Free Kansas Arrest & Criminal Records Check: All 105 Counties in KS

Free Kansas Arrest Records & Criminal Records Search
Access Kansas Records: background checks, warrants, probation and parole, court records, and all criminal and arrest records.

Kansas arrest records and criminal records can be searched by using the county inmate rosters below, checking with the State’s Bureau of Investigation (KBI), or with free options on the web.

Thanks to the federal Freedom of Information Act and the Kansas Open Records Act, searchers can check government public record databases efficiently to reveal anyone’s past or current situation.

This resource is dedicated to making various types of public records freely and readily accessible. To get started, follow the steps outlined below, which will guide you through the process of:

  • Obtain recent arrest, arrest records and criminal records in Kansas
  • Discover Kansas inmate contact information and bail instructions
  • Search KS court records which reveals more criminal records
  • See who’s on probation or parole in Kansas
  • Request and obtain copies of criminal records in KS
  • Expunge and seal Kansas state records
  • Locate prisoners in Kansas state prisons and federal prisons
  • Perform a Kansas background check for personal and professional purposes
  • Locate sexual offenders within the state of Kansas and nationwide
  • Interpret laws surrounding Kansas’ public records and discrimination

Are Criminal & Arrest Records Considered Public Information in Kansas?

Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) arrest and criminal records are generally accessible to the public unless specifically prohibited in the statue.

For example KORA prohibits disclosure of criminal records that can identify a confidential informant, juvenile records, investigative records that would interfere with the performance of law enforcement activities or prosecution of a case, or information that discloses personally identifying information on victims of crime.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limits credit history and certain criminal records or arrests to a seven-year lookback period meaning anything older than seven years cannot appear on a commercial (professional) background check.

Kansas statute 50-704 applies that same seven-year lookback limitation to criminal records in the state for jobs that pay under $20,000 per year. Jobs that pay over that are subject to a longer lookback period due to the increased responsibility involved in many of those positions.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidance to agencies that require background checks on employees, and enforces compliance in anti-discrimination laws that prohibit using criminal background checks in an discriminatory manner. In short, agencies should not consider a criminal record in and of itself to be a disqualifier for a position and should consider other factors when making hiring decisions.

Agencies should also look at the amount of information returned since arrest records are different from criminal history records.

Kansas Criminal Record Searches vs Arrest Record Lookups: What Shows Up on Each?

Arrest and criminal records are sometimes referred to interchangeably; however, they are very different in the information provided.

Arrest records in Kansas show a person was taken into custody by a law enforcement agency in the state, and will show the date of the arrest as well as the criminal charges. This does not show the disposition (meaning if the case was dismissed, dropped or the person was found guilty or not guilty) of a case. In other words, an arrest record shows someone was accused of a crime, but is not a record of a conviction.

Kansas criminal records are much more extensive than arrest records. Criminal records include information about arrest, charges filed (which can differ from the original reason for the arrest), and court disposition (dismissed or dropped charge, acquittal, or guilty plea or verdict along with any sentencing information).

Not all charges result in an arrest, so a criminal record also shows charges where the accused was given a summons to court but not taken into custody. Criminal records also show if a person was placed in a diversion program or deferred prosecution and the results of that action.

How To Find Recent Arrests & Why Someone Is in Jail in Kansas

Finding recent arrest records in Kansas or why someone in jail starts with knowing the four W’s of doing an arrest search:

  • Who: You need the name of the person arrested. Full name is best, but last name is a must in any search.
  • What: It helps to know what the person was charged with to determine if it is a crime that typically results in an arrest or a summons.
  • Where: The place where the arrest was made is vital. You must know the Kansas county where the person was taken into custody so you know which jail or courthouse to look for records.
  • When: The date the person was arrested is also vital. For example, if the person was just arrested, you may have to look at the jail processing center (if there is one). If they were arrested weeks ago, they may have already posted bond

This information is how to find out if someone is in police custody and how to post their bond if one has been set.

Search Inmates in Kansas County Jails: Look Up Recent Arrests & Mugshots

Most county jails or detention centers publish daily inmate rosters so the general public can see who is in custody and what the person’s bond is (if any). The jail rosters may also list a person’s charges, and some also show mugshots of the alleged offenders.

Kansas has 105 counties, but not every county has its own jail facility, so it’s important to know which jail houses someone to search arrest records in the state.

