Bartholomew County Arrest Records

Bartholomew County arrest records are generated not only by the Sheriff's Office but also by municipal agencies, such as the Columbus Police Department. They are administrative records that outline essential facts of an arrest for purposes of public accountability, among other reasons.

According to Ind. Code § 5-14-3-5(a), an arrested person's name, age, address, booking details, and arresting agency must become public knowledge immediately. However, investigative components of an arrest file, such as witness statements, full incident reports, and forensic results, may be withheld at an agency's discretion. A third category of records, including those involving juvenile arrests and expunged cases, cannot be legally disclosed.

The general public may request arrest records from the Sheriff's Office in person at 543 Second Street, Columbia, IN 47201. People can also complete the online Records Request Form to receive a copy of the specified record by mail, email, or fax.