Taylor County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Taylor County in 2026
TaylorRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Taylor County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, inmate rosters, and warrant information. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the disposition of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following official channels are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Taylor County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining booking records and jail rosters for individuals arrested and processed through the Taylor County Detention Center. The Sheriff's Office arrest records include the arrestee's full name, booking date, charges filed, bond status, and current custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current detainees. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about specific arrest records or to request copies of booking documentation.
2. Local Police Departments
The Campbellsville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Taylor County. The department maintains arrest logs and may issue press releases containing arrest information for notable cases. Members of the public may submit a written public records request to the Campbellsville Police Department to obtain copies of arrest logs or incident-related documentation.
Campbellsville Police Department
110 West Main Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 465-8811
Campbellsville Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings maintained by the Taylor Circuit and District Courts. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides an online case search portal through which members of the public may search by an individual's name to locate associated criminal case filings. The Taylor County court information page provides specific guidance on requesting copies of court records from cases originating in Taylor County. Court records linked to arrests include case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky State Police maintains statewide crime and arrest data through its Records Branch. The Kentucky State Police crime and traffic data portal provides access to statewide criminal history information and Uniform Crime Reporting data. Individuals seeking a certified criminal history record may submit a request to the Kentucky State Police Records Branch. A fee applies for certified background checks; at present, the standard fee for a name-based criminal history check through the Kentucky State Police is $20.00. The Kentucky Online Offender Lookup maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections allows members of the public to search for individuals currently under the supervision of the Kentucky Department of Corrections, including those on probation, parole, or incarcerated in a state facility.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Taylor County Sheriff's Office
203 North Court Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 465-6751
Sheriff's Office – Taylor County, Kentucky
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Members of the public should present a valid government-issued photo identification when requesting records in person.
- Specific information about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and the approximate date of arrest, should be provided at the time of the request.
- Copy fees apply; standard copy fees are $0.10 per page for standard paper copies, consistent with Kentucky public records fee schedules.
Police Departments:
Campbellsville Police Department
110 West Main Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 465-8811
Campbellsville Police Department
- Records requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours.
- Requestors should provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of the incident.
- Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with KRS § 61.874, which governs the fees public agencies may charge for copies of public records.
Clerk of Court:
Taylor Circuit and District Court Clerk
224 West Main Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 789-4441
Taylor – Kentucky Court of Justice
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Criminal case files are available for public inspection at the clerk's office.
- Copy fees are $0.25 per page for standard paper copies of court records.
- Certified copies carry an additional certification fee.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office at 203 North Court Street, Campbellsville, KY 42718. The written request should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject of the record
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number
- Payment for applicable copy fees, made payable to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office
Processing time for mailed requests is typically five to ten business days from receipt of a complete request and payment.
By Phone:
- Taylor County Sheriff's Office: (270) 465-6751
- Campbellsville Police Department: (270) 465-8811
- Information available by phone is limited to general inquiries; detailed records are not released verbally.
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.
- Staff may direct callers to the online system or to submit an in-person or written request for detailed documentation.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery processes in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public records requests. In civil litigation, arrest records may be obtained through standard discovery mechanisms.
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, Campbellsville Police Department, or Kentucky State Police)
Are Arrest Records Public in Taylor County
Arrest records in Taylor County are public records under Kentucky law. The Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq., establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public agency records, including arrest and booking records maintained by law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are made available to the public to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, enable background screening, and serve the needs of legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and 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 Kentucky 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 to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is not subject to public disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain categories of cases
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Kentucky Constitution and the Kentucky Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the disposition of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to protect individuals from ongoing reputational harm based on unresolved or unfounded allegations.
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 in compliance with the FCRA
- 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 decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using background check reports must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Under Kentucky law, an arrest that did not result in a conviction may not be used as the sole basis for certain adverse employment decisions. The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is legally significant: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action, not a finding of guilt.
