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Adams County Arrest Records
Adams County, PA, arrest records detail the reasons and conditions under which law enforcement agencies within the county take individuals into custody for various crimes.
Law enforcement within Adams County may detain an individual if they commit an arrestable offense. For instance, if
- A person commits a crime
- There is a court-issued arrest warrant
- An individual disobeys a court order or ignores a summon
- The subject poses a danger to self or the public
- There is proof that an individual may flee or leave the jurisdiction to avoid prosecution or punishment.
The Adams County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania State Police, local police departments, and federal agencies (such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF) generate arrest records to detail information about individuals' detention.
Depending on the nature of the arrest or the length of incarceration, law enforcement in Adams County detains arrestees and inmates at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex, Adams County Courthouse Holding Cells, and Municipal Police Department Holding Cells. If there is an overflow or special case, law enforcement agencies may transfer Adams County inmates to the York County Prison.
Arrest records are crucial documents for criminal cases within Adams County Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial Courts; as a result, they are part of Adams County court records.
Are Arrest Records Public in Adams County?
Yes, Adams County arrest records are public documents. According to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act, all government records in the possession of custodian agencies (including Adams County arrest records) are public and available to interested persons unless they are exempted by federal or state laws, judicial Order, or privilege regulations.
Per Pennsylvania laws, the public can not access any Adam County arrest information relating to juveniles, sealed or expunged records, active law enforcement or judicial investigation, witness or victim information, and informants or undercover agents information).
What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?
Arrest records contain personal, booking, bail, and court information. Generally, an arrest record information includes
- The name, aliases, gender, race, date of birth, and physical description of the owner of the record
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- The arresting agency and name or badge number of the arresting officer
- Statute numbers and description of the charges against the arrestee
- Date and time of booking
- Mugshots and fingerprints
- Name of the detention facility and inmate number (if applicable)
- Bail or Bond amount
- Court jurisdiction, disposition, and case number (if the arrest leads to a prosecution).
Adams County Crime Rate
According to data from the Pennsylvania State Police, simple assault is the most consistent crime within Adams County. In 2023, 570 of the 1,200 reported crimes were simple assault incidents. This trend is similar to the 2022 and 2021 figures. As of August 2024, simple assault accounts for 280 of the 651 (43.01%) crime incidents within Adams County.
The table below shows Adams County’s crime report for 2022 and 2023.
| Offenses | 2023 | 2022 | % Difference ((A - D)/D)*100 | % Clearance Rate Difference ((C - F)/F)*100 | ||||
| Offense Count (A) | Clearances (B) | Clearance Rate
(C) |
Offense Count (D) | Clearances (E) | Clearance Rate (F) | |||
| Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter | 3 | 2 | 66.67 | 1 | 1 | 100.00 | 200.00 | -33.33 |
| Manslaughter by Negligence | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Rape | 40 | 17 | 42.86 | 35 | 19 | 54.29 | 14.29 | -21.72 |
| Robbery | 7 | 3 | 73.47 | 3 | 5 | 166.67 | 133.33 | -74.28 |
| Aggravated Assault | 49 | 36 | 77.54 | 79 | 69 | 87.34 | 37.97 | -15.88 |
| Simple Assault | 570 | 442 | 34.72 | 610 | 472 | 77.38 | -6.56 | 0.21 |
| Burglary | 72 | 25 | 43.36 | 76 | 20 | 26.32 | -5.26 | 31.91 |
| Larceny-theft | 429 | 186 | 16.67 | 495 | 201 | 40.61 | -13.33 | 6.77 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 18 | 3 | 16.67 | 31 | 19 | 61.29 | -41.94 | -72.80 |
| Arson | 12 | 2 | 0.00 | 10 | 5 | 50.00 | 20.00 | -66.66 |
| Human Trafficking | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | -100.00 | 0.00 | |
| Total | 1,200 | 716 | 59.67 | 1,341 | 811 | 60.48 | -10.51 | -1.34 |
Data Source: Pennsylvania State Police.
Adams County Arrest Statistics
Data from the Pennsylvania State Police show a varying trend in Adams County arrest statistics. In 2023, 472 individuals were taken into custody by law enforcement agencies for various crimes within Adams County. As of August 2024, there were 218 and 61 juvenile arrests within Adams County. The table below shows the number of arrests for various crimes within Adams County between 2020 and 2023.
