Crawford County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Crawford County in 2026
CrawfordCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Crawford County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and associated court case numbers. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Crawford County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office provides current inmate information including charges, bond amounts, and custody status. Records are updated on a regular basis as bookings and releases occur.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Pittsburg Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Crawford County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the Pittsburg Police Department. Members of the public may also submit public records requests directly to the department for specific arrest information.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Crawford County District Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records through the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal, which allows name-based searches to locate court cases associated with an arrest. Case numbers, charge information, and hearing dates are available through this system.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. A fee applies for non-fingerprint-based name searches. The repository includes arrest and disposition information submitted by law enforcement agencies across the state.
In-Person Access:
Crawford County Sheriff's Office 502 N. Locust St. Girard, KS 66743 Phone: (620) 724-8003 Crawford County Sheriff's Office
Records division staff are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Members of the public requesting copies of arrest records should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Standard copy fees apply per page.
Pittsburg Police Department 112 W. 4th St. Pittsburg, KS 66762 Phone: (620) 231-1700 Pittsburg Police Department
Records requests may be submitted in person at the records division window. Staff will advise on applicable fees and processing timelines at the time of the request.
Crawford County District Court – Clerk of Court 602 N. Locust St. Girard, KS 66743 Phone: (620) 724-6115 Kansas Judicial Branch – Crawford County
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular court business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Kansas court fee schedules.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Crawford County Sheriff's Office at 502 N. Locust St., Girard, KS 66743. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Crawford County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (620) 724-8003 for general inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court rules and protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Pittsburg PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Crawford County
Arrest records in Crawford County are public records under Kansas law. Pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq., all public records are open for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records fall within the category of public records maintained by law enforcement agencies and are accessible to members of the public, media organizations, researchers, and legal professionals.
The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests, including government transparency and accountability, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at 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:
Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Kansas law. These include juvenile arrest records, which are protected under K.S.A. § 38-2361, expunged arrest records removed from public access by court order, sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality, information related to active investigations, identities of undercover officers and confidential informants, and victim identifying information in applicable cases.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media and journalism organizations
- 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 and policy researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Kansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may implicate state and federal anti-discrimination provisions.
What's in Crawford County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- 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 such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Pittsburg PD, Kansas Highway Patrol, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (where available)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Kansas statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time where applicable
- Conditions of release where made public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted per standard practice)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not typically included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings occurring after the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Crawford County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Crawford County varies by agency and record type. Under Kansas law, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:
| Record Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy | $1.50–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| In-person inspection | No charge for inspection |
| KBI criminal history name search | $20.00 per request |
Inspection of public records at the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. The Crawford County District Court assesses copy fees in accordance with the Kansas Supreme Court fee schedule. The KBI charges a standard fee for name-based criminal history searches submitted by members of the public.
Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific agency prior to submitting a request.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated. Requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing to the applicable agency with supporting documentation.
Online inspection of records through the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal is available at no charge for basic case information.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Crawford County
In Kansas, the legal mechanism for removing arrest records from public access is expungement, which refers to the sealing of records from public inspection rather than physical destruction in all cases. Sealing restricts public access while allowing law enforcement and certain authorized agencies to retain access. Expungement in Kansas is governed by K.S.A. § 21-6614, which establishes eligibility criteria and waiting periods based on the nature of the offense and the outcome of the case.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests where no charges were filed: Eligible immediately or after a short waiting period
- Dismissed charges: Eligible after the case is dismissed
- Acquittals (not guilty verdicts): Eligible after the verdict is entered
- Misdemeanor convictions: Eligible after three to five years following discharge from supervision, depending on the offense
- Felony convictions: Eligible after five years following discharge from supervision for most offenses; certain serious felonies are not eligible
Offenses Not Eligible for Expungement:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Rape and certain sexual offenses
- Crimes against children
- DUI convictions (limited eligibility)
- Certain other serious violent offenses as specified by statute
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and time elapsed since discharge
- Obtain the case number from the Crawford County District Court
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Crawford County District Court, 602 N. Locust St., Girard, KS 66743
- Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $195 in Kansas district courts)
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office and any relevant law enforcement agencies
- Attend the scheduled hearing before a district court judge
- If granted, the court issues an order of expungement directing all named agencies to seal the records
Effect of Expungement:
Upon entry of an expungement order, the arrest and associated court records are sealed from public inspection. The subject of the expunged record may lawfully state that no such arrest or conviction occurred in most contexts. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain licensing bodies retain access to sealed records for authorized purposes.
