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East Alton, Illinois Public Records

  Trusted Public Records Directory

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for East Alton, Illinois.

Official Government Sources

East Alton Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official East Alton, Illinois government websites.

About East Alton

The governing body of East Alton, Illinois, is the East Alton Village Board, which consists of six elected trustees and a mayor, totaling seven members. Trustees are elected at-large for a term length of four years. The mayor, currently Joe W. McGhee, also serves a four-year term and is elected by the residents of East Alton.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for East Alton is $3.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the East Alton Village Hall, located at 100 E. Main Street, East Alton, IL 62024. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the East Alton, Madison County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Alton Police Department, Granite City Police Department, and Edwardsville Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety. The coordination between the Sheriff's Office and municipal departments ensures comprehensive coverage and effective law enforcement throughout Madison County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Madison County Jail, located in Edwardsville, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are processed and held until they post bail or appear in court. The jail offers an inmate lookup service through its website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. In Illinois, the bond process allows for the posting of bail to secure release, with specific conditions set by the court.

Court Records

The Madison County Circuit Court, located in Edwardsville, serves as the primary judicial body for the county. It handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, probate, and family law matters. The court provides access to case filings, criminal dockets, and other court records through its clerk's office. Residents can access these records in person or through online portals, ensuring transparency and accessibility to the judicial process in Madison County.

Criminal Records

Madison County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Madison County Circuit Clerk maintains these records, which are accessible to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Illinois State Police, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Illinois Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for background checks, ensuring that residents have access to comprehensive criminal records for various purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Madison County are maintained by the Madison County Sheriff's Office. These records provide details of arrests made within the county, including the charges and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details, providing a comprehensive overview of the individual's interaction with law enforcement.

Public Records Access

Public records in Madison County are accessible under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. The County Clerk's Office, Circuit Clerk, and other governmental offices provide access to various records, including property records, marriage licenses, and court documents. The Circuit Clerk's Office offers online portals for easier access to court records, while the County Clerk's Office handles requests for vital records and other official documents. Turnaround times for records requests can vary, but many offices offer expedited services for urgent needs.

Economy & Demographics

Madison County's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. Major employers include U.S. Steel in Granite City and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which provides educational opportunities and drives economic growth. The county's proximity to St. Louis also influences its economic landscape, offering residents access to a broader job market and commercial activities. The blend of industrial and service sectors makes Madison County's economy distinct, providing stability and growth opportunities for its residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in East Alton, Madison County, Illinois to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Village of East Alton, Illinois, you will be transported to the Madison County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Madison County Court. Under Illinois law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Illinois State Police. The Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.idoc.state.il.us/subsections/search/inms.asp where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for East Alton, Madison County, Illinois?
The East Alton School District is located in Madison County, Illinois. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district's most recent performance data shows that the district has an overall score of 68.7 out of 100. The district's graduation rate is 89.3%, and the average ACT score is 19.7. The district's student-teacher ratio is 14.7 to 1.
3
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the East Alton, Madison County, Illinois Library?
The East Alton Public Library in Madison County, Illinois provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Illinois government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which governs access to government documents in Illinois. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the East Alton Illinois Archives and Genealogy at https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/home.html. Contact the East Alton Public Library reference desk at (618) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
4
Where is the East Alton, Madison County, Illinois Public Library located?
The East Alton, Madison County, Illinois Library is located at:

East Alton Public Library

200 N. Shamrock St.
East Alton, IL 62024
Phone: (618) 259-3317
5
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in East Alton, Madison County, Illinois?
Fingerprinting services for East Alton, Illinois residents are provided at the East Alton Police Department, which serves Madison County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the East Alton Police Department at (618) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Illinois State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Illinois State Police at https://www.isp.state.il.us/crimhistory/chri.cfm.
6
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from East Alton, Madison County, Illinois, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for East Alton, Madison County, Illinois, you will need to contact the Madison County Clerk's Office.

The vital records available from the Madison County Clerk's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. You will need to provide proof of identity and a fee to obtain these records.
7
About Police Reports
Police reports from East Alton, Illinois can be obtained from the East Alton Police Department, located in Madison County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), most police reports are public records in Illinois, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the East Alton Police Department Records Division at (618) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.isp.state.il.us/crimhistory/chri.cfm.
8
About background check
A background check in East Alton, Madison County, Illinois typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Illinois. Criminal background checks are processed through the Illinois State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Illinois residents. The Illinois State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.isp.state.il.us/crimhistory/chri.cfm. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026