Search Dent County Recent Arrests
Dent County recent arrests are handled by the sheriff's office in Salem, deep in the Missouri Ozarks. The county built a new 85-bed jail in 2020, a big upgrade from the old 21-bed facility. If you want to check on someone who was arrested in Dent County, there are several ways to search. This page covers the sheriff's office, the new jail, state databases, and court records that can help you find recent arrest information for Dent County.
Dent County Quick Facts
Dent County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Dent County Sheriff's Office is at 112 E. 5th St. in Salem. Sheriff Bob Wells leads the department. The phone number is (573) 729-3241. The office handles all arrests and jail operations for the county. Jail Administrator Chris McElvy runs the detention side of things.
In 2020, Dent County opened a new 85-bed jail facility. The old jail only had room for 21 inmates, which caused problems when the population spiked. The new building gives the county much more flexibility. It also means Dent County can house inmates from other jurisdictions, which brings in revenue. When someone is arrested here, they go through booking at the new facility. Staff record the name, charges, bond, and other details for each person.
You can call the sheriff at (573) 729-3241 to ask about recent bookings or check if someone is currently in custody.
Dent County Sheriff Online
The Dent County Sheriff's page on the Salem city website has information about the department and its services. You can find contact details, office hours, and links to resources.
The screenshot below shows the Dent County Sheriff's web page.
The sheriff's page provides basic contact info and links for people who need to reach the department about arrests or jail questions.
Court Records for Dent County Arrests
Dent County is in the 42nd Judicial Circuit. After an arrest, court records are available on Case.net, Missouri's free court database maintained under Section 476.055 RSMo. Search by name or case number for charges, hearing dates, and outcomes.
Case.net covers the entire state. No account is needed. Documents filed after July 1, 2023 can be viewed online. Older records may require a visit to the circuit clerk in Salem.
Tracking Recent Arrests in Dent County
Missouri VINE tracks inmates at the Dent County jail. Search by name to check custody status. Register for free alerts by phone, email, or text. VINE runs around the clock and the toll-free number is 877-654-8463.
With the new 85-bed facility, Dent County now holds more inmates than before. VINE keeps up with all of them. If someone is released, transferred, or moved, you get a notification right away. The mobile app works on most phones and is free to download.
Public Access to Dent County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dent County are open to the public under Missouri law. Section 610.100 RSMo says arrest reports must include the person's name, charge, and detention details. These stay open while charges are pending or after conviction. Records close if no charges come within 30 days, or after a dismissal or acquittal.
Paper copies cost 10 cents per page under Section 610.026 RSMo. Submit a written request to the Dent County Sheriff's Office at 112 E. 5th St., Salem, MO 65560. The agency has three business days to respond.
Note: Research time by staff can be billed at actual cost, so fees may add up for large requests.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Missouri Automated Criminal History Site covers Dent County arrests along with every other county in the state. A name search costs $15 and returns open records. A fingerprint check costs $20 and returns everything, including closed records. MACHS is run by the Highway Patrol and available online around the clock for name-based searches. Results come back fast for name checks. Fingerprint results take 5 to 7 business days.
Nearby County Arrest Records
Dent County is in the eastern Ozarks. These surrounding counties have their own arrest records and jail facilities.
Recent Arrests in Missouri Cities
For arrest records from larger Missouri cities, use these pages.