How to request Kansas Public Records?
The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), under K.S.A. 45-215 et seq., defines public records as any recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, which is made, maintained or kept by, or is in the possession of any public agency, including, but not limited to, written, photographic, and electronic records, as well as audio or video recordings. This information must relate to the conduct, functions, or activities of any public agency or be related to the expenditure of public funds.
Table of Contents
If you're interested in accessing public records in Kansas, it's important to familiarize yourself with the procedure to ensure your request is processed in a timely manner. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:
Where to Find Public Records in Kansas
Different agencies in Kansas oversee various types of records. Here are common places to find them:
Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce):
These records are generally sourced from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. You can make requests online, by mail, or in person.
Property Records:
Typically, these records are held at the County Register of Deeds in the respective county where the property is located. You can usually find specific details on each county's website.
Business Records:
For information related to businesses, the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office is your primary resource.
Court Records:
These are managed by the Kansas Judicial Branch. Each specific court may have its own procedures for requesting records.
Driving Records:
Managed by the >Kansas Division of Vehicles, driving records can be requested in several ways.
Professional Licenses
To verify a professional's license in Kansas, you can visit the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board or other appropriate licensing boards depending on the profession.
Kansas State Archives:
For historical records or older documents, the Kansas State Archives is a valuable resource.
Is Access to Public Records in Kansas Available Online?
In Kansas, a considerable number of public records are accessible online, thanks to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). The Act enables the general public to review and obtain information maintained by both state and local government bodies.
Different Kansas governmental agencies provide various online platforms and databases where these records can be located. The accessibility of such records may differ depending on the specific agency in question and the nature of the records sought. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult directly with the relevant agency to find the most accurate and current information.
State Public Records Law
The Kansas Open Records Act aims to promote governmental accountability and transparency by providing the public access to records maintained by government agencies in Kansas. Below are some essential aspects of the law:
- Definition of Public Records: According to KORA, a public record encompasses any recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, that is made, maintained, or kept by or is in the possession of any public agency.
- Access to Public Records: The law is applicable to all public agencies within the state of Kansas, encompassing state, county, and local government units.
- Government Agencies Covered: KORA covers a broad spectrum of governmental organizations, such as state departments, local municipalities, boards, and commissions.
- Exceptions and Exemptions: While KORA is designed to facilitate transparency, certain records are exempt to protect sensitive or confidential information. Exemptions may include but are not limited to, personnel records, ongoing investigations, and trade secrets.
- Record Request Process: Those seeking public records should direct their requests to the public agency that holds the records. While some agencies may accept electronic or verbal requests, written requests are often the standard. Consult the particular agency for their specific procedures for record requests.
- Response Time: Kansas law generally mandates that agencies must respond to a public record request as soon as possible, usually within three business days. However, more complex requests may require additional time, and agencies are expected to notify the requester if an extension is necessary.
- Fees: Kansas public agencies are allowed to charge reasonable fees for the services involved in providing public records. These may include staff time spent on gathering the records and any copying or transcribing costs.
- Dispute Resolution: If a request for public records is denied, the requester has the option of appealing the decision. This can involve filing a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General's Office or initiating a judicial review in a Kansas district court.
Which Records are Public in Kansas?
- Business Entity Information
- Statement of Information
- Fictitious Business Names (DBAs)
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Filings
- Licenses and Permits
- Court Records
- Tax Liens
- Arrest Records
- Parole records
- Probation records
- Booking records
- Incident Reports
- Daily Activity Logs
- Police Radio and 911 Calls
- Court Records
- Inmate Records
- Jail Records
Which Records are Not Public in Kansas?
Kansas Background Checks
In Kansas, background checks serve as in-depth evaluations that compile historical information on individuals for a variety of purposes, such as employment, leasing arrangements, or business partnerships. These screenings in Kansas commonly include criminal history checks, employment background checks, educational and qualification verifications, credit reports, and reference checks. The extent of these checks can differ depending on the particular needs of the situation.
Kansas has its own set of laws and regulations that govern the process of background checks in addition to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). These laws are designed to ensure the privacy and rights of individuals during the background check process by providing guidelines on how personal data should be collected, utilized, and shared.