Counties with smaller populations will utilize the detention facilities in neighboring counties with a greater population. The table below lists all the county jails where inmates are held in Kansas and the phone number for each:

County Inmate Search Tool County Jail or Sheriff’s Office Phone Number Shows Mugshots?
Bourbon County 620-223-1440
Brown County 785-742-3291
Chase County 620-273-7054
Cherokee County 620-429-3992
Crawford County 620-724-8853
Crowley County 620-221-5444 X
Doniphan County 785-985-3711
Douglas County* 785-830-1000 X
Finney County 620-272-3756
Jackson County 785-364-4121
Jefferson County 785-863-2765
Johnson County 913-715-5100
Kiowa County 620-723-4155
Labette County 620-795-2565
Leavenworth County 913-724-1313
Linn County 541-967-3901 X
Marion County 620-382-2144
McPherson County 620-245-1225
Montgomery County 620-330–1000
Nemaha County 785-336-2311
Phillips County 785-543-6885
Pratt County 620-672-4133
Reno County 620-694-2741 X
Rooks County 785-425-6312
Saline County 785-826-6500 X
Sedgwick County 316.660.3900 X
Shawnee County 785.251.6602
Sherman County 785-890-4835
Sumner County 620-326-8943 X
Thomas County 785-460-4570
Trego County 785-743-5721
Wabaunsee County 785-765-3323
Woodson County 620-625-8640
Wyandotte County 913-573-4120

*Requires registering for a free account to access rosters

A screenshot from the sheriff's office of Bourbon County displays the provided inmate roster, starting with the search options and name input field, followed by the mugshots, names, booking numbers and dates, charges, and bonds of the posted inmates.
Source: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office10

The following jails do not publish inmate rosters. To find out if someone is currently housed in one of these facilities, the person would need to call the number listed for each department.

The following counties do not maintain a county jail and use a detention center in a neighboring county to house arrestees. Individuals can call the sheriff’s department to learn where a recently arrested person from that county is being housed.

Run an Arrest Search of City Jails in Kansas

Individuals arrested by municipal law enforcement in Kansas are taken to the nearest county detention facility for pretrial confinement.

For example, a person arrested in Wichita, Kansas would be taken to the Sedgwick County Jail until they are bonded out or released per a judge’s order. Therefore, use the links in the table above to find the nearest county jail inmate look up tool online, or call the phone number for the county sheriff’s office.

Public Arrest Record Search (Kansas Statewide Lookup)

Statewide criminal records in the state can be accessed through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. KBI is another way how to find out why someone was arrested in Kansas.

A background check through the KBI is available to any individual, organization or business and includes misdemeanor and felony convictions, municipal ordinance violations, department of corrections confinements, arrests within the previous year even when a disposition has not been entered, and individuals on active diversion programs.1

Records can be requested through the online portal maintained by the KBI. A KanAccess account is required to get a background history through the agency, and the cost is $20 per report.2

A screenshot of the search form for criminal history records in Kansas displays the first few input fields provided for first, last, and second last names, with a side panel prompting the users to subscribe to the service.
Source: Kansas Bureau of Investigation11

Another option for criminal records is the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration. While this can provide a statewide criminal history, the information contained may or may not be a complete criminal history on the subject.

The only counties in the state that currently upload information are Douglas, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte. Each search is $1.50 and payment can be made by card when searching online.3

How To Contact an Inmate in Jail & Post Bail

Learning the jail a person is being held at is key to having contact with the person and posting bail if possible. Some jails allow in person visits, while others only allow electronic visits. Posting bail can be completed at the jail by the individual or by hiring a bail bondsman to secure the person’s release.

The table below lists how to contact someone in jail in Kansas:

