Scott County Public Records / Scott County Arrest Records

Scott County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Scott County in 2026

ScottMORecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Scott County, Missouri. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal history summaries, bond information, and court case filings. Information presented may not reflect the most current status of a case and should not be construed as legal advice.

Records may be searched through official county and state resources, the Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by law enforcement agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Scott County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary arrest and booking records for the county. Members of the public may access the current jail inmate roster through the Sheriff's Office website, which is updated regularly and displays individuals currently held at the Scott County Jail. The roster includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The Sheriff's Office also handles report inquiries and maintains a sexual offender registry accessible through the same portal. A free mobile app is available for accessing the jail public website on mobile devices.

2. Local Police Departments

Scott County encompasses several municipalities, each maintaining its own law enforcement agency. The Sikeston Department of Public Safety and the Benton Police Department, among others, may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public seeking arrest records from a specific city jurisdiction should contact the relevant municipal police department directly, as records from city arrests may not appear on the county Sheriff's roster.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Scott County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public may search criminal case records by the arrestee's name through Missouri Case.net, the Missouri judiciary's online case management system. This resource allows users to identify court cases associated with a specific arrest, including charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) provides fingerprint-based criminal history background checks at the state level. As noted on the MACHS portal, "The total fee for a State and FBI fingerprint based background check will be $44.00." This database includes arrest and conviction records from jurisdictions throughout Missouri and is administered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Name-based searches are available for a reduced fee, though fingerprint-based results are considered more comprehensive and accurate.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Scott County Sheriff's Office
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3525
Scott County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID
Specific information about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest, is helpful
Copy fees apply per page (see fee schedule below)

Police Departments:

Sikeston Department of Public Safety
105 E. Center Street
Sikeston, MO 63801
Phone: (573) 471-4711

Benton Police Department
103 N. Main Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3535

Records request procedures vary by department. Members of the public should submit a written request identifying the subject by full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for copies are assessed per page.

Clerk of Court:

Scott County Circuit Court Clerk
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3596

Criminal records division is located within the Scott County Courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the public may inspect case files at public access terminals
Copy fees: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply for certified copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Scott County Sheriff's Office at 131 S. New Madrid Street, Benton, MO 63736. Requests should include:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the volume of pending requests and may range from several business days to several weeks.

By Phone:

Scott County Sheriff's Office: (573) 545-3525
Automated arrest information systems are not currently available for Scott County
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online roster or an in-person visit for complete records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in pending criminal cases provide defense counsel access to arrest-related documentation through the prosecuting attorney's office.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police department, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Scott County

Arrest records in Scott County are public records under Missouri law. Pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are open to inspection by members of the public, subject to specific statutory exceptions. The Missouri Sunshine Law, codified at § 610.010 et seq. RSMo, establishes the general framework for public access to government records, affirming that "it is the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law."

Arrest records serve several recognized public interests, including government transparency and accountability, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening for employment and licensing, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Missouri law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
Victim-identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Missouri's public records framework reflects a balance between the constitutional principles of government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment screening, limiting the reporting of non-conviction arrest records in certain contexts. Missouri does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though some municipalities have adopted local ordinances. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records, as an arrest without a resulting conviction carries no legal finding of guilt.

What's in Scott County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Missouri statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance (PR bond), or no bond
Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Conditions of release, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests recorded within the county
Prior booking numbers
Historical charge information
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including arrest records, court records, and state repositories

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

Current fees for obtaining arrest records in Scott County are governed by Missouri's Sunshine Law and applicable local fee schedules. Under § 610.026 RSMo, public governmental bodies may charge fees for providing copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of document search, duplication, and research.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.10 per page
Certified copies (Circuit Court)	$1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee
Electronic records (where available)	Varies; may be provided at no charge
Search fee	No statutory search fee for routine requests
State criminal history (MACHS name-based)	$14.00
State and FBI fingerprint-based background check	$44.00

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the request serves a demonstrated public interest. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation with their records request.

The following records are available at no cost:

Online jail inmate roster via the Scott County Sheriff's Office website
Case information through Missouri Case.net (no fee for basic searches)
In-person inspection of public records at the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office

How To Delete Arrest Records in Scott County

Missouri law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under Missouri's expungement statute, § 610.140 RSMo, eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records, charges, and certain convictions from public view.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to waiting periods and offense-type restrictions
Individuals must not have been convicted of a "dangerous felony" as defined by Missouri law
A waiting period of three years applies for misdemeanors and seven years for felonies following the completion of sentence

Offenses Not Eligible for Expungement:

Class A felonies
Dangerous felonies as defined under Missouri law
Offenses requiring sex offender registration
Driving while intoxicated offenses (with limited exceptions)
Offenses involving a victim under 18 years of age in certain categories

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record or court case from the Scott County Circuit Court Clerk
Confirm eligibility under § 610.140 RSMo, including applicable waiting periods
Complete the Missouri expungement petition form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk
File the petition in the Scott County Circuit Court, paying the applicable filing fee (currently $250.00, subject to change)
Serve copies of the petition on all relevant agencies, including the arresting law enforcement agency and the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will notify all parties
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order of expungement directing all named agencies to expunge the record

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Scott County Circuit Court Clerk
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3596
Missouri Courts

Scott County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3548

Following a granted expungement, the Missouri State Highway Patrol updates the state criminal history repository, and the record is no longer accessible to the general public. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for specified law enforcement purposes. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to remove expunged records automatically, and individuals may need to contact those entities separately.

