Chicago IL Arrest Records Search | Police & Court

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Chicago, Illinois · CPD arrests, Cook County custody and Circuit Court outcomes

Follow a Chicago Arrest From Police Booking to the Court Docket

Start with the system that matches the question. Use the Chicago Police adult-arrest database for a qualifying CPD arrest, the Cook County custody locator when the person may be in jail, and the Circuit Court docket to find what charge was actually filed.

Save the Central Booking number, police RD number, Cook County booking number and court case number as you find them. Those identifiers make it easier to request the right report, confirm the correct person, schedule a visit and obtain a certified disposition.

Search official CPD arrests Check Cook County custody Search the court docket
Full booked name Date of birth Approximate arrest date CB or RD number Cook County booking number
CHICAGO RECORD INTERCHANGE VERIFYING
CPD ARREST CB + RD NUMBER
COOK COUNTY BOOKING + HOUSING
CIRCUIT COURT CHARGE + OUTCOME
IDENTITY + CASE VERIFIED
An arrest is not a conviction. A police or jail result records an arrest-processing or custody event. It does not prove guilt, and the charge entered at arrest may differ from the charge filed or resolved in court.
CPD search range

Qualifying adult CPD arrests from January 1, 2014 forward.

Jail posting delay

Cook County says locator data commonly appears after booking processing.

New-case bail

Illinois ended cash bail for new cases on September 18, 2023.

Final legal result

Use the Clerk of the Circuit Court docket and certified records.

Official review

Local procedures reviewed July 30, 2026.

Use the right database first

Which Chicago record answers your question?

CHICAGO POLICE Was the person arrested by CPD?

Find qualifying adult CPD arrest details, the Central Booking number, arrest date, location, charges and CPD facility release information.

Use the CPD search
COOK COUNTY SHERIFF Did the person enter county jail?

Check current custody, booking number, division, living unit and visitation eligibility.

Use the custody locator
CIRCUIT COURT CLERK What happened to the criminal charge?

Search the filed case, court dates, docket activity, disposition and sentencing information.

Search the court case
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE What appears in Illinois history?

Use statewide criminal-history and personal-review procedures when one Chicago case is not enough.

Check statewide options
Best sequence for a recent arrest: find the CPD record, check Cook County custody, copy every identifier, search the court case and request only the missing police report or certified disposition.

Find the section that matches the problem

Open the contents only when you need a later task. The main search instructions appear first.

Show all Chicago arrest-record sections
Chicago Police adult arrest search

Check whether CPD published the arrest

The CPD Adult Arrest Search covers adults who were at least 18 at the time of arrest, for qualifying arrests made by Chicago police on or after January 1, 2014. It does not cover every arrest made by the Cook County Sheriff, Illinois State Police or suburban departments.
Open the official CPD search Complete the human-verification step before the search form opens. Open CPD Adult Arrest Search
Use the most complete name available Try the legal name, middle initial, suffix and alternate spelling when the first search returns nothing.
Narrow by the known arrest period A reasonable date window reduces the chance of confusing two people with similar names.
Open each plausible record Compare age, arrest date, arrest location, charge and known circumstances before deciding that it is the correct person.
Save the Central Booking number The CB number helps identify the arrest-processing event.
Save the RD or case number The RD number identifies the related CPD incident or report and is useful for a FOIA request.
Record every charge The arrest page may list more than one charge. Each charge can take a different path after prosecutor review.
Do not confuse CPD release with county-jail release A release time from a Chicago police facility does not necessarily show what later happened at Cook County Jail or court.
Check Cook County custody next A person transferred from CPD can appear in the Sheriff’s locator after jail intake is completed.
Finish with the court docket The Circuit Court case is the better source for the filed charge and disposition.
Recent-arrest delay: CPD warns that recent information may take several days to appear. A missing online result does not prove that no arrest occurred.
Respect personal information. A public result may include an address or booking photograph. Do not republish sensitive details merely because they can be viewed online.

