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Washington D.C. Arrest Records

Is Washington D.C. an Open Arrest Records State?

Washington D.C. is considered an open arrest records jurisdiction. Pursuant to the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA), codified under D.C. Code § 2-531 et seq., arrest records are classified as public documents accessible to members of the general public. This legislative framework establishes that arrest records, which are official documents generated by law enforcement agencies following the apprehension of an individual, shall be available for public inspection with certain statutory exceptions.

The foundational principle underlying public access to arrest records is the maintenance of governmental transparency and accountability within law enforcement operations. This access enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and helps ensure the equitable administration of justice throughout the District. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) maintains these records in accordance with District regulations and federal requirements.

Public access to arrest records is subject to specific limitations as outlined in D.C. Code § 2-534, which provides exemptions for certain categories of information including those that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or could reasonably be expected to interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings.

How to Look Up Washington D.C. Arrest Records in 2025

The District of Columbia provides multiple official channels through which members of the public may access arrest records:

Online Access: The Metropolitan Police Department maintains a digital records system where certain arrest information can be accessed. Additionally, the District of Columbia Courts offer an online case search system that provides docket information for criminal cases.

In-Person Requests: Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the Metropolitan Police Department Records Division located at:

Metropolitan Police Department Records Division
300 Indiana Avenue NW, Room 3055
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-4245
Metropolitan Police Department
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am-7:00 pm

Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Records Division at the address listed above. All requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and specific information being requested.

Criminal History Checks: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals must visit the MPD Records Division in person with proper identification. Fingerprinting services are available on-site for a nominal fee as established by District regulations.

Contents of a District of Columbia Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the District of Columbia law enforcement agencies typically contain the following categories of information:

  • Biographical Data: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and photograph (mugshot) of the arrested individual
  • Arrest Details: Date, time, location, and circumstances of the arrest
  • Criminal Charges: Specific violations of District of Columbia Code or federal statutes for which the individual was arrested
  • Arresting Agency Information: Name and badge number of the arresting officer, department identification, and jurisdiction
  • Case Identification: Unique case number assigned to the arrest record for administrative tracking
  • Disposition Information: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system
  • Fingerprint Data: Biometric information collected at the time of booking

Pursuant to D.C. Code § 5-113.06, these records must be maintained with accuracy and completeness to ensure the integrity of the District's criminal justice information system.

Understanding the Washington D.C. Open Records Act

The District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA) serves as the primary legislative framework governing public access to government records, including arrest documentation. Enacted to promote governmental transparency, this statute establishes the presumption that all government records shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Key provisions of the DC FOIA relevant to arrest records include:

  • Public Right of Access: Any person has the right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body, except as expressly provided by statute.
  • Response Timeline: Agencies must respond to requests within 15 business days, with possible extension under specific circumstances.
  • Reasonable Fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and search time, with fee waivers available when disclosure serves the public interest.
  • Exemptions: Certain categories of information may be withheld, including those that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy (D.C. Code § 2-534(a)(2)) or could interfere with law enforcement proceedings (D.C. Code § 2-534(a)(3)).

The Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia oversees compliance with the DC FOIA and provides guidance to agencies regarding implementation of the statute's requirements.

Expungement of Arrest Records in District of Columbia

The District of Columbia provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 significantly expanded eligibility for record sealing in the District, creating pathways for individuals to remove certain arrest records from public access.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Records eligible for automatic sealing include non-conviction records after a waiting period of 2-3 years depending on the offense category
  • Conviction records may be eligible for sealing after waiting periods ranging from 3-10 years based on offense severity
  • Certain serious offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses, remain ineligible for expungement

Application Process:

  • Non-automatic sealing requires filing a motion with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia
  • Petitioners must provide certified copies of their criminal history and case dispositions
  • The Court may schedule a hearing where the prosecution has the opportunity to object

Legal Effect:

  • Pursuant to D.C. Code § 16-803, sealed records are removed from public access and the individual may legally deny the existence of the arrest or conviction in most circumstances
  • Certain government agencies retain limited access to sealed records for specific purposes as authorized by statute

The Criminal Record Sealing Division of the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia provides assistance to eligible individuals seeking to navigate the expungement process.

How to Find Local Arrests in District of Columbia

Information regarding recent arrests within the District of Columbia may be obtained through several official channels:

Metropolitan Police Department Resources:

  • The MPD maintains a Public Transparency portal with crime statistics and reports
  • Daily arrest logs are available for public inspection at each police district station
  • Press releases regarding significant arrests are published on the MPD website

District of Columbia Courts:

Community Notification Systems:

  • The MPD operates an alert system that provides notifications about significant police activity by district
  • Advisory Neighborhood Commissions often distribute information about local law enforcement activities at public meetings

Department of Corrections:

Members of the public seeking information about specific arrests should contact the police district where the arrest occurred. Each district maintains records of arrests within its jurisdiction in accordance with departmental policies and District regulations.

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