Warrants are public records in Jefferson County, Kansas, pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq.). This legislation establishes that most governmental records, including warrants, shall be accessible to the public to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations. Members of the public may request and review such documents unless they are specifically exempted under K.S.A. § 45-221.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records as part of its official duties. These records are made available to promote the principles of open government and public oversight. By permitting access to warrant information, Jefferson County authorities uphold citizens' right to obtain information regarding legal proceedings and law enforcement activities, thereby fostering trust in the judicial system.
Certain warrant information may be temporarily restricted if disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations or compromise public safety, as provided under K.S.A. § 45-221(a)(10).
Warrant records maintained by Jefferson County typically contain the following information:
Pursuant to Kansas law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public warrant records, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other personal identifiers that could facilitate identity theft.
Jefferson County provides several no-cost methods for conducting warrant searches:
Individuals conducting searches should be prepared to provide specific identifying information to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to county policy, photo identification may be required for in-person searches to prevent unauthorized access to records.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Jefferson County are classified into several categories:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated Warrants Division that coordinates the service of these legal documents. This division operates from the Sheriff's Office headquarters at 1360 Walnut Street, Oskaloosa, KS 66066, and can be contacted at (785) 863-2765 for general inquiries regarding warrant procedures.
Law enforcement officials are required to follow strict protocols when executing warrants to ensure compliance with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures as guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment and Article 15 of the Kansas Constitution.
As of 2025, Jefferson County has implemented enhanced systems for warrant verification. Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant may utilize the following resources:
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has established a dedicated warrant information line at (785) 863-2765, extension 3, which provides automated information on warrant status. Callers should be prepared to provide their full legal name and date of birth for verification purposes.
Individuals with active warrants are advised that voluntary surrender arrangements can be made by contacting the Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at the number listed above.
Jefferson County maintains multiple channels through which members of the public may verify outstanding warrant information:
Pursuant to Jefferson County Resolution 2023-15, a nominal fee may be assessed for certified copies of warrant records. Standard searches remain available at no cost to requestors.
For warrants related to child support enforcement, the Kansas Department for Children and Families maintains separate records accessible through their Child Support Services office at 500 SW Van Buren Street, Topeka, KS 66603, telephone (888) 757-2445.
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
1360 Walnut Street
Oskaloosa, KS 66066
(785) 863-2765
Official Website
Jefferson County District Court
300 Jefferson Street
Oskaloosa, KS 66066
(785) 863-2461
Official Website
Kansas Department for Children and Families
Child Support Services
500 SW Van Buren Street
Topeka, KS 66603
(888) 757-2445
Official Website