Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Pennsylvania Public Records /Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Arrest records in Pennsylvania are generally considered public under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101 et seq.), which grants access to government records. Basic arrest information, such as arrest reports, booking details, and related court filings, is typically available through local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, and the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which provides an online docket search. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) maintains the statewide criminal history repository and offers public access to certain records through the PATCH system (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History).

However, access is limited in important ways. Full criminal history reports, including non-conviction arrest data, are not open to the general public and may only be released to the individual involved, law enforcement, or authorized agencies. Juvenile arrest records are confidential under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6307, and arrests that have been expunged or sealed under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 are not available for public inspection. Additionally, information related to ongoing investigations, sensitive victim data, and certain protected personal identifiers may be withheld to protect privacy and public safety.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Pennsylvania?

Several key laws and regulations govern the accessibility of arrest records in Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) - 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9101-9183: This is the primary law regulating the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information in Pennsylvania. CHRIA establishes who can access criminal records and for what purposes.
Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) - 65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104: This law provides the framework for public access to government records, including certain criminal justice records. It establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted.
Clean Slate Law - Act 56 of 2018: This relatively recent legislation provides for the automatic sealing of certain criminal records after specific time periods have elapsed without subsequent offenses.
Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure: These rules establish procedures for the handling of criminal cases, including provisions related to arrest records and their accessibility.
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) Electronic Case Record Public Access Policy: This policy governs public access to electronic case records maintained by the UJS, including arrest information contained in court records.

These laws work together to create a framework that balances the public's right to information with individuals' privacy interests and the state's interest in effective law enforcement and rehabilitation.

What Information Is Included in a Pennsylvania Arrest Record?

A typical Pennsylvania arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement during an arrest. These records generally include:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (often partially redacted in public versions)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Charges filed
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Case/docket number
Procedural Information:
- Booking details
- Detention information
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Preliminary hearing date
- Arraignment information
Case Disposition:
- Court proceedings
- Plea information
- Trial outcome (if applicable)
- Sentencing details (if convicted)
- Dismissal information (if charges were dropped)
Additional Information:
- Prior criminal history references
- Warrant information (if applicable)
- Probation or parole status
- Protection orders (if applicable)

The level of detail available may vary depending on who is requesting the information and under what authority. Criminal justice agencies typically have access to complete records, while public access versions may contain more limited information in accordance with privacy protections under Pennsylvania law.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Pennsylvania in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Pennsylvania involves several methods depending on your needs and the specific information you're seeking. Here are the primary ways to access these records:

In-Person Requests

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP)
The PSP maintains the Central Repository for criminal history information in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5494
Pennsylvania State Police
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
County Clerk of Courts Offices
For court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings, visit the Clerk of Courts in the county where the arrest occurred.
Local Police Departments
Many police departments provide incident reports and limited arrest information for cases they handled.

By Mail

To request records from the Pennsylvania State Police, complete the Request for Criminal Record Check form (SP4-164) and mail it with the required fee to:

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the appropriate payment.

Required Documentation

When requesting arrest records, you typically need to provide:

Full name of the person whose record you're seeking
Date of birth
Social Security Number (for more accurate results)
Purpose of the request
Your contact information
Notarized consent form (if requesting someone else's records)
Government-issued photo ID
Payment of applicable fees

Processing Times

As of 2025, standard processing times for arrest record requests in Pennsylvania are:

In-person requests at PSP: Typically same-day service
Mail requests: 2-4 weeks
Online requests: 1-3 business days

For expedited service, additional fees may apply.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally:

Pennsylvania State Police Access to Criminal History (PATCH)
This is the official online system for requesting criminal history information in Pennsylvania.
- Provides instant results for "no record" responses
- Records requiring review typically process within 1-3 business days
- Requires credit card payment
- Available 24/7
Unified Judicial System (UJS) Web Portal
The UJS Portal provides access to court docket information, including criminal cases.
- Search by name, case number, or organization
- Access to Common Pleas and Magisterial District Court records
- Free basic searches
- Premium features available for subscription
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
Search for individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision.
- Provides custody status and location information
- Includes basic offense information
- Free public access
County Sheriff's Office Websites
Many county sheriff's offices maintain online databases of:
- Active warrants
- Recent arrests
- Inmate rosters
Municipal Police Department Websites
Larger police departments often provide:
- Daily arrest logs
- Most wanted lists
- Public safety bulletins

When using online resources, be aware that:

Information may not be comprehensive
Recent arrests may not appear immediately
Some records may require additional verification
Certain sensitive information is redacted from public online access
Commercial background check websites may contain outdated or inaccurate information

For the most accurate and complete information, it's advisable to verify online findings through official channels like the Pennsylvania State Police or county court offices.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Pennsylvania?

