Ouachita County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Ouachita County in 2026
OuachitaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Ouachita County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find booking details, custody status, charge information, and court case data through official government portals and third-party aggregators. Available record categories include jail rosters, booking photographs, criminal court filings, bond information, and inmate custody status. Records reflect what law enforcement and court agencies have made available and may not represent complete criminal histories.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following resources are currently available for conducting arrest record searches in Ouachita County:
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Ouachita County Sheriff's Department maintains the primary jail roster for individuals booked into the county detention facility. The detention inmate roster is accessible online and displays current custody information. Members of the public may also access the jail intake and release log, which reflects booking and release activity within the last 72 hours. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking number, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as new bookings and releases occur.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Camden Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Ouachita County. Arrest information originating from city police activity may appear on the county jail roster once the individual is transferred to the Ouachita County Detention Center. Press releases and public notices regarding significant arrests are periodically published through official agency channels.
Camden Police Department
142 Adams Ave SW
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 836-5765
City of Camden
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Ouachita County are accessible through the Arkansas Judiciary case search portal. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This system covers circuit court and district court records and is maintained by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts.
Ouachita County Circuit Clerk
145 Jefferson St SW
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 837-2220
Arkansas Judiciary
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search allows members of the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities. This database includes individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to state prison. Searches may be conducted by name, ADC number, or other identifying information. The ADC database does not include individuals held at the county jail level who have not yet been transferred to state custody. No fee is charged for online searches through the ADC portal.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 301 S. Jefferson St., Camden, AR 71701
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (870) 837-2323
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case number
- Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard paper copies; certification fees may apply
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 145 Jefferson St SW, Camden, AR 71701
- Criminal records division handles court case file requests
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (870) 837-2220
- Case file inspection is available during regular business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are $5.00 per document
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office at 301 S. Jefferson St., Camden, AR 71701. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.
By Phone:
The Ouachita County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (870) 837-2323 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed record copies are not available by phone and require an in-person visit or written request. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures in pending criminal cases. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process governed by the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.
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, Camden Police, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Ouachita County
Arrest records in Ouachita County are public records under Arkansas law. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-101 et seq., establishes the right of the public to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records fall within the definition of public records subject to disclosure, reflecting the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability.
Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
- Public safety awareness within communities
- Support for journalism, academic research, and investigative reporting
- Pre-employment and tenant background screening
- Legal proceedings, including civil litigation and criminal defense
- Licensing and regulatory compliance by state and professional agencies
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and any 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:
Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Arkansas law and applicable federal statutes:
- Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-309
- Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
- Identities of undercover law enforcement officers
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- State and professional licensing agencies
- Background check and consumer reporting companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and landlords who use arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which governs permissible purposes and adverse action procedures. Under the FCRA, arrests without conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies after seven years. Arkansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest record does not establish guilt and should not be treated as evidence of criminal conduct.
What's in Ouachita County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office and associated agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the custody period.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- 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, Camden Police Department, Arkansas State Police, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
- Arkansas statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Inventory of personal property collected at intake
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, if applicable
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Conditions of release, if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or District Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available at time of record creation
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 or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted under state and federal law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Ouachita County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply when copies are requested. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for reproduction of public records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified court document copies | $5.00 per document |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies by agency |
| Search fee | No charge for standard searches |
| Booking photograph (mugshot) | No charge for inspection; copy fees may apply |
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office. The Circuit Clerk's office accepts cash and check. Fee waivers are not formally established by statute for routine public records requests, though indigent individuals involved in their own criminal proceedings may obtain copies through the court at reduced or no cost as part of the legal process. The Arkansas ADC inmate search and the Arkansas Judiciary case search portal are available online at no charge to the public.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Ouachita County
Arkansas law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the arrest record from public access, while sealing restricts public inspection without physically destroying the underlying record. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq., the Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act governs eligibility and procedures for sealing criminal records, including arrest records that did not result in conviction.
Individuals may be eligible for expungement or sealing in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (prosecutor declined to file)
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual successfully completed a diversion or drug court program
- A first-time offender sentence was completed and the statutory waiting period has elapsed
- Certain misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions after completion of sentence and applicable waiting periods
Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information through the Ouachita County Circuit Clerk or the Arkansas Judiciary case search portal.
- Determine eligibility based on the charge type, disposition, and time elapsed since completion of sentence or dismissal.
