Monroe County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Monroe County in 2026
MonroeCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Monroe County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case filings. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not represent complete criminal histories.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Monroe County Circuit Clerk, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online government databases. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records, the legal framework governing public access, and the processes that follow an arrest in Monroe County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed at the county jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent arrests. Booking information recorded at intake includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status. Records are updated as new bookings occur and as individuals are released or transferred.
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
101 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8609
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
Several municipal police departments operate within Monroe County, including the Waterloo Police Department and the Columbia Police Department. Each department maintains its own arrest logs and may issue press releases containing arrest information for significant cases. Members of the public may submit public records requests to individual departments under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Waterloo Police Department
215 North Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8651
Waterloo Police Department
Columbia Police Department
208 North Rapp Avenue
Columbia, IL 62236
Phone: (618) 281-5151
Columbia Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Monroe County Circuit Clerk maintains all court records associated with criminal cases arising from arrests in the county. "The Clerk is required to attend all sessions of court, keep and preserve all records and files of the court, issue process as required by law." Members of the public may search court case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition data.
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Illinois State Police maintains the Statewide Criminal History Repository, which contains arrest and conviction records submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information portal. A fee applies for civilian requests. The repository includes arrests from all Illinois jurisdictions and reflects dispositions as reported by courts and law enforcement agencies.
The Illinois Department of Corrections also provides an Individual in Custody Search tool, which allows members of the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities. This resource is available at no cost and is updated regularly.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 101 South Main Street, Waterloo, IL 62298
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Phone: (618) 939-8609
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest
- Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per the Illinois Freedom of Information Act
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 100 South Main Street, Waterloo, IL 62298
- Criminal records division is located within the Monroe County Courthouse
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (618) 939-8681
- Case files are available for public inspection at the clerk's office
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply for certified copies
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 101 South Main Street, Waterloo, IL 62298. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the five-business-day response period established under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS § 140/3.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (618) 939-8609
- Basic custody status information may be available by phone
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records and copies require an in-person visit or written request
- Staff may direct callers to the online search system or advise on submitting a formal records request
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery processes in pending legal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors have access to records beyond what is available to the general public in the context of active litigation.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Waterloo PD, Columbia PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County
Arrest records in Monroe County are public records under Illinois law. The Freedom of Information Act - Monroe County, Illinois page confirms that "The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law providing citizens with access to Public Records. Public Records are documents produced by the County." Under 5 ILCS § 140/2, public records include all documents, regardless of physical form, prepared by or used by a public body. Arrest records fall within this definition and are presumed open to public inspection absent a specific statutory exemption.
The public interest in accessible arrest records reflects core principles of government transparency, public safety awareness, community accountability, and the ability of journalists, researchers, employers, and legal professionals to access accurate information about criminal justice activity.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not available to the general public under Illinois law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Witness protection participants are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, establishes that public funds, property, and operations are subject to public scrutiny. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to court proceedings and public records. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to protect individuals from ongoing reputational harm from records that no longer reflect active criminal liability.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing restrictions
- Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance requirements
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment contexts. Employers subject to Illinois law should be aware that arrests not resulting in conviction carry limited evidentiary weight in employment decisions. The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is legally significant: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action, not a judicial finding of guilt.
What's in Monroe County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest, including street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Illinois State Police, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of arrest
- Illinois statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony class or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, to the extent they are part of the public court record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (Monroe County Circuit Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available at the time of the record request
Prior Arrest History:
Prior arrests within Monroe County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charge information. Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request or court case search.
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information not available in booking records
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Monroe County?
The cost of obtaining arrest records in Monroe County is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS § 140/6, which establishes the framework for permissible fees that public bodies may charge for records requests.
Current Fee Structure:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Circuit Clerk) | $2.00 per document plus $0.25 per page |
| Electronic records (where available) | No charge in many cases |
| Inspection of records (in person) | No charge |
| Color copies or oversized documents | Actual cost of reproduction |
- Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Standard copy fees of $0.25 per page apply to paper reproductions
- Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing the clerk's seal is required
- Electronic records, where available, may be provided without charge or at a reduced fee reflecting only the actual cost of duplication
- Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Monroe County Circuit Clerk
- The Sheriff's Office accepts cash and money orders for records copy fees
Fee Waivers:
Under 5 ILCS § 140/6, public bodies may waive fees when disclosure is in the public interest and the request is not made for commercial purposes. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should submit a written request explaining the public interest basis for the waiver at the time the records request is filed.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public arrest records and court case files
- Online court case searches through the Circuit Clerk's public access system
- The Individual in Custody Search through the Illinois Department of Corrections
- Basic custody status inquiries by phone to the Sheriff's Office
How To Delete Arrest Records in Monroe County
Under Illinois law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement and sealing. These are distinct legal remedies. Expungement results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records to the petitioner, effectively eliminating the record from law enforcement and court databases. Sealing restricts public access to records while allowing law enforcement agencies to retain and access them for official purposes. The applicable statute is the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, 20 ILCS § 2630/5.2, which governs eligibility, procedures, and the effect of expungement and sealing orders in Illinois.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Arrests that did not result in conviction are eligible for expungement in most circumstances, including:
- Arrests where charges were never filed
- Cases dismissed by the court
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Cases where the defendant successfully completed a qualified supervision or diversion program
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period, depending on the offense
Eligibility for Sealing:
Sealing is available for a broader range of offenses, including many misdemeanor and felony convictions that are not eligible for expungement. Certain offenses, including most sex offenses, domestic violence offenses, and driving under the influence convictions, are not eligible for sealing under current Illinois law.
Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Monroe County Circuit Clerk to confirm the charges and disposition
- Determine eligibility under 20 ILCS § 2630/5.2 based on the offense type, disposition, and applicable waiting periods
- Complete the Illinois Petition to Expunge and Impound or Petition to Seal Criminal Records, available through the Illinois Courts website
- File the petition with the Monroe County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and all law enforcement agencies named in the petition
- Attend the scheduled hearing before a Monroe County Circuit Court judge
- If the petition is granted, the court order is transmitted to the Illinois State Police and all named agencies for compliance
Contact Information for Expungement Assistance:
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
Monroe County State's Attorney's Office
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Monroe County State's Attorney
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free self-help resources and guided forms for individuals seeking to expunge or seal their records without an attorney, available at illinoislegalaid.org.
What Happens After Arrest in Monroe County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Monroe County, the arrested individual is transported to the Monroe County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office facility at 101 South Main Street, Waterloo, IL 62298. Transport time varies depending on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Monroe County Jail, the booking process is initiated. Booking typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The process includes the following steps:
- Personal information is recorded, including full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description
- Miranda rights are read if not already administered at the scene
- A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the Illinois State Police repository
- A criminal history check is conducted
- Outstanding warrants are checked through state and national databases
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
- A medical screening is conducted
- A brief mental health screening is administered
- Housing classification is determined based on charges and risk assessment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Illinois law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge for an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. At the first appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed, and a public defender may be appointed for those who qualify based on income
- Bond is set or the individual is released on recognizance
- The individual is advised of their rights
Initial appearances in Monroe County are conducted at the Monroe County Courthouse, 100 South Main Street, Waterloo, IL 62298. Hearings may be conducted via video conference in certain circumstances.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Monroe County Circuit Clerk. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The defendant may engage a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is ten percent of the total bond amount in Illinois.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all future court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: In cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant, the court may order that the individual be held without bond.
Conditions of Release:
Conditions imposed at the time of release may include regular check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted: Processing following bond payment typically takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of the next court date, and written conditions of release.
If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Monroe County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation by the Monroe County Public Defender. Eligibility is based on income and is determined at the initial appearance.
Monroe County Public Defender's Office
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Monroe County Government
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service at isba.org. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Monroe County Jail during designated visitation hours, and consultations are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Monroe County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The State's Attorney may file formal charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant appears before a Monroe County Circuit Court judge, the formal charges are read, and the defendant enters a plea. The available pleas in Illinois are guilty, not guilty, and, in limited circumstances, no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the case proceeds to the pretrial phase.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement at any point prior to verdict.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a recommended sentence or reduced charges.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution and defense present their cases, and a verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned.
Sentencing (If Convicted):
Following a guilty verdict or plea, the Monroe County Circuit Court judge imposes a sentence, which may include imprisonment, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of the right to appeal.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felony cases: May take six months to over one year
- The right to a speedy trial in Illinois is governed by 725 ILCS § 5/103-5, which requires trial within 120 days for defendants in custody and 160 days for defendants on bond
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Monroe County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
101 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8609
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
Monroe County State's Attorney's Office
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Monroe County State's Attorney
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Monroe County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Monroe County is governed by Illinois law and the records retention schedules established by the Illinois Local Records Commission. The Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS § 205, establishes the framework for the retention and disposal of public records maintained by local government agencies, including law enforcement and court offices.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Monroe County Circuit Clerk, the Illinois State Police Criminal History Repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
- Felony conviction records are part of the permanent criminal history and do not expire
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of 20 years by local law enforcement and court records systems
- The Illinois State Police repository retains misdemeanor conviction records as part of the permanent criminal history
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years under standard retention schedules
- Court records are retained for a minimum of seven years following dismissal
- Records may remain in databases indefinitely unless the subject petitions for expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records are often retained permanently as part of the case file
- The subject may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of two to five years
- Local arrest logs are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
- Individuals whose charges were not filed may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):
- Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of two to five years
- These records are eligible for expungement under Illinois law
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork is retained according to the applicable Local Records Commission schedule
- Fingerprint cards are retained permanently by the Illinois State Police
- Booking photographs are retained for a minimum of five years for arrests without conviction and permanently for convictions
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of two years
- Records management system data is retained according to the applicable schedule, often permanently for conviction records
- Court electronic records are retained permanently for felony cases and for a minimum of seven years for misdemeanor cases
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. These entities are governed by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when records are used for employment or housing purposes. An expungement order issued by a Monroe County court does not automatically compel removal from private third-party databases, and individuals may need to contact those entities separately.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years for arrests without conviction; permanent for felony convictions
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
- Contact: (618) 939-8609
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum seven years following case closure
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent for most case types
State Repository:
- The Illinois State Police Statewide Criminal History Repository maintains records from all Illinois jurisdictions
- Retention policy follows state law and is permanent for conviction records
- Non-conviction records may be updated or removed following a court-ordered expungement
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
- Federal retention is permanent for most arrest and conviction records
- Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records are physically destroyed or returned to the petitioner; the Illinois State Police updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all systems may take several months following the court order
- No Charges Filed: Records have the shortest standard retention period and may be purged automatically after two to five years; individuals may request immediate expungement in many cases
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests are available through online search tools and the Circuit Clerk's public access system
- Arrests from five or more years ago may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office
- Very old arrests may exist only in paper form in archival storage and may require additional processing time and fees for retrieval
- Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (618) 939-8609 for inquiries about historical records
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions, and employers are advised to consult applicable state guidance when evaluating arrest records that did not result in conviction.