How to Request Records from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office (Timeline & Fees)

Looking for basic law enforcement paperwork? Cass County Sheriff's Office treats incident reports and arrest reports as open records. That said, some information may be withheld under statutory exceptions - so every line won't always be released exactly as requested. Still, these two record types are what people most commonly request when they need documentation about an arrest or incident.

Start by putting your request in writing using the Sheriff’s Office records request form. The office’s timeline is tied to when they receive a written request, so don’t rely on a phone call alone if you’re trying to get the clock started. Include a clear way to reach you so staff can respond, ask questions, or provide next steps without delays.

Once the Cass County Sheriff's Office receives your written request, they must act on it as soon as possible - and no later than the end of the third business day. "Act on it" is the key phrase here. Within that window, expect some kind of action: an acknowledgment, a decision, or instructions on next steps. Don't assume you'll have the actual records by day three. When there's reasonable cause, document production can take longer, so build in extra time if you're working against a deadline.

Fees catch a lot of people off guard, so budget for them upfront. Cass County Sheriff's Office charges a minimum reproduction fee of $5.00 per document. Depending on your request, you may also face additional charges for search time and copying costs.

Plan for prepayment, too. The Sheriff's Office requires fees before they'll produce any records - payment isn't the last step, it's what unlocks the documents.

If the exact total can’t be determined at the start (for example, when the scope of search or copying isn’t clear yet), the Sheriff’s Office may require a deposit. That deposit is based on the likely reproduction cost, and it must be paid before records are produced.

• ✓ Expect a minimum reproduction fee of $5.00 for each document requested
• ✓ Be ready for additional fees tied to actual search and reproduction costs
• ✓ Pay before production: fees must be received before any records are produced
• ✓ If the exact fee can’t be determined, you may be required to pay a deposit based on the likely reproduction cost

1. Be specific about what you want - Identify the document type (for example, incident report or arrest report) and include any details you have (names, dates, report numbers) so the office can locate the right record faster.
2. Make it a written request from the start - The Sheriff’s Office acts on written requests, and the third-business-day response window is based on when the written request is received.
3. Ask about costs early - Because there’s a minimum $5.00 reproduction fee per document and other search/reproduction charges may apply, getting a sense of likely fees up front can prevent surprises.
4. Plan for a deposit if pricing isn’t clear - If the exact fee can’t be determined, the office may require a deposit equal to the likely reproduction cost before producing the records.