Compliance with both legal and ethical norms is essential when performing background checks in Kansas. Important steps include obtaining explicit consent from the individuals being investigated, securing the privacy and confidentiality of data, and offering individuals the opportunity to review and dispute any inaccuracies discovered in their background reports.
What Can Be Included in a Kansas Background Check Report?
Criminal Records
This section can encompass state and federal convictions, incarcerations, sexual offenses, traffic violations, and any listing of the individual on national terrorism watchlists.
Social Security/Citizenship Verification
Verifying an individual's social security number, any aliases, and their legal status as a U.S. citizen is crucial.
Sex Offender Registry
By law, registered sex offenders must be listed in their local area's database. Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Terrorism Watch List
Since 9/11, the federal government maintains lists of individuals suspected of having ties to terrorism. This information may also appear in the report.
Driving Records
When the individual’s role involves driving, it's necessary to ensure they have a good driving record, which includes looking for a history of DUIs or reckless driving.
Education Transcripts
Verification of educational records can help confirm the qualifications an individual claims on their application or resume.
Credit Report
A credit report can offer insights into an individual's financial management skills.
Kansas Court Records
Overview of the Kansas Court System and Its Structure
The judicial system in Kansas is a structured framework with multiple levels of courts, each responsible for specific types of cases. Below is a general outline of the Kansas court system:
- Kansas Supreme Court: This is the highest court in the state and primarily hears appeals from the lower courts. It has the authority to interpret the Kansas Constitution and state laws.
- Kansas Court of Appeals: As an intermediate appellate court, this court hears appeals from lower trial courts. It provides a secondary level of review for decisions made in District Courts.
- District Courts: In Kansas, these are the general jurisdiction trial courts that handle a wide array of civil, criminal, and family law matters.
- Specialized Courts: Kansas has specialized courts that focus on specific areas or populations, such as drug courts, juvenile courts, and domestic relations courts.
Limited Jurisdiction Courts: These courts address simpler cases with limited monetary values or specialized subject matters. These include municipal courts that primarily handle violations of city ordinances, and magistrate courts that may deal with less serious criminal offenses and civil matters up to a certain dollar amount.
Every court within the Kansas judicial system adheres to its own set of rules and procedures but is governed by Kansas state laws and regulations. The overarching objective of the Kansas judicial system is to facilitate fair and effective legal dispute resolution, ensure accessibility to justice, and uphold the principles of due process and the rule of law.
Types of Kansas Court Records
Civil Court Records
- General lawsuits, filings, and judgments.
- Housing and land disputes.
Criminal Court
- Arrest and police records.
- Court case records, proceedings, and sentences.
Family Court Records
- Divorce and annulment records.
- Child custody, visitation, and support documents.
Probate Court Records
- Estate documentation.
- Guardianship, conservatorship, and trust records.
Traffic Court Records
- Records of traffic violations and issued citations.
Kansas Court Records: Restrictions, Limitations, and Confidentiality
Court records in Kansas are subject to specific confidentiality provisions and restrictions designed to protect sensitive information and individual privacy.
- Sealed Records: These records contain confidential or sensitive information and are generally not available to the public. A court order is typically required to unseal such records, and this usually only occurs for compelling reasons.
- Juvenile Court Records: Records involving minors in legal proceedings are usually confidential in Kansas and are accessible only to authorized individuals, such as legal guardians and certain government entities.
- Mental Health and Probate Records: Similar to juvenile records, these are also often restricted. Access usually requires a court order to ensure privacy and confidentiality.
- Redaction of Sensitive Information: Kansas courts take steps to secure confidential data within records by redacting sensitive personal details.
- Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Records containing trade secrets, proprietary details, or sensitive business information can be withheld from public view. The court has the authority to limit or redact specific sections to prevent misuse.
In Kansas, the management of court records generally adheres to state laws and is often coordinated at the county level within the framework of the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA).
What Do These Records Contain?
- Case Information: Court records usually include essential case details such as the case number, title, date of filing, and names of the parties involved (both defendants and plaintiffs).
- Pleadings and Filings: These may include copies of legal documents filed by the parties, such as complaints, responses, motions, briefs, and other submissions outlining the issues, arguments, and positions of the involved parties.
- Court Orders and Judgments: These records commonly contain court orders, rulings, and judgments. They detail the court's decisions, facts found, legal interpretations, and any awarded remedies or penalties.
