What are Custer County Public Records?
According to 51 O.S. § 24A.3, Custer County public records include documents such as any book, paper, microfilm, photograph, or data files created by or used with computer software or other materials regardless of their physical characteristics. Anyone can request Custer County public records without a statement of purpose. However, if the purpose is commercial, such individuals may be required to pay a fee for processing, searching, duplicating, and certifying documents.
In Custer County, there is no restriction on the use of records. However, some records are exempted from public access. They include the following:
- Confidential information such as the identity of an informant, private information between an attorney and a client, and work product information prepared by an attorney for a litigation
- A driver's record, as provided in the Driver Privacy Protection Act
- Materials designed for a state licensure examination, including question banks, test forms, and answer keys
- Social security numbers of every individual, including public agency employees and persons working for private organizations
- The Department of Defense Form 214 filed with a county clerk
- Public agency personnel records
- Law enforcement video and audio recordings
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Custer County Crime Statistics
According to the 2020 Uniform Crime Report by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Custer County reported 616 crimes. 2 murder cases, six rape, eight robberies, 34 aggravated assaults, 144 burglaries, 356 larcenies, 62 motor vehicle thefts, and four arsons. Out of these, the juvenile crime arrest index was four, while the adult was 81.
In 2019, Custer County reported 681 crimes. Specifically, the county had one murder, 15 rapes, 11 robberies, 57 aggravated assaults, 153 burglaries, 386 larcenies, 56 motor vehicle thefts, and two arson. These statistics showed that crime rates in Custer County reduced in 2020 by approximately 10% compared with 2019.
Are Custer County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. Criminal records are public in Custer County. The Oklahoma Public Records Act makes criminal records accessible to individuals in the county. One of the ways to look up criminal records is through a name-based online search on the Criminal History Information Request Portal (CHIRP). Record seekers must create a CHIRP account and wait for the approval. Upon approval, the requester looks up criminal records for $15 per person. A criminal record search will help a requester with general information like:
- Name of subject
- Physical characteristics of subject
- Date of birth of subject
- Arrest details
- Conviction details
- Warrants disposition
- Summary of crime committed
On the other hand, individuals can access Custer County criminal records from the criminal courts, police department, and the sheriff's department.
How to Obtain Custer County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Custer County Oklahoma arrest records and police reports are maintained by the state law enforcement agencies. These agencies are tasked with executing active warrants after the petition has been filed. They are also maintained by the District Court clerk who acts as the record-keeping agency. Record seekers can obtain police reports and arrest records by contacting these agencies at the address below:
Custer County Sheriff's Office
300 North 7th Avenue
P.O. Box 40
Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-1616
Fax: (580) 323-6262
Custer County District Court
Clerk of Court
P.O. Box D
Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-3233
Fax: (580) 331-1121
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Custer County
Custer County sex offender information can be obtained through the Custer County Sheriff's Office or the Oklahoma State sex offender registry. The enforcement agencies mandates each offender to register with the Custer County Sheriff's Office depending on their risk assessment level, which is as follows:
- Annually for 15 years, if the risk of repeat offense is low (Level 1)
- Semi-annually for 25 years, if the risk of repeat offense is moderate (Level 2) or
- Every 90 days for life, if the risk of repeat offense is high and a threat to public safety (Level 3)
How to Find Custer County Inmate Records
Interested members of the public can find records about inmates online through the Custer County Jail Inmate Search managed by the sheriff's office. The department also maintains a database known as Oklahoma Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) that allows crime victims to search for information through telephone or the internet about their offender's custody status.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Custer County Jail?
Visits to inmates in the Custer County Detention Center can be onsite or remotely. An onsite visit requires that intending visitors schedule an appointment 24 hrs in advance. Usually, onsite visits last for 15 minutes and do not require any payment to be made. However, a remote or video visitation requires a fee of $0.50/minute and can take up to 15 minutes.
The following are the requirements for visiting inmates in Custer county:
- The visitors must be the inmate's biological, legally adopted children, grandchildren, or siblings.
- If a minor must visit an inmate, they must be accompanied by an adult.
- Only one registered adult visitor is allowed to visit at a time.
- Visitors suspected to be under the influence of drugs/alcohol are not allowed to visit.
- Visitors cannot bring food, gum or drink items, contraband, tobacco products, cell phones, pagers, cameras, bags, purses, or backpacks.
- All visitors are subject to search and warrant checks.
- Inappropriate behavior, actions, or disrespect to staff or other visitors are unacceptable.
- Provocative dressing that promotes nudity, violence, hate, drug use, and profanity is highly prohibited. Dress codes are strictly enforced.
- Sex acts and/or gangs are not allowed.
- All onsite visitors must wear footwear (shoes, sandals, or boots).
Violation of any of these rules will result in suspension or termination of visitation privileges and can result in arrest and criminal prosecution.
The visiting times are:
Visit hours (on-site): Mondays to Fridays (no holidays) 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Visit hours (remote): Any day between 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Visitors in need of assistance may contact support at: (866) 700-4545.
