Miami County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Miami County in 2026
MiamiCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Miami County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case numbers, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and court case filings. 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 including the Miami County Sheriff's Office, the Miami County Clerk of Courts, public access terminals at the courthouse, and several online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Miami County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the Miami County Jail. Members of the public may access current inmate information by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or visiting in person. The roster reflects individuals currently in custody and is updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur. Information available includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.
2. Local Police Departments
The Peru Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Miami County. Arrest information originating from city-level enforcement actions may be obtained through the Peru Police Department's records division. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically issued by both the Sheriff's Office and the Peru Police Department and may be accessed through their respective public communications channels.
Peru Police Department
35 S Broadway St
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 473-6666
Peru Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Miami County Clerk of Courts. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest using the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal, which is operated by the Office of Judicial Administration. Searches may be conducted by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, scheduled hearings, and case dispositions. The Miami County – Indiana Judicial Branch page provides additional local court contact information and guidance on obtaining copies of case documents.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Indiana Department of Correction maintains the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search, which allows members of the public to search for individuals currently incarcerated within the state correctional system by last name or by both first and last names. This resource is distinct from county-level booking records and reflects individuals serving sentences in state facilities rather than those held at the county jail. No fee is charged to conduct a name-based search through this portal.
The Indiana State Police also maintains crime statistics and reporting data for Miami County through the Miami County – ISP – IN.gov page, which publishes National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data for the county.
In-Person Access:
Miami County Sheriff's Office
120 N Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-1322
Miami County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Copy fees apply per page as described in the fees section below.
Miami County Clerk of Courts
25 N Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901
Miami County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Criminal case files linked to arrests may be inspected at the Clerk's office. Certified copies and standard copies are available for a fee.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Miami County Sheriff's Office at 120 N Broadway, Peru, IN 46970. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if available, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.
By Phone:
The Miami County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (765) 472-1322 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are not part of the public arrest record and are accessible only through legal proceedings.
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, Peru Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Miami County
Arrest records in Miami County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, Ind. Code § 5-14-3-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created by public agencies, including law enforcement records related to arrests. This statutory framework reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability in the administration of criminal justice.
As stated by the Indiana Public Access Counselor, "The Access to Public Records Act reflects Indiana's commitment to ensuring that citizens have access to information about their government." Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including community safety awareness, journalistic investigation, background screening, and 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 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:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Indiana law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access pursuant to Ind. Code § 35-38-9
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt
- Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords who use consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual 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 give rise to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.
What's in Miami County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race
- Height, 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
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, the name and badge number of the arresting officer
- Booking date, time, and assigned booking number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and applicable statute numbers
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony level or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
- Release conditions where publicly available
Court Information:
- Assigned court case number
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and are not part of the public arrest record
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Miami County?
Under Indiana law, public agencies may charge fees for the reproduction of public records. The Miami County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts apply standard copy fees consistent with state guidelines.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10 per page (black and white) |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Courts) | $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies; may be provided at no charge |
| Search fee | No statutory search fee under current law |
Inspection of public records at the agency's office is available at no charge. Fees for copies are governed by Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8, which limits the fees a public agency may charge for reproduction of records. Accepted payment methods at the Miami County Clerk of Courts and Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; members of the public seeking a waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.
Court case records accessible through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal are available for online viewing at no charge. Printed copies obtained through the portal or at the courthouse are subject to standard copy fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Miami County
Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the legal erasure of the record, while sealing restricts public access without destroying the underlying record. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Under Ind. Code § 35-38-9, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition for expungement of the arrest record. Eligibility requirements vary based on the outcome of the case:
- Arrests with no charges filed: A petition may be filed immediately following the decision not to charge.
- Charges filed but dismissed: A petition may be filed after the dismissal is entered.
- Acquittals: A petition may be filed following a not guilty verdict.
- Misdemeanor convictions: A waiting period of five years from the date of conviction applies before a petition may be filed.
