Kansas Arrest Records

RSMo. 544.180 defines an arrest as the physical restraint of an individual or the individual's submission to custody. Arrests may be based on warrants issued by courts to safeguard constitutional rights and prevent arbitrary detentions. At the same time, a warrant may not be required if an officer directly witnesses the offense, reasonably suspects a crime has occurred, or if the offense is a felony that allows for a citizen's arrest per § 544.180.

The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) (under RSMo. 84.710), the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and various state and federal agencies have the legal authority and power to execute arrests in Kansas. KCPD arrests lead to processing at the nearest Patrol Division Detention Unit, where the arrestee's information (personal details, mugshots, fingerprints, offense) will be logged. The resulting arrest paperwork is crucial for several criminal justice purposes, including aiding criminal investigations, guiding prosecutors in determining suitable charges, populating the Jackson County arrest records (which overview all arrests in the region), updating the Missouri criminal history records database, and facilitating public access to arrest information.

Are Kansas Arrests Public Record?

Yes. Kansas arrests are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law. This law enables any member of the public to view or copy arrest information generated by the city's police department and by other custodians like the Missouri Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. However, certain information is considered nonpublic, such as:

• Medical data
• Juvenile offender files
• Arrest records over 30 days old from the arrest date
• Active investigation data

Where a law (e.g., RSMo. 610.100) or judicial order applies confidentiality, the corresponding record/information may be restricted to those with a direct interest (e.g., the subject or their attorney). If a record carries public and sensitive information, it may be redacted or blacked out before public dissemination.

Kansas Crime Rate

Kansas's crime landscape can be studied by reviewing theme reports on the Missouri Show Me Crime Portal. A four-year trend analysis (2021–2024) reveals a persistently high overall crime rate in the city, averaging 10,001.35 offenses per 100,000 people and significantly surpassing the national average.

In 2024, the city's violent crime density rose 4.82% at 8,082 incidents, with aggravated assault up by 6.52% and robbery up by 5.32%. While homicides, particularly shootings, remain a citywide concern, 2024 saw a notable 21.67% drop. This contrasts with the steady increase observed from 2021 to 2023, culminating in an all-time high of 180 homicide incidents in 2023.

Residents face a 1 in 64 chance of being a violent crime victim in Kansas. However, the first half (H1) of 2025 marks a promising shift, with homicides down by 50.35%. Robbery, aggravated assault, and sexual assault also show significant downturns of at least 60%. However, H1 2025 data spotlights a peculiar uptick in domestic violence homicides, with 12 incidents recorded within the first three months alone.

Kansas's property crimes (totaling 26,318 in 2024) declined across several categories:

• Burglary: -11.20%
• Motor vehicle theft: -2.43%
• Fraud: -5.22%
• Arson: -19.64%
• Larceny theft: -6.52%

Mirroring this dip, H1 2025 data shows falls of at least 52% in the city's property offenses. However, an in-depth review of the data reveals staggering episodes of theft within the area. Motor vehicle theft incidents reached 8,885 in 2024, and approximately 3,000 incidents were recorded in the first half of 2025. Similarly, 12,917 larcenies were reported in 2024; 5,154 in H1 2025.

Find Kansas Arrest Records

For arrestee information in Kansas, a person can inquire at any of the following KCPD Patrol Division Detention Units:

Metro Patrol Detention
7601 Prospect Avenue
Phone: (816) 581-0726

East Patrol Detention
2640 Prospect Avenue
Phone: (816) 482-8533

Ideally, one should query the facility closest to the venue of arrest and be able to provide at least the arrestee's name or arrest date to enable staff to locate relevant records.

Alternatively, individuals can complete the KCPD's Online Request Form (recommended) or submit requests for an arrest report in person, via mail, or by phone at:

Kansas City, Missouri Police Department
Attn: Criminal Records Section, Sunshine Law
1125 Locust Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Phone: (816) 234-5100

Requests should contain pertinent details about the record (e.g., the incident date) and the requester's name and contact information. The KCPD charges $21/hour (first 10 pages included); additional copies cost 50 cents each. The Department accepts payment by credit/debit card, money order, cash, or personal check (payable to "Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas, Missouri").

Note: The Jackson County Detention Center (JCDC), run by the county sheriff's office, does not provide information on KCPD arrests, nor does the KCPD hold records on Jackson County inmates. Detainees at the JCDC are primarily persons held for trial on state charges, serving short-term incarceration sentences, accused of probation violations, or held on warrants for other jurisdictions.

