Where can public arrest records be viewed for free?

Arrest records, or criminal records, are accessed from various levels governmental agencies. The county's sheriff's department, state police department or the Federal Bureau of Investigation are able to provide the records requested.

Criminal records are not public records, which means they cannot be accessed by just anyone. Governmental agencies and potential employers, especially in the field of law enforcement or those who work with children or the elderly, are among those who are able to access criminal records. The Freedom of Information Act has created a website that details where to best access criminal records for specific states and who is allowed to view these documents.