in Wichita include:

• The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal
• Kansas District Court Public Access Portal to search court cases in the eCourt system
• WPD Arrest Reports: a daily report on arrests and bookings in Wichita

Third-party aggregators provide arrest information based on data from court databases, jail rosters, and police logs. While these sites offer convenience, users may experience delayed updates. Moreover, some sites advertise free searches but restrict record views behind a paywall.

Criminal Background Check in Kansas

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is responsible for name and fingerprint-based criminal history record checks for non-criminal justice purposes. However, employers, landlords, or licensing agencies can only request a person's criminal history or rap sheet with written authorization from the subject of the background check (K.S.A. 75-712j). On the other hand, individuals can always conduct a criminal history check using any of the methods below:

• Fingerprint-based checks:

A standard method of submitting fingerprints is the traditional method in which "inked and rolled" fingerprints on a cardboard fingerprint card are mailed to the KBI for processing. The current process is the electronic capture of fingerprints on a machine known as a live-scan device. This method will require the individual to submit and record fingerprints on the current version of the FBI's Applicant Fingerprint Card, FD Form 258. To receive FBI fingerprint cards for submission of prints to the Kansas Central Repository, mail request to Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

• Name-based checks:

This method requires users to create a KanAccess account and log in through the criminal history record search page. Enter the subject's first name, last name, and DOB or SSN.

Alternatively, the requester can print, complete, and mail a copy of the Certified Record Check Request Form and proper payment to the KBI. The fingerprint card is a means of identification and should also be included.

Both record checks are fee-based, with name-based checks costing $40.00 per individual and fingerprint-based checks costing $55.00 per individual.

Wichita Inmate Search

The Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER), through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), allows individuals to search for information on inmates serving sentences in Wichita (K.S.A. 45-221). KASPER provides information about offenders sentenced to the custody of the Secretary of Corrections. Users may conduct a search using the offender's full names and KDOC number. An advanced search will require further information such as SSN, state ID, race, gender, birth date, conviction county, and inmate facility.

Wichita Police Record Lookup

The Central Records Unit, through the Wichita Police Department Records Bureau, provides copies of incident reports and maintains the integrity of police records in accordance with the law.

• Visit the Records Bureau in person to retrieve police related documents from 8 AM - 5 PM (Monday to Friday)
• Submit a filled-out Open Records Request Form provided online or a preferred form such as a letter or email.

Most police records are made available within three business days of receiving the request.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Wichita?

Although an arrest becomes part of an arrest record immediately after the booking process, the arrest record can remain on a person's record indefinitely. The Wichita Police Department may retain any of its records beyond the retention periods set as necessary. Moreover, the period of an arrest record may last depending on whether the record is expunged or sealed by a court order.

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free in Wichita?

An individual may qualify for expungement for arrest or conviction under the following conditions:

• Arrested but not charged
• Charges were dismissed
• Found not guilty
• No pending charges during the waiting period.

The petitioner can download and fill out the necessary forms, including the Motion and Order for Expungement of Arrest Records from the Wichita Municipal Court.

After completing the necessary documents, provide the requested information in the order listed. A separate petition, affidavit, and order must be completed for each case to be expunged before submitting it to the Office of the District Attorney. Once the required records check has been completed and an attorney has reviewed the facts of the case and criminal history, a decision will be made. The individual can then file the petition, affidavit, and order with the Sedgwick County District Court Clerk at 525 North Main Street, Wichita.

An expungement filing fee is usually $195, but individuals who cannot afford this can attach an Affidavit of Indigency to request a fee waiver. Upon request, the judge will review the requester's financial situation to decide whether to waive the fee. After the expungement order is issued, filing a petition to receive a court ruling may take up to 8 to 12 weeks or more.

Wichita Warrant Search

An arrest warrant is a warrant authorized by a Municipal Court Judge for a defendant's immediate arrest. On the other hand, a Municipal Court Judge authorizes a bench warrant for a defendant's failure to appear in court or comply with a citation. Interested persons can check for the status of any warrants through the Sheriff's Office Warrant Search tool and at the Wichita Municipal Courthouse. However, persons who appear at the court to make in-person requests may risk an immediate arrest.

Do Wichita Warrants Expire?

No. Wichita warrants do not expire and will remain active until they are executed by law enforcement, canceled by a court judge, or resolved through the defendant's death.