Bell County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bell County in 2026
BellRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Bell County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and court case data through official and third-party sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and criminal history summaries. Access and completeness vary by source and the nature of the underlying record.
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 Bell County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the Bell County Detention Center. The jail roster reflects current custody status and is updated on a rolling basis as individuals are booked or released.
- Available information includes: full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status
- Search capabilities: name-based lookup through the detention center
- Update frequency: updated as bookings occur, subject to processing time
Bell County Sheriff's Office
101 Courthouse Square, Suite 1
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-6164
Bell County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
Bell County contains several incorporated municipalities with independent police departments. The Pineville Police Department and Middlesboro Police Department serve the county's two largest cities and maintain arrest logs and press releases documenting recent arrests.
- Pineville Police Department issues periodic press releases with arrest information
- Middlesboro Police Department maintains records accessible through written request
- Kentucky State Police arrest news releases document arrests made by KSP troopers operating within Bell County
Pineville Police Department
200 Kentucky Avenue
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-3422
Middlesboro Police Department
300 N 20th Street
Middlesboro, KY 40965
Phone: (606) 248-3636
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Bell Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the Bell County court system. Members of the public may search by defendant name to locate associated court case filings, charge information, and case disposition.
Bell Circuit Court Clerk
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-6143
Kentucky Court of Justice Case Search
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request background checks through Kentucky State Police, which include arrest and conviction history compiled from law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth.
- Information included: arrests, charges, dispositions, convictions, and incarceration history
- Fees apply for third-party background checks; individuals requesting their own records may do so through the KSP Open Records process
- The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections allows the public to search for individuals currently under state supervision or incarcerated in state facilities
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 101 Courthouse Square, Suite 1, Pineville, KY 40977
- Records division located within the main Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (606) 337-6164
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification; specific information about the arrest including full name and approximate date
- Fees for copies: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Pineville Police Department: 200 Kentucky Avenue, Pineville, KY 40977 — (606) 337-3422
- Middlesboro Police Department: 300 N 20th Street, Middlesboro, KY 40965 — (606) 248-3636
- Records requests submitted in writing; processing time varies by department
- Copy fees consistent with Kentucky Open Records Act standards
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 101 Courthouse Square, Pineville, KY 40977
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (606) 337-6143
- Case files open for public inspection during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies available for an additional fee
By Mail:
- Sheriff's Office mailing address: Bell County Sheriff's Office, 101 Courthouse Square, Suite 1, Pineville, KY 40977
- Written requests must include:
- Arrestee's full legal name
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Include payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Bell County Sheriff's Office)
- Processing time: 3–5 business days for standard requests; up to the statutory three-business-day response period under KRS § 61.880
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (606) 337-6164
- General custody status inquiries may be handled by phone; detailed record information requires written request or in-person visit
- Information needed: full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date
- Staff may direct callers to the online jail roster or advise an in-person visit for comprehensive records
Through Legal Channels:
- Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
- Subpoenas may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access
- Records obtained through discovery in active criminal proceedings are governed by court order and applicable procedural rules
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, Pineville PD, Middlesboro PD, or KSP)
Are Arrest Records Public in Bell County
Arrest records in Bell County are public records subject to disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Under KRS § 61.870 et seq., all public agency records are presumptively open to inspection by any person, and law enforcement booking records fall within this category. The public policy underlying this framework reflects the Commonwealth's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, accountability of law enforcement, and the free flow of information to journalists, researchers, and community members.
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
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not subject to routine public disclosure
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. The Act recognizes that "the basic policy of KRS 61.870 to 61.884 is that free and open examination of public records is in the public interest." Courts have consistently held that arrest records, as documents created in the exercise of official government functions, are subject to this policy. The First Amendment further supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern, while due process principles require that the distinction between an arrest and a conviction be clearly understood by those accessing such records.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Consumer reporting agencies must follow accuracy and dispute resolution requirements, and employers subject to the FCRA may not use arrest records that do not result in conviction as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain circumstances. Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest reflects probable cause, not a finding of guilt.
What's in Bell 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 (scars, tattoos)
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Kentucky State Police, etc.)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (included in some records)
- 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 (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation (if applicable)
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public-facing records)
- 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
- Release date and time (if released)
- Release conditions (if made part of the public record)
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Bell District Court or Bell Circuit Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment (if available at time of record creation)
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed through Bell County
- Historical booking numbers
- Prior charges
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted pursuant to state and federal law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely disclosed
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple databases including state repositories and federal systems
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Bell County?
The Kentucky Open Records Act establishes the fee framework applicable to public records requests submitted to Bell County agencies. Under current law, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of reproduction but may not impose fees for the inspection of records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10 per page (Sheriff's Office) |
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page (Clerk of Court) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication |
| Record inspection | No charge |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Kentucky Open Records Act |
Accepted payment methods vary by office. The Bell County Sheriff's Office accepts cash, check, and money order. The Bell Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash and money order for copy fees.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated. Members of the public who believe a fee is excessive may challenge the fee through the Kentucky Attorney General's Office pursuant to KRS § 61.880.
