Boone County Public Records / Boone County Arrest Records

Boone County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Boone County in 2026

BooneCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Boone County, Iowa. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, court case data, and related criminal justice records through official government sources and third-party directories. Available record categories include arrest logs, inmate rosters, court case filings, offender registry entries, and booking photographs. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Boone County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa Courts Online system, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Boone County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that members of the public may access at no charge through the county's official website. The roster reflects individuals currently held at the Boone County Jail and is updated on a regular basis. Information available through the roster includes the detainee's full name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The roster does not serve as a comprehensive historical arrest database; it reflects current and recent bookings rather than a complete archive of past arrests.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Boone Police Department serves the county seat and handles arrests within the city limits. Press releases and public arrest logs may be issued through the department's public information function. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level law enforcement may submit a public records request directly to the Boone Police Department. Ogden, Ames (which extends into Story County), and other municipalities within or adjacent to Boone County maintain their own records divisions, and requests must be directed to the appropriate jurisdiction based on where the arrest occurred.

Boone Police Department
920 Keeler Street
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 432-3discouraged — contact via official city directory
City of Boone

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings, which members of the public may search through Iowa Courts Online. Searching by an individual's name returns associated criminal case filings, charge descriptions, case numbers, and scheduled hearing dates. The Iowa Judicial Branch notes that "appellate case electronic document viewing [is] available at a public terminal at the courthouse, in the county where the case was filed." In-person access to case files is available at the Boone County Courthouse.

Boone County Clerk of Court
201 State Street
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0561
Iowa Judicial Branch

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Iowa Department of Corrections maintains the Iowa Offender Search portal, through which members of the public may search for individuals currently or previously under the supervision of the Iowa DOC. Pursuant to § 904.601(1) of the Iowa Code, offender records are designated as public information. The portal includes name, supervising district, offense information, and supervision status. No fee is required to conduct a search through this state-level tool.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office
1019 West Mamie Eisenhower Avenue
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0520
Boone County Sheriff's Office

Hours: The records division operates during standard business hours, Monday–Friday. Members of the public should present a valid government-issued photo identification and provide the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Fees for copies of records are assessed per page in accordance with Iowa law.

Clerk of Court
201 State Street
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0561
Boone County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page; certification of records carries an additional fee.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Boone County Sheriff's Office at 1019 West Mamie Eisenhower Avenue, Boone, IA 50036. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest (if known), booking number (if known), and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Boone County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (515) 433-0520. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm basic custody status but will direct callers to the online roster or an in-person visit for detailed records. The requester should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. In active legal proceedings, arrest records and associated documentation may be obtained through the discovery process.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Boone County

Arrest records in Boone County are public records under Iowa law. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.2, every person has the right to examine and copy public records maintained by government bodies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action — the exercise of law enforcement authority — and their public availability supports government transparency, public safety awareness, community accountability, journalism and research, background screening, and the administration of legal proceedings.

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
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Iowa law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt
Victim-identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Records pertaining to participants in witness protection programs are not publicly accessible

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Iowa's public records framework reflects a balance between the constitutional principles of government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record — which documents a government action — and a record of conviction, which reflects an adjudicated finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Iowa does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain public employment contexts may carry additional restrictions. A critical distinction applies in all screening contexts: an arrest record does not constitute evidence of guilt, and arrests that did not result in conviction carry different legal weight than convictions.

What's in Boone County Arrest Records

Boone County arrest records contain a defined set of information generated at the time of booking and through the initial stages of the criminal justice process.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public-facing records)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, city police department, or state agency)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date, time, and assigned booking number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Iowa Code statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Inventory of personal property

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance (PR bond), or no bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (contained in the police report, a separate document)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the booking record
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks aggregate information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Boone County?

Under Iowa law, the fee structure for public records is governed by Iowa Code § 22.3, which permits government bodies to charge fees for the actual cost of providing copies. Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Inspection of public records	No charge
Paper copies	$0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by office)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Fees based on actual cost of production
Search fee	Not separately assessed in most cases

Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page when physical or electronic copies are requested. Certification of records for use in legal proceedings carries an additional fee set by the issuing office. Accepted payment methods at the Boone County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; individual offices should be contacted to confirm current accepted payment methods.

Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, including requests submitted by indigent individuals or in connection with certain legal proceedings. The requesting party should inquire directly with the relevant office regarding waiver eligibility.

Online access to the inmate roster through the Boone County Sheriff's website and the Iowa Courts Online case search system is available at no charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Boone County

Iowa law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of the record, and the deferred judgment process, which may result in a dismissal eligible for expungement. The distinction is significant: expungement removes the record from public access, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction.