Crawford County District Court – Clerk of Court 602 N. Locust St. Girard, KS 66743 Phone: (620) 724-6115 Kansas Judicial Branch – Crawford County
Kansas Legal Services (Assistance for Eligible Individuals) 712 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200 Topeka, KS 66603 Phone: (785) 233-2068 Kansas Legal Services
What Happens After Arrest in Crawford County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Crawford County, the arrested individual is transported to the Crawford County Jail located at 502 N. Locust St., Girard, KS 66743. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Crawford County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Kansas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or district court judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 72 hours after arrest absent extraordinary circumstances. The first appearance serves to formally notify the defendant of the charges, determine bond or bail, advise the defendant of the right to counsel, and appoint a public defender if the defendant is determined to be indigent. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees. Bond amounts are set by the presiding judge or magistrate based on the nature of the charges and the defendant's history.
Surety Bond: The defendant may engage a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the total bond amount in Kansas. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: Certain defendants are held without bond. Grounds for no-bond detention include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration detainers, or the existence of out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
Conditions imposed upon release may include regular check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, mandatory drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically takes between one and eight hours. The defendant receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If Bond Is Not Posted: The defendant remains in custody at the Crawford County Jail pending further court proceedings. Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and explanation of phone and visitation privileges are completed during this period.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Crawford County Public Defender's Office 602 N. Locust St. Girard, KS 66743 Phone: (620) 724-6115 Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services
Eligibility for public defender services is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for appointed counsel retain the right to hire private counsel. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Crawford County Jail under confidential attorney-client visitation protocols.
Charging Decision:
The Crawford County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the prosecutor may proceed by Information or, in certain cases, present the matter to a grand jury. The charging decision is made within the timeframe established by Kansas speedy trial provisions.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all pretrial rights. Additional court dates are set at this proceeding.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase: The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to assess case status and explore resolution.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed charges with a recommended or agreed sentence
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial; the prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose a combination of incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment requirements. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks depending on case complexity
- Arraignment to resolution: Several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Kansas Constitution and applicable statutes
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:
Crawford County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 502 N. Locust St. Girard, KS 66743 Phone: (620) 724-8003 Crawford County Sheriff's Office
Crawford County District Court – Clerk of Court 602 N. Locust St. Girard, KS 66743 Phone: (620) 724-6115 Kansas Judicial Branch – Crawford County
Crawford County Attorney's Office 602 N. Locust St. Girard, KS 66743 Phone: (620) 724-6115 Crawford County, Kansas
Crawford County Public Defender 602 N. Locust St. Girard, KS 66743 Phone: (620) 724-6115 Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Crawford County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Crawford County is governed by Kansas law and the policies of the Kansas State Historical Society records retention schedules applicable to local government agencies. The Kansas State Historical Society publishes retention schedules that establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Agencies may retain records longer than the minimum period at their discretion.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records associated with felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form part of the subject's permanent criminal history.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and the KBI repository. Local law enforcement agency records are retained for a minimum period established by the applicable retention schedule, which is at present a minimum of five years for most misdemeanor arrest records.
Dismissed Charges: Records of arrests resulting in dismissed charges are retained by local law enforcement for a minimum period and may remain in state and court databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Court records of dismissed cases are retained permanently in the electronic case management system.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in not guilty verdicts are retained in court records permanently. Local law enforcement records are retained per the applicable schedule. These records may be sealed or expunged upon petition.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a minimum period by the Sheriff's Office. These records are among the most eligible for expungement under Kansas law.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the applicable records 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:
Crawford County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years for non-conviction arrests and permanently for conviction-related records. The records division may be contacted at (620) 724-8003.
Pittsburg Police Department: Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the Kansas retention schedule applicable to municipal law enforcement agencies. The department may be contacted at (620) 231-1700.
Crawford County District Court – Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Electronic records are retained permanently in the court's case management system.
Kansas Bureau of Investigation: The KBI maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest and disposition records submitted by all Kansas law enforcement agencies. Records are retained in accordance with state policy and are accessible through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation criminal history records system.
FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and for firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may result in the record remaining in databases unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs local agencies and the KBI to seal the record, though the FBI database may retain a notation of the record with restricted access. Records of arrests where no charges were filed have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum period.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Kansas does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute for most private employment purposes. Expunged records are not reportable on standard background checks following the entry of the expungement order.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Crawford County Sheriff's Records Division at (620) 724-8003 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.