County Inmate Contact How to Contact or Visit an Inmate Personal Visits Allowed?
Atchison County Jail Visitation can be scheduled by calling 913-367-0216
Barton County Jail Visitation is each Wednesday at 7pm
Bourbon County Jail Visits, messages and phone calls are done online through InmateSales. X
Brown County Jail Visitation can be approved or arranged by calling 785-742-3291
Butler County Jail Phone and video visitation is through Securus X
Chase County Jail Visitation is currently unavailable at this location. Contact can be made by calling 620-273-7054 X
Cherokee County Jail Visitation is on Saturdays and Sundays and must be approved and scheduled by calling 620-429-3897 at least 24 hour in advance
Clark County Jail Visitation is each Wednesday from 2-4 pm.
Clay County Jail Visiting for in-county inmates is on Sunday and Wednesday and on Saturday for out of county inmates
Coffey County Jail Visitation is on Sundays from 1-4 and must be scheduled by calling 620-364-3199
Cloud County Jail Visitation is Tuesday and Thursday from 1-4 by appointment by calling 785-243-8164
Crawford County Jail Onsite daily video visitation (from the jail lobby) between 8:30-11:30am and 12:45-3:45 pm X
Crowley County Jail Visitation depends on the pod the inmate is housed in or the work detail assigned
Decatur County Jail Video visitation any day from noon to 3:30pm (free if from jail lobby, $5.50 for each 15 minutes if accessed remotely) X
Dickinson County Jail Visitation must be scheduled by calling 785-263-4734
Doniphan County Jail Must be arranged 24 hours in advance by calling 785-985-3711 and submission of the visitation form with required supporting documentation
Douglas County Jail Inmates can make collect calls from +1-888-506-8407 (pre-paid) or +1-800-736-7500 (billing). The first 30 seconds of their first call from the jail is free. Visitation is virtual and requires registration X
Ellis County Jail Telephone contact through Crown Correctional Telephone Service, Visitation depends on the section the inmate is housed in and must be arranged online. Visitation is via video phone. X
Ellsworth County Jail Visitation must be arranged by calling 785-472-4416
Finney County Jail Visitation is any day of the week between 8 8 am and 10 pm (20 minute visits) via video X
Franklin County Jail Visitations or contact can be arranged by calling 785.229.1200 X
Ford County Jail Contact can be made via mail at:
11311 East Comanche
Dodge City, Kansas 67801
X
Geary County Jail Visitation must be arranged by calling  785-238-2261
Graham County Jail Visitation is Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:30pm.
Greenwood County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling 620-583-5569
Harvey County Jail Visitation depends on the cell block the inmate is on
Haskell County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling 620-675-2289
Jackson County Jail Telephone and video visitation is through City Tele Coin. X
Jefferson County Jail Visitation is everyday except Monday and Friday from 2:30-4:30 pm and 7:30-9:30 pm
Johnson County Jail Telephone contact is through ConnectNetwork. Visitation is video visits from the kiosk in the jail lobby X
Kingman County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling 620-532-5133
Kiowa County Jail Video visitation from jail lobby Wednesday through Sunday from 8-11 am and 1-4 pm X
Labette County Jail Visitation on Saturdays from 9-11 am for in county inmates and 1-3 pm for out of county inmates. Telephone contact is through Securus.
Leavenworth County Jail All visitation is via video through Homewav accessed through the jail lobby Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4:30 pm for free and $3 per 15 minute call when accessed remotely. Inmates can use funds in their account to call family and friends via telephone. X
Linn County Jail Visitation is Tuesday and Saturday from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm
Lyon County Jail Video visitation is through Jailfunds X
Marion County Jail Visitation is every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 pm. Visitors must be placed on the inmate’s visitor list before they are allowed to visit.
Marshall County Sheriff Jail Visitation is Tuesday through Sunday 8:15 am to 4 pm
McPherson County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling 620-245-1225
Miami County Jail Visitation is currently suspended, but when opened it is in the lobby of the jail by appointment. X
Mitchell County Jail Telephone contact and video visitation is through InmateSales and Combined Public Communications with calling cards. X
Montgomery County Jail Communication can be via email. Visitation is on Friday for male inmates (1-7 pm) and Saturday for females (9 am to noon).
Nemaha County Jail Video visitation must go through InmateSales and can be arranged any day of the week between 10 am and 8 pm. X
Osage County Jail Visitation is on Sunday from 1-4 pm
Oborne County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling 785-346-2001
Ottawa County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling 785-392-2157
Pawnee County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling 620-285-2211
Phillips County Jail Visitation is Tuesdays from 2-4 pm on site
Pottawatomie Jail Video visits are through InmateSales and must be approved 24 hours in advance. Visitation is Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 8 am to 4 pm on site or any day between those times remotely. X
Pratt County Jail Inmates can be contacted via video or telephone using CityTeleCoin X
Reno County Jail Inmate contact can be arranged by calling 620-694-2741
Rice County Jail Visitation (out of county inmates) Saturdays 8am to 11:30, (male inmates in county) 1 to 4:30 pm. Visitation (females in county) Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Telephone contact via Securus.
Riley County Jail Visitation can be in person or via video. Video visitation is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Rooks County Jail Visitation is Wednesday 7 to 9 pm and Sundays 1 to 5 pm. Must be arranged 24 hours in advance.
Saline County Jail Jail is currently under construction and visitation or contract is pending.. X
Scott County Jail Visitation is Monday through Saturday between 10 am and 8pm
Sedgwick County Jail Visitation is Monday through Friday from 1 to 5:30 pm or 7 to 9 pm (except during shift change) and must be arranged by appointment. Remote visitation can be any day between 9 am and 10 pm.
Seward County Jail Visitation is by appointment only and based on the pod where the inmate is housed
Sherman County Jail Video visitation is at the jail on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. X
Stevens County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling (620)544-4386
Sumner County Jail Inmates can make outgoing calls with funds in their account. Visitation for males is Saturday and Sunday from 8 to 11 am and 6 to 9 pm. Visitation for females is Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm and Mondays from 6 to 9 pm. All visitation is via video. X
Thomas County Jail Visitation is via video from the jail lobby Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm X
Trego County Jail Visitation is Thursdays from 2 to 4 pm
Wabaunsee County Jail Visitation is Saturday from 1 to 5 pm. Inmates can make one free phone call, all other calls are collect or prepaid calls.
Wallace County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling (785) 852-4288
Washington County Jail Visitation is Thursday through Sunday from 2 to 4 pm by appointment only.
Woodson County Jail Visitation is done through InmateSales via video and must be approved 24 hours in advance. X
Wyandotte County Jail Visitation can be arranged by calling 913-573-4120

