Decatur County Public Records / Decatur County Arrest Records

Decatur County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Decatur County in 2026

DecaturRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Decatur County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case references, mugshots, and bond details through official government sources and third-party aggregators. Record availability varies by agency, date of arrest, and case disposition, and the information presented may not reflect the most current status of any individual's legal matter.

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records, both online and in person.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Decatur County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of booking and arrest records for incidents occurring within county jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster that is updated on a rolling basis and reflects current custody status. Members of the public may search available records by name. Information accessible through the Sheriff's Office includes booking date and time, charges filed, bond amount, and custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The Greensburg Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Decatur County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications channels. Members of the public seeking records from city-level arrests may submit a public records request directly to the Greensburg Police Department.

Greensburg Police Department
219 West Washington Street
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-3131
City of Greensburg

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases linked to arrests are searchable through MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search, the official public access portal maintained by the Indiana Supreme Court. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition. As noted by the Indiana Supreme Court, "Official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining a particular record."

Decatur County Clerk of Courts
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 5
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223
Decatur County Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana Department of Correction maintains the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search, which allows members of the public to locate individuals currently held in state correctional facilities by name. The Indiana Department of Correction also provides a broader offender locator tool that includes facility assignment and DOC number. State-level criminal history records maintained by the Indiana State Police are available through a separate background check process, which may involve a fee.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
601 South Ireland Street
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 222-4911 (Dispatch)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Decatur County Sheriff

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply and are payable at the time of the request.

Clerk of Court:
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 5
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Decatur County Clerk

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Indiana law.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Decatur County Sheriff's Office should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Decatur County Sheriff's Office dispatch line at (812) 222-4911 can provide limited information regarding current custody status. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information may require an in-person visit or written request.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings, subpoena, or direct request to the custodial agency. Confidential attorney-client consultations are available at the Decatur County Jail.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Greensburg PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Decatur County

Arrest records in Decatur County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, Ind. Code § 5-14-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created by public agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, assist in background screening, and serve as foundational documents in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Indiana law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Indiana's commitment to open government is reflected in Article 1 of the Indiana Constitution and reinforced by Ind. Code § 5-14-3. The Indiana Judicial Branch: Public Records page notes that "if you need assistance finding records, consider seeking help from your local library, the Indiana State Library, or the Indiana Supreme Court Law Library." Courts balance transparency with individual privacy rights, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sealed proceedings, and expunged records.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Decatur County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Greensburg Police Department, Indiana State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Indiana statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Decatur County?

Under Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8, public agencies in Indiana may charge fees for the reproduction of public records, but inspection of records must be permitted at no charge. Current standard fees at Decatur County offices are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge
Paper copies	$0.10 per page (standard)
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	Varies by document type
Electronic copies	Varies by agency
Search fee	Not permitted under Indiana law

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated.
Online access through MyCase is available at no charge for basic case information.
Certified copies of court documents carry additional fees set by the Clerk of Court.
Fees for records obtained through the Indiana State Police criminal history repository are set separately and are subject to change.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Decatur County

Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure or sealing of records, and restricted access orders, which limit who may view certain records. Expungement under Ind. Code § 35-38-9 is the primary remedy available to eligible individuals in Indiana.

Expungement results in the sealing of arrest and conviction records from public view. Once an expungement order is granted, the records are restricted from public access, and the individual may lawfully state in most contexts that the arrest or conviction did not occur. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for certain purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement in Indiana:

Arrests where no charges were filed: Eligible immediately after the prosecutor declines to file or the statute of limitations expires
Arrests resulting in acquittal or dismissal: Eligible after case resolution
Misdemeanor convictions: Eligible five years after the date of conviction, provided no other criminal charges are pending
Felony convictions (Class D/Level 6): Eligible eight years after the date of conviction
More serious felony convictions: Subject to longer waiting periods and additional restrictions; some offenses are ineligible

Steps to Pursue Expungement:

Confirm eligibility based on the nature of the arrest or conviction and the applicable waiting period under Ind. Code § 35-38-9
Obtain a copy of the relevant arrest record and court case from the Decatur County Clerk of Courts
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Decatur County Circuit or Superior Court
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend any scheduled hearing
If the court grants the petition, the order is served on all relevant agencies, including the Indiana State Police and local law enforcement

Decatur County Prosecutor's Office
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 3
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8030
Decatur County Prosecutor

Decatur County Circuit Court
150 Courthouse Square
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223
Decatur County Courts

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Indiana Legal Services or the public defender's office for guidance on the expungement process.

