Glendive Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Glendive, Montana?
Arrest records are public documents in Glendive, Montana, pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1003, which establishes the public's right to access government records. The Montana Constitution Article II, Section 9 further reinforces this right through its "right to know" provision, ensuring citizens have reasonable opportunity to examine the deliberations and decisions of governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies. The Dawson County Sheriff's Office and the Glendive Police Department maintain these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes:
- Promotes transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enables community awareness of public safety matters
- Facilitates accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
- Allows individuals to verify information that may affect employment or housing decisions
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted when disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy rights protected under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1017, or potentially endanger individuals involved in the case.
How to Look Up Glendive Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Glendive have several authorized methods to obtain this information. The Dawson County Sheriff's Office and Glendive Police Department serve as the primary custodians of local arrest records. Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and date of birth if available.
Official channels for accessing Glendive arrest records include:
In-person requests at the Dawson County Sheriff's Office located at 207 West Bell Street, Glendive, MT 59330. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters should bring government-issued identification and complete the required records request form.
Written requests submitted via postal mail to the Records Division, Glendive Police Department, 300 South Merrill Avenue, Glendive, MT 59330. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence.
Electronic requests through the Montana Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) for authorized users, including criminal justice agencies and approved organizations.
Telephone inquiries may be made to the Dawson County Sheriff's Office at (406) 377-5291 for preliminary information, though formal written requests are typically required for complete records.
Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction. Current fee schedules include $10 for basic record searches and $0.50 per page for photocopies of documents.
Contents of a Glendive Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Glendive law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Montana Criminal Justice Information Act of 1979 (Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-101 et seq.). These records serve as official documentation of interactions between individuals and law enforcement resulting in arrest.
Standard components of a Glendive arrest record include:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Unique identifiers (Montana State Identification Number, FBI number if applicable)
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest with corresponding Montana Code Annotated citations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency case number and incident report reference
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken during processing
- Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
- Property inventory documenting items in possession at time of arrest
- Initial appearance information including bail determination
- Detention facility assignment if applicable
The level of detail contained in arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records are updated as cases progress through the system, potentially including information about court appearances, case dispositions, and sentencing outcomes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Glendive
Montana law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1101 through § 46-18-1111. Expungement in Glendive follows these state provisions, allowing eligible individuals to petition for the removal of arrest information from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of Glendive arrest records include:
- Cases resulting in dismissal of charges
- Acquittals following trial proceedings
- Arrests not resulting in formal charges within one year
- Successful completion of deferred prosecution agreements
- Misdemeanor convictions after completion of all sentencing requirements and prescribed waiting periods
- Certain non-violent felony convictions after completion of all sentencing requirements and statutory waiting periods (typically 5 years)
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a formal petition with the Dawson County District Court, located at 207 West Bell Street, Glendive, MT 59330
- Provide certified copies of relevant case dispositions
- Submit to fingerprinting for verification purposes
- Pay applicable filing fees (currently $100, with fee waiver options available for indigent petitioners)
- Attend a scheduled hearing before the presiding judge
Upon granting of an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. This includes records maintained by the Glendive Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff's Office, Montana Department of Justice, and other criminal justice information repositories.
Expunged records are removed from public access but may remain available to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-1111(3). Individuals with expunged records may legally deny the existence of the arrest in most circumstances, including employment applications.
Search Arrest Records in Glendive