While jail records can show why a person was taken into custody, it is not a complete criminal record. For a more comprehensive search, other state agencies can provide more detailed information.

How To Look Up Criminal Records in Kansas

It is possible to search a person’s criminal history through the court system. Since all convictions require a hearing and a judge or jury decision, courts are one of the best sources for an in-state criminal history report.

KS Criminal Record Search: County Clerk of Court Case Access

In addition to the online portal through the Judicial Branch, each clerk of court’s office maintains a public terminal where individuals can search Kansas criminal records for free.

Disposition can be obtained by conducting a search at the clerk’s office, and this information is currently only available at the clerk’s terminals. The table below lists the address for each clerk’s office:

County Criminal Record Search (Clerk of Court’s Office)4 County Courthouse Address County Courthouse Online Search Portal?
Allen 1 N. Washington Ave., Room-B
Iola, Kansas 66749
X
Anderson 100 East 4th Avenue
Garnett Kansas 66032
X
Atchison 423 North 5th Street
Atchison Kansas 66002
X
Barber 118 East Washington
Medicine Lodge Kansas 67104
X
Barton 1400 Main Street, Room 306
Great Bend Kansas 67530-4098
X
Bourbon 210 South National Avenue
Fort Scott Kansas 66701
X
Brown 601 Oregon St
Hiawatha Kansas 66434
X
Butler 201 West Pine, Ste 101
El Dorado Kansas 67042-2947
X
Chase 300 Pearl Street|
Cottonwood Falls Kansas 66845
X
Chautauqua 215 North Chautauqua Street
Sedan Kansas 67361
X
Cherokee 110 West Maple
Columbus Kansas 66725
X
Cheyenne 212 East Washington
St. Francis Kansas 67756
X
Clark 913 Highland
Ashland Kansas 67831
X
Clay 712 5th Street, Ste 204
Clay Center Kansas 67432
X
Cloud 811 Washington, Ste P
Concordia Kansas 66901
X
Coffey 110 South 6th Street. Ste 102
Burlington Kansas 66839-1798
X
Comanche 201 South New York Street
Coldwater Kansas 67029
X
Cowley 311 East 9th Avenue
Winfield Kansas 67156
X
Crawford 602 North Locust Street
Pittsburg Kansas 66762
X
Decatur 120 East Hall Street
Oberlin Kansas 67749
X
Dickinson Post Office Box 127
Abilene Kansas 67410
X
Doniphan 130 E Chestnut
Troy Kansas 66087
X
Douglas 111 East 11th Street
Lawrence Kansas 66044-2966
X
Edwards 312 Massachusetts
Kinsley Kansas 67547
X
Elk 127 North Pine
Howard Kansas 67349
X
Ellis 107 West 12th Street
Hays Kansas 67601
X
Ellsworth 210 North Kansas Avenue
Ellsworth Kansas 67439-3118
X
Finney 425 North 8th Street
Garden City Kansas 67846-0798
X
Ford 101 West Spruce Street
Dodge City Kansas 67801
X
Franklin 301 South Main Street
Ottawa Kansas 66067-0637
X
Geary 138 East 8th Street
Junction City Kansas 66441
X
Gove 420 Broad Street
Gove Kansas 67736
X
Graham 410 North Pomeroy Avenue. Ste 9
Hill City Kansas 67642
X
Grant 108 South Glenn
Ulysses Kansas 67880
X
Gray 300 South Main Street
Cimarron Kansas 67835
X
Greeley 616 2nd Avenue
Tribune Kansas 67879
X
Greenwood 311 North Main
Eureka Kansas 67045
X
Hamilton 219 North Main
Syracuse Kansas 67878
X
Harper 201 North Jennings
Anthony Kansas 67003
X
Harvey 800 North Main Street
Newton Kansas 67114
X
Haskell 300 South Inman
Sublette Kansas 67877
X
Hodgeman 500 Main
Jetmore Kansas 67854-0187
X
Jackson 400 New York Avenue., Room 311
Holton Kansas 66436
X
Jefferson 300 Jefferson Street
Oskaloosa Kansas 66066
X
Jewell 307 North Commercial