What Happens After Arrest in Decatur County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest within Decatur County, the arrested individual is transported to the Decatur County Jail, located at 601 South Ireland Street, Greensburg, IN 47240. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Decatur County Jail, the booking process commences. The process involves the following steps:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical screening completed
Housing classification determined

Booking duration is subject to volume and staffing but is completed before the individual is assigned to a housing unit.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest if held without a warrant. At the initial hearing, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and, if the individual is indigent, initiates the process for appointment of a public defender. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the Clerk of Court
Refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate based on charge severity and risk factors

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, customarily ten percent of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing and release time varies, with a typical range of one to eight hours
Personal property returned upon release
Written court date and conditions of release provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

Individual remains in custody at the Decatur County Jail
Housing assignment made following classification
Inmate orientation conducted
Commissary account, phone privileges, and visitation schedule explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:
Decatur County Public Defender
150 Courthouse Square
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223

Eligibility for a court-appointed public defender is based on financial need. The application is completed at or shortly after the initial hearing.

Private Attorney:

The individual retains the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Indiana State Bar Association provides attorney referral services. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Decatur County Jail in confidential consultation rooms.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Decatur County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an Information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. The available pleas in Indiana are guilty, not guilty, and, in some circumstances, no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all legal options. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings between prosecution and defense
Pretrial motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
Pretrial conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for agreed-upon charges or sentencing recommendation
Trial: Jury trial or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of incarceration. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks, depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
Indiana's constitutional right to a speedy trial is governed by Indiana Criminal Rule 4

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Sheriff's Office (Jail):
601 South Ireland Street
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 222-4911
Decatur County Sheriff

Clerk of Court:
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 5
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223
MyCase Court Search

Prosecutor's Office:
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 3
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8030
Decatur County Prosecutor

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Decatur County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Indiana is governed by state law and the policies of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Local agencies follow retention schedules established under Indiana administrative rules. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act and associated administrative guidance set minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Appear on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in court records
Local law enforcement retention follows agency policy, with records commonly maintained for the life of the agency's records management system

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum period per agency policy, often five to ten years
Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged
State repository: Records remain unless expungement order received

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records: Retained permanently unless sealed or expunged
Local law enforcement: Retained per agency policy
May be eligible for expungement under Indiana law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained per agency schedule, often five years minimum
Eligible for expungement immediately upon confirmation that no charges were filed

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per agency schedule
Photographs: Retained in records management systems, often indefinitely

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained per agency policy, often three to seven years
Records management systems: Often permanent retention
Court electronic records: Permanent retention in most cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely and are not subject to the same expungement obligations as government agencies
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:
601 South Ireland Street
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 222-4911
Decatur County Sheriff

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Indiana Commission on Public Records schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.

Clerk of Court:
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 5
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period following case closure. Electronic records are maintained permanently in the statewide court system.

State Repository:

The Indiana State Police maintains the state criminal history repository. The Indiana Judicial Branch: Public Records page provides guidance on accessing state-level records. Retention at the state level follows Indiana administrative rules and is permanent for most conviction records.

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests and convictions. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Local Retention	State Repository	Background Check Impact
Conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Indefinite
Dismissal	Varies	Remains unless expunged	May not appear
Acquittal	Varies	Remains unless expunged	May not appear
No charges filed	Minimum period	Remains unless expunged	Minimal
Expungement granted	Sealed/destroyed per order	Updated per order	Removed from public access

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Expunged records are not reportable on consumer background checks, though law enforcement retains access for authorized purposes.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Decatur County Sheriff's Records Division at (812) 222-4911 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under Ind. Code § 5-14-3 may be required to obtain formal confirmation of record existence or destruction.