Custer County Court Records
In Custer County, the District and Municipal Courts oversee legal proceedings within its judicial district. The District Court has general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases and handles general civil claims of $10,000 or less. The District Court is located at:
Custer County Courthouse
603 Broad Street
P.O. Box D
Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-3233
Fax: (580) 331-1121
Requestors seeking records at the District Court, will be charged a $5 fee (in addition to any other fee required by law) for each record.
The Municipal Court deals with most criminal and traffic offenses based on municipal ordinances violations. In Custer County, there are six Municipal Courts, their addresses and contact information are as follows:
Arapahoe Municipal Court
667 Main Street
P.O. Box F
Arapaho, OK 73620
Phone: (580) 323-4376
Butler Municipal Court
105 North Main Street
P.O. Box 145
Butler, OK 73625
Phone: (580) 664-3915
Clinton Municipal Court
Clinton City Hall
415 West Gary Boulevard
Clinton, OK 73601
Phone: (580) 323-7244
Fax: (580) 323-0346
Custer City Municipal Court
644 Main Street
P.O. Box 8
Custer City, OK 73639
Phone: (580) 593-2312
Thomas Municipal Court
122 West Broadway
P.O. Box 250
Thomas, OK 73669
Phone: (580) 661-3687
Weatherford Municipal Court
522 West Rainey Avenue
Weatherford, OK 73096
Phone: (580) 772-1206
Are Custer County Court Records Public?
Custer County court records are public records, made available to the public per the Oklahoma Open Records Act. These records are files, proceedings, and transcripts of court proceedings associated with court cases filed by the court reporter and court administrator's office. These records are kept to preserve, maintain, and archive recorded instruments. Anyone interested in Custer County court records can find them online using the court records search tool on the Oklahoma State Courts Network website. The record seeker must specify the county or court and the case number.
How to Obtain Custer County Civil Court Case Records
Individuals can obtain Custer County civil court case records online, in person, or through the mail.
The online application requires that individuals use the case search tool on the Oklahoma State Courts Network website to find civil court case records. When using this database, the individuals must specify the county, case number, party details, case type (civil), and date.
Also, individuals making in-person or mail applications must contact the District Court at the address mentioned earlier.
How to Obtain Custer County Criminal Court Records
Requesters can obtain Custer County criminal court records in person, online, or through the mail.
Anyone using in-person or mail media should visit the District Court at the address mentioned above.
On the other hand, requesters using online means should visit the Oklahoma State Courts Network website case search tool to find criminal court case records. When using this database, the individuals must specify the county, case number, party details, case type (criminal), and date.
What are Custer County Vital Records
Custer County's vital records are birth, death, marriage, divorce, and registered deeds. Public members can access these records at the Custer County vital records local office and the Oklahoma State Department of Health. These records have varying costs depending on the requested information.
Where and How to Obtain Custer County Divorce Records
Divorce records are legal documents relating to a couple's divorce. They include the divorce papers that the couple files in a Custer County District Court, any records created during the procedure, and a divorce certificate. The State of Oklahoma also collects and indexes divorce filings to help people perform public divorce record searches. A requester can get these records from the county clerk of court's office.
Where and How to Get Custer County Marriage Records
Individuals can get a marriage license in Custer County at the clerk's office. During application, the two parties must be present with their valid I.D.s and Social Security Numbers. Also, these individuals must pay a $5 fee for a certificate (with the premarital course and original copy of counseling completion evidence) or $50 (without premarital course) and $1 for each additional copy.
According to Oklahoma State law, a marriage license is valid ten days after issuance. Applicants can then apply online for a certificate.
Where and How to Get Custer County Confidential Marriage Records
All marriage records in Custer County are public records. Individuals can easily access marriage records at the County Clerk’s Office when needed. Due to this reason, confidential marriage records are not obtainable in Custer County.
Where and How to Find Custer County Birth Records
Birth records in Custer County are maintained by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Only persons with legitimate claims can obtain birth records and get them by filling out an application form, paying $15 together with a valid I.D., and sending it by mail to:
Vital Records Service
Oklahoma State Department of Health
P.O. Box 248964
Oklahoma City, OK 73124-8964
Phone: (405) 426-8880
The processing period for a mail application is within ten weeks. However, processing may be delayed if the requester does not include all required documents.
In addition, individuals can request a birth certificate online using a third-party agency.
Where and How to Find Custer County Death Records
The Oklahoma State Department of Health is responsible for registering every death in Custer County. Per state law, death records are not open for public access.
The fee for a death certificate is $15 and will include issuing one certified copy to a qualified applicant if the certificate is on file. Additional copies will be issued at the cost of $15 each. Requesters can send a death certificate application by mail to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Vital Records Service at the address mentioned above.
The required documents are a completed application form, photo I.D., and check or money order. Processing time through the mail may take 12-16 weeks.
