The arrest of a friend or family member can be a traumatic experience, and finding them can seem daunting. Here’s what you need to know about finding local arrests.
To find local and recent arrests, the best place to start is on the local police department’s or municipal court’s website. Other enforcement agencies may be helpful as well, but choosing the right one depends on the crime the person was arrested for. If one is still unable to locate the person, they might consider trying a non-emergency county law enforcement number that can help locate where the person is being held.
Arrest, Booking, and Jail
When a person is arrested, an arrest report is filed and they are then booked. Booking includes the following:
- Name
- Address
- Charges
- Fingerprints
- Criminal history
- Mugshot
The arrestee must then be brought before a judge for a formal declaration of charges as soon as possible. This is generally within 24 to 48 hours after the arrest.
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For minor offenses, bail may be set at the time of the arrest. For felonies, bail is set by an arraignment judge. Bail amounts depend on the type of crime, the person’s criminal history, and their status in the community. The person is then either held in custody until the formal trial or until the requested bail is paid.
How Do I Find Someone Who’s Been Arrested
The first step to finding someone who’s been arrested is to get as much information on them as possible. This can include their full name, birth date, age, gender, and race. It is also helpful to know the date and location of the arrest to help narrow the search.
If the person was recently arrested, they are likely to be in jail. This can include those that have been arrested in the past 24 to 48 hours and have not yet appeared before a judge.
The best place to start looking for someone that has been arrested is the local police department’s website or the county jail’s website. Some departments have a searchable website to help find local arrestees. If one is able to locate the person they are looking for, they should make sure to call the facility to make sure the person is still there.
If one still cannot find the person in question after the initial search, consider searching the websites of neighboring counties or try a private inmate locator website in the area.
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If online searches are unsuccessful, one may also call a non-emergency county law enforcement number to ask where the person is being held. Do not call 911 as this is for emergencies only. Some cities have a special number to locate arrestees. For example, those in New York City can call 311 to get information on the status of someone who has been recently arrested. Keep in mind that this number may change from city to city, so be sure to check the local police department for the right number for you.
Remember to stay patient and as calm as possible. Finding someone who has been arrested is a frustrating and daunting task. Keep in mind it may take a few days for recent arrests to be entered into the system and that multiple search attempts over a few days might be necessary to find the needed information.
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