The following records are available at no cost:
- In-person inspection of public arrest records
- Online jail roster review through the Sheriff's Office website
- Online court case search through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal
- Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) for offender supervision status
How To Delete Arrest Records in Bell County
Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the physical destruction or deletion of the record, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement to retain access. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is treated as if it never existed for most purposes, while a sealed record remains accessible to courts and law enforcement.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under KRS § 431.073, Kentucky permits expungement of certain arrest records, including:
- Arrests where no charges were filed
- Charges that were dismissed
- Charges resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
- Certain Class D felony convictions after a waiting period (subject to eligibility criteria)
Arrests resulting in conviction for violent offenses, sex offenses, or offenses against children are not eligible for expungement.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Bell Circuit Court Clerk
- Confirm eligibility based on the charge type and case disposition
- Complete the petition for expungement (Form AOC-497 for misdemeanors; Form AOC-496.3 for felonies)
- File the petition with the Bell Circuit Court Clerk at 101 Courthouse Square, Pineville, KY 40977
- Pay the filing fee (currently $100 for eligible misdemeanors; $250 for eligible felonies, subject to legislative change)
- Serve copies of the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any relevant law enforcement agencies
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the Commonwealth objects
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all agencies to expunge or seal the record
Contact Information for Expungement:
Bell Circuit Court Clerk
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-6143
Kentucky Court of Justice
Bell County Commonwealth's Attorney
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-2941
Bell County Public Defender's Office
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-3008
What Happens After Arrest in Bell County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Bell County, the arrested individual is transported to the Bell County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the availability of transport personnel.
Bell County Detention Center
115 West Cumberland Avenue
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-6165
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Bell County Detention Center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Personal information recorded
- Miranda rights read (if not previously administered)
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
- Criminal history check conducted
- Outstanding warrants check performed
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
- Medical screening administered
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Kentucky law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The defendant is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are explained
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the detention center. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
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, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The defendant is held without bond 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 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 takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.
Bell County Public Defender's Office
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-3008
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. Attorney-client consultations at the detention center are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Bell County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The Commonwealth's Attorney may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (including motions to suppress or dismiss), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court or mental health court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial.
At sentencing following conviction, the judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.
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 a year
- Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and Kentucky Constitution
Important Contacts:
Bell County Detention Center
115 West Cumberland Avenue
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-6165
Bell Circuit Court Clerk
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-6143
Kentucky Court of Justice
Bell County Commonwealth's Attorney
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-2941
Bell County Public Defender's Office
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
Phone: (606) 337-3008
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 (politely invoke this right)
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bell County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Bell County is governed by Kentucky state law, the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) records retention schedules, and local agency policies. As the Kentucky State Archives notes, "public records shall not be destroyed, transferred, or otherwise disposed of without prior approval." Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Kentucky State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
- Local law enforcement records: retained per KDLA schedule, typically a minimum of five years following case closure
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records: retained per KDLA schedule; may remain permanently unless expunged
- State repository: record remains unless expungement order is received
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement: retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records: often retained permanently
- Eligible for expungement under KRS § 431.073
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: retained for a minimum of three to five years
- Eligible for expungement petition upon demonstration that no charges were filed
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: retained per KDLA schedule (minimum five years)
- Fingerprint cards: forwarded to state repository; local copies retained per schedule
- Photographs: retained with booking record
Digital Records:
- Records management systems: often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: permanent retention for felony cases; variable for misdemeanors
- Mugshot databases: retention varies by platform
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
- Records may not be updated following expungement
- The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy and provide dispute mechanisms
Retention by Agency:
Bell County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: minimum five years per KDLA schedule
- Arrest reports: minimum five years
- Investigative files: varies by case type and outcome
- Contact: (606) 337-6164
Bell County Police Departments:
- Arrest records: minimum five years
- Incident reports: minimum five years
- Retention may vary by department
Bell Circuit Court Clerk:
- Felony case files: permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: minimum five years
- Electronic records: permanent
Kentucky State Police Repository:
- The KSP maintains statewide criminal history records accessible through the Kentucky State Police crime and traffic data portal
- Retention: permanent for conviction records; updated upon receipt of expungement orders
- Includes arrests from all Kentucky jurisdictions
FBI Database:
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
- Federal retention: permanent
- Accessible to law enforcement nationwide for background checks, firearms purchases, and employment screening
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records.
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updates records upon receipt of court order; FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate dispute requests.
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged after three to five years; eligible for expungement petition.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (last five years): Available online through the jail roster and court case search; updated in near real-time.
Older Arrests (five to twenty years ago): May require in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time.
Very Old Arrests (twenty or more years ago): Records may not be digitized; paper records held in archives; some records may have been destroyed per retention schedule; contact the Bell County Sheriff's Records Division at (606) 337-6164 for availability.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction arrest records under state law. Employers and landlords are advised to consult legal counsel regarding permissible use of arrest record information in their jurisdiction.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Bell County Sheriff's Records Division at (606) 337-6164
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records