Putnam County Public Records / Putnam County Arrest Records

Putnam County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Putnam County in 2026

PutnamCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Putnam County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, court case filings, and incarceration status. All information presented reflects data sourced from official government agencies and is subject to the limitations of each originating source.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Jerrod Baugh, maintains booking and arrest records for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may search current and recent jail roster information through the Indiana County Jail Public Portal, which includes Putnam County among its searchable jurisdictions. The portal allows searches by last name, first name, date of birth, and booking date range. Information available includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis as new bookings occur and releases are processed.

2. Local Police Departments

The Greencastle Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Putnam County. Arrest information originating from city police activity may appear in court case records and the county jail portal when individuals are booked into the county facility. The Putnam County profile maintained by the Indiana State Police provides crime and law enforcement data for the county, including agency contact information. Press releases and public information releases from local departments may also contain arrest-related information.

Greencastle Police Department
214 E. Washington St.
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-3211
City of Greencastle

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Putnam County Clerk of Courts. Members of the public may search criminal case records through MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search, the statewide online platform operated by the Office of Judicial Administration. Searches may be conducted by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. The Indiana Judicial Branch also provides access to court forms, legal assistance resources, and case management tools.

Putnam County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-2648
Putnam County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Indiana Department of Correction maintains the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search, which allows members of the public to search for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state correctional facilities. Searches may be conducted by last name or by both first and last names. This resource reflects state-level incarceration data and supplements county-level arrest records for individuals whose cases resulted in state prison sentences.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Putnam County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 495 / 24 N. Indiana St.
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-3211
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Putnam County Sheriff – ISP Profile

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies of records are assessed at the time of the request.

Clerk of Court:
Putnam County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-2648
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Putnam County Courts

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees apply per page for reproduced documents.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at P.O. Box 495, Greencastle, IN 46135. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (765) 653-3211 for general inquiries. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may direct callers to the online jail portal or advise an in-person visit for detailed record requests. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.

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, Greencastle PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Putnam County

Arrest records in Putnam County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, Ind. Code § 5-14-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created and maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are maintained by government agencies in the exercise of official duties and are therefore subject to public disclosure. The public interest in government transparency, community safety, journalistic inquiry, and background screening supports broad access to these records.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
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 Indiana 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
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are not subject to disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Indiana's public records framework reflects a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information. 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 and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Putnam County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
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 such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public-facing records)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Greencastle Police Department, Indiana State Police, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Indiana statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public record releases

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 bond, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted from public records)
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 that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

Under Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8, Indiana public agencies may charge fees for the reproduction of public records, but inspection of records must be permitted at no charge. Current standard fees applicable to Putnam County arrest record requests are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10–$1.00 per page (varies by office)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic copies	Varies; may be provided at no charge or nominal fee
Search fee	Not permitted under Indiana law for standard requests

Accepted payment methods at the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm current fee schedules directly with the relevant office prior to submitting a request, as fees are subject to revision.

Online searches through the Indiana County Jail Public Portal and MyCase are available at no charge to the public. The Indiana Incarcerated Database Search is similarly available without a fee for basic name searches.

Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances, including requests by indigent individuals or requests made in connection with legal proceedings. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request to the relevant agency explaining the basis for the waiver.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Putnam County

Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the sealing or restriction of records from public view, and sealing, which restricts access to specific records by court order. Expungement under Indiana law does not result in the physical destruction of records in all cases but does restrict public access and requires agencies to respond to inquiries as though the records do not exist.

Under Ind. Code § 35-38-9, Indiana's expungement statute, individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records under the following circumstances:

Arrest with no conviction: A person arrested but not convicted may petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest, provided no criminal charges were filed or all charges were dismissed.
Conviction of a misdemeanor: Eligible individuals may petition five years after the date of conviction, provided all terms of the sentence have been completed.
Conviction of a Class D or Level 6 felony: Eligible individuals may petition eight years after the date of conviction under qualifying circumstances.
Conviction of certain other felonies: Waiting periods of eight to ten years apply, subject to the nature of the offense and prosecutorial consent in some cases.
Serious violent felonies and sex offenses: These categories are generally not eligible for expungement under current Indiana law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Putnam County:

Obtain a copy of the arrest or court record to confirm eligibility and identify the correct case number.
Complete the petition for expungement using forms available through the Indiana Judicial Branch Self-Service Legal Center.
File the petition with the Putnam County Clerk of Courts at 1 Courthouse Square, Greencastle, IN 46135.
Pay the applicable filing fee. Indiana law limits the filing fee for expungement petitions to one fee per county regardless of the number of cases included in the petition.
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office as required by statute.
Attend any scheduled hearing. The court may grant the petition without a hearing if no objection is filed.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court will direct all relevant agencies to restrict access to the specified records.

