Sumner County Arrest Records

In Sumner County, Kansas, arrests occur when law enforcement officers have legal grounds to take individuals into custody. The offense may be minor, like an infraction or misdemeanor, or more serious, like a felony.

Once an arrest is made, a record is created. The Sumner County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency handles such records. These documents typically detail the arrestee's name, the arrest date, the offense, and the arresting agency.

Arrest records are not confined to the arresting agency's database. They often become part of a broader criminal justice system. For example, once charges are filed, information from the arrest may appear in Sumner County court records. Arrest information might also be added to a person's criminal history report, which is managed at the state level by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). Prosecutors, like those in the district attorney's office, also use arrest records as part of building a case. These records are also used to analyze data and measure crime rates and arrest statistics.

Are Arrest Records Public in Sumner County?

Yes, Sumner County arrest records are public per the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). However, these provisions are not absolute, and some records may be exempt from public disclosure. These records include Criminal investigation records (K.S.A. 45-221), medical records, and juvenile arrest records.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

A standard public arrest record usually includes:

• Full legal name of the arrestee
• Booking (intake) number assigned by the jail or detention facility
• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency (department and jurisdiction)
• Charges filed—statutory citation and brief description
• Bond or bail amount (if one has been set)
• Warrant number (when the arrest was warrant-based)
• Demographic details: age, sex, and race of the arrestee

Sumner County Arrest Statistics

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) 2021 report shows that about 295 adult arrests occurred in Sumner County. The three top crimes committed by the arrestees are simple battery (66), drug offense (52), and theft (45). That same year, there were 42 juvenile arrests, with aggravated battery, intimidation, and simple battery being the most common offenses.

Find Sumner County Arrest Records

Record seekers can find Sumner County arrest records at the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC). The easiest way to find these records is online through the KDOC Offender Search portal. A search can be conducted using a name or KDOC number. Anyone who needs copies of Sumner County arrest records can visit any KDOC facility during business hours to submit their requests.

Sumner County arrest records can also be found at federal law enforcement agencies. Most agencies have online portals and facilities nationwide where individuals can view arrest information without charges. For example, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues arrest records online through the Inmate Locator and in person at their facilities. Online requesters will need a name (first name, middle name, last name, age, race, or sex) or number (BOP register number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number).

Free Arrest Record Search in Sumner County

Individuals can find free arrest records on the Sumner County Sheriff's Office website. They can click the "AGENCY DATA" menu at the top bar and select "JAIL ROSTER" from the drop-down menu. Users can use a name or a booking number to conduct a search. They can also scroll through the inmate list to access desired records.

Alternatively, record seekers can access arrest records through third-party websites. Most of these platforms return basic arrest information for free. However, users needing detailed arrest reports or copies of arrest records must pay a small fee.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Kansas—including Sumner County—an arrest entry remains in the state criminal history system forever. It is not automatically erased or "aged off". The only meaningful way to keep most people from seeing it is through court-ordered expungement.

Arrest data is stored indefinitely by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and local law enforcement agencies. Anyone who runs a standard background check can see it unless you obtain relief. When a judge grants expungement, the record is removed from public databases and sealed. Afterward, it can be viewed only by criminal justice agencies or by someone who secures a specific court order. Expungement does not destroy every trace of the event. Internal law-enforcement files and certain federal indexes (e.g., FBI databases) generally remain intact, but they are shielded from routine public background checks.

Expunge Sumner County Arrest Records

Anyone who wants their arrest records expunged in Sumner County must meet the criteria set out in K.S.A. 12-4516, K.S.A. 21-6614, K.S.A. 22-2410, and K.S.A. 38-2312. To expunge arrest records, eligible individuals must complete a Criminal Cover Sheet and a Petition for Expungement of Arrest Record and file them with the Sumner County District Court. The Clerk charges a filing fee, which can be waived for petitioners whose arrest was due to identity theft or whose charges were dismissed. The petitioner must also file a completed original Notice of Hearing and two additional copies with the District Court. The Clerk will send a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the Sumner County Attorney and the arresting law enforcement agency. Petitioners must attend the hearing with a completed Order of Expungement of Arrest Record Cover Sheet, Order for Expungement of Arrest Record, and Order Denying Expungement of Arrest Record. The judge will sign the Order for Expungement of Arrest Record if the expungement is approved. A copy of the order will be mailed to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The KBI takes two to four weeks to process expungement and update the petitioner's criminal history record. It will notify relevant agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), and other Kansas law enforcement agencies about the expungement.

Sumner County Arrest Warrants

According to KS Stat § 22-2302, a magistrate will issue an arrest warrant when a complaint, affidavit, or sworn testimony reveals probable cause to believe a defendant has committed a crime. The magistrate will sign the arrest warrant and ensure it contains the following information: KS Stat § 22-2304:

• The defendant's name or any name or description that would help identify the defendant
• A description of the charged crime or offense
• A command to arrest the defendant and bring them before the issuing magistrate
• The bond amount

Per KS Stat § 22-2305, arrest warrants can be executed by a law enforcement officer and served anywhere in Kansas. Officers do not need to have the warrant in their possession during the arrest, but will have to show it to the defendant as soon as possible. If the warrant is not with the officer during the arrest, the officer will have to inform the defendant of the charged offense and that a warrant has been issued against them. After executing the warrant, the officer must return it to the magistrate before the defendant is brought.

Do Sumner County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants do not expire in Sumner County. They remain active till the arrest of the defendant. However, an unexecuted arrest warrant returned to the magistrate can be canceled upon the request of the prosecuting attorney.