Arrests.org is a controversial website that publishes mugshots and arrest records of individuals taken into custody. The website has gained notoriety for displaying individuals’ mugshots prominently on its pages, potentially causing harm to their reputations and job prospects. Despite several criticisms, it remains one of the most popular online resources for accessing public arrest records.
What Is Arrests.org, and How Does It Work?
Arrests.org gathers data from various sources, including police departments and sheriff’s offices across the United States. The website uses automated scripts to scrape data from these sources and upload it to its servers. The data is then organized and searchable through the website’s search function.
If you ever need to search for an individual’s arrest record on Arrests.org, all you have to do is enter the person’s name and location into the search bar on the website’s homepage. The website then displays a list of matching records, including the individual’s name, mugshot, and information about the arrest.
Users can also browse recent arrests by location or search for arrests by specific crime types or dates. Once you click on an individual’s mugshot, you can view more detailed information about the arrest, such as the charges filed against the individual, the arresting agency, and the booking date and time.
It’s important to note that Arrests.org is not an official government website, and the information displayed may only sometimes be accurate or up-to-date.
How to Remove Yourself from Arrests.org
If you’ve discovered your personal information on arrests.org, you may wonder how to remove it. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to get your data removed from the platform. Here is what you need to do:
Search for your listing on arrests.org
The first step is to search for your listing on the website. This can be done by visiting arrests.org and entering your name or other identifying information into the search bar.
Find your listing and take screenshots
Once you’ve found your listing, click on your name or picture to view the full listing. Take screenshots of the listing so that you have a record of what information is currently being displayed.
Email arrests.org with your information
Send an email to info@arrests.org with the following information:
- Screenshots of the web pages to be removed
- Your full name
- Current address (and former addresses you want to protect)
- Phone number (and former phone numbers you want to protect)
- Date of birth
- A copy of your driver’s license or state identification card (for security reasons, cross out your photo and ID number)
- A reason for the removal
Wait for your information to be removed
It may take 7 to 30 days for your information to be removed from arrests.org. If you are still waiting to hear back within a month, you can follow up with another email or phone call.
Other Ways to Remove Your Arrest Records From Online Platforms
Removing your information from public records websites can take time and effort. Moreover, there is no guarantee that all websites will comply with your request.
Additionally, once information is posted online, it can be difficult to remove it from circulation completely. That said, there are a couple of steps you can take to get your records off the internet:
Hire a removal service
Many online services specialize in removing personal information from public records websites. Some of these services may charge a fee, so research the company and read reviews before hiring them.
Contact the court
In some cases, you may be able to have your arrest record expunged or sealed, which would prevent it from being published on public records websites. Contact the court where your case was heard to determine if this is an option.
Contact search engines
Once your information has been removed from the website, you can also contact search engines like Google to request that they remove any cached versions of the page that may still show up in search results.
Alternatives to Arrests.org
Arrests.org is not alone in making arrest records available online to the public. There are dozens of websites that publish mugshots and arrest records. If you are looking for alternatives to Arrests.org, below are some options:
Mugshots.com
This website publishes mugshots and arrests records from various states in the US. However, like Arrests.org, Mugshots.com has also been criticized for its practices.
Theinmatesearch.net
Theinmatesearch.net is the first nationwide inmate locator that allows you to search through federal, county, and state records to find information about inmates and prisons. One of the best things about theinmatesearch.net is that you can view background checks and arrest records of inmates. This feature is incredibly helpful if you need to know more about someone arrested or with a criminal record.
Local news websites
Many local news websites publish stories about recent arrests in their area. This can be a good alternative to staying current on local crime without accessing mugshots and arrest records.
FindMugshots.com
If you need to search for mugshots or arrest records, you can use the FindMugshots website. On http://www.findmugshots.com/, please enter the first and last name of the person you’re searching for and the state where they were arrested. Then, click on the “Search” button. You can also browse the website by state and county if you need a specific name.
Visit the local police station
If you don’t wish to go online, you can also find and obtain arrest records from your local police station. Follow these steps to utilize this method:
- You can find the address and phone number of your local police station online or in the phone book. Make sure to check the hours of operation, as you will need to visit during normal business hours.
- Once you arrive at the police station, let the receptionist know you want to request an arrest report. You may need to fill out a form and pay a processing fee, depending on the policies of your local police department.
- While arrest records are generally considered public records, the availability of the records can vary depending on your location. In some areas, only a lawyer can obtain the records, while in other areas, identifying information may be redacted from the records.
- To obtain the correct arrest record, you must provide the person’s full name and identifying information. This may include their date of birth and social security number.
- Remember that police departments are often busy, and your request may take some time to process. Be patient and respectful to the staff members who are helping you.
It’s important to note that while arrest records are considered public, they may contain sensitive or confidential information. Therefore, it’s always best to use the information obtained from arrest records responsibly and respect those involved privacy.
Privacy Concerns Regarding the Display of Mugshots
The display of mugshots on websites has become controversial, with concerns raised about privacy and the potential negative impact on individuals arrested.
To address these concerns, some states have passed legislation requiring mugshot websites to remove the photos of individuals whose charges were dropped or acquitted. Other states have taken more aggressive measures, such as banning the use of mugshots in advertising or requiring that they be removed from public view after a certain period. Here are some of the privacy concerns associated with the display of mugshots:
Presumption of guilt
The display of a person’s mugshot can create the impression that they are guilty of a crime, even if they have not yet been convicted. This can damage a person’s reputation and affect their ability to find employment or housing.
Inaccurate or outdated information
Mugshot websites may contain inaccurate or outdated information, such as the incorrect spelling of a person’s name or information about an arrest later expunged from their record. This can result in mistaken identity or incorrect information being disseminated online.
Profit motive
Some mugshot websites are operated for profit and charge individuals a fee to remove their mugshots from the site. This has been criticized as a form of extortion, leading to calls for greater regulation of these websites.
Cyberbullying and harassment
Mugshots posted online can be used to harass or bully individuals, particularly if the arrest was for a sensitive or stigmatized crime.
Conclusion
When it comes to checking the arrest records of anyone, Arrest.org is a leading platform for getting such information. However, while websites like Arrests.org can serve a useful purpose in providing access to public information, it’s important to be aware of the potential negative impacts and to use this information responsibly and ethically.
