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Bannock County Public Records / Bannock County Arrest Records

Bannock County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bannock County

Arrest records in Bannock County are considered public information under Idaho's Public Records Act, Idaho Code § 74-101. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Idaho Legislature has determined that providing public access to governmental records is essential for transparency and accountability in government operations.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Idaho law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain restrictions may apply.

The Idaho State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest data from Bannock County. However, pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-124, certain investigatory records may be exempt from disclosure if release would interfere with enforcement proceedings, deprive a person of a fair trial, constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, or reveal confidential informants.

Law enforcement agencies in Bannock County, including the Bannock County Sheriff's Office and Pocatello Police Department, maintain arrest records in accordance with state regulations and make them available to the public as required by law.

What's in Bannock County Arrest Records

Bannock County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
  • Address at time of arrest
  • Photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Reason for arrest
  • Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute or ordinance citations
  • Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
  • Charge severity level
  • Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date issued
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number
  • Processing officer information
  • Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
  • Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
  • Conditions of release

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Case number
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judge assigned

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
  • Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation/parole status
  • Known aliases
  • Vehicle information related to arrest
  • Witness information (redacted for public records)
  • Victim information (typically redacted for public records)

The Idaho Department of Correction maintains records for individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction, which may be linked to the initial arrest records maintained by county agencies.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bannock County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bannock County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for processing public records requests in accordance with Idaho law.

To request arrest records in person:

Bannock County Sheriff's Office
5800 South 5th Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83204
(208) 236-7111
Bannock County Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays

The following steps should be followed when requesting arrest records:

  1. Complete a public records request form, available at the Sheriff's Office or downloadable from the county website.
  2. Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
    • Full name of the individual
    • Date of birth (if known)
    • Approximate date of arrest (if known)
    • Case number (if known)
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
  4. Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.
    • Standard copying fees are $0.25 per page
    • Certified copies may incur additional fees
    • Research fees may apply for requests requiring extensive staff time

Alternatively, written requests may be submitted by mail to the address above, or by email to the Records Division. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-103, agencies must respond to public records requests within three working days. For more complex requests, an additional seven working days may be required.

For criminal history information maintained at the state level, including arrest data from Bannock County, requests may be submitted to:

Idaho State Police - Bureau of Criminal Identification
700 South Stratford Drive, Suite 120
Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 884-7130
Idaho State Police Criminal History Unit

How To Find Bannock County Arrest Records Online

Bannock County provides digital access to certain arrest record information through several online platforms. The following resources are currently available for conducting online searches:

  1. Bannock County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster

    • Visit the Bannock County Sheriff's Office website
    • Navigate to the "Detention" or "Jail Roster" section
    • Search by name to view current inmates and recent arrests
    • Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and bond information
  2. Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository

    • Access the Idaho Court Portal
    • Create a free account or continue as guest
    • Select "Smart Search" and choose Bannock County
    • Enter the individual's name
    • Review case information, which may include arrest details for cases that have been filed with the court
  3. Idaho Department of Correction Offender Search

    • Visit the IDOC Resident/Client Search portal
    • Enter the individual's name or IDOC number
    • View information about individuals currently under state supervision or incarceration
    • Records include conviction information and may reference the original arrest
  4. Idaho State Police Criminal History Records

    • The Idaho Criminal History Database contains arrest fingerprint records
    • Online access requires registration and payment of fees
    • Searches require the subject's name and date of birth
    • Results include arrest history, charges, and disposition information

When conducting online searches, users should note that:

  • Not all arrest records are available online
  • Recent arrests may not appear immediately in databases
  • Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
  • Online records should not be considered official for legal purposes
  • Certified copies of records must be obtained directly from the agency of record

How To Search Bannock County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Bannock County arrest records without payment through several available resources. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:

  1. Bannock County Sheriff's Office Public Terminal
    • Visit the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
    • Use the public access computer terminal in the lobby
    • Search current inmate roster and recent arrest logs
    • No fee is charged for viewing information on-site

Bannock County Sheriff's Office
5800 South 5th Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83204
(208) 236-7111
Bannock County Sheriff's Office

  1. Bannock County Courthouse Public Access
    • Visit the courthouse during regular business hours
    • Request to view public court files related to criminal cases
    • Court records often contain arrest information for cases that have been filed
    • Viewing records on-site is free, though copying fees may apply

