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Kankakee County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kankakee County

Arrest records in Kankakee County are considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in 5 ILCS 140. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Illinois FOIA operates under the principle that government records should be available to the public to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3, each public body shall make available for inspection or copying all public records, except as otherwise provided in Section 7 of the Act.

It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

  • Arrest Records: Document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
  • Conviction Records: Document that an individual has been found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings.

Under Illinois law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7.

The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes them available in accordance with state law. Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain information if disclosure would interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings or endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel or any other person.

What's in Kankakee County Arrest Records

Kankakee County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Height and weight
  • Address at time of arrest
  • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Fingerprints
  • Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute or ordinance citations
  • Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
  • Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date of issuance
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking number
  • Date and time of booking
  • Facility where detained
  • Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
  • Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
  • Bond conditions

Court Information:

  • Court case number
  • Assigned court
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility where held
  • Release date (if applicable)
  • Release conditions (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation or parole status
  • Immigration holds
  • Medical alerts
  • Behavioral notes
  • Risk assessment scores

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's policies and the nature of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with Illinois records retention laws and the policies of the respective law enforcement agencies in Kankakee County.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kankakee County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kankakee County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests. Individuals may pursue the following options:

Submit a FOIA Request:

  1. Complete the official Freedom of Information Act request form provided by Kankakee County.
  2. Specify the exact records being requested, including names, dates, and any identifying information.
  3. Submit the completed form to the appropriate agency:

Kankakee County Sheriff's Office
3000 South Justice Way
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 802-7100
Kankakee County Sheriff's Office

Visit Records Divisions In Person:

  1. Proceed to the records division of the relevant law enforcement agency during public counter hours.
  2. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
  3. Complete any required request forms provided by the agency.
  4. Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.

Contact the Circuit Clerk's Office: For arrest records that have resulted in court cases:

Kankakee County Circuit Clerk
450 E. Court Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 936-5700
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Request Criminal History Information: For comprehensive criminal history information that includes arrests:

  1. Submit a formal request to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification.
  2. Provide fingerprints and required identification.
  3. Pay the established fee for record search and processing.

Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5160
Illinois State Police

Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, agencies must respond to requests within five business days, though extensions may apply for certain circumstances. Requestors should be prepared to pay reasonable fees for copying and certification of records as permitted under 5 ILCS 140/6.

How To Find Kankakee County Arrest Records Online

Kankakee County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. Members of the public may utilize these electronic methods to obtain information about arrests and incarcerations:

Kankakee County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup:

  1. Navigate to the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office official website.
  2. Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Roster" section.
  3. Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search fields.
  4. Review the results, which typically include current inmates and recent bookings.

Illinois Department of Corrections Offender Search: For individuals who have been transferred to state custody:

  1. Visit the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search portal.
  2. Enter the individual's name or Illinois Department of Corrections identification number.
  3. Review custody status, location, and projected release date information.

Kankakee County Circuit Clerk Case Information: For arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings:

  1. Access the Kankakee County Circuit Clerk's online case access system.
  2. Select the appropriate case type (criminal).
  3. Search by name, case number, or filing date.
  4. Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition.

Illinois State Police Criminal History Information: For official criminal history records that include arrests:

  1. Visit the Illinois State Police website.
  2. Navigate to the Criminal History Record Information section.
  3. Follow instructions for submitting an online request.
  4. Pay required fees via the secure payment portal.
  5. Receive results electronically or by mail as specified.

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest information, particularly for recent arrests or sealed/expunged records. Additionally, pursuant to Illinois law, certain identifying information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests while still providing public access to arrest data.

For the most comprehensive and current arrest record information, direct contact with the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office or submission of a formal FOIA request remains the most reliable method.

How To Search Kankakee County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Kankakee County arrest records without incurring fees through several established channels. The following methods provide cost-free options for obtaining arrest information:

Public Access Terminals:

  1. Visit the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office or the Kankakee County Courthouse during regular business hours.
  2. Request access to public computer terminals designated for record searches.
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to search for arrest records by name, date, or case number.
  4. View information on-screen at no charge (printing may incur fees).

Kankakee County Sheriff's Website:

  1. Navigate to the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office official website.
  2. Access the public inmate roster or recent booking information.
  3. Search by name to view current custody status and basic arrest information.
  4. This information is provided at no cost as a public service.

