District of Columbia Arrest Records

A District of Columbia arrest record is any material detailing a person's apprehension, detention, custody, or investigation following their alleged criminal involvement. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is the agency in charge of maintaining arrest records in the District of Columbia. This Department generates arrest records to enhance transparency and accountability in meeting community expectations. Per DC Code § 2–1402.66(b)(C), arrest records only contain information on adult convictions where the sentence was completed and forfeitures of collateral in a court proceeding that has occurred not more than 10 years before the requesting date. An arrest record contains the following information:

• Full names of the arrestee;
• The arrestee's age and race;
• Date and time of the arrest;
• The arrest charge;
• The disposition of the arrest;
• The name of the arresting agency;
• The arrest location.

Are Arrest Records Public in the District of Columbia?

Yes. The District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act grants the general public the right to access public records, including arrest records. The Act requires law enforcement agencies to make arrest records available in any format or form requested by an individual, provided that the required fees for such reproduction are paid. Per DC Code § 2–534, certain arrest records or portions of them may be exempted from public disclosure. Examples of confidential arrest records are:

• Juvenile arrest records;
• Personal information of arrested persons whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
• Body-worn camera recordings inside a personal residence or those related to domestic violence or sexual assault incidents;
• Investigatory records whose disclosure would interfere with enforcement proceedings or deprive an arrested person of a fair trial.

How Do I Look Up Arrest Records in the District of Columbia?

District of Columbia arrest records are accessible through the Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. To lookup DC arrest records through these Departments:

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

Inquirers may search arrest records by mail or in person at the MPD's Arrest and Criminal History Section (Police Clearances). In-person requests can be made between 9 am and 5 pm from Monday to Friday. Requesters must schedule an appointment with the Office before their visit. A driver's license, a non-driver ID, or an original birth certificate and social security card is needed to make a request. In-person requesters must complete a PD Form 70 (Criminal History Request). The form and a fee of $7, payable by cash or credit card, are required to process the request. The address of the MPD is thus:

Metropolitan Police Department

Arrest and Criminal History Section

*441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South *

*Washington, DC 20001 *

Inquirers who cannot visit the office in person or those outside DC can send a letter requesting the record of interest. The letter must include:

• The person's full name;
• Social Security Number;
• Date of birth;
• Self-addressed Stamped Envelope;
• A $7 money order payable to the DC Treasurer.

A Notary Public must notarize the letter before mailing it. The processing time is 6 weeks from the date the request is made.

The MPD now allows drop-off service without an appointment. Individuals must go to the Department in person to drop off thier arrest records requests. However, the arrest records would be returned to the requester in person or by mail. It takes 2 weeks to process an arrest record request through the drop-off method.

The following is required to obtain arrest records through drop-off service:

• Email address;
• Callback telephone number;
• Driver's license or non-driver ID;
• Self-addressed stamped envelope;
• Original birth certificate and social security card.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The FBI only gives copies of arrest records to their subjects. This simply means individuals cannot request other people's arrest records. The agency provides individuals with arrest records (also known as an Identity History Summary, a criminal history, or a rap sheet) through several methods:

• Online: Online requesters must electronically submit their fingerprints at a participating US Post Office location or mail a completed fingerprint card and the confirmation email received by the requester to a specified address. Fingerprint submission attracts additional fees. The processing time is approximately 15 days upon receiving the mailed fingerprint cards. However, individuals who visit a United States Post Office location for electronic fingerprints can get their arrest records in 48 hours.
• By mail: Mail requesters must send a complete Applicant Information Form, a fingerprint card, and a fee of $18 per person to the FBI. Payment can be made by certified check, credit card (through the Credit Card Payment Form), or money order, payable to the United States Treasury. Cash, personal checks, or business checks are unacceptable. Individuals who cannot afford to pay the fees can request a waiver. The waiver should include a claim and proof of indigence. It takes about 75 days to process mail requests. Requests should be addressed to:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306

• Through approved third-party channelers: These vendors help individuals submit their arrest record requests to the FBI. Each channeler has unique methods of requesting information from requesters. An additional fee is required when using a channeler.

Free Arrest Record Search in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)** **does not offer free access to arrest records. The Department charges $7 for copies of arrest records. However, requesters can contact the MPD at (202) 727-4245 to inquire about fee waivers. Fortunately, individuals can find arrest dispositions for free through the EACCESS portal provided on the DC Superior Court official site. Some local police departments also host a dedicated 'recent arrest' page on their website where inquirers can find details of recent arrestees in that jurisdiction.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in the District of Columbia?

Per DC Code § 2–1402.66(b)(C), the Metropolitan Police Department does not release arrest records of adult convictions where the sentence is completed between 10 years and above. Per DC Code § 5–113.32, law enforcement agencies keep case jackets, crime scene examination case files, and any evidence retrieved during an open investigation of certain crimes for 65 years. Certain arrests can remain in a person's record for life unless expunged.

How to Seal Arrest Record in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia permits individuals with arrest records to have their records sealed, provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in DC Code § 16–802 to § 16–803.02. Eligible individuals can file a motion to seal their arrest records with the court where the case was heard (DC Code § 16–804). Below is a step-by-step process for filing a motion to seal arrest records in the District of Columbia:

• Step 1: Individuals must schedule an appointment with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) over the phone at (202) 727-4245 to request a copy of their arrest history reports. DC Code § 2–1402.66 permits individuals to request their arrest records for the purpose of sealing.
• Step 2: Request a case(s) disposition from the DC Superior Court.
• Step 3: After receiving the arrest history report and disposition, the individuals should prepare a motion to seal arrest records themselves or hire an attorney.
• Step 4: All the required documents (MPD arrest record, case disposition, and motion to seal) should be emailed to criminalmotionsealteam@dcsc.gov.

The District of Columbia Seal Team will assign the motion a case number and assign it to a judge to be ruled on. The sealing process takes about six months and if the petition is granted, all implicated records will be removed or redacted. There is no fee for filing a motion to seal arrest records in DC.