Under Iowa Code § 901C.1, individuals who were arrested but not convicted — including cases where charges were not filed, were dismissed, or resulted in acquittal — may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. Eligibility requirements include the passage of a specified waiting period and the absence of any pending criminal proceedings. Individuals who successfully completed a deferred judgment and had their case dismissed may also be eligible to petition for expungement of the underlying record.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Boone County:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information through Iowa Courts Online or the Clerk of Court
Confirm eligibility based on case disposition and waiting period requirements under Iowa Code § 901C.1
Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Boone County Clerk of Court
File the petition with the Boone County District Court and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve notice on the relevant law enforcement agencies and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) as required
Attend any scheduled hearing; the court will issue an order granting or denying the petition
If granted, the order is transmitted to the relevant agencies for record removal or sealing

Boone County District Court — Clerk of Court
201 State Street
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0561
Iowa Judicial Branch

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 725-6066
Iowa DCI

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Iowa attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Iowa State Bar Association's lawyer referral service may assist in identifying qualified counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Boone County?

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest anywhere within Boone County, the arrested individual is transported to the Boone County Jail. As stated on the official county website, "individuals who have been placed under arrest are transported to the Boone County jail located at the Law Enforcement Center at 1019 West Mamie Eisenhower Ave." The individual remains handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

Boone County Jail — Law Enforcement Center
1019 West Mamie Eisenhower Avenue
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0520
Boone County Sheriff's Office — Jail

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying and storing personal property, exchanging clothing for a jail uniform, and completing medical and mental health screenings. A housing classification determination is made based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history. The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Iowa law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, advises the individual of their rights, determines eligibility for appointment of a public defender, and sets bond or bail. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: The individual may engage a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond.

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: The court may order that an individual be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of the court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, completes inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, telephone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Boone County Public Defender
Represented through the Iowa State Public Defender's Office
1305 East Walnut Street, 4th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 242-6158
Iowa State Public Defender

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

The Boone County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery — the exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings between the prosecution and defense — as well as pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, a diversion program (such as drug court or mental health court), a plea agreement, or trial.

If convicted, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination thereof. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal a conviction.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: resolved within several months to over a year in complex cases
Iowa's constitutional speedy trial provisions apply throughout

Important Contacts:

Boone County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1019 West Mamie Eisenhower Avenue
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0520
Boone County Sheriff's Office

Boone County Clerk of Court
201 State Street
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0561
Iowa Courts Online

Boone County Attorney's Office
201 State Street, Suite 303
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0580
Boone County Government

Iowa State Public Defender
1305 East Walnut Street, 4th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 242-6158
Iowa State Public Defender

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 with anyone other than counsel
Contact family or a trusted individual to assist with bail arrangements
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Boone County?

Records retention in Boone County is governed by Iowa law and the policies of the Iowa State Archives and Records Program. The Iowa Code and the state records retention schedule establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions: Records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Felony conviction records appear on background checks indefinitely.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Records are retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the state repository. Court records for misdemeanor cases are retained for a minimum period established by the Iowa records retention schedule, and electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis in many instances.

Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement. Court records for dismissed cases are retained according to the applicable retention schedule and may remain accessible unless sealed or expunged.

Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal are retained by local law enforcement and the court. These records may be eligible for expungement under Iowa Code § 901C.1 and may be sealed upon a successful petition.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are subject to the shortest standard retention periods and may be eligible for expungement. The subject may petition for removal of the record from the state repository.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files are retained according to the Iowa records retention schedule. The records division may be contacted at (515) 433-0520 for information about specific records.

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained for periods specified in the Iowa Judicial Branch records retention schedule. Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis.

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (State Repository): The DCI maintains criminal history records for all arrests occurring within Iowa, including those in Boone County. Retention policy is governed by state law and DCI administrative rules.

FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal may leave the arrest record in place unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs the destruction or sealing of local records and the updating of the state repository; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record even following expungement, and third-party commercial background check companies are not subject to the expungement order and may not update their databases in a timely manner.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible through the online inmate roster and Iowa Courts Online. Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's records division or the Clerk of Court. Records that predate digitization may exist only in paper form and may be subject to longer retrieval times and applicable copy fees. Records that have exceeded their retention period may have been destroyed in accordance with the authorized records destruction schedule.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Iowa does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for convictions in private employment contexts. Arrests that did not result in conviction carry no legal presumption of guilt and their use in employment and housing decisions is subject to applicable federal and state anti-discrimination requirements.