Researching multiple arrests or a known CB number

City of Chicago Arrests dataset

The official data portal can be filtered by Central Booking number, arrest date, district, charge and other fields.

Use it for structured research, not as proof of a final court result.

Open the Chicago Arrests dataset
When the data portal and person search differ

The tools may update on different schedules or display different fields.

Use the individual CPD record, Cook County locator and court docket together before drawing a conclusion.

CPD result decoder

Understand what the police arrest record does—and does not—show

Chicago Police arrest fields and the correct next action
Field
What it identifies
What it does not prove
Next action
Central Booking number
The CPD arrest-processing event.
That the person entered Cook County Jail.
Use it in police-record questions and identity checks.
RD or case number
The CPD incident or records report associated with the event.
The prosecutor filed every reported allegation.
Use it in the CPD FOIA request.
Arrest date and time
When CPD recorded the arrest.
The exact time of the alleged offense.
Compare it with the report and court filing date.
Arrest location
The location CPD associated with the arrest.
Where every alleged act occurred.
Compare it with the RD report.
Charge
The allegation entered during arrest processing.
Filing, conviction or guilt.
Search the Circuit Court charge and disposition.
Police facility release
When CPD recorded release from its facility.
That the person was never taken to county jail or court.
Check the Cook County locator and court docket.
Bond information
A bond field connected to the arrest record, including historical records.
That cash bail applies to a new post-September 2023 case.
Read the current judicial release or detention order.
Mugshot
A booking photograph associated with the displayed record.
Identity or guilt by itself.
Match age, CB number, arrest date and court case.
Cook County custody locator

Find out whether the person entered Cook County Jail

The Cook County Individual in Custody Locator provides current jail information after the person completes enough of the intake process to appear publicly. The Sheriff has stated that results commonly become available approximately four to six hours after booking and processing begins, although individual cases vary.
Open the official locator Open Cook County Individual in Custody Locator
Search the full booked name Use the birth date or other identifiers shown by the system to reduce same-name mistakes.
Open every plausible match Compare the name, age or birth information, booking date and known arrest timeline.
Save the booking number You will need it for mail, deposits, phone help, property questions and some visitor services.
Read the division and living unit The first part of the housing description identifies the division. The remaining portion identifies the tier or living unit.
Check the custody status before travelling Transfers, court movement and release processing can change the location.
Use the locator’s visitation link Visitor approval and scheduling are separate from finding the custody result.
Search the court docket Jail housing does not show the final legal outcome.
A person released after initial court review may never complete a standard Cook County Jail booking or receive a county booking photograph. In that situation, the CPD arrest record and court case may be easier to find than a jail result.
Automated individual-in-custody information: 773-674-5245
Cook County Jail customer service: 773-674-1945
Customer-service hours: seven days a week, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
No-result troubleshooting

Why a Chicago arrest or jail booking may be missing

CPD has not published it yet Recent arrest data may take several days to appear in the police search.
Cook County booking is still underway Jail intake, screening and record entry can delay the custody result.
The person was released before county booking Search CPD and the court docket even when the jail locator is blank.
Another agency made the arrest Illinois State Police, the Cook County Sheriff or a suburban department will not necessarily appear in the CPD adult-arrest search.
The arrest predates January 1, 2014 Older CPD arrests fall outside the public adult-search date range.
The person was under 18 Juvenile records are not included in the adult CPD database and are subject to confidentiality rules.
The name is entered differently Try a former name, suffix, hyphenated surname, alternate spelling or middle name.
The record was expunged CPD states that expunged arrest records are removed from the public search.
The event was a citation A court case can exist without a standard jail booking.
The case has not reached the Clerk yet Filing and docket entry can occur after police and jail processing.
Custody-status call script
I am trying to confirm the booking or release status of [full legal name], date of birth [date]. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency]. Can you confirm whether the person is still processing, in custody, released, transferred or listed under another name or booking number?
Police-to-court sequence

