Warrant records in Washington County, Indiana are classified as public records pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). The statute defines public records as any writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, card, tape recording, or other material, regardless of form or characteristics, that is created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency. Warrants, being official documents issued by judicial officers, fall within this statutory definition.
The public accessibility of warrant information serves multiple governmental and civic purposes. First, it promotes transparency in the judicial system by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities. Second, it ensures accountability of public officials in the execution of their duties. Third, it provides a mechanism for individuals to verify their own legal status. The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing record retention and public access.
Members of the public should note that while warrant information is generally accessible, certain restrictions may apply to warrants that are part of ongoing investigations or those sealed by court order under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b).
Warrant records maintained by Washington County authorities contain specific information as prescribed by Indiana judicial procedures. Standard warrant documentation includes:
The level of detail contained in warrant records may vary according to the nature of the offense and the type of warrant issued. Felony warrants typically contain more extensive information than those issued for misdemeanor violations or failure to appear in court.
Washington County residents and other interested parties may access warrant information without charge through several official channels. The following methods are available for conducting free warrant searches:
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide specific identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and other relevant details to facilitate accurate record retrieval. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, public agencies may require that requests for access to public records be made in writing or on a form provided by the agency.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for the execution of warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are classified according to their purpose and legal authority:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated Warrants Division that coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to execute outstanding warrants. Deputies are dispatched to serve warrants based on prioritization criteria that consider the severity of the alleged offense, public safety concerns, and resource availability.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office processes warrant information in accordance with Indiana Code § 35-33-2, which governs the issuance and execution of arrest warrants. The office is located at:
Washington County Sheriff's Office
801 Jackson Street
Salem, IN 47167
(812) 883-5999
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Washington County in 2025 may utilize several official verification methods. The Washington County judicial system maintains current warrant information through the following accessible channels:
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9(c), individuals may be required to present identification when requesting records that concern their own status. The verification process typically requires the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and may include additional identifying information to ensure accuracy.
Washington County maintains systematic procedures for the verification of outstanding warrants. Interested parties may access this information through established channels:
Individuals conducting warrant searches should note that pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, public agencies may charge a fee for copies of records but not for inspection of records. The standard fee for copies is established by county ordinance and is subject to periodic revision.