Access to arrest records in Pennsylvania varies based on the requester's identity and purpose. The Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) establishes different levels of access:

Criminal Justice Agencies

Law enforcement agencies
Courts and the judiciary
Correctional facilities
Probation and parole offices
District Attorney's offices
Public defenders
Federal criminal justice agencies

These entities have the most comprehensive access to complete criminal history information for official purposes.

Non-Criminal Justice Government Agencies

Licensing boards
Child welfare agencies
Elder care regulators
School districts (for employment purposes)
Other agencies with statutory authorization

These agencies typically have access to records relevant to their regulatory functions.

Private Employers and Organizations

Can access records for employment screening with written consent
Limited to conviction data and pending cases
Subject to restrictions under the CHRIA and Fair Credit Reporting Act
Must notify applicants of adverse decisions based on criminal history

General Public

Access to court docket information through the UJS Portal
Limited criminal history information through PATCH
Cannot access expunged, sealed, or juvenile records
May face restrictions on using information for certain purposes

Individual Subject of the Record

Has right to review their own complete criminal history
Can challenge inaccurate information
Must provide proper identification
May obtain certified copies for personal use

Special Provisions

Researchers may access anonymized data with proper authorization
News media has access to current incident information
Victim notification services receive relevant offender information
Federal security clearance investigations have enhanced access

Unauthorized access or misuse of criminal history information can result in civil and criminal penalties under Pennsylvania law.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania charges fees for accessing arrest records and criminal history information. These fees vary depending on the type of request, the requesting agency, and the purpose of the request. As of 2025, the fee structure is as follows:

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Criminal History Record Checks

Criminal History Record: Employment/Licensing/Housing - $22.00
Criminal History Record: Volunteer (Act 15 of 2015) - Free
Criminal History Record: Individual Access (Personal Review) - $22.00
Criminal History Record: Access & Review Challenge (if record is inaccurate) - Free
Criminal History Record: Employment with PA Department of Education - $22.00
Certified Copy: Court/Legal Purposes - $30.00

Court Records Fees

Court Summary (UJS Portal) - Free for basic search
Court Summary (UJS Portal Premium) - $9.95/month subscription
Common Pleas Court Docket Copies - $0.25 per page
Certified Court Documents - $10.00 + copy fees
Exemplification of Records - $20.00

Local Law Enforcement Agency Fees

Fees for obtaining arrest records directly from local police departments or sheriff's offices vary by jurisdiction. Typically, these range from $5 to $25 per report.

Payment Methods

Online Payments: Credit/debit cards accepted for PATCH and UJS Portal
In-Person Payments: Cash, check, money order, and sometimes credit cards
Mail Requests: Check or money order made payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances:

Individuals who cannot afford to pay may file an in forma pauperis petition with the court
Certain government agencies may be exempt from fees
Volunteer applicants under Act 15 of 2015 receive free background checks
Public defenders may access records for clients without fees

All fees are subject to change based on legislative updates or policy revisions. It's advisable to verify current fees before submitting a request.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania maintains arrest records for extensive periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record and the outcome of the case. The following guidelines outline how long different types of arrest records are typically maintained:

State Police Central Repository Records

Felony Arrests: Maintained indefinitely unless expunged by court order
Misdemeanor Arrests: Maintained indefinitely unless expunged by court order
Summary Offense Arrests: Typically maintained for 5 years after disposition, then may be automatically archived (but not destroyed)
Arrests Without Prosecution: May be expunged after 3 years if no disposition is reported and upon request
Non-Conviction Data: Maintained unless expunged through court order