What usually happens after a Chicago arrest

CPD creates the arrest record The record can include a CB number, RD number, location, charge and police-facility release information.
Prosecutors and court personnel review the case The allegation entered by police can be approved, changed, declined or divided into different counts.
The person reaches first appearance A judge reviews probable cause, representation and pretrial release or detention issues.
Cook County Jail intake may occur The Sheriff creates a county booking record, booking number and housing assignment when the person enters jail custody.
The Clerk opens or updates the court docket The public docket can show the filed charge, courthouse, judge, settings, motions and orders.
The case reaches a disposition Possible outcomes include dismissal, plea, diversion, acquittal, conviction, sentence or another court order.
A certified disposition proves the outcome Obtain it when an employer, licensing authority, immigration lawyer or record-clearing petition requires official proof.
Cook County criminal court records

Search the filed charge and final disposition

The online docket is informational. The Clerk states that electronic case information is not the official court record and may lag behind activity at the courthouse.
Open Online Case Information Open the Cook County case search
Search the exact case number first This is more reliable than a broad name search.
Use the defendant’s name when the number is unknown Compare aliases, date of birth, arrest year, courthouse and charge.
Confirm the correct division Misdemeanors and preliminary felony matters can begin in the Criminal Department, while felony trial cases are handled through the Criminal Division.
Read the newest docket entry A scheduled court date may have been continued, cancelled or moved.
Open every count One count may be dismissed while another remains pending or ends differently.
Locate the actual disposition Do not rely only on labels such as “closed” or “terminated.”
Check the courthouse location Chicago cases can move between branch courts, the Daley Center and the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.
Call when a recent event is missing Court staff may be able to confirm the next appearance before the online docket catches up.
Order a certified record when needed A screenshot is not a substitute for a Clerk-certified disposition.

Criminal Department

Handles misdemeanors, preliminary felony proceedings and criminal matters assigned to branch courts.

Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington Street, Room 1006
Chicago, IL 60602

Phone: 312-603-4641

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Open Criminal Department information

Criminal Division

Handles felony trial records and related matters at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

2650 S. California Avenue
5th Floor, Room 526
Chicago, IL 60608

Phone: 773-674-3140

Court-appearance line: 773-674-9255

Open Criminal Division information

Chicago criminal branch courts

Branches 23 and 29
5555 W. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL
Branches 35 and 38
727 E. 111th Street
Chicago, IL
Branches 43 and 44
3150 W. Flournoy Street
Chicago, IL
When asking court staff for a date or file, have the defendant’s full name, aliases, date of birth, approximate arrest year and charge ready.
Certified disposition and old files

Get court proof instead of relying on a screenshot

Certified disposition

Request a certified disposition from the Clerk division that holds the case.

Provide the defendant’s name, date of birth, arrest date and case number when known.

Confirm the current copy and certification fee before paying.

Reviewing a current file

Recent Criminal Department files can be reviewed at the Daley Center, Room 1006.

Bring valid photo identification. A file may be unavailable while it is in a courtroom or being processed.

Older archived case

Older records may require an Archives search and additional per-year, copy, certification or mailing charges.

Ask the Clerk which location currently holds the file before travelling.

When official proof matters

Use a certified document for record clearing, immigration review, professional licensing or a formal dispute with a background-reporting company.

Certified-disposition request wording
I request a certified disposition for [full legal name], date of birth [date], concerning Cook County case number [number] and arrest date [date]. Please confirm the document available, certification charge, payment method and whether it can be mailed or collected in person.
Police report and FOIA route

Use the CB and RD numbers to request the right CPD record

Central Booking number

The CB number identifies the CPD arrest-processing event.

Use it when asking about the arrest record, booking details or a specific entry in the CPD database.

RD number

The RD number identifies the related police incident or records report.

Use it when requesting the incident report, arrest report, supplemental report or other identified CPD material.