- Dockets and Case Summaries: Dockets provide a chronological listing of case events, such as scheduled court appearances and motions. Case overviews or minute orders offer brief summaries of actions taken during court proceedings.
- Evidence and Exhibits: Some court records may include evidence or exhibits presented during the trial or hearings. These could range from documents and photos to videos and other relevant items.
- Transcripts: These are accurate written accounts of court proceedings, capturing the spoken words of judges, attorneys, witnesses, and other parties involved.
- Sentencing and Disposition: In criminal cases, court records often contain details about the charges, plea bargains, and any imposed penalties, fines, or sentences.
- Case History and Appeals: The records may also provide a history of the case, including past rulings, appeals, and any related appellate court decisions if applicable.
Courts in Kansas
- Wichita Municipal Court
- Kansas City Municipal Court
- Topeka Municipal Court
- Overland Park Municipal Court
- Olathe Municipal Court
- Lawrence Municipal Court
- Shawnee Municipal Court
- Lenexa Municipal Court
- Salina Municipal Court
- Hutchinson Municipal Court
- Leavenworth Municipal Court
- Manhattan Municipal Court
The highest court in the state of Kansas, it takes up appeals from lower courts and has the authority to interpret state laws and the Kansas Constitution.
- Juvenile Courts
- Probate Courts
- Family Courts
Kansas Public Vital Records
Marriage and Divorce Records: In Kansas, marriage licenses are generally available from the District Court of the county where the marriage license was issued. Divorce decrees can be obtained from the District Court in the county where the divorce was finalized.
Birth and Death Records: The Kansas Office of Vital Statistics under the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is the central repository for vital records, which include birth and death certificates.
In Kansas, vital records are divided into two categories: certified and informational copies.
Certified vital records are typically only available to the individual named on the record, immediate family members, or those with a legal interest, such as authorized representatives, attorneys, or government officials requiring the records for official use.
Informational copies of vital records contain the same information as certified copies but are marked as “not for legal purposes” and are not accepted as legal proof of identity or relationship.
Vital records in Kansas can be requested through various means: online, by mail, or in-person at the Office of Vital Statistics. Fees for these records are as follows:
| Birth certificates | $15.00 |
| Marriage certificates | $15.00 |
| Divorce certificates | $15.00 |
| Death certificates | $15.00 |
Kansas Public Criminal Records
Definition and Types of Criminal Records in Kansas
Criminal records in Kansas are formal documents that outline an individual’s criminal history within the state. These records give a comprehensive account of a person’s interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrest records, court records, conviction records, sentencing reports, and information on probation or parole.
Information contained in criminal records
- Personal Identification Information: This includes the individual’s full name, aliases or nicknames, date of birth, and occasionally their residential address.
- Arrest Records and Charges: These outline details of the arrest, such as the date and location, the law enforcement agency involved, and specific charges against the individual.
- Court Case Information and Outcomes: This part provides data regarding the legal proceedings, like the name of the court, case number, case status, and important dates such as arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial outcomes.
- Convictions and Sentencing Details: Should the individual be convicted, this section will indicate the specific charges for which they were found guilty, along with details about any sentences like fines, probation, community service, or imprisonment.
- Probation or Parole Status: Details about ongoing probation or parole, including the terms and conditions, might also be included.
Police Records and Reports
In Kansas, access to police records is regulated by the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). This law mandates that certain records, including arrest records, be made available to the public. However, details that could jeopardize investigations or victim privacy may be redacted. To obtain these records, a KORA request usually needs to be made with the respective law enforcement agency.
Booking Records and Reports
Known also as booking logs or arrest records, these documents are generally public and can be accessed either online or directly through law enforcement agencies, depending on the jurisdiction.
DUI Records
Kansas treats Driving Under the Influence (DUI) as a criminal offense. Arrest and conviction records related to DUI are usually public information. County court records can provide details on DUI convictions in Kansas.
Felony and Misdemeanor Records
In Kansas, felony and misdemeanor records are generally accessible through the District Courts where the proceedings took place. For inmates currently serving sentences, the Kansas Department of Corrections provides an online search facility to access arrest, booking, and charge details.