Mankato Kansas 66956
X
Johnson 150 West Santa Fe Street
Olathe Kansas 66061-3273
X
Kearny 304 North Main
Lakin Kansas 67860
X
Kingman 130 North Spruce
Kingman Kansas 67068
X
Kiowa 211 East Florida Avenue
Greensburg Kansas 67054
X
Labette 201 South Central
Parsons Kansas 67357
X
Lane 144 South Lane
Dighton Kansas 67839
X
Leavenworth 601 South 3rd Street, Ste 3051
Leavenworth Kansas 66048-2868
X
Lincoln 216 East Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Kansas 67455
X
Linn 308 Main St
Mound City Kansas 66056
X
Logan 710 West 2nd Street
Oakley Kansas 67748
X
Lyon 430 Commercial Street
Emporia Kansas 66801
X
Marion 200 South 3rd Street, Ste 201
Marion Kansas 66861
X
Marshall 1201 Broadway St
Marysville Kansas 66508
X
McPherson 117 North Maple Street
McPherson Kansas 67460
X
Meade 200 North Fowler Street
Meade Kansas 67864
X
Miami 120 South Pearl Street
Paola Kansas 66071
X
Mitchell 115 South Hersey
Beloit Kansas 67420
X
Montgomery 300 East Main Street, Ste 201
Independence Kansas 67301
X
Morris 501 West Main Street, Ste 201
Council Grove Kansas 66846
X
Morton 1025 Morton
Elkhart Kansas 67950
X
Nemaha 607 Nemaha St
Seneca Kansas 66538
X
Neosho 102 South Lincoln
Chanute Kansas 66720
X
Ness 100 South Kansas
Ness City Kansas 67560
X
Norton 101 South Kansas Avenue
Norton Kansas 67654
X
Osage 717 Topeka Avenue
Lyndon Kansas 66451
X
Osborne 423 West Main
Osborne Kansas 67473-0160
X
Ottawa 307 North Concord
Minneapolis Kansas 67467
X
Pawnee 715 Broadway
Larned Kansas 67550-0270
X
Phillips 301 State Street
Phillipsburg Kansas 67661-0564
X
Pottawatomie 108 North 1st Street
Westmoreland Kansas 66549
X
Pratt 300 South Ninnescah
Pratt Kansas 67124
X
Rawling 607 Main Street, Ste F
Atwood Kansas 67730
X
Reno 206 West First Street, Floor 3
Hutchinson Kansas 67501
X
Republic 1815 M St.
Belleville Kansas 66935
X
Rice 101 West Commercial Street, Floor 3
Lyons Kansas 67554-2797
X
Riley 100 Courthouse Plaza
Manhattan Kansas 66502-0158
X
Rooks 115 North Walnut Street
Stockton Kansas 67669
X
Rush 715 Elm
LaCrosse Kansas 67548
X
Russell 401 North Main Street
Russell Kansas 67665-0876
X
Saline 300 West Ash
Salina Kansas 67402-1760
X
Scott 303 Court Street
Scott City Kansas 67871
X
Sedgwick 525 North Main Street
Wichita Kansas 67203-3773
X
Seward 415 North Washington, Suite 103
Liberal Kansas 67901
X
Shawnee 200 Southeast 7th Street, Ste 209
Topeka Kansas 66603
X
Sheridan 925 9th Street
Hoxie Kansas 67740
X
Sherman 813 Broadway Avenue, Room 201
Goodland Kansas 67735
X
Smith 218 South Grant Street
Smith Center Kansas 66967-0273
X
Stafford 215 North Broadway Street
St John Kansas 67576-0365
X
Stanton 201 North Main, Box 913
Johnson Kansas 67855-0913
X
Stevens 200 East 6th
Hugoton Kansas 67951
X
Sumner 501 North Washington
Wellington Kansas 67152
X
Thomas 275 North Court Avenue
Colby Kansas 67701
X
Trego 216 North Main Street
WaKeeney Kansas 67672
X
Wabaunsee 215 Kansas Avenue
Alma Kansas 66401
X
Wallace 313 North Main Street
Sharon Springs Kansas 67758
X
Washington 214 C St
Washington Kansas 66968
X
Wichita 206 South 4th
Leoti Kansas 67861-0968
X
Wilson 615 Madison, Room 214
Fredonia Kansas 66736
X
Woodson 105 West Rutledge
Yates Center Kansas 66783
X
Wyandotte 710 North 7th Street
Kansas City Kansas 66101
X

Each individual clerk does not have an online portal for searching cases just in that county, instead individuals would have to use the centralized case management system.