Court Records

Common Pleas Court Records: Maintained permanently as historical documents
Magisterial District Court Records: Generally maintained for 7 years after final disposition, then transferred to archives
Electronic Court Records: Maintained indefinitely in the UJS Portal system
Juvenile Records: Typically maintained until the individual reaches age 25, with provisions for earlier expungement

Local Law Enforcement Records

Arrest Reports: Typically maintained for 20-25 years
Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Maintained indefinitely unless expunged
Incident Reports: Usually kept for 5-7 years minimum

Special Circumstances

DNA Records: Maintained indefinitely for convicted felons in the state DNA database
Sex Offender Registry Information: Maintained for 10 years, 25 years, or lifetime depending on the offense
Domestic Violence Arrests: Subject to special retention requirements under federal and state law
Records of Deceased Individuals: Generally maintained according to standard schedules

Even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, summary information may be maintained in databases for longer periods. Additionally, once information has been published or distributed to third-party databases, it may continue to exist even after official records have been expunged or sealed.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission establishes official records retention schedules for government agencies, including law enforcement and courts.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Pennsylvania Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Pennsylvania, certain sensitive information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy and prevent identity theft. The following categories of information are commonly redacted or restricted:

Personal Identifiers

Social Security Numbers (typically redacted entirely or limited to last four digits)
Driver's license numbers
Financial account numbers
Dates of birth (may be limited to year of birth only)
Home addresses of certain protected individuals
Personal telephone numbers
Personal email addresses

Sensitive Information

Medical and psychological information
Information related to substance abuse treatment
Mental health proceedings
HIV/AIDS status and other protected health information
Sexual assault victim identifiers
Child abuse investigation details
Juvenile record information
Information that would compromise ongoing investigations

Protected Individuals

Information that could identify:

Victims of crimes (particularly sexual offenses and domestic violence)
Confidential informants
Undercover officers
Witnesses at risk of intimidation or harm
Minors involved in the case
Individuals with Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders

Legal Restrictions

Information sealed by court order
Expunged record information
Records subject to grand jury secrecy
Information protected by attorney-client privilege
Information restricted by specific statutes

Additional Redactions

Juror information
Information that would jeopardize public safety
Intelligence information
Information that would disclose investigative techniques
Pre-decisional deliberations of agencies

The specific redactions applied depend on who is requesting the records and under what authority. Criminal justice agencies typically have access to unredacted information, while public requesters receive more heavily redacted versions.

These redactions are governed by various laws including the Criminal History Record Information Act, the Right-to-Know Law, and the UJS Electronic Case Record Public Access Policy.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania provides several legal mechanisms for sealing or expunging arrest records. These processes can help individuals minimize the impact of past arrests on their employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Limited Access (Record Sealing)

Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018), certain records may be sealed either automatically or by petition:

Automatic Sealing:

Eligible non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
Cases resulting in non-conviction (acquittals, withdrawals, nolle prosequi)
Summary offense convictions after 10 years

Petition-Based Sealing:

Certain second and third-degree misdemeanor convictions
Ungraded misdemeanors with sentences of less than two years
Must wait 10 years after completion of sentence
No subsequent arrests or prosecutions

To petition for sealing:

File a petition with the court where the case was handled
Pay filing fees (approximately $137, though fee waivers are available)
Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court

Expungement

Expungement is more comprehensive than sealing and results in the physical destruction of records. Eligibility includes:

Non-conviction records (dismissals, not guilty verdicts, nolle prosequi)
Summary offense convictions after five years without arrest
Some misdemeanors for individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for 10+ years
Certain offenses for individuals pardoned by the Governor
Some juvenile records

The expungement process involves:

Filing a petition with the Court of Common Pleas where the case was handled
Serving the petition on the District Attorney
Attending a hearing (if the DA objects)
Obtaining a court order for expungement
Ensuring the order is distributed to all agencies with records

Pardons

For convictions not eligible for sealing or expungement, a pardon from the Governor may be necessary:

Apply through the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons
Complete the application process (which can take 2-3 years)
Attend a public hearing
If granted a pardon, file for expungement

Legal Assistance

Due to the complexity of these processes, legal assistance is recommended:

Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Neighborhood Legal Services Association
County bar association referral services

Special Provisions

ARD Records: Successful completion of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition programs may qualify for expungement
Juvenile Records: Special provisions exist for sealing and expunging juvenile records
Marijuana Possession: Some jurisdictions have specific programs for expunging minor marijuana possession convictions

For detailed information about eligibility and procedures, consult the Pennsylvania Courts Self-Help Resources or seek legal advice.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts. These limitations are designed to balance public safety with fair opportunities for individuals with criminal histories.