Identify the arresting agency Do not send a Cook County Sheriff or Illinois State Police request to CPD.
Open the City of Chicago FOIA page Select the Chicago Police Department as the responding department. Open Chicago FOIA information
Name the exact document Ask for the arrest report, incident report, public narrative, identified supplements or another specific record.
Include identifying details Provide the full name, date of birth, arrest date and time, location, CB number and RD number.
Narrow the request A focused request is easier to process than “all records concerning this person.”
Request electronic delivery Ask for searchable electronic files when available.
Ask for a cost estimate State the amount above which the agency should obtain permission before continuing.
Save the confirmation number Use it for status questions or an appeal involving the same request.
Copy-ready CPD FOIA request
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, I request the releasable arrest report, incident report, public narrative and specifically identified supplements concerning [full legal name], date of birth [date], for the event on or about [date and time] at [location]. Known identifiers are Central Booking number [CB number] and Records Division number [RD number]. Please provide responsive records electronically and send a written cost estimate before processing if charges will exceed $[amount].
Police reports can contain redactions or withheld material involving an active investigation, juvenile information, victim privacy, medical details or other protected information. A redacted response does not necessarily mean the underlying case disappeared.

Getting your own Chicago Police RAP sheet

Current Cook County expungement guidance directs Chicago arrest-record applicants to the CPD Access and Review Division at: 3510 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653. The published guidance lists Tuesday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., a $16 charge and appointment information through 312-746-6000. Confirm the schedule, identification and fee before travelling.
Current Illinois release system

Do not search for a bail bondsman in a new Chicago case

Illinois ended cash bail for new cases on September 18, 2023. A judge now decides pretrial release, conditions or detention under the current system. Illinois also does not use commercial bail bondsmen.
New case

Read the judge’s release or detention order and the newest court docket.

Do not assume a monetary amount shown in an older-style police field controls the current case.

Older case

A case filed before September 18, 2023 may still involve a cash-bond obligation.

Confirm the case number, amount, payment method and any other hold before paying.

Additional hold

Release can be delayed by another case, warrant, parole issue, immigration matter or electronic-monitoring setup.

For qualifying older cash-bond matters, the Sheriff currently directs payment to Division 5 at 2700 S. California Avenue. Published hours are 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., 365 days a year. Confirm the accepted payment method before travelling.
The Sheriff estimates that discharge after an older cash-bond payment can take approximately two to three hours and may take longer when GPS or electronic-monitoring equipment must be arranged.
Read current Sheriff bonding information Check the court order

First Appearance Court

Clerk location
George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse
2650 S. California Avenue, Room 111
Chicago, IL 60608

Phone: 773-674-5882 or 773-674-5889

What happens there

The court addresses probable cause, representation and pretrial release or detention issues.

The City of Chicago first-appearance process is held at the Leighton courthouse, with countywide coverage on weekends and holidays.

Cook County visitation

Get approved before trying to schedule a jail visit

Do not rely on an old division schedule. The Sheriff’s current page states that the posted historical divisional schedule is not being followed under modified procedures. Use the live visitation page and your appointment confirmation.
Find the person in the custody locator Save the booking number, division and living unit. Open the custody locator
Complete the visitor application Each adult visitor must pass the required review.
Allow seven business days The Sheriff asks applicants to wait seven business days before contacting the Visitor Information Center about application status.
Wait for approval before scheduling A submitted application is not the same as an approved appointment.
Use the approved scheduling route The detained person may need to add the visitor before staff schedule the visit. Open Cook County visit scheduling
Follow the current appointment instructions Confirm whether the visit is in person or through Microsoft Teams.
Bring valid photo identification A high-school-age minor should bring current state or school photo ID.
Arrive early Allow time for parking, entry screening and locating the correct division or visitor area.
Visitors age 18 or older need an approved application
Minors must be accompanied by an approved parent or guardian
One adult may accompany up to three children
Reapplication is required after discharge and later reincarceration
Video visits require a working email and Microsoft Teams access
Inappropriate conduct can end the visit and revoke privileges
Visitor Information Center: 773-674-8225
Email: doc.visitation@cookcountyil.gov
ADA accommodation: 773-674-7768
Check live visitation procedures
Personal inmate mail

