Custer County Public Records / Custer County Arrest Records

Custer County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Custer County in 2026

CusterRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Custer County, Oklahoma. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal charge details, and inmate roster entries. Access to records is subject to applicable state law, and not all records may be complete or current.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Custer County Sheriff's Office, the Custer County District Court Clerk, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online tools. The following sections outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Custer County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that members of the public may access to identify individuals currently in custody. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond information. The Sheriff's Office serves as the primary booking facility for arrests made within Custer County.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Arapaho and the City of Clinton each maintain police departments that may issue press releases or arrest logs for incidents occurring within their respective jurisdictions. The Clinton Police Department publishes arrest-related information through official channels. Members of the public seeking records from a specific municipal agency should contact that department directly, as records from city police departments are maintained separately from Sheriff's Office records.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Custer County District Court Clerk maintains criminal case records that are linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records through the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN), which provides online access to district court case information including criminal filings, charge details, hearing dates, and case dispositions. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated court cases filed in Custer County.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record through the OSBI Criminal History Records portal. A standard public criminal history search currently costs $15.00 per subject. The OSBI database includes arrest and disposition information submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Custer County Sheriff's Office
675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-2500
Custer County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Bring valid government-issued photo identification
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies

Police Departments:

Clinton Police Department
522 Gary Boulevard, Clinton, OK 73601
Phone: (580) 323-1234
City of Clinton

Records requests submitted in person or by mail
Valid photo identification required
Copy fees apply per page

Clerk of Court:

Custer County District Court Clerk
675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-2292
Oklahoma State Courts Network

Criminal records division located within the courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Case file inspection available during business hours
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies $1.00 per page

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Custer County Sheriff's Office at 675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time is subject to the volume of pending requests and applicable statutory response deadlines.

By Phone:

The Custer County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (580) 323-2500 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Phone inquiries provide limited information, and callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person for complete records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

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, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Custer County

Arrest records in Custer County are public records under Oklahoma law. Pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act, 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq., records created or maintained by government agencies in the exercise of their official functions are presumptively open to public inspection. Arrest records fall within this category because they document official law enforcement actions taken by public agencies. The public interest in government transparency, community safety, journalistic accountability, and informed background screening supports broad access to arrest information.

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
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 Oklahoma law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Oklahoma Constitution, Article V, and the Oklahoma Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

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 federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Oklahoma does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.

What's in Custer 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 limited in public records

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or a state agency
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 filed
Oklahoma statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is 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 those conditions are part of the public record

Court Information:

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

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Custer County depends on the agency holding the records and the format requested. Under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, 51 O.S. § 24A.5, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the direct cost of document search, retrieval, and copying. The following fee schedule reflects current standard charges:

Record Type	Agency	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	Sheriff's Office	$0.25
Standard copy (per page)	District Court Clerk	$0.25
Certified copy (per page)	District Court Clerk	$1.00
Criminal history search	OSBI (public request)	$15.00
Electronic records	Varies by agency	Varies

Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge during regular business hours
Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing an official seal is required
Search fees may apply when a request requires extensive staff time to locate records
Electronic format fees vary by agency and the nature of the request
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Custer County

Oklahoma law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records from public access, while sealing restricts public inspection without destroying the underlying record. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records for official purposes.

Under 22 O.S. § 18, Oklahoma law permits expungement of arrest records in specific circumstances, including:

Acquittal at trial
Charges dismissed without a deferred sentence
No charges filed following arrest
Completion of a deferred sentence with subsequent dismissal
Pardon issued by the Governor
Arrest for a nonviolent felony offense where the sentence has been served and a waiting period has elapsed
Arrest for a misdemeanor offense where the sentence has been served and a waiting period has elapsed

The steps to pursue expungement in Custer County are as follows:

Determine eligibility based on the specific charge, disposition, and applicable waiting period under Oklahoma statute
File a Petition for Expungement in the Custer County District Court
Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office, the arresting law enforcement agency, and the OSBI
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted
If the court grants the petition, a court order is issued directing all named agencies to expunge or seal the records
Submit the court order to the OSBI and each agency holding records to initiate the removal process

Custer County District Court
675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-2292
Oklahoma State Courts Network

Custer County District Attorney's Office
675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-3233
Oklahoma District Attorneys Council

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
6600 N. Harvey, Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Phone: (405) 848-6724
OSBI Criminal History Records

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to retain legal counsel, as the process involves formal court filings and service of process. The Oklahoma Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service may assist in locating qualified attorneys.