What's in Taylor County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Taylor County Sheriff's Office, Campbellsville Police Department, or Kentucky State Police)
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Kentucky Revised Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records releases
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Taylor Circuit Court or Taylor District Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed in Taylor County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges
- Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record release
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical information
- Mental health status
- Substance abuse information
- Detailed residential address or personal telephone number
- Social Security number (redacted from public releases)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information beyond what appears in a booking record
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after an arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Taylor County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Taylor County is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act. Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies may charge a reasonable fee for copies of public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (per page) | $0.10 (Sheriff's Office) / $0.25 (Court Clerk) |
| Certified court record copies | $0.25 per page + certification fee |
| Kentucky State Police criminal history check | $20.00 (name-based) |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies by agency |
| In-person inspection of records | No charge for inspection |
- Inspection of public records is available at no charge; fees apply only to reproduction.
- Accepted payment methods at the Taylor County Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office.
- The Taylor Circuit and District Court Clerk accepts cash, check, and money order.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest; requestors should submit a written fee waiver request with supporting documentation.
- Fees vary by record type and by the office from which the record is requested.
- Electronic copies, where available, are subject to the actual cost of the electronic medium used.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Taylor County
Kentucky 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. Expungement is the more complete remedy and results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases. Sealing restricts public access but does not destroy the underlying record.
Under Kentucky law, certain arrest records are eligible for expungement. Eligibility depends on the outcome of the case and the nature of the charges:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed are eligible for expungement.
- Arrests resulting in charges that were dismissed, acquitted, or otherwise resolved without a conviction are eligible for expungement under KRS § 431.076.
- Certain misdemeanor and Class D felony convictions may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period, subject to specific statutory criteria.
- Serious violent felonies, sex offenses, and offenses involving the death of another person are not eligible for expungement.
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Taylor County:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal record to be expunged from the Taylor Circuit or District Court Clerk.
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge type and case disposition.
- Complete the Kentucky Court of Justice expungement petition form, available through the Kentucky Court of Justice self-help portal.
- File the completed petition with the Taylor Circuit or District Court Clerk at 224 West Main Street, Campbellsville, KY 42718.
- Pay the applicable filing fee. At present, the filing fee for an expungement petition in Kentucky is $100.00 for eligible misdemeanors and $250.00 for eligible felonies. No filing fee is required for expungement of arrests that did not result in a conviction.
- Attend the scheduled expungement hearing, if required by the court.
- If the petition is granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all relevant agencies to destroy or seal the record.
Following entry of an expungement order, the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the Campbellsville Police Department, the Kentucky State Police, and the court clerk are directed to update their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may retain records independently; individuals should contact those services separately to request removal.
Taylor Circuit and District Court Clerk
224 West Main Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 789-4441
Taylor – Kentucky Court of Justice
What Happens After Arrest in Taylor County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Taylor County, the arrested individual is transported to the Taylor County Detention Center, which serves as the primary booking and holding facility for the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
Taylor County Detention Center
1 Court Square
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 465-6751
Taylor County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Taylor County Detention Center, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:
- Personal information is recorded, including full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description.
- Miranda rights are read if not previously administered.
- A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken.
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the Kentucky State Police and the FBI.
- A criminal history check is conducted.
- Outstanding warrants are checked at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Personal property is inventoried and stored.
- Jail-issued clothing is provided.
- Medical screening is conducted.
- A brief mental health screening is administered.
- Housing classification is determined.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Kentucky law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate for an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. The initial appearance serves the following purposes:
- Formal notification of the charges
- Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
- Determination of bond or bail
- Advisement of constitutional rights
Initial appearances in Taylor County are conducted at the Taylor District Court and may be held via video conference in certain circumstances. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides information on court schedules and procedures.
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 costs and fees.
- The bond amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or pursuant to 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 total bond amount under Kentucky law.
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance at all court dates.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled court dates.
- No monetary payment is required.
- Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond:
- The defendant is held without the possibility of bond.
- Circumstances warranting no bond include serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or the existence of an out-of-state warrant.
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing time for release following bond payment is typically one to eight hours.
- Personal property is returned upon release.
- The defendant receives written notice of all scheduled court dates.
- Written conditions of release are provided and must be followed; failure to comply may result in bond forfeiture and re-arrest.
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The defendant remains in custody at the Taylor County Detention Center.
- A housing assignment is made following classification.
- Inmate orientation is provided.
- Commissary account setup, telephone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to representation by the Department of Public Advocacy under Kentucky law. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.
Department of Public Advocacy – Campbellsville Office
201 West Main Street, Suite 5
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 789-3200
Department of Public Advocacy
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private legal representation. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Taylor County Detention Center; consultations are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Taylor County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The Commonwealth's Attorney may file formal charges by information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.