Employment Limitations

Under the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) and related laws:

Employers may only consider felony and misdemeanor convictions that relate directly to the applicant's suitability for the specific job
Arrests not leading to conviction cannot be considered in employment decisions
Employers must notify applicants in writing if denial is based on criminal history
Public employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial application forms ("Ban the Box" provisions)
Certain professions have specific statutory restrictions on considering criminal records

Housing Limitations

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines on considering criminal records
Landlords cannot have blanket policies rejecting all applicants with criminal records
Housing decisions based on criminal records must consider:
- Nature and severity of the offense
- Time elapsed since the offense
- Evidence of rehabilitation

Licensing Limitations

Pennsylvania's Act 53 of 2020 reformed occupational licensing restrictions:

Licensing boards can only consider convictions directly related to the occupation
Boards must consider evidence of rehabilitation
Boards cannot use "good moral character" provisions based solely on criminal records
Preliminary determinations are available before completing training programs

Additional Restrictions

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Background screening companies must:
- Ensure accuracy of reported information
- Provide notice before adverse actions
- Obtain consent before conducting background checks
- Follow specific procedures for disputing information
Commercial Use: It is unlawful to:
- Sell arrest record information without proper authorization
- Use criminal history information for marketing or solicitation
- Publish arrest information primarily for profit
Sealed and Expunged Records: It is illegal to:
- Require disclosure of expunged or sealed records
- Discriminate based on expunged or sealed records
- Access or distribute such records outside legal channels

Violations of these limitations can result in civil liability, administrative penalties, and in some cases, criminal charges. Individuals who believe their rights have been violated regarding the improper use of arrest records may file complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or seek legal remedies through the courts.

Lookup Arrest Records in Pennsylvania

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5494
Pennsylvania State Police

State Police

Pennsylvania State Police Headquarters
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5599
Pennsylvania State Police

State Department of Corrections

Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
1920 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: (717) 728-2573
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

State Court System

Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts
601 Commonwealth Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 231-3300
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania

Attorney General's Office

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Strawberry Square, 16th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-3391
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Philadelphia County Sheriff's Office
100 S. Broad Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19110
Phone: (215) 686-3530
Philadelphia Sheriff's Office
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office
436 Grant Street, Courthouse Room 111
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-4700
Allegheny County Sheriff
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
2 East Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: (610) 278-3331
Montgomery County Sheriff
Bucks County Sheriff's Office
55 East Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 348-6124
Bucks County Sheriff
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4296
Delaware County Sheriff
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office
50 North Duke Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: (717) 299-8200
Lancaster County Sheriff
Chester County Sheriff's Office
201 W. Market Street, Suite 1201
West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: (610) 344-6850
Chester County Sheriff
York County Sheriff's Office
45 North George Street
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9601
York County Sheriff
Berks County Sheriff's Office
633 Court Street
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 478-6240
Berks County Sheriff
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office
2 North Main Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 830-3457
Westmoreland County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Philadelphia Police Department
750 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 686-3000
Philadelphia Police Department
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
1203 Western Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Phone: (412) 323-7800
Pittsburgh Police
Allentown Police Department
425 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: (610) 437-7751
Allentown Police Department
Erie Police Department
626 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: (814) 870-1125
Erie Police Department
Reading Police Department
815 Washington Street
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 655-6116
Reading Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Pennsylvania

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Philadelphia Field Office
600 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 418-4000
FBI Philadelphia

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
601 Market Street, Room 4400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 597-7622
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - Northeast Regional Office
U.S. Custom House, 7th Floor
2nd and Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 521-7301
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. Courts – PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Online access to federal court records
Phone: (800) 676-6856
PACER