Multnomah County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Multnomah County
Arrest records in Multnomah County are considered public information under Oregon's Public Records Law (ORS 192.311-192.478). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Oregon Public Records Law operates under the principle that transparency in government activities serves the public interest.
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 legal proceedings. Under Oregon law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances as provided in ORS 137.225.
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and makes them available to the public in accordance with state law. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted by statutory exemptions. Law enforcement agencies in Oregon follow the Oregon Department of Justice's Public Records and Meetings Manual for guidance on record disclosure policies.
What's in Multnomah County Arrest Records
Multnomah 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)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Address at time of arrest
- Booking 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 numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Charge description
- Enhancement factors, if applicable
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where booked
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Type of release (own recognizance, bail, etc.)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where detained
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Medical screening information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency within Multnomah County.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Multnomah County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Multnomah County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems that allow for both in-person and remote access to these public records.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 350
Portland, OR 97214
503-988-4300
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
The Records Unit is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters should be prepared to provide:
- The full name of the subject of the record
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
For remote requests, individuals may submit a public records request through the Multnomah County Public Records Center portal. The online system requires users to:
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Complete the electronic request form with specific details about the desired records
- Submit the request for processing
- Pay applicable fees (if any) when notified that records are ready
Pursuant to ORS 192.324, agencies may charge reasonable fees to recover costs associated with fulfilling public records requests. Current fee schedules are available on the Sheriff's Office website.
For third-party requests (those made by someone other than the subject of the records), certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections under Oregon law. Requesters should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and current workload of the Records Unit.
How To Find Multnomah County Arrest Records Online
Multnomah County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenience and efficiency for members of the public seeking information about arrests within the county.
The primary online resource is the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information System, accessible through the county's official website. This database provides current information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Information" from the main menu
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or other identifiers)
- Review the results, which typically include booking date, charges, and custody status
For more comprehensive historical arrest data, the Reported Crime Data Dashboard provides aggregated information about arrests in Multnomah County jurisdictions. This resource allows users to analyze trends and statistics rather than individual arrest records.
The Oregon Judicial Department also maintains an online case information system called Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) that includes information about criminal cases resulting from arrests. This system can be accessed through the Oregon Courts Records Online portal. Users must:
- Create an account (free registration required)
- Select Multnomah County from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by name or case number
- Pay applicable fees for detailed case information
Additionally, the Portland Police Bureau publishes arrest statistics and data through their open data initiative, which can provide context for arrest patterns in the largest city within Multnomah County.
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for older cases or those with special privacy considerations. For comprehensive arrest record searches, a formal public records request may be necessary.
How To Search Multnomah County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Multnomah County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and incarcerations within the county.
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup system that provides current information about individuals in custody. This resource is available at no cost and includes:
- Current booking status
- Charges
- Next court date
- Expected release date (when applicable)
To access this free service:
- Visit the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review the basic information provided at no charge
The Multnomah County Circuit Court offers free public access terminals at the courthouse where visitors can search court records related to arrests. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Multnomah County Courthouse
1200 SW 1st Ave
Portland, OR 97204
503-988-3022
Multnomah County Circuit Court
Public libraries throughout Multnomah County also provide free internet access where individuals can utilize the online resources mentioned above. Library staff can often assist patrons in navigating these systems.
For those seeking statistical information rather than individual records, the Reported Crime Data Dashboard provides free access to aggregated arrest data that can be filtered by location, time period, and offense type.
While basic information is available at no cost, requesters should be aware that more detailed records or certified copies may incur fees as permitted under ORS 192.324(4), which allows agencies to recover reasonable costs associated with record production.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Multnomah County
Oregon law provides mechanisms for eligible individuals to remove arrest records from public access through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly in their effect and eligibility requirements.
Expungement, governed by ORS 137.225, is the legal process that allows for the physical destruction or deletion of arrest records. When a record is expunged, it is treated as though the arrest never occurred. In contrast, sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for limited official use.
Eligibility for expungement in Multnomah County typically requires:
- Completion of all terms of sentence
- A waiting period (varies by offense type)
- No pending criminal charges
- No new convictions within the waiting period
- Meeting specific statutory criteria based on the nature of the offense
The process for seeking expungement in Multnomah County involves:
- Obtaining a fingerprint card from a law enforcement agency
- Requesting an Oregon State Police criminal history report
- Filing a motion for expungement with the Multnomah County Circuit Court
- Paying the required filing fee (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Serving copies of the motion on the District Attorney and arresting agency
- Attending a hearing if one is scheduled by the court
For arrests that did not lead to charges or resulted in dismissals, the process may be simplified under ORS 137.225(1)(b).
