Centre County Arrest Records

Centre County arrest records document the arrest and detention of individuals by law enforcement within county limits. These records typically contain information regarding the arrest, the charges brought, and the offender's details. These records are significant in initiating criminal cases, and they allow law enforcement to monitor offender activity and develop strategies that help to curb the recurrence of criminal activity.

However, while arrest records typically specify that an individual was arrested, they do not usually indicate if the charges were later dropped, if the person was found guilty, or if the case was dismissed. Individuals may need to review Centre County court records or other public criminal justice documents to obtain such information.

Are Arrest Records Public in Centre County?

Yes, under Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law (RTKL), arrest records are generally considered public information. This law ensures that citizens have access to government records, including those from law enforcement agencies. However, specific circumstances allow access to arrest records to be restricted or prohibited. For example:

• Juvenile Arrests: Records involving individuals under the age of 18 are often confidential unless the juvenile is being tried as an adult.
• Court Orders or Privileges: Access may be denied if a court has issued an order sealing a record or a legal privilege applies.
• Ongoing Investigations: Releasing certain records may compromise active investigations or prosecutions, and access will be restricted in such cases.
• Public Safety Concerns: If the release of an arrest record would endanger someone's life or safety or reveal the identity of a confidential informant, it will not be disclosed.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Centre County generally include the following information:

• Suspect's personal information: Full name, address, age, and other identifying details
• Arrest details: Date, time, and location of the arrest
• Physical description: Height, weight, and other physical attributes of the suspect
• Offenses: Specific charges brought against the suspect
• Arresting Agency: Information about the law enforcement agency or officer involved in the arrest
• Bail information: If applicable, the type and amount of bail set for the suspect

Find Centre County Arrest Records

Centre County arrest records are primarily maintained and disseminated by local law enforcement agencies, including the Centre County Sheriff's Office. Inquirers may either perform inmate searches using the department's third-party inmate listing database or make in-person/mail queries to the office at:

Centre County Sheriff's Office
213 E High Street
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: (814) 355-6803
Fax: (814) 548-1111

Since local law enforcement agencies are not the only entities responsible for arrests within Centre County, arrest information may also be accessed through alternative sources, including the Pennsylvania State Police and federal law enforcement agencies like the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

If a federal agency makes an arrest, information about the detainee may be obtained through the Federal Inmate Locator for those in federal custody. For arrests made by ICE, the Online Detainee Locator System can be used to locate detainees, as federal inmate databases typically do not include individuals held by ICE.

Free Arrest Record Search in Centre County

Most local police departments in Centre County offer the public an option to search for arrest records at no cost. However, inquirers will typically be charged for printed or certified copies of the records.

In addition to obtaining records directly from law enforcement, third-party websites also offer free arrest record searches. These websites typically allow users to search using the subject's first and last name. However, while the basic search may be free, additional charges often apply for viewing detailed reports or other public records related to the subject.

Get Centre County Criminal Records

Centre County criminal records comprise an individual's full criminal history, including arrests, convictions, sentences, parole information, and related details. While these records are compiled locally by county law enforcement, they are generally maintained within the state's central repository, which is managed by state law enforcement and the judiciary. Consequently, inquirers may obtain criminal records through the UJS web portal or the Pennsylvania Police.

Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal

The UJS online portal provides access to criminal court records for cases tried in Centre County and throughout Pennsylvania. Users may search for case information by name, case number, or other identifying details. While basic access is free, fees may apply for obtaining copies of documents or certain case information. Some records may also be restricted to protect the involved parties' privacy or to ensure a fair trial.

Pennsylvania State Police Access to Criminal History (PATCH) Website

The PATCH system provides access to public criminal records, including convictions and arrests from the past three years, for a fee of $22. Searches can be conducted using the subject's name and date of birth, with the option to include additional information, such as Social Security numbers, to refine the search.

Individuals can also submit a paper application to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) using Form SP4-164 for general purposes or Form SP4-164A for volunteer-related checks. A fee of $22 is required for these applications, and an additional $5 is needed for notarization if requested.

Those looking for their own criminal history for non-employment purposes can use the Individual Access and Review Program offered by the PSP. This program allows individuals to access their full criminal history by submitting Form SP4-170, a valid photo ID, and a $20 processing fee to the PSP.

Centre County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

The primary distinction between arrest records and criminal records is the information they comprise. An arrest record refers to documentation detailing the facts and circumstances surrounding an individual's arrest, including the charges filed and the arresting agency's report. It does not reflect the outcome of the case, such as whether the individual was convicted, acquitted, or if charges were dropped.

On the other hand, a criminal record provides a broader view of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. In addition to arrests, it includes information about indictments, charges, convictions, and any sentencing.

Thus, while arrest records may show that an individual was detained, they do not imply guilt. Criminal records, however, reflect the legal outcomes of charges and convictions, making them a more comprehensive resource for understanding a person's criminal background.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Pennsylvania, no state law or local ordinance mandates the automatic removal or deletion of an arrest from an individual's criminal history. As a result, an arrest remains a permanent element of a person's criminal record unless they pursue legal action to have it expunged.

Expunge Centre County Arrest Records

In Pennsylvania, expungement is governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, which outlines the circumstances under which a person may petition the court to remove arrest records from public view.

Expungement is a process through which certain arrest or criminal conviction records are removed from public view. Although expunged records are no longer visible to the public, they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts. Expungement eligibility in Pennsylvania is generally based on whether:

• The defendant receives an unconditional pardon for an offense
• The defendants are acquitted of the charges, or their charges are dismissed or withdrawn.
• They are convicted of a summary offense after turning 18
• They have been deceased for at least 3 years
• If they are over 70 years old and have not been arrested or prosecuted for at least 10 years following their final release from confinement, they may be eligible for expungement.

The Expungement Process

To begin the expungement process in Centre County, eligible persons must file a petition with the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. This petition must include detailed information about the arrest or conviction and the legal grounds for expungement. The petition must also be served to the Centre County District Attorney's Office, which has a specific period to file an objection. If no objection is raised, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. However, if an objection is filed, the court will hold a hearing to determine whether to grant or deny the expungement.

Forms for expungement can be obtained from the Centre County Clerk of Courts or the Pennsylvania State Police. Additionally, individuals may need to obtain a copy of their criminal history from the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system to ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition.

Centre County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal order that authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest an individual accused of committing a crime or being held in contempt of the court. In Centre County, most arrest warrants are requested by law enforcement after an investigation. For a warrant to be issued, probable cause must be established as required by Pa. R. Crim.P. 513.

In cases where a warrant is issued due to the defendant's failure to appear in court or violation of a court order, known as a bench warrant, probable cause is considered to have already been established.

Arrest warrants in Centre County typically contain essential details such as the suspect's name, the crime they are accused of committing, the issuing jurisdiction, and the date of issuance.

Centre County Arrest Warrant Search

Centre County residents can search for active arrest warrants by contacting local law enforcement agencies, such as the Centre County Sheriff's Office or State College Borough Police Department. There is no comprehensive online portal for searching active warrants in Centre County, but information can be obtained through direct contact with the Sheriff's Office or Pennsylvania State Police.

Do Centre County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Centre County do not expire. Once issued, a warrant remains active until it is executed. The warrant may be served when the individual is arrested by law enforcement, surrenders voluntarily, or is apprehended through targeted efforts by police. Until the arrest occurs, the warrant remains on record.