Henry County Public Records / Henry County Arrest Records

Henry County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Henry County in 2026

HenryCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Henry County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include:

Booking records and mugshots
Criminal charge information
Court case filings
Inmate custody status
Bond and bail records

Arrest records in Henry County, Illinois may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest-related information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Henry County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and inmate information accessible to the public. Members of the public may search the Henry County Sheriff's Office for current inmate rosters and recent booking data. Available information includes arrestee name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis, reflecting current detainee information held at the Henry County Jail.

2. Local Police Departments

Henry County encompasses several municipalities with independent police departments, including the City of Kewanee Police Department and the City of Geneseo Police Department. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published by these agencies. Members of the public may contact individual departments directly to inquire about available arrest logs or recent press releases.

Kewanee Police Department 401 E. Third Street Kewanee, IL 61443 Phone: (309) 852-9525 Kewanee Police Department

Geneseo Police Department 115 S. State Street Geneseo, IL 61254 Phone: (309) 944-4166 Geneseo Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Henry County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records through the Illinois e-File and Case Lookup portal or by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office directly. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated court case numbers, charge information, and case disposition.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Illinois State Police maintains the Statewide Sex Offender Database and provides access to criminal history records through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. A name-based criminal history search is available to the public for a fee of $16.00 per request through the Illinois State Police. This database includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Illinois and reflects current record status.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Henry County Sheriff's Office 307 W. Center Street Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone: (309) 937-3911 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Henry County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fees section below.

Clerk of Court:

Henry County Circuit Clerk 307 W. Center Street Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone: (309) 937-3572 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Henry County Circuit Clerk

Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Henry County Sheriff's Office at 307 W. Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

Members of the public may call the Henry County Sheriff's Office at (309) 937-3911 to inquire about inmate status and recent bookings. Basic information such as custody status and charges may be provided by phone. Detailed record requests are referred to the online system or an in-person visit.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest records through formal discovery processes, subpoena, or direct agency request. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not available to the general public, subject to court authorization.

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)
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Henry County

Arrest records in Henry County are public records under Illinois law. Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are considered public because they document the exercise of government authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and 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
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Illinois law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information is exempt from disclosure
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is withheld
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 6, provides protections for individual privacy, while Article I, Section 4 protects freedom of speech and press. The balance between government transparency and individual privacy is reflected in the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which enumerates specific exemptions to public disclosure while affirming the general presumption of openness.

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:

Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history data. Illinois has enacted the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act, which restricts when employers may inquire about criminal history during the hiring process. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction is subject to heightened scrutiny under applicable law.

What's in Henry County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/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 disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Illinois State Police, etc.)
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
Illinois statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony class, 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, bonded out)
Bond amount set by court
Bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or 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 investigative information
Court records: Document legal proceedings following an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Henry County varies by agency and record type. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/6), agencies may charge for the actual cost of reproducing records, subject to statutory limits.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Black and white paper copies (first 50 pages)	No charge
Black and white paper copies (over 50 pages)	$0.15 per page
Color copies	Actual cost
Electronic records	Actual cost of medium
Certification of records	Varies by office
Illinois State Police criminal history search	$16.00 per request

Henry County Circuit Clerk Copy Fees:

Standard document copies: $2.00 per page for certified copies; $0.50 per page for uncertified copies (fees subject to change; confirm with the office directly)

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person)
Money order (by mail)
Check payable to the applicable agency (by mail or in person)
Credit or debit card (availability varies by office)

Fee Waivers: Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, fee waivers are available when the requester demonstrates that disclosure is in the public interest and not primarily for commercial benefit. Members of the media and nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees upon written request.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster searches through the Sheriff's Office website
Court case number lookups through the Illinois courts portal
Basic custody status inquiries by phone

How To Delete Arrest Records in Henry County

Illinois law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or obliteration of arrest records, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain and view the records. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under 730 ILCS 5/5-5.5-25, individuals arrested but not convicted may petition for expungement of their arrest records. Arrests resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or a finding of not guilty are eligible for expungement. Certain conviction-based records may also qualify after the completion of a sentence and a mandatory waiting period, depending on the offense classification.

Eligibility for Sealing:

Sealing is available for a broader range of offenses, including certain misdemeanor and felony convictions that do not qualify for expungement. Offenses involving sexual crimes, domestic violence, and driving under the influence are among those excluded from sealing eligibility under current Illinois law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court disposition from the Henry County Circuit Clerk.
Complete the appropriate petition form, available through the Illinois Courts website.
File the petition with the Henry County Circuit Clerk at 307 W. Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238.
Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and all arresting agencies.
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether to grant the petition.
If granted, the court order is forwarded to all relevant agencies for compliance.

Henry County State's Attorney's Office 307 W. Center Street Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone: (309) 937-3426 Henry County State's Attorney

Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free self-help resources for individuals seeking to expunge or seal their records at illinoislegalaid.org.

What Happens After Arrest in Henry County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Henry County, the arrested individual is transported to the Henry County Jail, located at 307 W. Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Henry County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
A criminal history and outstanding warrants check is conducted
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are administered
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Illinois law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge for a first appearance within 48 hours of arrest. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advised

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Henry County Circuit Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by a judge or magistrate.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear in court. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Henry County Public Defender's Office 307 W. Center Street Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone: (309) 937-3570 Henry County Public Defender

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify may retain private counsel. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for those seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Henry County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 8

Important Contacts:

Henry County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 307 W. Center Street Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone: (309) 937-3911 Henry County Sheriff's Office

Henry County Circuit Clerk 307 W. Center Street Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone: (309) 937-3572 Henry County Circuit Clerk

Henry County State's Attorney's Office 307 W. Center Street Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone: (309) 937-3426 Henry County State's Attorney

Henry County Public Defender's Office 307 W. Center Street Cambridge, IL 61238 Phone: (309) 937-3570 Henry County Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent in a polite and clear manner
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than legal counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Henry County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Henry County is governed by Illinois state law and local agency policies. Under the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205), local government agencies must follow approved records retention schedules established by the Illinois Local Records Commission. Records may not be destroyed without authorization under the applicable schedule.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Illinois State Police, and the FBI
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
Local law enforcement retains records per the approved retention schedule
Illinois State Police retains records in the state criminal history repository

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains records for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule
Court records are often retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in databases unless a court orders expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Court records are often retained permanently
Local law enforcement retention varies
Records may be eligible for expungement upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods
May be eligible for expungement in some circumstances

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the Illinois Local Records Commission schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems are often retained for longer periods, and court electronic records are frequently maintained permanently.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention requirements as government agencies. These entities are not obligated to update records when expungement or sealing occurs, though the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy in consumer reporting.

Retention by Agency:

Henry County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Illinois Local Records Commission schedule. Members of the public may contact the Records Division at (309) 937-3911 for information about specific records.

Henry County Circuit Clerk: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained per the applicable retention schedule. Electronic records are maintained on an ongoing basis.

Illinois State Police: The Illinois State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Illinois. Retention policy follows state administrative rules. Information is available through the Illinois State Police.

FBI Database: The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records that are accessible to law enforcement nationwide. Federal retention is typically permanent. These records are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across most databases. A dismissal may allow the record to remain unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order results in the physical destruction or sealing of local records and an update to the state repository, though the FBI database may retain a notation. Records for which no charges were filed are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law provides additional protections limiting the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions. Third-party websites may not reflect expungement or sealing and are not controlled by law enforcement agencies.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Henry County Sheriff's Records Division at (309) 937-3911 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.