- Felony convictions: Waiting periods range from eight to ten years depending on the class of felony, and certain serious felonies are ineligible for expungement.
The petition for expungement must be filed in the court where the case was adjudicated. The Miami County Circuit Court and Superior Court handle expungement petitions for cases originating in Miami County. A filing fee applies unless waived by the court. Upon granting of the petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, and the Indiana State Police, to expunge or seal the record. The Indiana State Police maintains the state criminal history repository and processes expungement orders in accordance with the court's directive.
Miami County Circuit Court / Superior Court
25 N Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901
Miami County – Indiana Judicial Branch
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to obtain and review their complete criminal history from the Indiana State Police prior to filing a petition, to ensure all relevant records are addressed in the petition.
What Happens After Arrest in Miami County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Miami County Jail, which is operated by the Miami County Sheriff's Office at 120 N Broadway, Peru, IN 46970. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, and completing medical and mental health screenings. The booking process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer for an initial hearing within a reasonable time following arrest, and no later than 48 hours for warrantless arrests. At the initial hearing, the court formally advises the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, and appoints counsel for indigent defendants. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state law.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The court may order detention without bond for serious violent offenses, individuals deemed a flight risk or danger to the community, probation or parole violators, or individuals subject to immigration holds or out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes between one and eight hours. Written conditions of release and the next court date are provided at the time of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Miami County Public Defender's Office
25 N Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901
Miami County – Indiana Judicial Branch
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for appointed counsel retain the right to hire private counsel. The Indiana State Bar Association provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking private representation.
Charging Decision:
The Miami County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, or decline prosecution. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. The arraignment, at which the defendant enters a formal plea, is scheduled following the filing of charges.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled at which the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours for warrantless arrests
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within three to six months in most cases
- Felonies: May extend to twelve months or longer
- Indiana's constitutional speedy trial provisions require trial within one year of arrest for most offenses
Important Contacts:
Miami County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
120 N Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-1322
Miami County Sheriff's Office
Miami County Clerk of Courts
25 N Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901
Miami County – Indiana Judicial Branch
Miami County Prosecutor's Office
25 N Broadway, Suite 202
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3030
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- 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 Miami County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Miami County is governed by Indiana law and the records retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Under current law, public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records outside of those schedules without authorization.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, the Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Felony conviction records are part of the permanent criminal history of the individual.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts. Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period consistent with the Indiana Commission on Public Records retention schedule.
Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state criminal history repository unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Court records for dismissed cases are retained by the Clerk of Courts and are accessible through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal unless sealed or expunged.
Acquittals: Court records for cases resulting in a not guilty verdict are retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts. Local law enforcement records are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. These records may be expunged upon petition.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are subject to shorter retention periods and may be eligible for immediate expungement under Ind. Code § 35-38-9.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained on a permanent basis in most instances. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the Indiana Commission on Public Records schedule. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are subject to shorter retention periods than case files.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who obtain an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites directly to request removal of information.
Retention by Agency:
Miami County Sheriff's Office
120 N Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-1322
Miami County Sheriff's Office
Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Indiana Commission on Public Records schedule. Investigative files are retained for varying periods depending on the nature of the offense and case outcome.
Miami County Clerk of Courts
25 N Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901
Miami County – Indiana Judicial Branch
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Electronic records are retained on a permanent basis.
Indiana State Police Criminal History Repository: The Indiana State Police maintains criminal history records for all arrests occurring within the state. The Miami County – ISP – IN.gov page provides additional information about state-level crime data for the county. Retention at the state repository is permanent for conviction records and subject to expungement orders for non-conviction records.
FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records 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 or firearms purchases.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal or acquittal may result in the record remaining in databases unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs the relevant agencies to seal or destroy the record, but the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from the state repository following an expungement order varies but is addressed within the order itself.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records beyond the FCRA baseline. Arrests without conviction are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions that have adopted fair chance hiring policies.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Miami County Sheriff's Records Division at (765) 472-1322 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 120 N Broadway, Peru, IN 46970. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.