Arrest records are public documents in Reno, Nevada, pursuant to the Nevada Public Records Act (NRS Chapter 239). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within Washoe County jurisdictions. The Nevada Public Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in governmental operations.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in NRS 239.0105. Such redactions typically include social security numbers, personal medical information, and details pertaining to ongoing investigations that might compromise law enforcement activities if disclosed.
The Nevada Department of Public Safety maintains oversight of criminal history information pursuant to NRS 179A and coordinates with local agencies to ensure proper management of arrest record data. Records are maintained in accordance with state retention schedules as established by the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records division.
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Reno, Nevada. Individuals seeking such information should consider the following authorized methods:
Washoe County Sheriff's Office 911 Parr Boulevard Reno, NV 89512 (775) 328-3001 Washoe County Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Reno Police Department 455 East 2nd Street Reno, NV 89501 (775) 334-2175 Reno Police Department Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Second Judicial District Court 75 Court Street Reno, NV 89501 (775) 328-3110 Second Judicial District Court Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Records, Communications and Compliance Division 333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100 Carson City, NV 89706 (775) 684-6262 Nevada Department of Public Safety Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Arrest records maintained by Reno law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 179A and the Nevada Uniform Crime Reporting standards. These records typically include the following categories of information:
The Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) serves as the central repository for arrest record data, with information transmitted from local agencies in accordance with NRS 179A.075. Records are maintained in standardized formats to ensure consistency across jurisdictions and facilitate information sharing between authorized criminal justice agencies.
Nevada law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in NRS 179.255 and NRS 179.259. The record sealing process effectively removes arrest information from public access, though sealed records remain accessible to certain governmental entities for limited purposes.
Eligibility criteria for record sealing in Reno include:
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for sealing, including crimes against children, sexual offenses, and DUI offenses resulting in death or substantial bodily harm.
The petition process requires filing in the court of original jurisdiction. Petitioners must submit:
Second Judicial District Court - Criminal Division 75 Court Street Reno, NV 89501 (775) 328-3110 Second Judicial District Court Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and provide notice to all agencies possessing records subject to the petition. The prosecuting attorney may file an objection within 30 days. If the court grants the petition, all agencies must comply with the sealing order within 120 days and provide written confirmation of compliance to the court.