Search Public Records

Bellevue Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bellevue, Nebraska?

Arrest records in Bellevue, Nebraska are considered public documents pursuant to Nebraska Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Nebraska Public Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by enabling citizens to access information about law enforcement activities, including arrests made within Bellevue city limits. Members of the public may request these records from the appropriate custodial agencies, subject to certain limitations regarding ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and other protected information as defined by state statute.

How to Look Up Bellevue Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Bellevue, Nebraska as of 2025. Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(1), citizens have the right to examine public records during normal business hours. The following official channels are available for accessing Bellevue arrest information:

  • In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Members of the public may visit the Bellevue Police Department or Sarpy County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.

Bellevue Police Department
1510 Wall Street
Bellevue, NE 68005
(402) 293-3100
Bellevue Police Department

Sarpy County Sheriff's Office
8335 Platteview Road
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2288
Sarpy County Sheriff's Office

  • Sarpy County Clerk of District Court: The court maintains records of arrests that have resulted in formal charges. These records can be requested in person during regular business hours.

Sarpy County Clerk of District Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2267
Sarpy County District Court

  • Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the appropriate records custodian. Such requests must include specific information about the record being sought and the requestor's contact information.

  • Online Resources: The Sarpy County website provides access to current inmate bookings and limited arrest information through their public portal.

Contents of a Bellevue Arrest Record

Bellevue arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by Nebraska Administrative Code Title 78, Chapter 2. These official documents generally include the following elements:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Arresting agency identification
  • Booking photographs (commonly referred to as mugshots)
  • Fingerprint records when collected
  • Enumeration of criminal charges filed, including statute numbers and offense descriptions
  • Case or incident number assigned by the law enforcement agency
  • Custody status information including bail or bond amounts when applicable
  • Preliminary court appearance dates if scheduled

It should be noted that pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523, certain arrest information may be withheld if the arrest did not result in a conviction or if the record has been sealed by court order.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

Nebraska's commitment to governmental transparency is codified in the state's Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09). This statutory framework establishes that arrest records maintained by Bellevue law enforcement agencies are presumptively open to public inspection. The following legal provisions govern access to these records:

  • Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712 establishes that citizens have the right to examine public records during normal business hours.
  • Records custodians must respond to requests within four business days pursuant to § 84-712.04.
  • Reasonable fees may be charged for document reproduction as permitted by § 84-712.03.
  • Certain exemptions exist under § 84-712.05, including records that would interfere with ongoing criminal investigations or prosecutions.

The Nebraska Criminal History Information Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3520) further regulates the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records. This legislation balances the public's right to information with individual privacy considerations and investigative integrity.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records in Bellevue are generally accessible to the public, several statutory exceptions and limitations exist. The following restrictions apply to the dissemination of certain arrest information:

  • Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 43-2,108, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential and not available for public inspection except by court order.
  • Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by judicial order under Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523 are not accessible to the general public.
  • Ongoing Investigations: Information that would interfere with pending or reasonably contemplated law enforcement proceedings may be withheld under § 84-712.05(5).
  • Non-Conviction Data: In certain circumstances, arrest records that did not result in prosecution or conviction may have restricted access after specified time periods pursuant to § 29-3523.
  • Personal Privacy Protections: Information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and certain personal identifiers are typically redacted from publicly available arrest records.

These limitations serve to protect individual privacy rights, the integrity of law enforcement operations, and the rehabilitation prospects of those who have interacted with the criminal justice system.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bellevue

Nebraska law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-3523 and requires judicial approval. Individuals seeking expungement in Bellevue must adhere to the following statutory requirements:

  • For non-conviction records, a petition may be filed in the district court where the arrest occurred.
  • The petitioner must demonstrate eligibility based on statutory criteria, which typically include:
    • Complete dismissal of charges
    • Acquittal at trial
    • Successful completion of diversion programs
    • Passage of statutorily defined waiting periods
  • The court will consider factors such as the nature of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, and the public interest in maintaining record accessibility.

If granted, an expungement order directs law enforcement agencies, including the Bellevue Police Department and Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, to seal the arrest record from public view. However, these sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain legal proceedings.

Sarpy County District Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2267
Sarpy County District Court

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Bellevue may utilize arrest records as part of background screening processes, subject to certain legal restrictions. The following regulations apply to the use of arrest information for background verification purposes:

  • The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) governs the collection and use of consumer information, including criminal history, when conducted by third-party screening companies.
  • Nebraska's Fair Employment Practices Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1101 et seq.) prohibits discrimination in employment based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction.
  • Employers must obtain written consent before conducting background checks that include criminal history information.
  • Public employers in Nebraska are subject to "ban the box" provisions that restrict inquiries about criminal history until after an initial assessment of qualifications.

Organizations conducting background checks using Bellevue arrest records should consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations governing the use of such information in making employment, housing, or other decisions.

Search Arrest Records in Bellevue