Parole Records
For parole records, you may contact the Kansas Prisoner Review Board or the respective District Court. These records include details about the parole terms, interactions with parole officers, and progress reports. Access to these records may be restricted based on jurisdiction and specific circumstances.
Probation Records
In Kansas, probation records can usually be accessed through the Adult Supervision offices under the Kansas Department of Corrections or the respective District Court where the case was processed. These records contain information about probation terms, officer reports, and compliance updates.
Warrant Search
In Kansas, active warrants are generally not made public to protect ongoing investigations and individual privacy. However, executed warrants resulting in arrest are public records and can be accessed through the Kansas Department of Corrections or local law enforcement agencies.
Inmate And Jail Records
The Kansas Department of Corrections provides a searchable online database for information about current inmates, which includes their location, booking details, charges, sentence duration, expected release dates, and parole eligibility status.
What You Can Find When Searching for an Inmate in Kansas
When carrying out an inmate lookup in Kansas, you can generally expect to find the following types of information:
- Inmate Location and Facility Details: Inmate searches will reveal the specific correctional facility where the inmate is currently housed, including the name and contact information for the facility.
- Booking Information and Charges: You’ll be able to see details regarding the inmate’s original booking, such as the booking date, booking identification number, and the specific charges against them.
- Sentence Length and Release Dates: Inmate lookup services also offer information about the length of the inmate’s sentence, starting from the date it commenced to the anticipated release date.
- Parole Eligibility and Parole Board Decisions: Some systems may provide information on an inmate’s eligibility for parole as well as decisions made by the parole board, like hearing outcomes and imposed conditions.
How to Conduct an Inmate Lookup in Kansas
In Kansas, you can use the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Inmate Search to find details about inmates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting an inmate lookup:
- Visit the KDOC’s Inmate Search Website: The KDOC provides an online search tool accessible through its website. The URL for this is typically found on the Kansas Department of Corrections official webpage.
- Enter the Inmate’s Information: The search tool often requires either the inmate’s KDOC Identification Number or their last name and first initial. Fill in whichever details you have.
- Execute the Search: After you’ve entered the relevant details, hit the “Search” button to initiate the lookup.
- Review the Information: If the inmate you’re searching for is in the system, you should see relevant details such as their KDOC Identification Number, age, admission date, current facility, and parole eligibility dates.
Jails & Prisons in Kansas
State Prisons:
- El Dorado Correctional Facility
- Ellsworth Correctional Facility
- Hutchinson Correctional Facility
- Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex
- Lansing Correctional Facility
- Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility
- Norton Correctional Facility
- Topeka Correctional Facility
- Winfield Correctional Facility
County Jails:
- Johnson County Detention Center
- Sedgwick County Jail
- Shawnee County Department of Corrections
- Wyandotte County Detention Center
- Douglas County Jail
- Leavenworth County Jail
- Riley County Jail
- Saline County Jail
- Butler County Jail
- Reno County Correctional Facility
Can I look up mugshots in Kansas?
In accordance with the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), citizens are permitted to access public documents, which can include arrest records and mugshots. These images of individuals arrested can usually be accessed via government resources such as the Kansas Department of Corrections website. Some counties in Kansas also maintain online databases or directories that provide mugshots of inmates who are currently in custody.
Kansas Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kansas are official documents that document an individual’s arrest history by law enforcement agencies within the state. These records provide details about the circumstances of the arrest, the charges filed, and the ensuing criminal proceedings, if applicable. The primary purpose of arrest records is to provide a comprehensive account of an individual’s encounters with the criminal justice system, aiding transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.
What Do These Records Contain:
Kansas arrest records typically contain the following information:
- Personal Identification Details: These records include personal details like the individual’s full name, possible aliases, date of birth, and occasionally their residential address.
- Arrest Information: Details about the arrest, such as the date, time, and location, as well as the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest and the arresting officer’s name, are often included in these records.
- Booking Information: Arrest records may contain information gathered during the booking process, like fingerprints and mugshots.
- Charges and Criminal Offenses: These records will outline the specific charges or criminal offenses the individual was arrested for, which can include details of the alleged offense and relevant penal code sections or statutes.
- Court Case Information: If the criminal proceedings have commenced, arrest records might provide some details about the subsequent court case, including the name of the court, case number, and other relevant particulars.