What Happens After Arrest in Custer County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Custer County, the arrested individual is transported to the Custer County Jail located at 675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620. 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 departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Custer County Jail, the booking process is initiated. Booking typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Oklahoma law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours following arrest absent extraordinary circumstances. At the first appearance:

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 advisement
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Court schedules for Custer County are available through the OSCN court docket system.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the jail or court clerk
The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
The amount is set by the judge, magistrate, or a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Oklahoma law
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

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

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Grounds include 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, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date 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 pending case resolution
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS).

Oklahoma Indigent Defense System
P.O. Box 926, Norman, OK 73070
Phone: (405) 801-2601
Oklahoma Indigent Defense System

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Oklahoma Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to attorneys practicing in criminal defense. Attorney visits at the Custer County Jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Custer County District Attorney's Office reviews each arrest to determine whether formal charges will be filed. The prosecutor may file formal charges by Information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.

Grand Jury:

For certain felony offenses in Oklahoma, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel and result in an Indictment if the grand jury finds sufficient cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of 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 for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard. Pretrial conferences are held to assess case readiness and explore resolution options. 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; dismissal may create eligibility 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 in exchange for an agreed sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury trial or bench trial; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release, while a guilty verdict proceeds to sentencing

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose a combination of incarceration, probation, fines, restitution to victims, community service, and treatment requirements. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying widely by charge severity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to several months
Felony cases: resolved within several months to over one year
Oklahoma's right to speedy trial is governed by constitutional and statutory provisions

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
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:

Custer County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-2500
Custer County Sheriff's Office

Custer County District Court Clerk
675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-2292
Oklahoma State Courts Network

Custer County District Attorney's Office
675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-3233
Oklahoma District Attorneys Council

Oklahoma Indigent Defense System
P.O. Box 926, Norman, OK 73070
Phone: (405) 801-2601
Oklahoma Indigent Defense System

What to Do If 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
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
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 Custer County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Custer County is governed by Oklahoma state law and the records retention schedules established by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and applicable state agencies. Under Oklahoma's records management framework, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the District Court Clerk, the OSBI state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Permanent retention applies regardless of the passage of time

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court
The OSBI state repository retains misdemeanor conviction records as part of the subject's permanent criminal history

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period consistent with the applicable retention schedule, at present typically five to seven years
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
Records may remain in the OSBI repository unless expungement is granted

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for a period consistent with the retention schedule
Court records are often retained permanently
Acquittals may be eligible for expungement under Oklahoma law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods
Local arrest logs may be retained for a period of years before purging
Individuals arrested but not charged may be eligible for immediate expungement under 22 O.S. § 18

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the retention period
Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable law

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a period established by the agency's retention schedule
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Court electronic records through OSCN are retained permanently for most criminal cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Custer County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Oklahoma records retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case
Phone: (580) 323-2500

Clinton Police Department:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable municipal retention schedule
Phone: (580) 323-1234

Custer County District Court Clerk:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period established by the court's retention schedule
Electronic records through OSCN are retained permanently

OSBI State Repository:

The OSBI maintains arrest and disposition records for all jurisdictions in Oklahoma
Retention is governed by state policy and includes records submitted by all law enforcement agencies statewide

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention is typically permanent
These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; often not reported on standard employment background checks
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; OSBI updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may take additional time
No Charges Filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a period of seven years for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Oklahoma does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA's standard provisions. Third-party background check companies are required to maintain accurate records and update information when notified of expungements or dismissals.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Custer County Sheriff's Records Division at (580) 323-2500 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 675 B Street, Arapaho, OK 73620. Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved in response to such requests.