Great Falls Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Great Falls, Montana?
Arrest records are public documents in Great Falls, Montana, pursuant to the Montana Public Records Act (Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1001 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Montana Constitution, Article II, Section 9, further reinforces this right through its "right to know" provision, which states that "no person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies or agencies of state government and its subdivisions."
The Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff's Office maintain these records in accordance with state law. Public access to arrest information serves multiple governmental interests, including promoting transparency in law enforcement operations, ensuring accountability of public officials, and facilitating community awareness of public safety matters.
How to Look Up Great Falls Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Great Falls have several official channels through which they may obtain this information. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests at Police Department: Individuals may submit requests directly at the Great Falls Police Department located at 112 1st Street South, Great Falls, MT 59401. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (406) 455-8599.
Cascade County Sheriff's Office: Records may also be requested from the Cascade County Sheriff's Office at 3800 Ulm North Frontage Road, Great Falls, MT 59404. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (406) 454-6820.
Municipal Court Records: The Great Falls Municipal Court maintains records related to arrests within city limits. Located at 2 Park Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59401. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (406) 455-8520.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records. These should be addressed to the Records Division of the appropriate agency and must include specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
Online Resources: The Cascade County Inmate Roster provides current information about individuals in custody. This resource is updated regularly and includes booking information for recent arrests.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for document searches and copies as authorized under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006. The City Attorney's Office establishes fee schedules for police records, which may include charges for document searches, copies of reports, photographs, and electronic media.
Contents of a Great Falls Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Great Falls law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as prescribed by Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Case number and booking number assigned by the arresting agency
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff's Office, or other law enforcement entity)
- Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint information collected during the booking process
- Custody status and bail information, if applicable
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if any
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-303, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety or the integrity of the investigation.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Great Falls
Montana law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101 through § 46-18-1111, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Great Falls under the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not lead to a conviction
- The case was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal
- The individual has completed all terms of their sentence, including probation or parole
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed (typically 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies, depending on the offense)
- The individual has not been convicted of any other offense during the waiting period
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Cascade County District Court at 415 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401. Telephone: (406) 454-6780. The petition must include:
- Complete identification information of the petitioner
- Details of the arrest record sought to be expunged
- A sworn statement that the petitioner meets all eligibility requirements
- Certified copies of relevant court documents
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecuting attorney, who may contest the expungement. The court will consider factors including the nature and severity of the original offense, the petitioner's criminal history, and whether expungement serves the public interest.
If granted, an expungement order requires all public agencies to seal the records and prohibits them from disclosing the existence of such records. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1107, the individual may thereafter legally state that the arrest never occurred when asked about their criminal history, except in certain circumstances such as applications for law enforcement positions.
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