What Happens After Arrest in Scott County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Scott County, the arrested individual is transported to the Scott County Jail, located at 131 S. New Madrid Street, Benton, MO 63736. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Scott 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 identification information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted for criminal history and outstanding warrant checks
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Jail-issued clothing is provided
Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Missouri law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or associate circuit judge without unnecessary delay, and no later than 24 hours following arrest for most offenses. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advisement

First appearances may be conducted via video conference in Scott County.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees
Bond amounts are set by the judge or associate circuit judge at first appearance, or according to a bond schedule for certain offenses

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's court appearances

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
Applicable 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:

Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in requirements with pretrial services, 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
Personal property is returned
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear at any court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Scott County Jail
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Eligibility is determined based on income at the first appearance.

Missouri State Public Defender – Cape Girardeau Regional Office
2011 Corona Road, Suite 201
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone: (573) 290-5770
Missouri State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Scott County Jail, and all consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Scott County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review may occur within days to several weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking.

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 scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, may be filed and heard. Pretrial conferences facilitate communication between counsel and the court regarding case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; dismissed cases may be eligible for expungement
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial; the prosecution and defense present their respective cases, and a verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned

Sentencing (if convicted):

Upon a finding of guilt, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
Missouri's constitutional speedy trial provision requires that cases proceed without unreasonable delay

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Scott County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3525
Scott County Sheriff's Office

Scott County Circuit Court Clerk
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3596
Missouri Courts Case.net

Scott County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3548

Missouri State Public Defender – Cape Girardeau Regional Office
2011 Corona Road, Suite 201
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone: (573) 290-5770
Missouri State Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Scott County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Scott County is governed by Missouri state law and the records retention schedules established by the Missouri Secretary of State's Office. The Missouri State Archives maintains retention schedules applicable to state and local government records, including law enforcement and court records. Under Missouri's records management framework, local law enforcement agencies and courts are required to retain records for minimum periods established by the applicable retention schedule.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, Missouri State Highway Patrol criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Felony conviction records are part of the permanent criminal history and appear on background checks indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum period established by the Missouri Secretary of State's retention schedule
State repository retains misdemeanor conviction records indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains arrest records for a minimum of two years following dismissal, subject to the applicable retention schedule
Court records are retained for a minimum period based on case type
Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum period following acquittal
Court records are often retained permanently
State repository records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period, typically two years
Local arrest logs are retained per the applicable schedule
These records are among the most readily eligible for expungement

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement retains records for a minimum period
These records are frequently eligible for expungement under § 610.140 RSMo

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the Missouri Secretary of State's retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense type

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of two years
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary in retention policy by agency
Court electronic records are retained permanently in most instances

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and are not required to update records following expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but enforcement varies

Retention by Agency:

Scott County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum two years; permanent for felony arrests resulting in conviction
Arrest reports: Retained per Missouri Secretary of State schedule
Investigative files: Retained based on case outcome and offense classification
Contact: (573) 545-3525

Municipal Police Departments:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable Missouri retention schedule
Retention periods may vary slightly by department
Contact the relevant department's records division for specific retention information

Scott County Circuit Court Clerk:

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following case closure
Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of three years
Electronic records are retained permanently in the Missouri court electronic filing system

Missouri State Highway Patrol (State Repository):

The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains the state criminal history repository and retains arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions in Missouri
Retention is permanent for conviction records
Non-conviction records may be updated or sealed following a court order of expungement
The Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) provides access to state criminal history records

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Federal records are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; part of the permanent criminal history record; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain in local and state databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed per the court order; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases is not automatic
No Charges Filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum retention period; eligible for expungement in most cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Scott County Sheriff's Office jail roster and Missouri Case.net
Updated regularly

Older Arrests (More Than Five Years Ago):

May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Court Clerk
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Paper records are stored in archives and may be subject to destruction following expiration of the applicable retention period
Contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (573) 545-3525 for information on specific historical records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order of expungement, or in accordance with the Missouri Secretary of State's records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Missouri does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records in private employment background checks. Arrests without resulting convictions are not considered evidence of criminal conduct and should be distinguished from conviction records in any screening context.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (573) 545-3525 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 131 S. New Madrid Street, Benton, MO 63736. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.