Free Arrest Record Search in Kansas

Missouri's Sunshine Law allows the public to request arrest records from the Kansas City Police Department, usually without fees unless a copy is needed. Additionally, several reputable commercial aggregators offer free arrest record searches within Kansas. These vendors provide centralized databases where anyone with an internet connection can find arrest data. However, payment may be required to inspect detailed records. Moreover, since third-party vendors only republish existing content, available records may be incomplete.

Criminal Background Check in Missouri

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) processes criminal background checks through its Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division.

Online Access

• MACHS Name Search Portal: For $15 (plus fees), the public can search open criminal records on this portal, including convictions, arrests under 30 days, pending charges, and suspended imposition of sentences (SIS) during probation. Major credit cards are accepted.
• MACHS Fingerprint Portal: Qualified applicants (entities authorized by statute) can schedule fingerprinting appointments with the state-approved vendor. These checks, costing $31.50 ($20 state fee + $11.50 vendor fee), require an FD-258 card and provide open and closed criminal records. An additional $13.25 fee applies for a state and federal background check, bringing the total to $44.75. Results are typically mailed within 7–10 business days.

Mail Request

Alternatively, name/fingerprint-based criminal record checks can be requested via mail from the MSHP. For further details, one can reach the CJIS Division at (573) 526-6153 or visit the Criminal Record Check page.

Kansas Inmate Search

Kansas offenders sentenced to 12 months or less may be housed at the Jackson County Detention Center or out of jurisdiction at the Vernon County Jail or the Johnson County Jail if charged in the Kansas City Municipal Division (or Kansas Municipal Court). The JCDC and Johnson County Jail offer online inmate rosters; interested persons can reach the Vernon County Jail at (417) 283-4400 or (417) 283-4411 (Jail Control Center). Additionally, the Kansas Municipal Court provides a daily updated list of inmates.

Sentences over 12 months result in transfer to a state penitentiary under the Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC). State inmates can be located via the Offender Web Search portal.

Kansas Police Record Lookup

Kansas police records (911 calls, accident reports, crime lab photographs, incident reports, active investigation information, etc.) can be requested under Missouri's Sunshine Law by filling out the KCPD's Online Request Form. Alternatively, one can:

• Download and mail Form 119 (English, Spanish, or Vietnamese) to the KCPD's Custodian of Records
• Call (816) 234-5100 to confirm availability and pick up reports at a Patrol Division Station with a photo ID, or
• Visit the KCPD's Records Unit at 1125 Locust Street during business hours

Requesters are responsible for the search and copy fees, and specific requests (e.g., archived police reports) can only be treated at the KCPD's Headquarters (1125 Locust Street). Processing times vary by the method, volume, and complexity of requests. Further information is available on the KCPD's Frequently Asked Questions page.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Kansas?

An arrest in Kansas or any other Missouri city results in a permanent record that remains with the subject for life unless the court orders expungement. Missouri statutes do not permit the deletion of such records across all agencies holding them. Generally, a Kansas arrest record can be expunged if it meets specified criteria outlined in state law.

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free in Kansas?

An expungement in Kansas seals or destroys a criminal record, freeing the subject from acknowledging the record. Eligible individuals can petition the civil division of the Jackson County Circuit Court (Missouri's 16th Judicial Circuit) to expunge arrests, pleas, trials, and convictions under various Missouri statutes:

• RSMo. 610.122 to 610.126 (Arrest records)
• RSMo. 610.140 (Certain criminal records)
• RSMo. 610.145 (Stolen or mistaken identity)
• Article XIV, Section 2 of the Missouri Constitution (Marijuana-related offenses)
• RSMo. 610.130 (Alcohol-related driving offenses)

The 16th Judicial Circuit's Information Sheet outlines eligibility criteria, filing restrictions, and waiting periods. Petition forms are available through the Missouri Judiciary, 16th Judicial Circuit, or Clerk's offices in Independence or Kansas City.

A circuit expungement costs $112.50, which is waived for stolen/mistaken identity cases, and an associate civil division expungement costs $49. Fees and costs can be waived for indigent petitioners who file a Poverty Motion and Affidavit with the court. Free or low-cost legal assistance and resources are available through various organizations and attorneys.

Kansas Warrant Search

Courts issue arrest and bench warrants to enable law enforcement to take a person into custody. The former kind applies when criminal charges are involved, while the latter becomes necessary because of a court order violation (e.g., a missed court date). To find an active warrant in Kansas, a person can request case information from the Kansas Municipal Court or access the MissouriCase.net portal via a name or case number search.

Do Kansas Warrants Expire?

No, warrants do not expire in Kansas. These writs persist until the defendant is apprehended by peace officers or surrenders willingly. Admittedly, a court can recall an arrest warrant under specific circumstances, such as the dismissal of charges, the discovery of new evidence, or the confirmed death of the defendant.