Please note that while arrest records are generally considered public information, there might be exceptions or restrictions depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case. Always refer to the most current state laws and policies.
Kansas Property and Asset Records Online
If you’re interested in accessing public property records in Kansas, you can usually start by looking into the records at the municipal level where the property is situated. Additionally, the county clerk’s office in the relevant county often provides these records. Many counties offer online databases for these property records through their official websites.
Unclaimed Properties in Kansas
The process of searching for unclaimed property in Kansas is generally straightforward. Typically, you will need details such as your name and address to begin your search on Kansas Unclaimed Property Official Website.
Driving Records
The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, provides a way for individuals to access their own driving records. To obtain your records, you must fill out the appropriate form and may be required to pay a fee. These records can often be requested online, in person, or by mail, depending on the specific service options available.
Civil Driving Infractions
In Kansas, traffic violations are generally categorized as either traffic infractions or misdemeanors. Traffic infractions are less severe offenses and typically do not involve the risk of jail time, while misdemeanors may carry the potential for imprisonment.
Penalties for traffic infractions can include fines and the accrual of demerit points on one’s driving record. Accumulating a certain number of points within a set period may lead to license suspension or revocation.
Some common civil driving infractions in Kansas include:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Kansas is considered a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the number of prior offenses and the circumstances of the case. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and license suspension or revocation.
Kansas White Pages - Finding People, Addresses, and Other Public Records
Address Search
In Kansas, Reverse Address Lookups are a valuable tool for those wanting to find out information about property ownership within the state. Various platforms offer this service that allows users to search for property ownership information by surname, property address, or parcel number. Note that some databases may have access restrictions based on membership or other criteria.
Kansas Open Records Act makes addresses publicly accessible, provided that the individual requesting the information either has consent from the concerned person or a valid reason for the request. Some limitations on the use and distribution of this data may apply.
People Search
A people search in Kansas can offer valuable insights into an individual’s background. Multiple online platforms facilitate this by providing access to various kinds of public records, which may include basic information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Can I Search By a Phone Number and Identify The Owner?
Yes, reverse phone lookup services are available in Kansas to help identify the owner of a particular phone number. These platforms compile details linked to phone numbers, which may include names, addresses, and in some instances, social media profiles or photographs. Various methods are available for performing a reverse phone lookup, such as through names, addresses, or other related information.
License Plate Lookups in Kansas
Kansas law generally prohibits public access to driver information based solely on license plate numbers, except under particular circumstances. For example, if you are the victim of a crime and have a license plate number, law enforcement agencies may perform a lookup to identify the registered owner. However, this information is not made available to the victim or the general public.
Third-party online services do exist for conducting vehicle history reports based on license plate numbers. These platforms can offer insights into a vehicle’s history by linking the license plate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Such searches will not disclose details about the registered owner but can provide information on the vehicle’s safety recalls, major repairs, and sales history, as well as where the vehicle was registered or sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who and why can request public records?
In Kansas, the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) permits a wide range of individuals and entities to request public records. This includes private citizens, organizations, journalists, businesses, and academic researchers. The intent behind making public records available is to encourage transparency and accountability within government actions, thereby allowing the public to better understand the workings and decisions of governmental bodies.
Are there fees associated with requesting public records?
Yes, fees are generally associated with public records requests in Kansas. Government agencies commonly charge reasonable fees to offset the expenses for copying, digitizing, or assembling the requested records. The specific fees can differ based on the jurisdiction and the details of the request. Some instances allow for fee waivers or reductions, especially for journalists or non-profit organizations making the request.
Can I access public records for free?
While some public records might be freely available online as part of the government agency’s public outreach, not all records are readily accessible this way. If you need specific records that are not available online, you may have to submit a formal request through KORA, which could incur fees.
What is the response time for public records requests?
The response time for public records requests in Kansas can vary, depending on the agency and the complexity of the request. Under KORA, government entities are generally required to respond within three business days. However, more complex requests, especially those involving a large number of records or requiring redactions, may take longer to process.
Can my request be rejected?
Yes, under KORA, there are specific exemptions that allow for the denial of a public records request. The government has the right to refuse requests if the records fall under certain categories that are legally protected from public disclosure. These exceptions may include matters of personal privacy, ongoing criminal investigations, national security concerns, attorney-client privilege, and trade secrets.
