What are West Des Moines Public Records?
The Iowa Open Records Law defines West Des Moines public records as all documents in recording or writing that are received, cataloged, corrected, or issued by public agencies concerning a public business or activity. The public records may exist as videotapes, maps, photographs, papers, audio recordings, SMS, emails, charters, or memoranda. West Des Moines public agencies are responsible for maintaining and providing access to records in their custody. Nevertheless, the Iowa Open Records Law prevents the disclosure of certain documents to the public. For example, the following documents are exempt from public view:
- Information used in voter registration, such as email address, home address, and other identifying information;
- Juvenile records and information compiled by law enforcement agencies;
- Data about pending litigation that involves a public agency or entity;
- Criminal offender information;
- Medical records;
- Information about attorney-client privilege;
- Personnel data and similar files, such as salary information and investigations of employee misconduct (if the charges are untrue after due investigations);
- Architectural and official building plans;
- Law enforcement agencies' investigatory files and procedures;
- Preliminary or drafts used in decision making by government agencies;
- Minutes of the meeting of public entities closed to the public.
West Des Moines Crime Statistics
The West Des Moines Police Department collates records of all arrests conducted by its law enforcement personnel. Furthermore, it creates annual crime statistics for all documented index crimes. Interested public members can find and view West Des Moines crime statistics via the FBI Uniform Crime Report platform.
Per the UCR, the City of West Des Moines reported 10,488 index crimes, consisting of 1,555 violent crimes and 8,933 property-related crimes. The accumulated figure contains the following index crimes and rates: 14 murders, 117 rapes, 283 robberies, 1,141 aggravated assaults, 2,284 burglaries, 5,336 larceny thefts, 1,313 motor vehicle thefts, and 53 arson. In contrast, the City of West Des Moines recorded 11,045 index crimes in 2017. Compared with the 2019 overall index crime figure, index crimes rates fell slightly by 5%.
Are West Des Moines Criminal Records Public?
West Des Moines criminal records are mostly public documents unless exempt by the Iowa Open Records Law. For example, state laws prevent the disclosure of juvenile criminal records. The juvenile offender and other authorized bodies can request juvenile records from custodian agencies. In addition, expunged or sealed criminal records are exempt from the public's view.
Record seekers can obtain copies of West Des Moines criminal records via a public records request to the Des Moines Police Department. There are two options for accessing West Des Moines criminal records: in-person or mail requests.
To obtain criminal records in person, record seekers must present a completed application form in English or Spanish to the lobby of the Des Moines Police Department at:
25 East 1st Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 283-4899
On the other hand, requesters can mail the completed application form in English or Spanish to:
25 East 1st Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is also a resource for accessing West Des Moines criminal records. Record seekers may obtain the records by visiting the Polk County Clerk of Courts at:
500 Mulberry Street
Room 212
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-3772
Fax: (515) 323-5250
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation maintains state-level access to all criminal records. Requesters may opt to get West Des Moines criminal records via in-person or mail requests. To obtain the records via in-person requests, record seekers must visit the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at:
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 725-6066
Fax: (515) 725-6080
Depending on the number of requests submitted, the requester will need to submit either a Criminal History Request form or a Criminal History Billing form for mail or fax requests.
Before submission, the individual should ensure that a U.S address or fax is clearly indicated on the form. Failure to do so will render the request void.
That said, requesters must send mail requests to:
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
Support Operations Bureau 1st Floor
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 725-6066
Fax: (515) 725-6080
How to Obtain West Des Moines Police Report and Arrest Records
Record seekers can find copies of police reports or arrest records at the West Des Moines Police Department. The West Des Moines Police Department is responsible for keeping records of all arrests and incidents within the city. Thus, interested persons can obtain the record via mail order or online. To access West Des Moines police reports or arrest records via mail, record seekers must send a written request to:
West Des Moines Police Department
ATTN: Information and Records
250 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
The written request must contain the record subject's names, date and time when the event occurred, and other necessary data. In contrast, requesters may fill out an online form to obtain police reports or arrest records. On the online form, requests must fill out information, such as the case number, location of the event, and the requester's name and contact details.
How to Obtain Sex Offender Information in West Des Moines
The Iowa Sex Offender Registry provides information on all sex offenders residing in West Des Moines. Note that the Iowa Sex Offender Registry is an online searchable portal that contains information on sex offenders' name aliases, sex crimes, bonds, and photographs. Through the platform, record seekers may find West Des Moines using these options:
Furthermore, there is a map-based search option on the sex offender registry. This option enables requesters to pinpoint sex offenders within one or two miles from the requester's location.
