Reno Arrest Records

Arrests in Reno occur under various circumstances, including the execution of a warrant and the first-hand witnessing of a crime. The Reno Police Department is the city's primary law enforcement agency. The Washoe County Sheriff's Department also conducts arrests and assists with warrant enforcement, especially in broader areas.

Following an arrest, individuals are usually booked in the county jail, which is operated by the Sheriff's Office. The arrestee's arrest record is also subsequently included in Washoe County's arrest records. Arrest information recorded at the time of booking includes the individual's personal details, the arrest charges, the date and location of the arrest, and any associated bail amounts.

Are Reno Arrests Public Record?

Yes. Reno arrest records are generally public in accordance with the Nevada Public Records Act (NRS § 239.001 et seq.). However, certain arrest-related details are exempt from disclosure under other statutes. These exemptions include:

• Personal identifying information, such as social security numbers and driver's license numbers
• Certain victim and witness details
• Law enforcement investigation materials
• Juvenile arrest information
• Medical details of an arrestee

Access to restricted records is limited to authorized officials, parties directly involved, or individuals with a valid court order.

Reno Crime Rate

The Nevada Department of Public Safety aggregates and publishes statewide crime data on its Reporting Site. The Site is updated daily to provide the public with real-time crime statistics.

According to the Reno Police Department's reports on the site, the crime rate decreased by 6.06% between 2023 and 2024, dropping from 7,853 incidents per 100,000 residents to 7,376.74. Current trends suggest this decline may continue in the coming years.

Find Reno Arrest Records

The Reno Police Department holds primary jurisdiction over arrests within city limits. Individuals seeking arrest information can visit the department in person or submit a request through the Reno Public Records Portal, which is preferred.

For those held at the Washoe County Jail, the public may contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office or use its online Inmate Search tool. Searches require at least the first three letters of the inmate's last name. Mugshots and other personal identifiers are not publicly available on the database.

Free Arrest Record Search in Reno

Individuals seeking free access to Reno arrest records can use the Washoe County Sheriff's Inmate Search tool, which provides information on current inmates in jail. If the record pertains to someone not currently incarcerated, users may turn to third-party websites that compile arrest data from local law enforcement agencies. These platforms typically charge a fee for full reports, although some may offer limited arrest information at no cost.

Criminal Background Check in Nevada

Criminal background checks in Nevada are handled by the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS) through its Records, Communications and Compliance Division (RCCD). This division oversees both name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history searches. Name-based checks are generally used for less sensitive inquiries, while fingerprint-based checks are more accurate and typically used for official purposes.

Nevada offers name-based checks through the Civil Name Check (CNC) Program. The program is only available to employers and third-party background services working on their behalf. Individuals seeking their own criminal history may request a fingerprint-based check, which is more accurate and used for official purposes.

To request a criminal record, applicants must submit a:

• A complete rolled ten-print fingerprint card,
• A complete ID form DPS-006, and
• A money order or cashier's check payable to the Department of Public Safety Records, Communications and Compliance Division

Standard fingerprint checks cost $39, or $31 for volunteers. Employers or agencies requesting a person's criminal record must also provide a written consent from the person.

Submissions may be made in person or by mail to:

Department of Public Safety
Records, Communications and Compliance Division
333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100
Carson City, Nevada 89706

Reno Inmate Search

In instances where individuals are convicted of violating state laws in Reno, they may serve their sentences in facilities operated by the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC). The public can locate incarcerated individuals through NDOC's online Inmate Search portal by entering either the offender's ID number or name. It's important to note that while this tool provides inmate information, NDOC does not verify the accuracy of the data displayed. For confirmed details, researchers should direct their inquiries to the NDOC Family Services at (775) 977-5707.

Reno Police Record Lookup

The Reno Police Department generates and maintains various law enforcement records, including incident reports, arrest documentation, and traffic collision reports. As mandated by the Nevada Public Records Act, these documents constitute public records subject to disclosure, with the department's Records Division overseeing their management and public distribution.

Interested persons may request police reports through multiple channels:

• In-person visits to the department
• Online submissions via the city's Public Records Portal
• Written mail requests containing specific report details addressed to:

Reno Police Department
Attn: Records Section
P.O. Box 1900
Reno, NV 89505

Individuals should note that while the records are generally public, any information protected under state confidentiality statutes will be redacted before release.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Reno?

Indefinitely. Nevada law does not impose a specific retention period for arrest records. As a result, an arrest typically remains on a person's criminal record permanently, unless it is sealed by court order. Sealing is not automatic and requires the individual to file a petition with the court. Eligibility for sealing depends on the type of offense and the outcome of the case.

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free in Reno?

Nevada does not offer true expungement; instead, arrest records can be sealed, meaning they are hidden from public view but not destroyed. Individuals in Reno who meet the eligibility criteria under NRS 179.245 may petition the court to seal their records. Generally, a person who was arrested but whose charges were dismissed, declined by the prosecutor, or who was acquitted can file a petition at any time. If the person was convicted, they may apply after the following wait periods have elapsed:

• One year for minor misdemeanors
• Two years for gross misdemeanors and category E felonies
• Five years for category B-D felonies
• Seven years for misdemeanor DUI, domestic violence, or protective order violations
• Ten years for a category A felony or violent burglary

Certain violent or sexual offenses are not eligible for sealing, regardless of the wait period.

Petitioners experiencing financial hardship may submit a waiver request using Form F-6 to request potential fee relief.

Reno Warrant Search

Arrest warrants and bench warrants both authorize law enforcement to detain individuals, but differ in their issuance. While arrest warrants are based on probable cause of criminal activity, bench warrants specifically result from violations of court orders or failure to appear in court. `

Individuals can confirm the existence of a warrant by visiting the Reno Police Department or the Washoe Sheriff's Department. However, making an in-person inquiry may result in immediate arrest if a warrant is active. As a safer alternative, warrant status can be checked online through the appropriate case search portal, depending on which court issued the warrant:

• Reno Municipal Court
• Reno Justice Court
• Second Judicial District Court

If an active warrant is found, it is advisable to consult an attorney. In the case of a bench warrant, the individual may contact the issuing court to request an Order to Show Cause hearing to resolve the matter voluntarily.

Do Reno Warrants Expire?

No. A Reno arrest and bench warrant, in line with state law, does not have an expiration date after issuance. These warrants only become unenforceable if the defendant dies or the warrant is resolved. Courts may also choose to quash a warrant if they determine there is no longer reasonable cause to detain the individual, though this remains at the court's discretion rather than occurring automatically.