Statewide Criminal Record Search via the Kansas Judicial Branch: How To Access State Court Records

The State’s Judicial Branch maintains an online search portal to find records called the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. A screenshot from Kansas district court public access portal page showing an empty smart search criteria, and a verification box.

Source: Kansas District Court12If case information cannot be found through the case management system, individuals can go to the nearest courthouse and use the public terminal maintained by the clerk’s office. Some public records must be searched at the courthouse and cannot be placed in the centralized system.

A screenshot of the court records search results from the public access portal of Kansas displays the case titles, numbers, party names, types, locations, and birth dates.
Source: Kansas District Court13

The information provided by the online portal includes the type of charge (infraction, traffic, misdemeanor or felony), location of court, and birth year for the defendant. The search portal does not show disposition.5

Kansas Criminal Records: Where & How To Get a Copy in Kansas

For official Kansas criminal records, searchers must go through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. KBI has an online access portal that allows authorized users to complete an official name-based statewide search.

Agencies or individuals must have a KanAccess account available through the state’s official government website. Cost for a statewide background check is $20 per person searched and can be paid with a debit or credit card at the time of the request.

If a person needs a fingerprint based background check, the individual must submit an official set of fingerprints to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for processing. Fingerprints can be taken at any local police station or sheriff’s office (the agency may charge a fee to take a person’s fingerprints).

Fingerprints are then mailed to the following address along with $35 to cover the fees:

KBI (Kansas Bureau of Investigation)
Attention: Criminal History Records Department
1620 Southwest Tyler St.
Topeka Kansas 66612-1837

This background screening covers both state and national records and includes an FBI background check.

A screenshot of the identity history summary request form from the Federal Bureau of Investigation displays fields for requestor information including the name, birth date, birth place, residence, prisoner number (if applicable), last four digits of the social security number, race, sex, and address.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation14

A criminal history report will show all convictions (misdemeanor and felony) and can include sentencing information such as incarceration or community punishments. It can also include arrest records in Kansas.

Determining if Someone Is on Probation or Parole in Kansas: How To Search Corrections Records

Convictions do not always result in a person going to prison. More courts are looking at community corrections to rehabilitate individuals meaning more defendants are being placed on probation or being released on parole earlier from correctional institutions.

To illustrate just how many people are on probation and parole, the following image shows the combined total of probationers and parolees in Kansas, along with their ethnicities. Furthermore, these totals are also compared to the number of individuals on community supervision (including probation and parole) in other states across the United States.

An image showing the map of the United States highlighting Kansas state in red presenting the probation and parole per 100,000 U.S. residents by ethnicities.
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics

The Kansas Department of Corrections maintains records on individuals placed in prisons, released on parole and those who are on supervised probation in KS. An online search can be completed based on the offender’s name or KDOC inmate number.6

A screenshot of the KASPER offender population search from the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System displays an empty search criterion, including last, first, and middle names, and KDOC number, with an option for an advanced search.
Source: Kansas Department of Corrections, Criminal Justice Information System15

Information returned includes full name and aliases, KDOC number, photo, birthdate and age, demographics, current status (incarcerated, parole, probation or released/discharged), convictions that resulted in DOC involvement, location history (prisons or supervision jurisdictions), any rehabilitation programs completed, and infractions while incarcerated.6

Records through the Kansas Department of Corrections do not show those convictions that resulted in unsupervised probation or fines only. They also do not include records that were later sealed or expunged from a person’s record.

Understanding the Process To Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record in Kansas

Sealing a record removes it from public records, and expungement erases the matter completely in most cases. To expunge a record in Kansas, the matter must meet all criteria outlined in Statute 21-6614 which outlines which convictions are eligible for expungement, wait times before a matter can be expunged, and the process.

In Kansas, there is a 5 to 10 year waiting period before a person can petition the court for expungement. Five years must pass on a first time conviction of crimes (except those specifically prohibited from expungement) before the petition can be filed. The 10 year wait time applies to second or subsequent convictions of crimes except for those specifically excluded.

Petition to expunge cannot be filed for convictions of violent felonies such as homicide cases, sexual assaults, or cases involving abuse or exploitation of minors.7

As far as dropped charges go, per Statute 22-2410, a person may petition to expunge arrest records in Kansas when the case results in a non conviction such as dismissal, dropped charges or acquittal in court. Additionally, in cases of mistaken identity, the arrest record can be automatically ordered to be expunged by the court once the mistaken identity has been established.

In short, if charges are dismissed you will still have a criminal record until the matter is expunged, it will still appear on a person’s record.

Searching records through the state agencies will not reveal any federal matters that were adjudicated in a United States court or the defendant has been sent to a federal prison in Kansas.