Online Court Records:

  1. Access the Kankakee County Circuit Clerk's public access system.
  2. Search criminal cases by defendant name.
  3. Review case information, including associated arrests and charges.
  4. Basic case information is available without fees (document copies may incur charges).

FOIA Requests:

  1. Submit a Freedom of Information Act request to the appropriate agency.
  2. Specify that you are requesting to inspect records rather than receive copies.
  3. Schedule an appointment to view the records in person.
  4. Under Illinois FOIA law, inspection of public records is free of charge.

Local Newspaper Archives:

  1. Visit the Kankakee Public Library.
  2. Access digital archives of local newspapers.
  3. Search for published arrest reports and police blotters.
  4. Library resources are available at no cost to library cardholders.

Kankakee Public Library
201 E. Merchant St.
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 939-4564
Kankakee Public Library

When utilizing free search methods, requestors should be aware that information may be limited compared to official record requests. Additionally, pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6(b), while inspection is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, certification, and for records requiring special computer programming.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Kankakee County

Illinois law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies are distinct and serve different purposes for individuals seeking to mitigate the impact of past arrests:

Expungement vs. Sealing:

  • Expungement: The physical destruction of records and removal from public indices. When a record is expunged, it is treated as if it never existed.
  • Sealing: Records remain intact but are removed from public view. Law enforcement and certain employers with legal authority may still access sealed records.

Eligibility for Expungement: Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

  • Arrests that did not lead to charges
  • Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
  • Certain non-conviction dispositions
  • Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
  • Certain probation completions after waiting periods

Eligibility for Sealing:

  • Most misdemeanor convictions
  • Certain felony convictions as specified by statute
  • Cases with successful completion of special probation programs
  • Cannabis offenses eligible under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act

Process for Expungement or Sealing in Kankakee County:

  1. Obtain Criminal History Transcript: Request a complete criminal history from the Kankakee County Circuit Clerk or the Illinois State Police.

  2. Determine Eligibility: Review records with legal counsel to determine eligibility under current Illinois law.

  3. Complete Required Forms:

    • Request for Expungement & Sealing form
    • Notice of Filing
    • Order for Expungement & Sealing

  4. File Petition with Circuit Clerk: Submit completed forms to:

    Kankakee County Circuit Clerk
    450 E. Court Street
    Kankakee, IL 60901
    (815) 936-5700
    Kankakee County Circuit Clerk

  5. Pay Filing Fees: Current filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals.

  6. Notification to Law Enforcement: The Clerk's Office will notify the Kankakee County State's Attorney, Kankakee County Sheriff's Office, arresting agency, and Illinois State Police.

  7. Attend Hearing (if required): If objections are filed, attend the scheduled court hearing to present your case.

  8. Implementation of Order: If granted, the court order will be sent to all relevant agencies for implementation.

Individuals should be aware that certain offenses are ineligible for expungement or sealing under Illinois law, including most violent felonies, sex offenses, and domestic violence convictions. Additionally, the process typically takes several months to complete, and success is not guaranteed.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process. The Prairie State Legal Services or the Kankakee County Bar Association may provide resources for those seeking legal guidance.

What Happens After Arrest in Kankakee County?

Following an arrest in Kankakee County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Illinois law. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition:

Initial Custody and Booking:

  1. Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility, typically the Kankakee County Jail.
  2. The booking process includes:
    • Photograph (mugshot)
    • Fingerprinting
    • Personal information collection
    • Property inventory
    • Medical screening
    • Criminal history check

Bond Determination:

  1. For most offenses, bond is set according to the Illinois Bond Schedule or at a bond hearing.
  2. Pursuant to the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act, which reformed the cash bail system, pretrial release decisions are based on public safety and flight risk rather than ability to pay.
  3. Release options may include:
    • Release on own recognizance
    • Electronic monitoring
    • Pretrial supervision
    • Detention for serious public safety concerns

Initial Court Appearance:

  1. Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
  2. Judge formally advises of charges
  3. Bond conditions are reviewed
  4. Public defender may be appointed if financially eligible
  5. Next court date is scheduled

Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury (Felonies):