How to Obtain West Des Moines Inmate Records
The Iowa Department of Corrections keeps online records of all inmates incarcerated in West Des Moines City. Record seekers can find inmates online by inputting the following data into the platform:
- Offender's complete name;
- Birthdate;
- Offender Number;
- Offense;
- County of Commitment
How Do I Visit an Inmate in West Des Moines City Jail
West Des Moines inmates are incarcerated in correctional facilities in Polk, Dallas, and Madison County. Thus, record seekers must find out the correctional facility housing the inmate.
Professional or non-professional visitors can visit inmates in West Des Moines City at these locations:
Polk County Jail
1985 Northeast 51st Place
Des Moines, IA, 50313
Phone: (515) 323-5400
Dallas County Jail
201 Nile Kinnick Drive North
Adel, IA 50003
Visitors must schedule a visitation appointment at least 24 hours before the proposed date. Furthermore, visitors must adhere to the county jail's guidelines and requirements. Failure to follow the regulations will lead to a cancellation of visitation rights.
What are West Des Moines Vital Records?
West Des Moines vital records consist of all reported life events within the city. Vital records consist of data on life events, such as death, birth, marriage, and divorce. Furthermore, vital records are under the purview of city, county, and state public agencies. Persons or parties interested in accessing West Des Moines vital records must send a request to the custodian agency. In some cases, public agencies may demand for proof of identification before issuing certified copies of West Des Moines vital records.
Record seekers can obtain West Des Moines divorce or marriage records from the Polk County Clerk Offices.
On the other hand, Polk County Recorder's Office maintains records of all birth, death, and marriage records.
Where and How to Obtain West Des Moines Divorce Records
Persons or entities can request and obtain copies of West Des Moines divorce records from the Polk County Clerk's Office The Clerk's Office maintains and generates copies of divorce documents to interested persons. To obtain divorce records, requesters must visit any of the Polk County Courthouses on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Polk County Clerk
500 Mulberry Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-3772
Des Moines City Clerk
400 East 1st Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 283-4141
Where and How to Get West Des Moines Marriage Records
West Des Moines marriage records are available to the public via the Polk County Recorder's Office. The Polk County Recorder's Office, via the Vital Records division, is responsible for maintaining all marriage events documented in West Des Moines. Furthermore, the County Recorder provides access to marriage records upon in-person or mail requests. To obtain West Des Moines marriage records via in person requests, record seekers must bring a completed request form and a valid photo ID to the Polk County Recorder's Office at:
Vital Records Division
111 Court Avenue Ste 245
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251
In contrast, requesters can mail the completed application form, a $20 money order or check, and a valid photo ID to:
Vital Records Division
111 Court Avenue Ste 245
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251
Additional copies of marriage documents cost $20
For mail request, the check or money order must be payable to "Polk County Recorder".
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is also a repository for obtaining certified West Des Moines marriage records. Furthermore, the IDPH issues certified copies of marriage documents to interested or eligible persons via in-person or mail orders. To obtain marriage records, requesters may send a completed application to the IDPH in person or via mail at:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building
1st Floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Where and How to Find West Des Moines Birth Records
Public members can find West Des Moines birth records at the Polk County Recorder's Office. Furthermore, the County Recorder provides access to marriage records upon in-person or mail requests. To obtain West Des Moines birth certificates in-person, requesters must present a completed birth record request form and a valid photo ID to the Polk County Recorder's Office at:
Vital Records Division
111 Court Avenue Ste 245
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251
For mail requests, requesters must send a completed application form, a $20 money order or check, and a valid photo ID to:
Vital Records Division
111 Court Avenue Ste 245
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251
Additional copies of birth documents cost $20
For mail requests, the check or money order must be payable to "Polk County Recorder".
Likewise, the IDPH is the custodian of birth records at the state level. Note that only eligible persons can access certified birth records at the IDPH. In contrast, public members can view and obtain uncertified copies of birth records. Birth records at the IDPH are accessible via mail or in person requests. To obtain birth records via mail or in person orders, record seekers must:
- Complete a Birth Records Application form;
- Attach a Identity Documents for Notarization form;
- Send these documents to the Department of Public Health via mail or in person to:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075
Where and How to Find West Des Moines Death Records
The Polk County Recorder's Office has jurisdiction over all death events documented in West Des Moines City. Thus, all records requests must be directed to the Records Division of the Recorder's Office at:
Vital Records Division
111 Court Avenue Ste 245
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251
West Des Moines death records are accessible through mail or in person orders. For mail or in-person requests, requesters must send a completed application form, a $20 money order or check, and a valid photo ID to:
Vital Records Division
111 Court Avenue Ste 245
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251
Additional copies of West Des Moines death documents cost $20. For mailed requests, the check or money order must be payable to "Polk County Recorder". On the other hand, record seekers can find certified copies of West Des Moines death records at the IDPH. To obtain West Des Moines death records, requesters may send a completed application to the IDPH in person or via mail at:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building
1st Floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