- Complete the petition for expungement or sealing, available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
- File the petition with the Ouachita County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office as required by statute.
- Attend the scheduled hearing, if the court sets one.
- If the order is granted, provide certified copies to the Sheriff's Office, Arkansas State Police, and any other agencies holding the record.
Ouachita County Circuit Court
145 Jefferson St SW
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 837-2220
Arkansas Judiciary
Seventh Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office
145 Jefferson St SW
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 837-2260
Following entry of a sealing order, the Arkansas State Police Criminal History Section updates the state repository. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to remove sealed records and may retain the information independently of the court order.
What Happens After Arrest in Ouachita County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Ouachita County, the arrested individual is transported to the Ouachita County Detention Center, which is operated by the Ouachita County Sheriff's Department. Transport time varies depending 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 the investigation requires additional processing.
Ouachita County Detention Center
301 S. Jefferson St.
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 837-2323
Ouachita County Sheriff's Department
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, issuing jail clothing, and completing medical and mental health screenings. The booking record is created at this stage and becomes the basis for the public jail roster entry.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Arkansas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent. First appearances may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount in Arkansas. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without payment of money. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the release process at the Ouachita County Detention Center typically takes one to eight hours. The released individual receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender's Office:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is determined based on income at the first appearance hearing.
Arkansas Public Defender Commission – Seventh Judicial District
145 Jefferson St SW
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 837-2260
Arkansas Public Defender Commission
Charging Decision:
The Seventh Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case and the charge level. For felony offenses, the prosecutor may proceed by information or present the case to a grand jury for indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets a schedule for pretrial proceedings.
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 or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.
Plea Negotiations: The prosecuting attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept the agreement or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case. A dismissal may create eligibility for expungement.
- 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 pleads guilty or nolo contendere to agreed charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing follows.
Sentencing (if convicted): The court may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by charge complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 2, Section 10 of the Arkansas Constitution
Important Contacts:
Ouachita County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
301 S. Jefferson St.
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 837-2323
Ouachita County Sheriff's Department
Ouachita County Circuit Clerk
145 Jefferson St SW
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 837-2220
Arkansas Judiciary Case Search
Seventh Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office
145 Jefferson St SW
Camden, AR 71701
Phone: (870) 837-2260
What to Do If You're 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 members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Ouachita County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Arkansas is governed by state law, the Arkansas Records Retention Schedule established by the Arkansas History Commission, and applicable federal requirements. Records retention policies vary by agency type and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Arkansas State Police Criminal History Section, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index
- Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk and the Arkansas State Police repository
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years and in practice are often maintained permanently in digital records management systems
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless sealed or expunged by court order
- Records may remain in the state repository unless the individual petitions for sealing under the Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently
- Local law enforcement booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Individuals acquitted at trial are eligible to petition for sealing of the arrest record
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Individuals whose charges were not filed are among those with the broadest eligibility for expungement under current Arkansas law
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum three to five years, often longer
- Booking photographs: Retained as long as the associated record is active
- Physical evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and charge classification
Digital Records:
- Records management system entries: Often retained permanently once entered
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Arkansas Judiciary system
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities: Retention is not regulated by Arkansas law and may be indefinite
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum three years; felony-related records retained permanently
- Arrest reports: Minimum three years; major offense reports retained permanently
- Investigative files: Retention varies by offense classification
- Contact: (870) 837-2323
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent retention in the Arkansas Judiciary system
State Repository:
- The Arkansas State Police Criminal History Section maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions in Arkansas
- Retention is permanent for all entries; records are updated upon receipt of disposition information from courts and law enforcement agencies
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records accessible to law enforcement nationwide
- Federal retention is permanent
- These records are used for employment background checks, firearms purchase background checks, and law enforcement inquiries
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported by consumer reporting agencies complying with the FCRA after seven years
- Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the state repository is updated; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party commercial databases is not guaranteed and requires separate action by the individual
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be eligible for immediate expungement petition
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests (within the past several years): Available online through the Sheriff's Office roster and the Arkansas Judiciary case search portal
- Older arrests (five to fifteen years ago): May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk; retrieval fees may apply
- Very old arrests (fifteen or more years ago): Records may not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (870) 837-2323 for availability
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may not report arrests without conviction that are more than seven years old for most employment purposes. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Arkansas does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period for convictions beyond the federal standard. Expungement under Arkansas law does not automatically remove records from commercial background check databases, and individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request updates.