Find Police Records in Andrew County
Andrew County police records are public documents held by the Andrew County Sheriff's Office in Savannah, Missouri. These records cover arrests, incident reports, booking logs, warrants, and other law enforcement files created by the sheriff's office and local agencies. Missouri's Sunshine Law gives any resident the right to request these records. This page walks you through the request process, what you can get, how much it costs, and where to search online for Andrew County law enforcement records.
Andrew County Police Records Quick Facts
Andrew County Police Records
The Andrew County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement body in the county and the primary keeper of local police records. Sheriff Grant Gillett oversees the department, which is based at 400 East Main Street in Savannah. The office maintains incident and arrest reports, booking logs, inmate information, and warrant data. These records are created by deputies as they respond to calls, make arrests, and investigate incidents throughout the county.
When an investigation is no longer active, the related reports become public records under RSMo Chapter 610. Section 610.100 makes clear that all arrest and incident reports are open once a case goes inactive. During an active investigation, the agency may withhold records that could endanger victims, witnesses, or undercover officers, or that would harm the investigation itself.
Andrew County is served by the 5th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Buchanan County. Court records for criminal cases filed in this circuit are searchable through Missouri Case.net. The 5th Circuit Juvenile Office can be reached at 816-271-1421. For victim services in Andrew County, Voices of Courage and the YWCA St. Joseph (hotline: 800-653-1477) provide support to crime victims.
How to Request Andrew County Police Records
The Andrew County Sheriff's Office accepts records requests in person, by mail, and by fax. The office at 400 East Main Street, Savannah, MO 64485 is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can call (816) 324-3511 to ask questions before submitting your request. The fax number is (816) 324-5110. Written requests are strongly recommended so you have a record of what you asked for and when.
Your request should describe the records as clearly as possible. List the names of people involved, the date and location of the incident, any case or report numbers you have, and the type of report you need. A vague request is harder to process and may cost more in research fees if staff spends extra time searching. Mail requests should include a return address and, if fees are known in advance, a check or money order made out to the Andrew County Sheriff's Office.
Fees follow the limits set by Missouri Sunshine Law. Copy costs are capped at $0.10 per page for standard paper copies under Section 610.026 RSMo. Research fees are based on the hourly rate of the lowest-paid staff member who can complete the task. The first 30 minutes of research may be provided free at the agency's discretion. The agency must respond within three business days under Section 610.023 RSMo, though they may request more time in writing for complex or large requests.
Note: If you are requesting records for someone else, having a signed authorization from that person can help speed up the process.
Missouri Sunshine Law in Andrew County
Missouri's public records law is known as the Sunshine Law and is codified in Chapter 610 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. It applies to all public agencies in the state, including the Andrew County Sheriff's Office. The law starts from the principle that government records belong to the public. Any exemptions to that rule must be justified by the agency.
Section 610.023 sets the response deadline at three business days. The agency can extend that deadline if it has good reason, but only with a written explanation. Section 610.026 limits fees to $0.10 per page for paper copies. Research fees cannot exceed the hourly rate for clerical staff. These rules protect requesters from excessive delays or inflated costs.
The Missouri Attorney General's Office enforces the Sunshine Law. If an agency refuses to respond, charges improper fees, or denies access without a valid reason, you can file a complaint with the AG's office. The AG has authority to pursue enforcement actions against non-compliant public bodies. Sample request forms and guidance are available at ago.mo.gov to help you draft your request properly.
Online Resources for Andrew County Records
Missouri Case.net is the go-to source for court records in Andrew County. It covers the 5th Judicial Circuit and allows name-based or case number searches for free. You can view charges, docket entries, hearing dates, and final dispositions for criminal and civil cases filed in this circuit. This is particularly useful if you know someone was arrested in Andrew County and want to see what happened in court afterward.
The Missouri Sex Offender Registry, run by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides information on registered sex offenders in Andrew County. You can search by offender name or by geographic proximity to an address. The registry shows photos, addresses, and offense details for each registered offender.
For broader criminal history records, use the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). A name-based search costs $15 and shows convictions and open records. A fingerprint search costs $20 plus vendor fees and returns complete records including non-convictions and expunged cases. MACHS is managed by the MSHP CJIS Division and reflects statewide criminal history data, not just Andrew County. You can also check inmate status through VINELink.
Nearby Counties
Andrew County sits in northwest Missouri near several other counties, each with its own sheriff's office and records system.