Put the booked name and booking number on the envelope

Basic Cook County inmate mailing format
[Exact booked name]
Booking #[number]
2700 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
Use the exact name shown in the custody locator
Write the booking number clearly
Include the sender’s complete return address
Do not mail cash
Do not apply perfume, cologne or another foreign substance
Review current restrictions before adding photographs or enclosures
When mail is rejected, the sender or recipient may appeal within 10 days. Address the appeal to: Mail Rejection, Cook County Department of Corrections, 2700 S. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608.
Read current mail rules
Phone, messages and trust deposits

Confirm the booking number before paying a provider

Phone calls

Cook County currently uses ViaPath for individual-in-custody telephone services.

  • Friends and family support: 877-650-4249
  • Local, intrastate and interstate calls are listed at $0.05 per minute
  • Mexico and Canada are listed at $0.08 per minute
  • Other international calls are listed at $0.13 per minute

Confirm current rates before funding the account.

Open official phone instructions

Electronic messages

ViaPath/GettingOut provides electronic-message services.

  • The currently published family message charge is $0.06 per message sent to the individual in custody.
  • Replies from the detained person are currently listed as free.
  • Messages are subject to review.
  • Do not use ordinary messages for confidential legal strategy.

Approved deposit routes

Use the exact booked name and Cook County booking number
Method
Current identifying detail
Support or processing note
Western Union
City code CCDOC or Cook County Dept Correction; State Illinois.
Support: 800-225-5227.
MoneyGram
Receive code 1750.
Support: 800-666-3947.
JailATM
Search the Cook County facility and enter the booking information.
Support: 870-627-5476.
Lobby kiosk
Available at several jail-campus posts and divisions.
Verify the current kiosk location before travelling.
Money order by mail
Maximum $100; payable to the exact booked name with booking number.
Processing may take up to five business days.
Cashier’s check by mail
Maximum $1,000; payable to the exact booked name with booking number.
Do not send cash.
Electronic deposits commonly post within one to two business days. Verify the current custody record before depositing because a transfer or release can change the available account process.
Cook County currently permits eligible individuals in custody to spend up to $100 per week through commissary.
Trust/Finance Office: 773-674-6864
Published hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Check current deposit instructions
Property, medical concerns and release

Use the correct jail office for a family emergency

Property pickup

For people housed in Divisions 2, 3 Annex, 5, 8 RTU, 8 Cermak or 16, the Sheriff directs pickup to the Division 5 lobby at 2700 S. California Avenue.

Published pickup hours are daily, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Division 6, 9 or 11 property

Begin at the housing division to obtain the signed release form before going to Division 5.

The liaison schedule is currently Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

What to bring

Bring valid government-issued photo identification and allow approximately one to two hours for the process.

Read current property instructions
Mental-health concern

Family members can report an urgent mental-health concern through the Sheriff’s 24-hour CARE line.

773-674-CARE (2273)

Medical records

The Sheriff does not maintain the medical chart. Contact Cermak Health Services for medical-record procedures.

Electronic Monitoring

Questions involving Sheriff-operated electronic monitoring can be directed to:

877-326-9198

Illinois criminal-history options

Use statewide records when one Chicago case is not enough

Public Illinois history

Illinois State Police provides public conviction information under the Uniform Conviction Information Act.

A statewide search is broader than one Chicago or Cook County database but still requires careful identity matching.

Open Illinois criminal-history information

Your own complete record

Use the Illinois State Police Personal Review procedure when checking or challenging your own criminal-history record.

Fingerprint submission helps separate people with similar names and identify the agency that supplied an entry.

