Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Is Pennsylvania an Open Arrest Records State?

Pennsylvania is considered an open arrest records state. This designation means that arrest records, which are classified as public records, are accessible to the general public pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). The transparency is part of an initiative to maintain open government and to promote accountability and public safety. These records provide communities with crucial information about individuals who have been arrested by law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth.

The availability of arrest records to the public is governed by the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, which ensures that citizens have the right to access public records held by state and local government agencies. Under this law, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System maintains comprehensive public access to court records both online and upon request. This law underscores the state's commitment to transparency and serves as a vital resource for journalists, researchers, and citizens looking to obtain governmental records.

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally available to the public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other exemptions specified under § 67.708 of the Right to Know Law.

How to Look Up Pennsylvania Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Pennsylvania arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several methods established by Commonwealth agencies. Arrest records are available through both online platforms and in-person requests, allowing for convenient and efficient access. Below are the primary methods to search for these records:

Visit official county courthouse or local police department websites for jurisdiction-specific arrest information.
Utilize the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system, maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police, which enables the public to obtain criminal history record checks.
Access the Unified Judicial System Web Portal for court case information related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.
Submit a formal request to the Pennsylvania State Police Records and Identification Division for statewide arrest record information.
Contact county clerk offices or prothonotaries for local arrest record information.

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

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays.

Pursuant to the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.), individuals may request a criminal history background check through the PATCH system. The repository was created and is maintained in accordance with this legislation to better enable the public to obtain criminal history record checks.

Contents of a Pennsylvania Arrest Record

A Pennsylvania arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records are standardized across jurisdictions to ensure consistency and completeness. The following information is generally included:

Full legal name and any known aliases or previous names
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical descriptors (e.g., height, weight, hair color, eye color, identifying marks)
Photograph (mugshot) taken at the time of booking
Fingerprint information and identification numbers
Specific charges filed, including statute citations
Arresting agency and officer information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Bail/bond conditions and amounts, if applicable
Case disposition information, when available
Docket numbers and court information

It is important to note that pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, arrest record information available to the public may not include juvenile records, expunged records, or records subject to limited access orders.

Understanding the Pennsylvania Open Records Act

The Pennsylvania Open Records Act, officially known as the Right to Know Law (Act 3 of 2008, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.), was established to grant public access to records from any state or local government entity. This comprehensive legislation governs the accessibility of arrest records and other governmental documents throughout the Commonwealth.

The law operates under the presumption that all government records are public, unless:

Disclosure is prohibited by law, regulation, or judicial order
The record is protected by a privilege
The record is exempt under Section 708 of the Act
The record is protected by another state or federal law

The Office of Open Records (OOR) oversees the implementation of this law and provides guidance to both agencies and requesters.

Pennsylvania Office of Open Records
333 Market Street, 16th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 346-9903
Office of Open Records

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.

The Right to Know Law establishes specific timeframes for agencies to respond to requests, typically within five business days, with possible extensions under certain circumstances as outlined in § 67.902. This framework ensures timely access to public records while maintaining necessary protections for sensitive information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the expungement of arrest records can be pursued under specific conditions established by statute. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, individuals may petition for expungement when:

The individual was not convicted of the offense for which they were arrested (cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi, or withdrawal)
The individual has successfully completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program or other pre-trial diversion program
The individual has satisfied all terms of probation for a summary offense and has remained arrest-free for five years
The individual is over 70 years of age and has been free from arrest for ten years
The individual has been dead for three years

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the arrest occurred. If granted, the court will order all criminal justice agencies to remove the record from their databases and files.

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

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays.

It should be noted that certain serious offenses, including felonies and some misdemeanors, may not be eligible for expungement under Pennsylvania law, though they may qualify for limited access orders under the Clean Slate Act (Act 56 of 2018).

How to Find Local Arrests in Pennsylvania?

Local arrests in Pennsylvania can be located through several official channels established by municipal and county authorities. These resources provide timely and accurate information regarding recent arrest activities within specific jurisdictions:

Local police department press releases or their official websites often provide details of recent arrests and booking information
County courthouses maintain public dockets and records that can be accessed for detailed arrest and case information
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections provides information about individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated
County sheriff offices maintain records of arrests and often publish lists of individuals with outstanding warrants
The Inmate and Parolee Locator system provides information about individuals who have been arrested and are currently in state custody

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

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding state holidays.

Pursuant to Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which governs prisons and parole, information about arrests that lead to incarceration is maintained by the Department of Corrections and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. The Parole Supervision division oversees individuals who have been arrested, convicted, and subsequently released on parole.