Adams County Arrest Statistics 2021 to 2023
| Offense | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||
| Adult | Juvenile | Total | Adult | Juvenile | Total | Adult | Juvenile | Total | |
| Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Manslaughter by Negligence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 7 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Robbery | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Aggravated Assault | 25 | 9 | 34 | 31 | 6 | 37 | 25 | 4 | 29 |
| Simple Assault | 265 | 29 | 294 | 316 | 45 | 361 | 269 | 36 | 305 |
| Burglary | 23 | 2 | 25 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 14 | 4 | 18 |
| Larceny-theft | 81 | 11 | 92 | 113 | 6 | 119 | 89 | 12 | 101 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 4 | 18 | 1 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Human Trafficking - Commercial Sex Acts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Human Trafficking - Involuntary Servitude | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 407 | 56 | 463 | 497 | 61 | 558 | 412 | 60 | 472 |
Data Source: Pennsylvania State Police.
Find Adams County Arrest Records
Individuals seeking access to Adams County arrest records should
- Submit a Right-to-Know request to access Adams County arrest records to the Sheriff's Office using the contact below:
The Adams County Police Office
117 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg,
PA 17325
Phone: (717) 337-9828 - Visit the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History webpage:
- Scroll up and click the Submit a New Record Check link
- On the new page, scroll up and accept the terms and conditions
- Select Individual Request, and click Continue
- Enter the necessary information, click Next to make payments, and access the required arrest records
- Log in to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate/Parolee Locator Portal:
- Use names and inmate numbers to search records relating to Adams County arrests
- Call or visit the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex and submit a Right-to-Know request at
45 Major Bell Lane, Gettysburg,
PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-7671
Free Arrest Record Search in Adams County
Per the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, public records custodians may charge reasonable access fees. Notwithstanding, those interested can access information about arrests within Adams County at no cost.
For free access to Adams County arrest information:
- Log in to the Pennsylvania Inmate/Parole Locator and use their online search tools to access Adams County arrest records for free.
- Search for Adams County arrest records through third-party online databases. Some private websites may offer free access to Adams County law enforcement records.
Get Adams County Criminal Records
Adams County criminal records provide details of the county's criminal history. Criminal records give comprehensive detail of individuals' criminal interactions with the justice system. It encompasses the county’s arrest, criminal prosecutions, convictions, sentencing, and incarceration records.
For information about Adams County criminal histories:
- Visit the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal, create an account, and log in to view Adams County criminal records
- Call the Adams County Clerk of Court at (717) 337-9806 or visit their office at
The Adams County Courthouse,
111-117 Baltimore Street, Room 103, Gettysburg,
PA 17325
- Log in to the Pennsylvania State Police - PATCH System, and search for criminal records of Adams County convicts (this option involves fee payments)
- Search for Adams County criminal records online. Some third-party websites gather law enforcement and court records and make them available to interested persons.
Adams County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records
Adams County arrest and criminal records detail individuals' interactions with the criminal justice system. However, there are distinctions between their creation, content, and usage. The table below outlines some differences between Adams County arrests and criminal records.
| Comparison Criteria | Arrest records | Criminal records |
| Definition | Arrest records are official documents that describe the events leading to an individual's apprehension and detainment by law enforcement agents | A criminal record is an official detail of an individual's crime history (including criminal activities and legal prosecutions under the justice system) |
| Scope | An arrest record is specific, it gives detail arrests incidents; and depending on the reason for the arrest, may or may not be a part of a broader criminal history | A criminal record is a comprehensive detail of all interactions with the criminal justice system. It encompasses all of the record’s owner's criminal activities, arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and incarcerations |
| Legal Status | Per state and federal laws, an arrest record does not confirm guilt or innocence. An arrest is presumed innocent until the court states otherwise | A criminal record may confirm a guilty plea |
| Longevity | An arrest record information may be temporary. Depending on the nature and outcome of an arrest, the details may be removed from the owner's record. | Criminal records are more permanent and may last a lifetime. |
| Expungement | Arrest records are easier to seal or remove (especially if it does not lead to a criminal conviction) | Expunging a criminal may be complex, particularly if it relates to convictions for certain types of crimes |
| Consequences | An arrest record may affect reputation. However, its effect is less impactful than criminal records. | Criminal records may have a lifelong consequence on the individual's social status, job, and housing opportunities. |
How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?
Arrest information will stay on a record indefinitely. However, Section 9122.0 Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes grants individuals the right to petition for expungement of Adams County arrest records if they fulfill the requirements.
