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Sioux Falls Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sioux Falls, South Dakota?

Arrest records are public documents in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pursuant to South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, which establishes the state's public records law. This statute mandates that records created, maintained, or received by public agencies shall be available for public inspection and copying. The Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are subject to public disclosure with certain statutory exceptions.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes. These include:

Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
Facilitating public oversight of governmental activities
Providing accountability for public officials
Enabling citizens to make informed decisions regarding public safety

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1.5, which protects personal privacy in specific circumstances. Such protected information typically includes Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and information related to ongoing investigations that might compromise law enforcement efforts if disclosed.

How to Look Up Sioux Falls Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sioux Falls have several official channels through which they may obtain this information. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records in compliance with South Dakota public records laws:

In-Person Requests

The Sioux Falls Police Department maintains arrest records and provides public access during regular business hours.

Sioux Falls Police Department
320 West 4th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 367-7212
Sioux Falls Police Department

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification. Pursuant to SDCL § 1-27-35, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records.

County Records Access

The Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
425 North Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 367-5900
Minnehaha County Official Website

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Online Access Options

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System provides online access to court records, which may include information related to arrests. Users may search by name to locate case information, hearing dates, and disposition of charges. The system does not provide access to complete arrest reports but offers basic information about court cases resulting from arrests.

For payment of fines or fees associated with cases, individuals may utilize the UJSePay system, which also provides limited case information.

Contents of a Sioux Falls Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Sioux Falls law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by South Dakota Codified Law § 23-5-1 and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Known aliases or alternative names
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity (as categorized by law enforcement)
Residential address at time of arrest

Arrest Details

Date and time of arrest
Location where the arrest occurred
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
Booking number and processing information

Physical Descriptors

Height and weight
Hair and eye color
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprint classification
Booking photograph (commonly known as a "mugshot")

Case Processing Information

Custody status (detained or released)
Bail or bond amount, if applicable
Court appearance dates
Case number assigned by the judicial system
Disposition information (if available)

It should be noted that pursuant to SDCL § 23-5-7, certain juvenile arrest records may be subject to different disclosure rules and may not be publicly accessible without a court order.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sioux Falls

South Dakota law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by SDCL § 23A-3-26 through § 23A-3-33, which establishes the legal framework for removing arrest information from public access.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Sioux Falls if their case meets one of the following conditions:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
Charges were dismissed by the prosecutor or court
The individual was acquitted at trial
The case was resolved through a suspended imposition of sentence that has been successfully completed
The conviction was for a minor offense that qualifies under statutory provisions
The statutory waiting period has elapsed (varies by offense type)

Certain serious offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses, are generally ineligible for expungement under South Dakota law.

Petition Process

The expungement procedure requires filing a formal petition with the circuit court in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred. The standard process includes:

Preparation of a petition for expungement that includes case information and statutory grounds
Filing the petition with the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
Payment of required filing fees (approximately $70 as of 2025)
Service of the petition on the prosecuting attorney
Attendance at a scheduled hearing before a circuit court judge

Minnehaha County Courthouse
425 North Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 367-5900

Legal Effect of Expungement

When an expungement is granted pursuant to SDCL § 23A-3-32, the arrest record is sealed from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. The individual may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances, with exceptions for certain professional licensing applications and law enforcement employment.

Expunged records will not appear in standard background checks conducted by the general public or most employers, though they may be discoverable in enhanced background investigations for sensitive positions.