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Akron, Ohio Criminal Records

Akron criminal records are files that contain an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. Such records may reveal information on arrests, bookings, custody, and case proceedings.

Criminal records in the city are compiled by entities such as the Akron Police Department, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, and the Summit Court of Common Pleas. Local police departments provide arrest and custody details in criminal records. In contrast, local courts, such as the Akron Municipal Court, provide information on cases under their jurisdiction. The municipal court has jurisdiction over traffic cases and criminal cases that carry a maximum sentence of one year and/or a $2,500 fine.

What are Akron Public Records?

Akron public records are files created, filed, and stored by local government agencies while performing official duties. The Ohio Public Records Act allows the public to view and obtain most public records. Interested parties may view the following public records in Akron:

  • Arrest records or incident reports.
  • Booking and custody information.
  • Case files and documents.
  • Sex offenders’ information.

The state law restricts public access to specific government files in Akron. Such files are generally redacted to protect the privacy or safety of concerned parties. Non-public records may include the following:

  • Records that are sealed or expunged under court order.
  • Case proceedings concerning minors.
  • Information that may expose the blueprint and security protocol of public structures.
  • Probate and parole proceedings.

Note: Record custodian agencies may only disclose confidential records to legally eligible parties such as the record subject and government officials.

Akron Crime Statistics

Situated in Summit County, Ohio, Akron is the county seat and the county’s largest city. The FBI Crime Data Explorer hosts multiple search databases and files that may reveal crimes and arrests within Akron City. Per the platform’s report, the Akron Police Department documented 6,966 crimes in 2025. The total figure includes 1,640 violent crimes and 5,326 property crimes.

Larcenies, aggravated assaults, and burglaries were the most recorded crimes in the same year. Larcenies and aggravated assaults made up 58 percent and 18 percent of reported crimes, respectively.

Are Akron Criminal Records Public?

In Akron, the public may access most criminal records, including arrest records, custody information, and case records. However, criminal history files are not accessible to the public. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation serves as the designated record custodian and may only disclose the records to eligible parties, such as the record subject and government officials. Third-party requesters may only obtain records after submitting a written consent from the record subject.

To obtain criminal history files, interested parties must submit these documents:

  • The offender’s personal information, including the name, address, and physical features.
  • A completed fingerprint card. Applicants may get fingerprinted at a local law enforcement agency.
  • A written consent from the record subject. This only applies to third-party requesters.
  • A $22 money order or check made payable to the Treasurer of the State of Ohio. Applicants may opt to pay required fees online.

Requesters must submit these documents at any of these BCI locations:

BCI London

1560 State Route 56 Southwest

London, Ohio 43140

BCI Bowling Green

750 North College Drive

Bowling Green, Ohio 43402

BCI Richfield

4055 Highlander Parkway

Richfield, Ohio 44286

BCI Youngstown

20 West Federal Street

Youngstown, Ohio 44503

Record seekers must not confuse criminal case records with criminal history files. The former only reveals an offender’s case-related information. Furthermore, criminal case records are only obtainable at the local court that oversaw the case. The Akron Municipal Court allows online and offline access to records of minor misdemeanors, infractions, and violations.

Record seekers may obtain the records in person by visiting the Akron Municipal Court at this address:

172 South Broadway Street

Akron, OH 44308.

Phone: (330) 375-2120

How to Obtain Akron Police Reports and Arrest Records

Record seekers must first determine the arresting agency to obtain police reports or arrest records in Akron City. The Akron Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office are primary custodians of arrest information. To obtain records from the city police, requesters must submit an in-person request at this location:

Akron Police Department

Records Room

217 South High Street

Room 208

Akron, OH 44308

Phone: (330) 375-2552

Alternatively, record seekers may obtain police reports from the sheriff’s office by sending a mail request to this address:

Summit County Sheriff

205 East Crosier Street

Akron, OH 44311

ATTN: Records & ID Bureau

The mail request must include a completed request form and a $1.50 money order or check.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Akron

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office provides a Sex Offender Registry Network for registered sex offenders residing in Akron. Record seekers may view records on the platform by entering the offender’s legal name, internet name, and address.

Record seekers may also look up Akron sex offender information via the National Sex Offender Registry. The online platform allows name- and location-based searches for registered sex offenders.

What Happens if My Request for Criminal Records is Denied in Akron?

Ohio law requires record custodian agencies to provide reasons after denying a record request. These reasons may include the following:

  • The requested file is not available in the requested format.
  • The file contains information that is exempt under state laws.
  • The record seeker does not have the legal right to obtain such records.

Record seekers may challenge the denial by sending a complaint form to the agency. The agency must give a reply within three business days of receiving it. If they are unable to comply, record seekers may file the complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims or file a mandamus action in court.

Ohio Court of Claims

Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center

65 South Front Street

Third Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: (614) 387-9800

How to Expunge or Seal Akron Criminal Records

In Akron City, concerned parties may expunge records by filing a petition with the court that passed the conviction. Petitioners may qualify to expunge criminal records under these conditions:

  • There is no pending criminal case.
  • The court passed a not-guilty verdict.
  • The charges were dismissed.
  • The conviction is not for an offense listed under Division (A) of the ORC 2953.02.
  • The waiting period for expungement has elapsed. Petitioners must wait six months to expunge minor misdemeanors and one year to expunge other misdemeanors and 4th- or 5th-degree felonies.

Expungement petitions must include the petitioner’s personal information, arrest details, and reasons for expungement. In addition, petitioners must include a $50 filing fee for expungement. The court may set up a hearing to determine whether to grant or deny the petition.