public records for indianapolis indiana: a practical overview

What counts as a public record

In Indianapolis and Marion County, public records include documents created or kept by city and county agencies-property rolls, court filings, police logs, permits, and meeting minutes. Under Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA), most materials are open unless a specific exemption applies, such as active investigations or certain personal identifiers.

How to search and request

Many searches start online: court dockets via the statewide MyCase system, property data from the Assessor, recorded deeds from the Recorder, and business or building information from licensing and code enforcement. For police reports, contact IMPD; for older vital records, the Marion County Public Health Department may help, subject to eligibility rules.

• Courts: case summaries, calendars, judgments
• Property: assessments, parcels, transfers
• Recorder: deeds, liens, plats
• Permits and inspections
• Budgets and council minutes

Expect modest fees for copies, potential redactions, and written APRA requests when records are not posted. Provide precise dates, names, addresses, or parcel numbers to speed results.