  1. Preliminary hearing determines if probable cause exists to proceed with charges
  2. Alternatively, cases may proceed by grand jury indictment
  3. If probable cause is not found, charges are dismissed

Arraignment:

  1. Formal reading of charges
  2. Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
  3. Trial date may be set

Pretrial Proceedings:

  1. Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
  2. Pretrial motions (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
  3. Plea negotiations
  4. Status hearings to monitor case progress

Trial:

  1. Jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
  2. Prosecution presents evidence beyond reasonable doubt
  3. Defense presents its case
  4. Verdict rendered (guilty or not guilty)

Sentencing (if convicted):

  1. Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
  2. Sentencing hearing scheduled
  3. Judge imposes sentence based on:
    • Illinois sentencing guidelines
    • Aggravating and mitigating factors
    • Victim impact statements
    • Defendant's criminal history

Post-Conviction:

  1. Right to appeal within 30 days
  2. Possible transfer to Illinois Department of Corrections for prison sentences
  3. Probation supervision for community-based sentences
  4. Payment of fines, restitution, and court costs

Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. The Kankakee County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to those who cannot afford private counsel.

Case information becomes part of the public record maintained by the Kankakee County Circuit Clerk, though certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kankakee County?

Arrest records in Kankakee County are maintained according to the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205) and the retention schedules established by the Illinois State Records Commission. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.

Standard Retention Periods:

  • Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency. The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office and Kankakee City Police Department preserve these records indefinitely.

  • Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records: Retained for 75 years from the date of arrest pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/3.

  • Misdemeanor Case Files: Generally maintained for 5-10 years after case disposition, depending on the offense classification.

  • Felony Case Files: Retained for 25 years to permanently, depending on the severity of the offense and case outcome.

  • Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special handling under the Illinois Juvenile Court Act with different retention requirements.

  • Digital Records: Electronic arrest records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, though the storage medium differs.

Agency-Specific Retention Practices:

Different agencies within Kankakee County may maintain records for varying periods based on their specific record retention schedules:

Factors Affecting Retention:

Several factors may influence how long specific arrest records are maintained:

  • Severity of the alleged offense
  • Case disposition (conviction, acquittal, dismissal)
  • Subsequent legal actions (appeals, post-conviction proceedings)
  • Court orders for expungement or sealing
  • Special categories (e.g., sex offenses, domestic violence)

The retention of arrest records serves multiple public interests, including law enforcement needs, criminal justice administration, public safety, and historical documentation. However, as noted in the section on expungement and sealing, Illinois law provides mechanisms for limiting access to certain records after specified periods or under qualifying circumstances.

How to Find Mugshots in Kankakee County

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Kankakee County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:

  • Front-facing (frontal) view
  • Profile (side) view
  • Identifying information board or number
  • Date of booking

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Kankakee County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Kankakee County Sheriff's Office
3000 South Justice Way
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 802-7100
Kankakee County Sheriff's Office

Kankakee City Police Department
385 E. Oak Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 933-0426
Kankakee City Police Department

Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking access to booking photographs may utilize several methods:

  1. Submit a FOIA Request:

    • Complete a Freedom of Information Act request form
    • Specifically request "booking photograph" or "mugshot"
    • Provide identifying information of the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
    • Submit to the arresting agency's FOIA officer

  2. Visit the Arresting Agency:

    • Go to the records division during public counter hours
    • Complete any required request forms
    • Pay applicable fees for reproduction

  3. Check Court Records:

Can Mugshots Be Found Online: The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office does not currently publish a comprehensive online database of booking photographs for public searching. However, limited information may be available through:

  • Inmate roster on the Sheriff's Office website
  • Third-party websites that aggregate public records (not officially affiliated with Kankakee County)
  • Media outlets that may publish mugshots related to newsworthy arrests

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to booking photographs may be limited under certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile records are generally confidential under Illinois law
  • Ongoing investigations may result in temporary restrictions
  • Expunged or sealed records are not available to the public
  • Privacy exemptions under 5 ILCS 140/7 may apply in certain cases

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their publication and use may be subject to legal and ethical considerations. The Illinois Criminal Identification Act governs many aspects of criminal history information, including photographs.

Lookup Arrest Records in Kankakee County

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