Posey County Public Records / Posey County Arrest Records

Posey County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Posey County in 2026

PoseyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Posey County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through the resources described below. Record availability varies by agency, and not all arrests result in formal charges or convictions.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Posey County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent booking data through the Indiana County Jail Public Portal, which allows searches by last name, first name, and date of birth across all participating Indiana counties, including Posey County. The portal is updated regularly and reflects current custody status. Historical booking records may require a direct records request to the Sheriff's Office.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Mount Vernon Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs and press releases related to local law enforcement activity. Arrest information from municipal departments may appear in local press releases or through direct records requests. Members of the public seeking records from a specific municipal jurisdiction should contact the relevant department directly.

Mount Vernon Police Department
800 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-4461
City of Mount Vernon

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest through the Posey County – Indiana Judicial Branch portal, which provides official and provisional data about case types filed and disposed in Posey County courts. Searching by an individual's name may return associated criminal case numbers, charge descriptions, and hearing dates.

Posey County Clerk of Courts
300 Main Street, Suite 2
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1306
Indiana Judicial Branch – Posey County

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana Department of Correction maintains the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search, which allows members of the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities. This resource includes individuals convicted of felony offenses and transferred to state custody. The database includes name, facility location, and sentence information. No fee is charged for online searches.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Posey County Sheriff's Office
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1320
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Posey County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fees section below.

Clerk of Court:

Posey County Clerk of Courts
300 Main Street, Suite 2
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1306
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Criminal case files linked to arrests are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Posey County Sheriff's Office at 300 Main Street, Mount Vernon, IN 47620. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and may range from several business days to several weeks depending on record volume and retrieval requirements.

By Phone:

The Posey County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (812) 838-1320 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; callers may be directed to the online portal or advised to submit an in-person or written request for detailed records. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not available to the general public.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)

Are Arrest Records Public in Posey County

Arrest records in Posey County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, codified at Ind. Code § 5-14-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created and maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement. As stated by the Indiana Office of the Public Access Counselor, "The Access to Public Records Act (APRA) establishes the right of Hoosiers to inspect and copy the public records of government agencies." Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action.

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes, including government transparency and accountability, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic and academic research, background screening by employers and licensing agencies, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Indiana law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access following court order)
Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain case types
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Indiana Constitution, Article 1, Section 12, affirms that courts shall be open and every person shall have a remedy for injury. The public's right of access to arrest records is further grounded in First Amendment principles recognizing press and public access to government proceedings and records. Courts balance transparency interests against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges are not pursued or result in acquittal.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services 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 establish guilt, and reliance on arrest records alone in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.

What's in Posey County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Posey County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information, the availability of which may vary depending on the agency and the stage of the case.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race/ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

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 released
Release conditions if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected or investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in the public arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Posey County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the relevant agency. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge fees for copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$1.00 (varies by agency)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic copies	Varies; some agencies provide at no charge
Search fee	Not permitted under Indiana law for standard requests

Accepted payment methods at the Posey County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request. Online portal searches through the Indiana County Jail Public Portal and the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search are available at no charge. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requesters should inquire directly with the relevant agency.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Posey County

Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the sealing or restriction of records from public view, and in certain circumstances, the restriction of records maintained by the state criminal history repository. Expungement under Indiana law does not result in the physical destruction of records in all cases but restricts their disclosure to the general public.

Under Ind. Code § 35-38-9, individuals who were arrested but not convicted, whose charges were dismissed, or who were acquitted may petition for expungement of the arrest record. Individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors or Class D/Level 6 felonies may also be eligible for expungement after applicable waiting periods have elapsed and conditions have been met. Convictions for serious violent felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and official misconduct are not eligible for expungement.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Posey County:

Determine eligibility based on the nature of the arrest or conviction and the applicable waiting period under Ind. Code § 35-38-9.
Obtain the relevant case number and arrest record from the Posey County Clerk of Courts.
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Posey County Circuit or Superior Court.
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office.
Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition.
If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or restrict the record.

Posey County Prosecutor's Office
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1330

Posey County Circuit Court
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1306
Indiana Judicial Branch – Posey County

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Indiana attorney. The Indiana State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service accessible through in.gov. Following a successful expungement, the subject may lawfully state in most contexts that the arrest did not occur. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for official purposes.

What Happens After Arrest in Posey County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Posey County, the arrested individual is transported to the Posey County Jail for booking.

Posey County Jail
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1320
Posey County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, completing a medical screening, and assigning housing classification. 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 without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest if held without a warrant. At the initial hearing, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, and advises the individual of the right to counsel. Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are accessible through the Posey County – Indiana Judicial Branch portal.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: The individual retains a licensed bail bondsman, paying a non-refundable premium (at present, 10% of the bond amount in Indiana). The bondsman posts the full amount with the court.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are provided information regarding commissary, phone privileges, and visitation.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Posey County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on financial need.

Posey County Public Defender
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1306

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Indiana State Bar Association provides attorney referral services through in.gov. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Posey County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of arrest.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense), pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects; may be followed by expungement petition
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts guilty or no contest plea; sentencing hearing scheduled
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing if guilty

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May extend to one year or more
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Indiana Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Posey County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1320
Posey County Sheriff's Office

Posey County Clerk of Courts
300 Main Street, Suite 2
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1306
Indiana Judicial Branch – Posey County

Posey County Prosecutor's Office
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1330

Posey County Public Defender
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1306

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 in a polite and clear manner
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends regarding bail assistance
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Posey County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Posey County is governed by Indiana law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The Indiana Records Retention Schedules establish minimum retention periods for records maintained by state and local government agencies. As stated by the Indiana Archives and Records Administration, "Public records shall be retained for the periods specified in the applicable retention schedule and shall not be destroyed without proper authorization."

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Accessible on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for extended periods by local law enforcement and court records
State repository retains records consistent with applicable retention schedules

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period before potential purging
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
State repository records may remain unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals:

Court records are often retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are subject to applicable retention schedules
Expungement may be available under Ind. Code § 35-38-9

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to shorter retention periods
May be eligible for expungement petition upon demonstration that no charges were filed

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable Indiana retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods
Court electronic records are frequently maintained permanently
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to Indiana retention law and may retain records indefinitely

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records beyond the periods maintained by official agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies are required to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but compliance varies. Individuals who discover inaccurate or outdated records on third-party sites may submit correction requests directly to those entities.

Retention by Agency:

Posey County Sheriff's Office
300 Main Street
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1320
Posey County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Indiana law enforcement records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on offense classification and case outcome.

Posey County Clerk of Courts
300 Main Street, Suite 2
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-1306

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained for periods specified in the applicable retention schedule. Electronic court records are maintained permanently in most instances.

State Repository:

The Indiana State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and conviction records from all Indiana jurisdictions. Members of the public may request criminal history information through the Indiana State Police. The repository is updated as case dispositions are reported by courts and law enforcement agencies.

FBI Database:

The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is permanent for most offense categories. These records are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Local records sealed or restricted; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
No Charges Filed: Subject to shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after applicable period; immediate expungement petition may be available

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrest records are available through online portals with real-time or daily updates. Older records may require in-person requests and may not be digitized. Records beyond applicable retention periods may have been destroyed pursuant to authorized destruction schedules. Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Posey County Sheriff's Records Division at (812) 838-1320 or the Clerk of Courts at (812) 838-1306.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a fixed period, though expungement under Ind. Code § 35-38-9 restricts disclosure. Arrests without conviction may not be reported by compliant consumer reporting agencies, though records may appear in non-FCRA-governed searches.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Posey County Sheriff's Records Division at (812) 838-1320 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.