Taylor County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
224 West Main Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 465-5615
Grand Jury (for Felonies):
Felony charges in Kentucky may be presented to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds probable cause.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas in Kentucky are guilty, not guilty, and Alford plea (a form of no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.
Pretrial conferences are held between the attorneys and the presiding judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the Commonwealth's Attorney for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of the charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant enters a guilty or Alford plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The presiding judge imposes a sentence, which may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of the right to appeal.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 11 of the Kentucky Constitution
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:
Taylor County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
203 North Court Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 465-6751
Sheriff's Office – Taylor County, Kentucky
Taylor Circuit and District Court Clerk
224 West Main Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 789-4441
Taylor – Kentucky Court of Justice
Taylor County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
224 West Main Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 465-5615
Department of Public Advocacy – Campbellsville Office
201 West Main Street, Suite 5
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 789-3200
Department of Public Advocacy
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement officers.
- Do not physically resist arrest.
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions without an attorney present.
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right.
- Do not discuss the details of the case with anyone other than your attorney, including other inmates.
- Contact family members or friends who may assist with bail.
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
- Comply with all conditions of release if bond is posted.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Taylor County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Taylor County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Under Kentucky's public records retention framework, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention is permanent.
- Records are maintained indefinitely by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the Taylor Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention is permanent at the state repository and court level.
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years following the conclusion of the case, subject to the applicable Kentucky records retention schedule.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three to five years.
- Court records are retained permanently in the electronic case management system.
- State repository records may remain unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement.
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years.
- Court records are retained permanently.
- State repository records may be sealed or expunged upon petition.
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years.
- Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of three years.
- These records may be eligible for expungement upon petition to the Taylor Circuit or District Court.
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years.
- These records are eligible for expungement under Kentucky law.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Retained for a minimum of three to five years, depending on case disposition.
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for convicted individuals; retained for a minimum of three years for non-conviction arrests.
- Photographs: Retained for the same period as the associated booking record.
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years.
- Records management system entries: Often retained permanently.
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and platform.
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system.
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to Kentucky expungement orders.
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records when a case is expunged or sealed.
- The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records and to update information when notified of a change in status.
Retention by Agency:
Taylor County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum three to five years, permanent for felony convictions.
- Arrest reports: Minimum three years.
- Investigative files: Minimum five years, permanent for serious felonies.
- Contact: (270) 465-6751
Campbellsville Police Department:
- Arrest records: Minimum three years.
- Incident reports: Minimum three years.
- Contact: (270) 465-8811
Taylor Circuit and District Court Clerk:
- Felony case files: Permanent.
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years.
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years.
- Electronic records: Permanent in the Kentucky Court of Justice system.
Kentucky State Police Repository:
- The Kentucky State Police maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records from all jurisdictions in Kentucky. Retention is permanent for conviction records. Non-conviction records may be updated or sealed following a court-ordered expungement. The Kentucky State Police crime and traffic data page provides additional information on the state's criminal history records program.
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain federal records permanently.
- These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchase background checks, and other authorized purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all major databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
Expungement: Following entry of an expungement order, local law enforcement and court records are destroyed or sealed. The Kentucky State Police updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from agency databases following an expungement order is typically 30 to 60 days.
No Charges Filed: These records have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after three years. Individuals may also petition for immediate expungement under Kentucky law.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (Last Three Years):
- Available online through the Taylor County Sheriff's Office and the Kentucky Court of Justice case search portal.
- Records are updated on a regular basis.
Older Arrests (Three to Ten Years Ago):
- May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Court Clerk's office.
- Records may be stored in archives and may require additional retrieval time.
- A retrieval fee may apply for archived records.
Very Old Arrests (More Than Ten Years Ago):
- Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form.
- Paper records are stored in the county archives.
- Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule.
- Members of the public should contact the Taylor County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (270) 465-6751 or the Taylor Circuit Court Clerk at (270) 789-4441 to inquire about the availability of historical records.
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or in accordance with the Kentucky records retention schedule. Documentation of the destruction of public records 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 ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky law does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on the reporting of non-conviction arrest records, but employers are advised to consider the distinction between an arrest