Find Kentucky Arrest Records
Kentucky maintains arrest records through several state agencies and county offices. The Department of Corrections operates KOOL, a free tool that searches offender data across all state prisons and community corrections programs. Courts share case details through CourtNet 2.0. County jails post booking data daily. Inmate rosters update on each facility site. The Kentucky State Police processes background checks and handles open records requests. These Kentucky arrest records are public under state law, and residents can search by name, offense type, or booking date to find specific records from official government sources.
Kentucky Arrest Records Online
The Kentucky Department of Corrections gives the public access to arrest records and offender information through its online systems. KOOL is the state's main arrest records database. It stores data on every person in state custody or under supervision. Users search Kentucky arrest records by last name, first name, DOC number, or offense type. KOOL covers incarcerated inmates, supervised offenders, and those on parole. Search results show booking photos, charges filed, conviction details, and projected release dates. The system also lists each offender's current facility and supervision status. Kentucky updates these inmate records often to reflect transfers and releases.
The Kentucky Online Offender Lookup portal below is the primary search tool for statewide arrest records.
KOOL lets users filter Kentucky arrest records by county, age, race, or gender. Each result shows the offender's PID number, current facility, and offense count. Users can also search by KY Revised Statute code to find offenders convicted under a specific law. The system sorts results by last name. It remains free to use at any time and does not require an account.
The Kentucky Department of Corrections homepage links to additional inmate records and victim services.
From this site, users can reach community services, probation and parole offices, and the VINE victim notification program. Kentucky DOC is located at 125 Holmes Street in Frankfort and can be reached at (502) 564-4726. Open records requests go to correctionsopenrecords@ky.gov.
Note: Kentucky arrest records on KOOL may not reflect same-day changes in custody status or recent facility transfers.
State Offender Search Resources
The Kentucky State Police maintains criminal history records and processes requests from the public. KSP offers name-based background checks for $20 each, payable by check or money order. These checks pull from the central repository of arrest records reported by law enforcement agencies across Kentucky. The repository does not contain all arrest data, only what agencies have reported to KSP. For a full picture of someone's Kentucky arrest records, users may need to check county-level sources as well. Fingerprint-based checks are available for authorized organizations that meet state requirements.
The KSP Open Records page below explains how to request Kentucky arrest records directly from state police files.
To submit a request, send a written letter to the Official Custodian of Records at 1266 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, or call 502-782-1873. KSP must respond within five business days. The KSP Background Checks page has details on fees and processing. Under KRS 61.870 through 61.884, all public records in Kentucky must be open for inspection unless a specific exemption applies. This includes most arrest records held by state and local agencies.
Kentucky Court Arrest Records
The Administrative Office of the Courts runs FastCheck, an online portal for criminal record reports drawn from Kentucky court files. Registered users can order reports and view them online. A one-time request option sends results by mail. Each criminal record report costs $20 and can be paid by credit card. FastCheck pulls from court records across all Kentucky counties, making it a useful tool for checking arrest records tied to court cases. AOC Records serves as the official custodian for court system files.
The AOC FastCheck portal is shown below.
FastCheck reports include charges, case outcomes, and court dates from across the state. This data complements the offender records found on KOOL by adding court-side details that KOOL does not cover.
For broader case searches, the CourtNet 2.0 system lets anyone look up court cases statewide.
Public users get limited docket information for free. Full access requires a subscription and is open to Kentucky licensed attorneys and eligible media. CourtNet shows case status, upcoming court dates, and party information. The Kentucky Court of Justice website also provides court forms, eFiling access, and jury information for each county.
Note: CourtNet public access shows limited data, and some sealed or expunged Kentucky arrest records will not appear in results.
Requesting Open Records
Kentucky's Open Records Act gives residents the right to inspect public records held by any government agency. This includes arrest records, booking logs, and inmate rosters from jails, police departments, and the state corrections system. To request records, submit a written request to the custodian of records at the relevant agency. Most agencies charge $0.10 per page for copies, as allowed under KRS 61.874. Agencies must respond within five business days per KRS 61.880. If a request is denied, the agency must explain why in writing. Certain records are exempt from disclosure, including those tied to active investigations or those that would invade personal privacy.
The Kentucky Open Records Portal shown below provides forms and guidance for submitting requests to state agencies.
This portal covers requests directed at executive branch agencies. For local arrest records, contact the county sheriff's office or detention center. Each county jail has its own custodian of records and may have an online request form.
The Kentucky Attorney General's office oversees open records compliance statewide.
The AG publishes a standardized open records request form that works with any public agency in the state. If an agency wrongly denies a request for arrest records, residents can file an appeal with the Attorney General.
Arrest Records and Public Access
Kentucky arrest records contain several types of information. Booking records document the arrest itself, including the date, charges, arresting agency, and booking photo. Inmate records track a person's time in custody, covering facility assignments, court dates, and release projections. Offender records in the KOOL system add conviction details, sentence lengths, and parole status. Release records note when and how a person left custody. Together, these records form a detailed picture of each case from arrest through disposition. All of these record types fall under Kentucky's public records laws unless a specific exemption applies.
The Kentucky Court of Justice website below connects users to court records, case lookups, and legal resources across every county.
Court records add context to arrest records by showing case outcomes. A person's arrest record may show an initial charge, but court records reveal whether that charge led to a conviction, dismissal, or plea agreement. Kentucky courts handle circuit, district, family, and juvenile matters. Juvenile arrest records are confidential under state law and are not available through public search tools.
Note: Only Kentucky residents may submit open records inspection requests, though online databases like KOOL are accessible to anyone.
Custody Alerts Through VINE
VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It is the nation's first statewide automated victim notification system and operates in every Kentucky county. VINE lets registered users receive automatic alerts when an offender's custody status changes. These alerts cover releases, transfers, and escapes. Users can choose to get alerts by phone, email, or text message. Registration is free and confidential. VINE connects to jail booking computers across Kentucky and scans for changes every ten minutes, so inmate records stay current. Victims of crime, their families, and other concerned parties use VINE to stay informed about Kentucky arrest records and custody changes without having to call the jail directly.
Anyone can register for VINE alerts at any time. The service is available around the clock. For help with registration, call 1-866-277-7477 toll-free.
Kentucky Record Expungement
Kentucky law allows certain arrest records to be expunged, meaning they are sealed or destroyed so they no longer appear in public searches. The type of offense determines eligibility and the waiting period. Cases dismissed or resulting in acquittal can be expunged under KRS 431.076, and charges after July 15, 2020 may qualify for automatic expungement. Misdemeanor convictions require a five-year waiting period with no new convictions during that time, as outlined in KRS 431.078. Certain Class D felonies are also eligible after five years, though a certificate of eligibility from KSP is required first. The expungement certification process carries a $40 fee.
Expungement options in Kentucky include:
- Dismissed charges and acquittals under KRS 431.076
- Misdemeanor convictions after a five-year clean period
- Eligible Class D felonies with KSP certification
- Automatic expungement for qualifying post-2020 non-convictions
Once a Kentucky arrest record is expunged, it should not appear on background checks or in public offender databases. The court order directs all agencies holding the record to destroy or seal it. Residents seeking expungement should start by contacting the circuit court clerk in the county where the case was filed. Legal aid organizations across Kentucky can also help with the petition process at low or no cost.
Browse Kentucky Arrest Records by County
Each county in Kentucky maintains local arrest records through its detention center and sheriff's office. Select a county below to find arrest records resources for that area.
Arrest Records in Major Cities
Major cities in Kentucky work with county agencies to maintain arrest records. Select a city below to learn about local arrest records and inmate search resources.