Putnam County Prosecutor's Office
1 Courthouse Square
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-4278

Putnam County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-2648
Putnam County Courts

Individuals who are not eligible for expungement or who require assistance navigating the process may consult the Indiana Judicial Branch Self-Service Legal Center for forms and procedural guidance, or seek representation from a licensed Indiana attorney.

What Happens After Arrest in Putnam County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Putnam County, the arrested individual is transported to the Putnam County Jail located in Greencastle. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

Putnam County Jail
P.O. Box 495 / 24 N. Indiana St.
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-3211
Putnam County Sheriff – ISP Profile

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to 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
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are verified
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are completed
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer for an initial hearing within a reasonable time following arrest, and in no event later than 48 hours for warrantless arrests. At the initial hearing, the following occurs:

Formal notification of charges is provided
Eligibility for a public defender is assessed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are formally advisement

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules and case information are accessible through Putnam County Courts on the Indiana Judicial Branch website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by Indiana law at ten percent of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The defendant is released on a written promise to appear. 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 court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include regular 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 one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date 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:

Putnam County Public Defender's Office
1 Courthouse Square
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-4278

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings. The Indiana Judicial Branch Self-Service Legal Center provides resources for individuals representing themselves.

Charging Decision:

The Putnam County Prosecutor'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 follows the filing of charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

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. Indiana provides defendants the right to a jury trial for most criminal charges. 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 for warrantless arrests
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks depending on case complexity
Arraignment to resolution: Months; varies widely by charge severity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
Indiana's right to speedy trial is governed by Indiana Criminal Rule 4

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Refrain from discussing the case with 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

Important Contacts:

Putnam County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 495 / 24 N. Indiana St.
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-3211
Putnam County Sheriff – ISP Profile

Putnam County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-2648
Putnam County Courts

Putnam County Prosecutor's Office
1 Courthouse Square
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-4278

Putnam County Public Defender's Office
1 Courthouse Square
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-4278

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Putnam County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Putnam County is governed by Indiana law and applicable local agency policies. Indiana's records retention schedules, administered through the Indiana Archives and Records Administration, establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Under Indiana's public records framework, agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records prior to the expiration of the applicable retention period.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, and the Indiana State Police criminal history repository
Accessible indefinitely through state and federal databases including the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and court records systems
State repository retains records consistent with Indiana criminal history policies

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period before potential purging
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
Records may remain accessible in public databases unless expungement is granted under Ind. Code § 35-38-9

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Court records are retained and may remain permanently in the court system
Local law enforcement records are retained for a defined period
Expungement may be sought to restrict public access

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period
Individuals in this category may be eligible to petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing platforms are retained for extended periods, with court electronic records frequently maintained on a permanent basis. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to Indiana's retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case outcome.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with Indiana law enforcement retention schedules. Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition.

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a defined period based on case disposition. Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis in the statewide case management system.

Indiana State Police Criminal History Repository: Maintains arrest and conviction records from all Indiana jurisdictions. Retention is governed by state policy and includes records from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and local police departments.

FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal may result in the record remaining in databases unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs local agencies to seal or restrict the record; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an indication of the expungement. The timeframe for removal of records from state and local systems following an expungement order varies by agency.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report criminal convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to the seven-year reporting limitation applicable in many states, though Indiana does not currently impose a separate state-level restriction on reporting periods for convictions. Employers and landlords using background check services must comply with FCRA requirements regarding the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Putnam County Sheriff's Records Division at (765) 653-3211 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at P.O. Box 495, Greencastle, IN 46135. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.