Wyoming is classified as an open arrest records state pursuant to the Wyoming Public Records Act (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 through § 16-4-205). This designation signifies that arrest records maintained by state and local law enforcement agencies are considered public records accessible to Wyoming residents and non-residents alike. The Wyoming legislature has determined that transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities, serves the public interest by promoting accountability and informed citizenship.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation maintains the central repository of criminal history information, including arrest records, for the state. Under the Wyoming Criminal History Record Act (Wyo. Stat. § 7-19-101), certain arrest information is available to the public, though specific limitations apply to protect privacy interests in certain circumstances.
Members of the public may request arrest records for legitimate purposes including:
It should be noted that while Wyoming maintains an open records policy, certain information may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or endanger public safety as determined by the custodian of records.
Wyoming residents and other interested parties seeking arrest records in 2025 have multiple official channels through which to obtain this information. The primary repository for criminal history information in Wyoming is maintained by the Criminal Records Unit of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
316 West 22nd Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7181
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Criminal Records Unit
Requestors may obtain arrest records through the following methods:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Criminal Records Unit in Cheyenne during business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Photo identification is required.
Mail Requests: Completed request forms may be mailed to the Division of Criminal Investigation with appropriate identification documentation and applicable fees.
Online Portal Access: The Wyoming Criminal Justice Information System provides authorized users with secure access to arrest record information through a password-protected portal.
County Sheriff's Offices: Local law enforcement agencies maintain records of arrests within their jurisdiction. Contact information for county sheriff's offices can be found on respective county government websites.
Court Records: The Wyoming Judicial Branch maintains an electronic case management system where court records related to arrests may be accessed.
Pursuant to Wyo. Stat. § 7-19-106, requestors must provide proper identification and may be required to pay statutory fees for record searches and copies. Fingerprint-based searches provide the most accurate results and may be required for certain purposes.
Wyoming arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by the Wyoming Criminal History Record Act (Wyo. Stat. § 7-19-101 et seq.). These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest or detention.
A comprehensive Wyoming arrest record typically contains the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; booking number; and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Offense Information: Criminal charges filed, including statute citations and offense classification (felony, misdemeanor, or violation).
Disposition Data: Court case numbers, plea information, conviction status, sentencing details if applicable, and case outcomes.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and other biometric identifiers collected during the booking process.
Detention Information: Custody status, bail or bond amounts, and incarceration details if applicable.
The Wyoming State Archives maintains historical arrest records that may be accessed for genealogical or historical research purposes, subject to applicable privacy restrictions.
It should be noted that juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-239 and may not be included in publicly accessible arrest record databases.
The Wyoming Open Records Act, codified in Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 through § 16-4-205, establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. This legislation reflects Wyoming's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy concerns and law enforcement needs.
Key provisions of the Wyoming Open Records Act include:
Presumption of Openness: The Act establishes that all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, except as provided by statute or as otherwise specified in the Act.
Definition of Public Records: Under Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201(a)(v), public records include "any information in a physical form created, accepted, or obtained by the state or any agency, institution or political subdivision of the state in furtherance of its official function and transaction of public business."
Response Timeframes: Custodians of public records must respond to requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed seven business days for non-electronic records and 30 calendar days for electronic records.
Statutory Exemptions: Certain records may be exempt from disclosure, including ongoing investigation records, personal information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, and records specifically exempted by statute.
Reasonable Fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, not to exceed the actual cost of duplication.
The Wyoming Attorney General provides guidance to state agencies regarding compliance with the Open Records Act and may issue formal opinions interpreting the Act's provisions when requested by authorized officials.
Wyoming law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Wyo. Stat. § 7-13-1401 through § 7-13-1408. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed or removed from public access, effectively treating the arrest as if it never occurred.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Wyoming include:
Non-Conviction Records: Arrests that did not result in conviction may be eligible for expungement after specified waiting periods.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Certain misdemeanor convictions may be expunged after five years from the completion of sentence, provided the petitioner has no subsequent convictions.
Felony Convictions: Select non-violent felony convictions may be eligible for expungement ten years after completion of sentence, subject to judicial discretion.
Juvenile Records: Records of juvenile arrests and adjudications may be eligible for expungement under provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
The expungement process requires:
The Wyoming Department of Corrections provides reentry resources that may include guidance on the expungement process for eligible individuals.
Information regarding recent local arrests in Wyoming is available through multiple official channels at the county and municipal levels. These resources provide timely data on law enforcement activities within specific jurisdictions.
County sheriff's offices serve as primary sources for local arrest information:
Laramie County Sheriff's Office
1910 Pioneer Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: (307) 633-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Natrona County Sheriff's Office
201 North David Street
Casper, WY 82601
Phone: (307) 235-9282
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Additional resources for locating information about local arrests include:
Municipal Police Department Websites: Many Wyoming police departments maintain online arrest logs or booking reports that are updated regularly.
County Detention Center Rosters: Most county jails publish current inmate rosters that include recent arrestees awaiting arraignment or trial.
Court Dockets: District and circuit court dockets list recently arraigned individuals and are typically available through the Wyoming Judicial Branch website.
Local Media Reports: Wyoming newspapers and television stations often publish police blotters and significant arrest information.
Pursuant to Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-203(d)(i), certain arrest information may be temporarily withheld if release would impede an ongoing investigation or compromise public safety as determined by the law enforcement agency.