Ohio reports approximately 226,000 arrests annually, with Ross County contributing around 1,800 cases each year. Under the Ohio Public Records Act, most arrest records are accessible to the public, although a processing fee of up to $22.00 may apply. Certain records, however, are exempt from public disclosure. These include records related to juvenile offenses, child custody matters, domestic violence cases, and sealed criminal proceedings. Access to such confidential records is limited to the individuals named in the case, their legal representatives, authorized law enforcement agencies, state or county prosecutors, and the Ross County Prosecutor's Office.
Arrest records in Ross County are maintained by multiple entities at both the county and state levels. These include the Ross County Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, the Ross County Clerk of Courts, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The Ross County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of arrest records and incarceration data for the county. Individuals seeking these records may submit a request in person or by mail using the contact information below:
Ross County Sheriff's Office
28 North Paint Street
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
Phone: (740) 773-1186
In addition to in-person and mailed requests, the Sheriff's Office also provides access to an online record retrieval platform, allowing users to search for arrest and detention information electronically.
Arrest records in the county can also be obtained directly from municipal police departments, particularly the department that made the arrest or operated within the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.
Many of these departments offer online access to arrest records, providing a convenient alternative for individuals unable to make an in-person visit.
Local police departments in Ross County include:
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is the state-level record keeper for all arrest and criminal case records generated by municipal law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio.
Individuals seeking these records may submit a written request by mail or visit the BCI in person at the following address:
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
P.O. Box 365
London, Ohio 43140
Each request requires a $22.00 processing fee. For additional information or assistance with the request process, contact the BCI Records Office at (877) 224-0043.
Court records in Ross County are generated when arrest cases and other criminal matters are formally reviewed by the judicial system. All felony and misdemeanor court records are maintained by the Ross County Clerk of Courts, who also provides public access to these documents.
The Clerk's Office operates an online record search portal containing court records filed within the county. Additionally, arrest-related court records can be accessed through Ohio's Public Docket, a state-managed database offering broader access to court records across the state.
For those who prefer in-person service or wish to submit a written request, visit:
Ross County Clerk of Courts
2 North Paint Street
Suite B
Chillicothe, OH 45601
Phone: (740) 702-3000
As an alternative, third-party websites such as InfoTracer offer access to court records through user-friendly search tools, often at a lower cost.
Ross County maintains an estimated arrest rate of 24.1 per 1,000 residents, based on data reported by local law enforcement agencies. The data below shows the county's overall activity regarding arrests:
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter | 2 |
| Rape | 41 |
| Robbery | 19 |
| Aggravated Assault | 68 |
| Burglary/ Breaking & Entering | 229 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 145 |
| Larceny | 1,353 |
| Total Crimes Against Persons (Violent Crimes) | 130 |
| Total Crimes Against Property | 1,727 |
| Total Number of Arrests | 1,857 |
Source: Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
It is situated in Ross county, Ohio with a total number of 0 employees - female, male officers and civilians. Ross County SO ORI (Originated Agency Identifier) number is OH0710000, it belongs to the East North Central division in the Midwest region with a region code of Region II.
| Department | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Chillicothe Police Department | 28 N Paint St | 740-773-1191 |
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Chillicothe Correctional Institution | 15802 State Route North 104 | 740-774-7080 |
| Ross Correctional Institution | 16149 State Route | 740-774-7050 |
| Ross County Juvenile Detention Center | 182 Cattail Road | 740-773-4169 |