Certain serious offenses, including most felonies, sex crimes, and crimes against children, are generally ineligible for expungement under Oregon law. Additionally, traffic offenses and violations are handled under separate statutory provisions.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain forms and guidance from:
Multnomah County Circuit Court
1200 SW 1st Ave
Portland, OR 97204
503-988-3022
Multnomah County Circuit Court
Due to the legal complexities involved, many individuals choose to consult with an attorney or legal aid organization when pursuing expungement of arrest records.
What Happens After Arrest in Multnomah County?
Following an arrest in Multnomah County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several distinct phases. Understanding this sequence helps contextualize how arrest records are generated and utilized within the system.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
-
Booking: Upon arrival at a detention facility, arrestees undergo the booking process, which includes:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Creation of the initial arrest record
-
Custody Determination: Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge for arraignment, where:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail or release decisions are made
- Future court dates are scheduled
-
Charging Decision: The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Modify the charges from the initial arrest
- Decline prosecution
- Refer the case for diversion programs
-
Pre-Trial Phase: If charges are filed, the case proceeds to the pre-trial phase, which may include:
- Discovery of evidence
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
-
Case Resolution: The case concludes through one of several outcomes:
- Dismissal of charges
- Plea agreement
- Trial verdict (guilty or not guilty)
- Diversion program completion
-
Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes penalties that may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution
- Treatment requirements
-
Post-Conviction: Following case resolution, records are updated to reflect the final disposition, which affects:
- Public record accessibility
- Eligibility for expungement
- Collateral consequences
Throughout this process, multiple agencies contribute to and access the arrest record, including the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney's Office, the Circuit Court, and community corrections. Each interaction generates additional documentation that becomes part of the comprehensive criminal justice record.
For individuals navigating this system, the Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program provides resources and support services aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Multnomah County?
Arrest records in Multnomah County are subject to retention schedules established by Oregon state law and administrative rules. These schedules determine how long different types of criminal justice records must be maintained before they may be destroyed or archived.
The primary authority governing records retention is ORS 192.105, which establishes the State Archivist's authority to approve retention schedules for public records. For law enforcement records specifically, the Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 166, Division 150 provides detailed retention requirements.
Under current retention schedules:
- Arrest records for felony cases must be retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of arrest
- Arrest records for misdemeanor cases must be retained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of arrest
- Arrest records for violations are typically retained for 10 years
- Records of arrests that did not result in charges being filed must be retained for at least 5 years
These retention periods apply regardless of case outcome, meaning that records of arrests that did not result in conviction are still maintained according to the same schedule unless expunged through court order.
Different agencies within Multnomah County's criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with potentially different retention periods:
- The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and arrest reports
- The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution files
- The Circuit Court maintains case files and disposition information
- The Oregon State Police maintains the central repository of criminal history information
It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may be maintained longer at the discretion of the maintaining agency or if they have historical significance. Additionally, fingerprint records and criminal history information submitted to state and federal databases (such as the FBI's National Crime Information Center) may be retained indefinitely.
The retention of these records serves multiple purposes, including supporting ongoing criminal investigations, providing criminal history information for background checks, and maintaining statistical data for crime analysis and policy development.
How to Find Mugshots in Multnomah County
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are images taken during the arrest booking process that document the physical appearance of an arrested individual. These photographs serve as official records within the criminal justice system in Multnomah County.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These images become part of the official arrest record and are used by law enforcement for identification purposes.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Multnomah County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 350
Portland, OR 97214
503-988-4300
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
These photographs are stored in the county's jail management system and linked to the corresponding arrest record. They may also be shared with other law enforcement agencies through information-sharing networks.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may submit a public records request to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Multnomah County does not maintain a public-facing database specifically for mugshots. The Sheriff's Office discontinued the practice of publishing current inmate mugshots online in response to concerns about the potential negative impacts on individuals who have not been convicted of crimes.
However, some historical mugshots may be available through:
- Court records accessible via the Oregon Judicial Department
- Case files that have been digitized and made available online
- Media reports about significant cases
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining an official mugshot is through the formal public records request process. Requests can be submitted:
- In person at the Sheriff's Office Records Unit
- Through the online public records portal
- By mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Unit
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:
- Cases involving juveniles
- Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Situations where privacy interests outweigh public disclosure interests
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
Oregon's House Bill 3047, enacted in 2021, also created new limitations on the commercial use of mugshots and established a cause of action against entities that publish mugshots and then charge fees for their removal.