How To Locate State Prisoners & Federal Inmates in KS

Prisoners housed in a Kansas state prison can be found using Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER). Searchers can search by first or last name, aliases, or KDOC number and the tool also shows photos or mugshots when available.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a facility at Leavenworth in Kansas currently housing approximately 1700 inmates. The BOP maintains an online search portal for the public to locate an inmate at one of its facilities.

A screenshot from the Federal Bureau of Prisons website showing the find an inmate page with an empty search criteria.
Source: Federal Bureau of Prisons16

Searches can be conducted by inmate name or BOP number. Information returned on a search includes inmate’s full name, BOP number, age, race, sex, location and projected release date (or if the person was sentenced to life in prison or placed on death row). It does not include information on what the person was charged with or convicted of.

Information on criminal cases can be found using Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) for documents filed after 1 November 2004. PACER requires a person to register to gain access and there is a small fee to use the system to search federal records.

How To See Active Arrest & Bench Warrants in Kansas

While certain federal criminal records can be accessed through Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), warrants are usually not made available to the public until after the matter has been disposed of by a federal judge.

A screenshot from public access to court electronic records website's file a case section with an empty search field for cm/ecf lookup.
Source: PACER17

Kansas House Bill 2389 limits the disclosure of sworn testimony regarding active arrest and bench warrants until after the warrant has been executed; however, the warrant itself can be made public beforehand.

Law enforcement agencies can make their own policy about releasing warrant information to the public. Arrest records are considered public records and are part of a criminal history search.

A screenshot from City of Wichita case search website showing an empty search field and a blue search button.
Source: City of Wichita18

The list below links the agencies that do release warrant information or most wanted notices to the public:

Furthermore, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides a list of the most wanted individuals in the state, showing their full names, mugshots, and offenses.

A warrant is just one aspect of a criminal background check. There are many different items that are needed for a comprehensive report, and several agencies in Kansas have their own search criteria.

Kansas Background Checks: A State Agency Overview

There are a number of reasons for a screening, as well as agencies that require a background check in Kansas. Background checks are performed by the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. Individuals can sign of for KanAccess and each screening cost $20.

The following agencies require background checks and each has their own submission process. Simply click on the agency name to see further instructions:

Agency That Performs or Requires Background Checks Screening Reasons
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
  • Employment (Pre-screening and ongoing)
  • Licensing boards
  • Health and safety
  • Working with at-risk populations
  • Volunteers
  • Personal background checks
Kansas Department of Public Health
  • Child care licensing
  • Daycare workers
  • Volunteers
Kansas Attorney General-Consumer Protection
  • Concealed carry instructors
  • Private investigators
  • Roofing contractors
  • Scrap metal dealers
  • Batterer intervention program workers
  • Non-profit/charitable organization
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
  • Cosmetologists
  • Cosmetology techs
  • Electrolysis techs
  • Estheticians
  • Manicurist
  • Tattoo artists
  • Body piercing artists
  • Permanent cosmetology techs
Kansas Department of Education
  • Teachers
  • Teacher Aides
  • School administrators
  • Bus drivers
  • School staff
Kansas Behavioral Science Regulatory Board
  • Social workers
  • Foster parents
  • Adoptive parents
  • Volunteers
Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
  • Medical doctors
  • Nurses
  • Nurse aids
  • Surgeons
  • Anesthesiologists
  • X-ray technicians
  • Phlebotomists
  • Podiatrists
  • Acupuncturists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physical therapists
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Athletic trainers
Kansas State Board of Pharmacists
  • Pharmacists
  • Pharmacy techs

Each agency is responsible for checking a person’s background for employment or licensure purposes. Part of that check is a review of the state’s sex offender registry to make sure the individual is not a convicted sex offender.

How To Locate Sexual Predators via the Kansas Sex Offender Registry

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation maintains a Public Offender Registry. This database has information on all registered sex offenders in Kansas, including those that have relocated to the state following a conviction in another state.

A screenshot from Kansas bureau of investigation website's offender search page showing an empty search field and a grey button for search and clear form.
Source: KBI – Kansas Bureau of Investigation – Drug Enforcement19

By entering the last and first name of the person, one can learn if they have been convicted of a sex offense, view a mugshot of the offender, get any aliases they may be known by, demographics on the individual, last known location, and conviction details (such as charges, level of crime, court of jurisdiction, offense date, and conviction date).8

Individuals can also search for Kansas offenders through the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Registry which will redirect the searcher to the Kansas website.

This is one of two subject specific databases maintained by the state with those at risk of prescription substance abuse being the other database.

Kansas: How To Find Drug Offenders Using K-TRACS

K-TRACS is a system maintained by the State of Kansas to help doctors and pharmacists track those individuals identified as prescription drug abusers.

