Finding information about St. Louis arrests requires navigating several different systems depending on where the arrest occurred. Because St. Louis City and St. Louis County operate as two separate legal jurisdictions, you must know which department handled the booking to find the correct records. This guide provides a straightforward path to locating arrest data, viewing public records, and understanding the legal process in the St. Louis area.
Understanding the St. Louis Jurisdiction Split
Before beginning your search, it is important to understand that St. Louis is divided into two main areas: St. Louis City and St. Louis County. These entities have different police departments, different jail facilities, and different court systems.
St. Louis City is an independent city and is served by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. St. Louis County encompasses the suburbs surrounding the city and is served by the St. Louis County Police Department, along with dozens of local municipal departments.
If you are looking for an arrest record, your first step should be determining which jurisdiction the arrest took place in. If you are unsure, you may need to check the databases for both the City and the County.
How to Search for Arrests in St. Louis City
When someone is arrested within the city limits of St. Louis, they are typically processed by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD). Most detainees are held at the St. Louis City Justice Center.
To find information on someone currently in custody in the City, you can follow these steps:
- Contact the Justice Center: The City of St. Louis does not always maintain a real-time, public-facing online inmate gallery for the general public. You may need to call the Justice Center directly to confirm if an individual is being held.
- Check the SLMPD Website: The police department provides daily activity reports and news releases regarding major incidents and arrests.
- Use Municipal Court Search: If the arrest was for a local ordinance violation, the City’s municipal court website may have record of the filing.
How to Search for Arrests in St. Louis County
St. Louis County has a more centralized online system for checking current inmates. The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services manages the Buzz Westfall Justice Center in Clayton, Missouri.
To search for an arrest record in St. Louis County, use the following resources:
1. The Inmate Population List: St. Louis County maintains an online database of individuals currently housed in their facility. You can usually search this list by the individual’s last name or booking date.
2. Department of Justice Services: You can contact the county jail directly for information regarding bail, visiting hours, and specific charges. They provide a public information line for quick inquiries.
3. Municipal Police Departments: If the arrest occurred in a specific municipality like Chesterfield, Florissant, or Kirkwood, the individual might be held briefly at a local station before being transferred to the County jail in Clayton.
Using Missouri Case.net for Arrest Records
The most comprehensive tool for finding arrest information in St. Louis is Missouri Case.net. This is the state’s automated case management system which provides public access to court records.
Once an arrest leads to formal charges, the information is uploaded to Case.net. Here is how to use it effectively:
- Visit the Missouri Case.net website.
- Select “Search by Name” from the menu.
- Enter the person’s first and last name.
- Under “Jurisdiction,” select the 22nd Judicial Circuit for St. Louis City or the 21st Judicial Circuit for St. Louis County.
- Review the results for case types such as “Criminal” or “Traffic.”
Case.net will show you the specific charges, the judge assigned to the case, and upcoming court dates. It is the most reliable way to track the progress of a legal matter following an arrest.
How to Find St. Louis Mugshots
Mugshots are generally considered public records in Missouri, but they are not always easy to find in a single online gallery. Different departments have different policies regarding the digital publication of booking photos.
In St. Louis County, mugshots are sometimes included in the inmate search tool provided by the Department of Justice Services. In St. Louis City, mugshots are often withheld from public websites unless there is a specific law enforcement reason to release them, such as a search for a suspect.
Third-party websites often aggregate mugshots from across the country. However, these sites may not be updated frequently and might contain outdated or inaccurate information. For the most accurate data, always rely on official government portals.
Checking for Active Warrants in St. Louis
If you believe there is an active warrant for your arrest or someone else’s in St. Louis, it is important to verify this information through official channels. A warrant means that a judge has authorized law enforcement to take a person into custody.
To check for warrants in St. Louis:
- Search Case.net: If a warrant has been issued in a criminal case, it will often be listed under the “Actions/Judgments” tab for that specific case number.
- Contact the Clerk of Court: You can call the criminal court clerk in the 21st (County) or 22nd (City) circuits. They can verify if there are outstanding warrants in their jurisdiction.
- Municipal Warrant Search: Many small cities within St. Louis County have their own municipal courts. You may need to check with the specific city clerk if the warrant is for a traffic ticket or local ordinance violation.
Note: If you discover an active warrant for yourself, it is highly recommended to contact a legal professional before attempting to resolve it in person at a police station.
The Booking and Bail Process in St. Louis
When an arrest occurs in St. Louis, the individual goes through a process known as “booking.” During this time, the police record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the individual (the mugshot).
After booking, a judge or a bond commissioner determines if the person can be released on bail. There are several types of bonds common in St. Louis:
Cash Bond: The full amount of the bail must be paid in cash to the court. This money is usually returned after the case concludes, provided the defendant attends all court dates.
Surety Bond: A bail bondsman is paid a non-refundable fee (usually 10%) to guarantee the full amount of the bond to the court.
Own Recognizance (OR): In some cases, particularly for non-violent or minor offenses, a person may be released based on their promise to return to court without paying money upfront.
What to Do if Someone You Know Is Arrested
If a friend or family member has been arrested in St. Louis, your priority should be locating them and determining their bail status. Start by checking the St. Louis County Inmate Search or calling the St. Louis City Justice Center.
Once you have located them, you can inquire about the charges and the bond amount. If the bond is high, you may need to contact a licensed bail bond agent in Missouri. It is also advisable to seek legal counsel to ensure the individual’s rights are protected throughout the judicial process.
Finding information about St. Louis arrests is a straightforward process once you know which jurisdiction to search. By using tools like Missouri Case.net and the local justice center databases, you can find the answers you need quickly. For more help navigating public records and legal questions, explore our other guides on Missouri law and public safety resources.