Bannock County Courthouse
624 East Center Street
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 236-7332
Bannock County Court

  1. Online Resources

  2. Local Newspaper Archives

    • Public libraries in Bannock County maintain archives of local newspapers
    • Many arrests, particularly for serious crimes, are reported in the news
    • Library access is free to county residents

When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:

  • Information may be limited compared to official record requests
  • Not all arrest records will be accessible through free methods
  • Recent arrests may not be immediately available in public systems
  • For comprehensive criminal history information, fees may be unavoidable

Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102, agencies may waive fees for public records requests when the request is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of governmental operations and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Bannock County

Idaho law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Idaho Code § 67-3004 for criminal history records.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

  • Expungement generally refers to the complete destruction or deletion of records
  • Sealing restricts public access while maintaining records for limited official use
  • In Idaho, most eligible records are sealed rather than completely expunged

Eligibility for Record Removal:

Arrest records in Bannock County may be eligible for expungement or sealing in the following circumstances:

  1. Arrests without charges: If an individual was arrested but no charges were filed within one year
  2. Dismissed charges: If criminal charges were dismissed
  3. Acquittals: If the individual was found not guilty at trial
  4. Juvenile records: Upon reaching age 18, if certain conditions are met
  5. Misdemeanor convictions: After waiting periods specified by statute
  6. Certain felony convictions: In limited circumstances after waiting periods

Process for Expungement or Sealing:

  1. Petition Preparation:

    • Obtain the appropriate petition form from the court clerk
    • Complete the petition with accurate case information
    • Include supporting documentation (court dispositions, etc.)
  2. Filing the Petition:

    • File the petition with the Bannock County District Court
    • Pay the required filing fee (approximately $150-200)
    • Request a fee waiver if financially unable to pay

Bannock County District Court
624 East Center Street
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 236-7332
Bannock County Court

  1. Hearing and Determination:

    • The court will schedule a hearing on the petition
    • The prosecutor may object to the petition
    • The judge will determine whether to grant the request based on statutory criteria
  2. Implementation:

    • If granted, the court will issue an order to seal or expunge records
    • The order must be served on all agencies holding records
    • Agencies must comply with the court order within specified timeframes

It is important to note that even when records are sealed or expunged:

  • Certain government agencies may still access the information
  • Federal agencies may maintain separate records not affected by state expungement
  • Private companies that previously collected the information may still have it
  • Complete removal from all databases cannot be guaranteed

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for individuals seeking expungement or sealing of arrest records, as the process can be complex and requirements vary based on the specific circumstances of each case.

What Happens After Arrest in Bannock County?

Following an arrest in Bannock County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Idaho state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

  1. Booking Process

    • The arrestee is transported to the Bannock County Detention Center
    • Personal information is recorded and verified
    • Fingerprints and photographs are taken
    • Personal property is inventoried and secured
    • Medical screening is conducted
    • The arrestee is placed in appropriate housing
  2. Initial Appearance/Arraignment

    • Occurs within 24 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
    • Judge informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
    • Bail or bond is set, if applicable
    • Public defender is appointed if the defendant qualifies
    • Plea is entered (though often deferred in felony cases)
  3. Pretrial Release Determination

    • Judge evaluates factors including:
      • Nature and circumstances of the charges
      • Weight of evidence
      • Community ties and flight risk
      • Criminal history
      • Public safety considerations
    • Release may be granted on:
      • Own recognizance (no money required)
      • Cash or surety bond
      • Supervised release with conditions
  4. Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only)

    • Held within 14 days if in custody, 21 days if released
    • Prosecutor must show probable cause that:
      • A crime was committed
      • The defendant likely committed it
    • If probable cause is found, case proceeds to district court
    • If not, charges may be dismissed or reduced
  5. Formal Arraignment (Felonies)

    • Occurs in district court after preliminary hearing
    • Charges are formally read
    • Defendant enters a plea
    • Trial date is set if plea is "not guilty"
  6. Pretrial Proceedings

    • Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
    • Pretrial motions (suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
    • Plea negotiations
    • Pretrial conferences to resolve issues before trial
  7. Trial

    • Misdemeanors: Bench or jury trial in magistrate court
    • Felonies: Jury trial in district court
    • Prosecution presents evidence to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
    • Defense may present evidence and challenge prosecution's case
    • Jury or judge renders verdict
  8. Sentencing (If Convicted)

    • Presentence investigation may be ordered
    • Victim impact statements may be presented
    • Judge imposes sentence which may include:
      • Incarceration in county jail or state prison
      • Probation
      • Fines and court costs
      • Restitution to victims
      • Treatment programs
  9. Post-Conviction

    • Right to appeal within 42 days
    • Potential post-conviction relief proceedings
    • Probation supervision if applicable
    • Incarceration in Idaho Department of Correction facilities if sentenced to prison

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to confront witnesses. The Bannock County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to those who cannot afford private counsel.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bannock County?