A screenshot from the KTracs webpage showing various buttons.
Source: Kansas Board of Pharmacy20

While this database is not open to the general public, it is part of the background screening process for those working in the medical profession in the state including pharmacists.

Searches of any Kansas criminal records are subject to state and federal laws as well as agency policy.

Kansas Criminal & Arrest Records: Federal & State Statutes

While personal background checks can be run on anyone with or without the person’s knowledge or consent, a professional background check for things such as employment purposes, tenant screenings or licensure must be in compliance with all state and federal laws.

Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements limit the lookback period for primarily credit history to seven years, but also provides guidance on criminal history as well. FCRA requires employers to tell individuals the information obtained can be used in the hiring decision, and limits lookback period for non-convictions to the same seven year period.9

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal anti-discrimination laws to make sure criminal history is not being conducted or used illegally to eliminate otherwise qualified candidates based on the person’s protected class status. For example, if a criminal history search has been used to adversely affect a certain segment of the population, the search cannot legally be used.

Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) allows for all adult criminal records to be public record except in cases where a record was sealed or expunged by the court. Juvenile records are automatically sealed and cannot be included in a background check.

Executive Order 18-12, signed by the Kansas governor, also provides ban the box protections to state employees, meaning inquiries about criminal history cannot be conducted until an interview has been scheduled. This applies to all positions except those where a criminal record alone would automatically disqualify a person such as public safety.

Searching for a Kansas criminal record starts with knowing which agencies supply information and how to access it. This free criminal background check resource outlines how to search Kansas criminal and arrest records to help with the agency decision making process.


References

1Criminal History Search. Kansas.gov. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/criminalhistory/ConductRecordCheck.html>

2Criminal History Search Portal Kansas.gov. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <https://www.kansas.gov/criminalhistory/>

3Kansas Judicial Branch Search. Kansas.gov. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <https://www.kansas.gov/countyCourts/search/records?execution=e3s1>

4Kansas Judicial Branch. KS Courts – Home. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <https://www.kscourts.org>

5Kansas Judicial Branch Case Information. Kansas Judicial Branch. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <https://prodportal.kscourts.org/ProdPortal/Home/WorkspaceMode?p=0>

6Kansas Department of Corrections. Disclaimer. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <https://kdocrepository.doc.ks.gov/kasper/>

7Kansas Legislature.  2021 Kansas Statutes. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_066_0000_article/021_066_0014_section/021_066_0014_k.pdf>

8Kansas Offender Registry. KBI – Kansas Bureau of Investigation – Drug Enforcement – Home. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <https://www.kbi.ks.gov/registeredoffender/OffenderDetails.aspx?Display=Main&Id=17684>

9Federal Trade Commission, FCRA. Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved November 21, 2022, from <https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/employer-background-checks-your-rights>

10Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. (2024). Inmate Roster. Retrieved May 1, 2024, from <https://www.bourboncountysheriffks.org/roster.php>

11Kansas Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Search. Criminal History Record Search. Retrieved May 1, 2024, from <https://www.kansas.gov/criminalhistory/background/info?execution=e2s1>

12Kansas District Court. (n.d.). Smart Search. Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. Retrieved May 2, 2023, from <https://prodportal.kscourts.org/ProdPortal/Home/Dashboard/29>

13Kansas District Court. (2024). Party Search Results. Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. Retrieved May 1, 2024, from <https://prodportal.kscourts.org/ProdPortal/Home/WorkspaceMode?p=0>

14Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2020, June 1). Identity History Summary Request Form. Retrieved May 1, 2024, from <https://forms.fbi.gov/identity-history-summary-checks-review/q384893984839334.pdf>

15Kansas Department of Corrections, Criminal Justice Information System. (n.d.). KASPER – Offender Population Search. Accessed 2 May 2023. <https://kdocrepository.doc.ks.gov/kasper/>

16BOP: Federal Inmates By Number.” Federal Bureau of Prisons. Accessed 2 May 2023. <https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/>

17Court CM/ECF Lookup | PACER: Federal Court Records.” PACER. Accessed 2 May 2023. <https://pacer.uscourts.gov/file-case/court-cmecf-lookup>

18City of Wichita. Accessed 2 May 2023. <https://webcourts.wichita.gov/Home.aspx/Search>

19Public Offender Registry.” KBI – Kansas Bureau of Investigation – Drug Enforcement – Home. Accessed 2 May 2023. <https://www.kbi.ks.gov/registeredoffender/SearchOffender.aspx>

20K-TRACS LOGIN.” Kansas Board of Pharmacy. Accessed 2 May 2023. <https://pharmacy.ks.gov/k-tracs>