Do not treat a same-name result as fingerprint confirmation. Compare date of birth, physical identifiers, case numbers, arresting agency and certified dispositions.
Expungement and sealing

Collect the arrest and court records before filing

Expungement

An eligible expungement generally requires covered arrest and court records to be destroyed or removed under Illinois law.

Sealing

Sealing restricts most public access to an eligible record but does not destroy every record or hide it from every authorized agency.

Get the Chicago Police RAP sheet Use CPD Access and Review at 3510 S. Michigan Avenue and confirm the current appointment, fee and identification rules.
Get certified court dispositions Obtain the outcome for every arrest or case being evaluated.
Review eligibility The result can depend on the disposition, sentence, waiting period, prior record and other cases.
Use current statewide forms Illinois Courts revised its approved expungement and sealing forms in June 2026.
File in the correct county Chicago and Cook County cases are filed through the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Track objections and the court date Filing a petition does not guarantee that the judge will grant it.
Keep the signed order Use it if a government or private database continues reporting a covered record incorrectly.
Cook County Expungement Advice Desk
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington Street, 10th Floor, Room 1006
Current dedicated adult-expungement guidance lists Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Confirm the schedule before travelling.
Open Cook County adult expungement help Download approved Illinois forms
Correction is different from record clearing. Correction fixes inaccurate information. Expungement or sealing addresses an accurate record that may qualify for legal restriction.
Chicago and Cook County contacts

Jail, court, police and assistance numbers

Cook County Jail Customer Service
2700 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608

773-674-1945

Seven days a week, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Automated Custody Information

773-674-5245

Booking and custody information.

Visitor Information Center

773-674-8225

doc.visitation@cookcountyil.gov

Trust/Finance Office

773-674-6864

Published hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Mental Health CARE Line

773-674-CARE

24-hour family concern line.

Electronic Monitoring

877-326-9198

Clerk Criminal Department
50 W. Washington Street, Room 1006
Chicago, IL 60602

312-603-4641

Clerk Criminal Division
2650 S. California Avenue, Room 526
Chicago, IL 60608

773-674-3140

Public Defender at Leighton
2650 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608

773-674-3217

Victim/Witness Unit
2650 S. California Avenue, 1st Floor
Chicago, IL 60608

773-674-7200

Parking and entry at the Leighton criminal-court campus

Courthouse and Clerk addresses

The public courthouse is commonly identified as 2600 S. California Avenue. Clerk offices and courtrooms may use the 2650 S. California address within the same complex.

Official parking location

The courthouse identifies parking at the southeast corner of 26th Street and California Boulevard.

Do not confuse California Avenue, where the court buildings face, with California Boulevard, where the parking entrance is located.

Electronics restrictions

Cellphones and other electronic devices are generally prohibited inside the criminal courthouse unless an exception applies.

Check the current court rule before arriving.

Public transportation

Regional Transportation Authority trip-planning assistance:

312-836-7000

Map to the jail and Leighton criminal-court campus

Map to CPD Access and Review

Confirm before travelling: Verify the office, room number, hours, permitted electronics, identification, parking entrance and whether an appointment is required.
Common Chicago mistakes

Small details that prevent a wrong result or wasted trip

Do not search only one system

A CPD arrest, Cook County booking and court case answer different questions.

Save both CB and RD numbers

The CB number follows the arrest-processing record; the RD number helps identify the police report.

Expect a jail delay

A new arrest may appear in CPD before the person completes Cook County booking.

Do not hire a bail bondsman

Illinois does not use commercial bail-bond companies, and new cases no longer use cash bail.

Use the live visitation page

Old Cook County division schedules may not reflect the modified procedure currently in use.

Bring no prohibited electronics

Check the Leighton courthouse electronics rule before arriving with a phone or recording device.

10 Chicago-specific questions

Chicago arrest-record questions answered

How do I search Chicago arrest records online?