Arrest records in Bannock County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Idaho Code § 67-4126 and the Idaho State Historical Society's Records Management Guide. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.

Standard Retention Periods:

  • Arrest Reports and Booking Information:

    • Felony arrests: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
    • Juvenile arrests: Until subject reaches age 18, then sealed per court order
  • Fingerprint Records:

    • Maintained permanently in the Idaho State Police criminal history repository
    • Linked to State Identification Number (SID) assigned to each individual
  • Mugshot Photographs:

    • Felony arrests: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years
    • May be retained in digital format indefinitely
  • Incident Reports:

    • Minimum of 10 years for reports resulting in arrests
    • May be retained longer for cases involving serious offenses
  • Investigation Files:

    • Homicide cases: Permanent retention
    • Sexual offenses: 75 years
    • Other felonies: 25 years after case closure
    • Misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure

Different agencies within Bannock County may maintain separate records systems with varying retention practices:

  1. Bannock County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records
  2. Pocatello Police Department and other municipal agencies maintain their own arrest records
  3. Bannock County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files related to prosecutions
  4. Bannock County Court maintains court records related to criminal cases
  5. Idaho Department of Correction maintains records for individuals sentenced to state custody

Records retention serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
  • Maintains documentation for potential appeals and post-conviction proceedings
  • Provides historical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
  • Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
  • Supports background checks for employment, licensing, and other purposes

It is important to note that even after physical records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules, information about arrests may still exist in various databases, court records, and news archives. Additionally, private companies that aggregate public records may maintain information indefinitely, even after official records have been destroyed or sealed.

How to Find Mugshots in Bannock County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Bannock County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often with identifying information such as a booking number visible in the image.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots taken in Bannock County are primarily maintained by:

Bannock County Sheriff's Office
5800 South 5th Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83204
(208) 236-7111
Bannock County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs as part of the official arrest record. These images are stored in the jail management system and linked to the individual's booking information. Additionally, municipal police departments within Bannock County may maintain copies of mugshots for arrests they process.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain mugshots from official sources in Bannock County, individuals may:

  1. Submit a public records request to the Bannock County Sheriff's Office

    • Complete the standard public records request form
    • Provide specific information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
    • Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $5-10 per photograph)
  2. Visit the Sheriff's Office in person to view current inmate information

    • Public terminals may display booking photos of current inmates
    • Staff can assist with locating specific records

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Bannock County does not currently maintain a public-facing online database specifically for mugshots. However, booking photographs may be available through:

  1. The Bannock County inmate roster, which may include photographs of currently incarcerated individuals
  2. The Idaho Department of Correction offender search for individuals sentenced to state custody
  3. Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public sources

It should be noted that Idaho has enacted legislation (Idaho Code § 44-704) regulating commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal. This law prohibits websites from charging fees to remove mugshots if the person was acquitted or the charges were dismissed.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method to obtain an official copy of a mugshot is through a formal public records request. When submitting such a request:

  • Be specific about the individual and timeframe
  • Explain the purpose of the request
  • Be prepared to verify your identity
  • Allow 3-10 business days for processing
  • Expect to pay reproduction fees

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile records are generally confidential unless the juvenile was charged as an adult
  • Records that are sealed or expunged by court order are not available to the public
  • Active investigations may result in temporary withholding of booking photographs
  • Privacy concerns may result in redaction of certain information

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that these images are taken at a difficult time in a person's life and may not represent them accurately. The presumption of innocence applies to all arrestees until proven guilty in a court of law.

Lookup Arrest Records in Bannock County

Idaho Department of Correction inmate search

Idaho Department of Correction records search

Idaho Department of Correction official website

Idaho State Police public records

Idaho State Police criminal history database

Idaho arrest statistics and reports