Expunge Adams County Arrest Records
Per Section 9122.0 Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, owners of arrest records may petition for expungement if
- The case is nolle prosequi, there are no charges against the arrestee, or the court dismisses the charges
- The owner of the record completes an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program; and does not engage in criminal activities during the program.
- The offender was a minor at the time of the offense and completed probation or other court requirements.
- The offender is over 70 years old and is free of arrest for the previous ten years before the petition.
- The offender receives a pardon from the governor of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth.
- The arrest results from mistaken identity.
Note that the following waiting periods apply to expunging Adams County arrest records for adults and juveniles:
Adults
- Non-conviction cases - 2 years
- Misdemeanor Cases - 5 years after completion of sentence
- Non-violent felonies (under the Clean Slate Law) - 10 years (the individual must not have any conviction in the previous ten years and must make full payment for all court-ordered financial obligations
- Gubernatorial Pardon - immediately after proclamation
Juveniles
- No evidence, court dismissal, or not guilty - no waiting period
- Successful Completion of a Consent Decree (probation or diversion program) - 6 months after completing the program
- After Adjudication of Delinquency - 5 years
- A minor can petition for expungement of arrest records upon reaching the age of 18 years. However, this may depend on completing a consent decree or waiting five years after discharge from supervision.
To expunge Adams County arrest information, applicants typically have to complete the following general process:
- Determine eligibility for expunging arrest records
- Gather all supporting documents that may impact the outcome of the petition (this includes a Certified Copy of the Record and Criminal Docket Sheet relating to the case from the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal)
- Download and fill out a Petition for Expungement Form, attach copies of the supporting documents, and file a petition at the Adams County Clerk of Court Office.
- Pay all applicable filing fees and obtain receipts or proof of payments
- Serve copies of the petition to the Adams County District Attorney's Office
- File a Proof of Service document with the Adams County Clerk of Court Office as evidence that the District Attorney's Office received a copy of the petition
- Attend any court hearing relating to the petition to counter any objection from the District Attorney's Office
- Wait for the court to review the petition and come to a decision. If the court grants the petition, it will issue an order to the relevant agencies to seal the record
- Follow-up to ensure that the agencies comply with the court order and seal or remove the record from their databases
- Obtain certified copies of the expungement order from the Adams County Clerk of Courts Office to verify that the agencies have sealed or removed the record
- Search online for the record to ensure that it is no longer publicly accessible
- Keep copies of the expungement order in a safe and secure location.
Adams County Arrest Warrants
Arrest warrants are legal documents that authorize law enforcement to take individuals into custody. Law enforcement must prove probable cause to obtain arrest warrants.
In Adams County, a judge or magistrate of any of the county's courts may issue arrest warrants if law enforcement provides evidence that an individual is guilty of breaking the law. Also, an arrest warrant may be imminent if
- An individual disobeys court orders or ignores court summons
- A convict violates probation or parole
- Law enforcement can prove that an individual intends to flee the jurisdiction to avoid prosecution for an offense.
Generally, a warrant must contain specific information to ensure it is legally valid and enforceable. These include
- Name, aliases, and physical description of the subject
- Charges and the statute or law the individual allegedly violated
- An affidavit or state from law enforcement outlining evidence and facts against the subject
- Date of issuance and signature of the issuing judge/magistrate
- Instructions to law enforcement on how to execute the warrant and the jurisdiction where it is valid
- Case number, name, and location of the issuing court
- Instructions to the executing officers on how to return the warrant after the arrest
- Bail information (if applicable).
Adams County Arrest Warrant Search
There are several options to obtain information about arrest warrants in Adams County. For information on Adams County active arrest warrant:
- Log in to the Adams County Sheriff's Warrants Page and view information on Most Wanted persons
- Contact the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for information relating to wanted individuals
- Log in to the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) Case Information Portal and search for Adams County active arrest warrants (this option requires a user account to access arrest warrants information)
- Visit the Adams County courthouse house and request information about active court-issued arrest warrants.
- Search for Adams County active arrest warrants through third-party websites or databases. Some private online repositories may offer access to Adams County law enforcement and court information.
- Look for Adams County active arrest warrants on public notice boards and local media websites.
Do Adams County Arrest Warrants Expire?
No, Adams County arrest warrants do not expire. Warrants generally remain active until law enforcement takes the subject into custody. Rules 4 & 9 of the U.S. Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and 150 & 525 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure govern the issuance and execution of arrest warrants in federal and state cases. However, there is no mention of expiration of arrest warrants. Notwithstanding, an Adams County arrest warrant will become inactive if the subject or the court quashes it.