Begin with the Chicago Police Department Adult Arrest Search when CPD made the arrest and the event occurred on or after January 1, 2014. Verify the name, age, arrest date, Central Booking number, charges and release information. When the person may be in Cook County Jail, also use the Cook County Individual in Custody Locator. Search the Clerk of the Circuit Court docket for the filed case and final court outcome.

What is the difference between the CPD arrest search and Cook County inmate locator?

The CPD Adult Arrest Search covers qualifying adult arrests made by Chicago police and can show booking details, charges, a Central Booking number and CPD release information. The Cook County Individual in Custody Locator answers whether someone entered Cook County Jail, where the person is housed and how to arrange jail services. Neither database by itself proves the final court disposition.

Why is a recent Chicago arrest not appearing online?

The arrest may still be processing, the CPD database may not have updated, the person may have been released before Cook County Jail booking, another law-enforcement agency may have made the arrest, or the event may have resulted in a citation. Try alternate name spellings, check both CPD and Cook County systems, and search the Circuit Court docket after the case has had time to post.

How do I find the final outcome of a Chicago criminal case?

Search the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County by case number or party name. Confirm the defendant, filing date, courthouse and charge, then read the docket for dismissal, plea, deferred prosecution, judgment, sentence or another disposition. The online docket is informational rather than a certified court record, so order a certified disposition when official proof is required.

What are CB and RD numbers in a Chicago arrest record?

A CB number is a Chicago Police Central Booking identifier associated with an arrest-processing event. An RD number, sometimes shown as the case or records number, identifies the related police incident or report. Save both numbers because the CB number helps with the arrest record while the RD number helps identify the police report.

How do I request a Chicago police arrest or incident report?

Submit a City of Chicago Freedom of Information Act request to the Chicago Police Department. Provide the person’s full name, date of birth, arrest date and time, arrest location, CB number, RD number and the specific document requested. Ask for a cost estimate before processing when the request may be extensive.

How do I visit someone in Cook County Jail?

Find the person in the Cook County Individual in Custody Locator and note the division and living unit. Complete the visitor application, allow time for the background review and wait for approval before scheduling. Cook County currently uses modified visitation procedures, so follow the live Sheriff’s visitation page and appointment confirmation rather than relying on an old static schedule.

How do I send mail, money or messages to a Cook County inmate?

Use the inmate’s exact booked name and booking number. Personal mail goes to the Cook County Department of Corrections at 2700 South California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60608. Deposits can be made through the currently approved Western Union, MoneyGram, JailATM, kiosk or mail options. ViaPath provides phone and electronic-message services. Confirm the current provider and housing location before paying.

Does Illinois still require cash bail in new Chicago cases?

Illinois ended cash bail for new criminal cases on September 18, 2023. Judges now make pretrial release or detention decisions under the current system. Older cases filed before that date may still have cash-bond obligations. Illinois does not use commercial bail bondsmen, so verify the court order directly instead of calling a bail-bond company.

Can a Chicago arrest record be expunged or sealed?

Some Illinois arrests and court cases qualify for expungement or sealing. Obtain the Chicago Police RAP sheet and certified court dispositions, review the current Illinois eligibility rules and use the statewide approved forms. Expungement generally destroys eligible records, while sealing restricts most public access without destroying every record.

Official resources reviewed

Primary government and authorized-service sources

Chicago Police and city records
Cook County custody and court
Illinois and legal assistance
Accuracy, identity and legal-use notice

Texas-arrest.org is an independent informational resource. It is not the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Cook County State’s Attorney, Public Defender, Illinois State Police or a law firm.

Arrest, custody, court, visitation, provider, deposit, fee, office-hour and parking information can change. Verify the person with multiple identifiers and check the live official source before making a legal, employment, housing, financial, safety or publication decision.

Every accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. This page explains public procedures and does not provide legal advice.

Last official-source review: July 30, 2026. No unverified video metadata, commercial bail-bond recommendation, fixed jail-visitation schedule or guaranteed processing time was intentionally added.

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