Records
Responsibilities
The Records Unit of the Bentonville Police Department is a civilian support unit, which provides general record maintenance and data entry for the department. The Records Unit is responsible for processing accident and police incident reports, data entry of traffic and criminal offenses, along with any Freedom of Information Act request specific to the Police Department.
The Records Unit handles a large number of request for reports from the public, as well as requests for background checks conducted from local records. They are also responsible for submitting monthly statistical reports to the state and federal government concerning criminal activity and arrests information for the city.
FOIA Information
How to Make a FOIA Request
The City provides an online Public Records Request portal to make it easy for Arkansas residents to request public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Step 1: Submit Your Request Online
Arkansas law provides access to public records for citizens of the State of Arkansas.
Requests may be submitted using our online FOIA portal:
https://bentonvillear.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest
The portal allows you to:
- Submit new public records requests
- Track the status of your request
- Receive records electronically when available
- Communicate directly with City staff about your request
Step 2: Describe the Records You Are Requesting
When submitting your request, please be as specific as possible. Helpful details include:
- The type of record (email, report, invoice, permit, etc.)
- A date range
- Names of departments or individuals involved
- Any other information that helps us locate the records
- Clear and specific requests help us respond more quickly.
Step 3: Provide Your Contact Information
You will be asked to provide your name and an email address so we can:
- Verify eligibility under Arkansas law
- Confirm receipt of your request
- Ask questions if clarification is needed
- Send you responsive records or updates
Step 4: Review and Submit
After entering your information, review your request for accuracy and submit it through the portal. You will receive confirmation once your request has been received.
Important Information About FOIA Requests
- FOIA requests are available to citizens of the State of Arkansas as provided by law.
- The City responds to requests in accordance with Arkansas FOIA timelines.
- Some records may be exempt from disclosure under state law.
- Fees may apply for copies or extensive staff time, as allowed by law.
- Large or complex requests may require additional time to complete.
*Note: the police department only completes FOIA request specific to police records. All other city records request need to go through the respective departments (ie. Fire Department, Parks & Rec, Legal, etc) by following the above link.
Freedom of Information Act Request (FOIA)
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is one of the most comprehensive and strongest open-records and open-meetings laws in the country. The Attorney General partners with the Arkansas Press Association, Arkansas Broadcasters Association and other entities to publish a "Freedom of Information Act Handbook" after every regular session of the General Assembly.
The handbook assists Arkansas residents and journalist in using the law and government entities in complying with it.