Arrest records are public in Centre County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This statute establishes the presumption that government records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or privilege. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities.
Members of the public may access arrest records through various governmental agencies in Centre County, including the Centre County Correctional Facility, the Centre County Clerk of Courts, and local law enforcement agencies. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain records may be subject to redaction or restriction in accordance with Pennsylvania law, particularly those involving juvenile offenders, ongoing investigations, or cases where disclosure would compromise public safety.
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records oversees compliance with the Right to Know Law and provides guidance on records access. Individuals seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is public, agencies may require formal requests and charge reasonable fees for document reproduction in accordance with § 67.1307 of the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.
Centre County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Centre County Correctional Facility maintains an inmate listing that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals. This resource is updated daily and serves as a primary source for recent arrest information.
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive case search portal where members of the public may access criminal case information, including records of arrests that have resulted in formal charges. This system includes records from the Centre County Court of Common Pleas and provides docket information, case status, and scheduled court appearances.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections maintains an Inmate/Department Supervised Individual Locator that includes information about individuals in state custody, including those transferred from Centre County facilities.
It should be noted that online access to arrest records may be subject to certain limitations. Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, some information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or sensitive personal data. Users of these online systems should be aware that the most complete and current information may require direct contact with the appropriate county agency.
To obtain Centre County arrest records, individuals may utilize several official channels established by county and state authorities. The following methods are available for accessing arrest record information:
Submit a formal records request to the Centre County Records Management Office at 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Phone: (814) 355-6768. The office processes requests pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law and maintains records of county criminal proceedings.
Visit the Centre County Clerk of Courts Office located at the Centre County Courthouse, 102 South Allegheny Street, Room 101, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Phone: (814) 355-6727. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Clerk maintains official court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests.
Access the Centre County Criminal Court online portal for information about criminal proceedings stemming from arrests.
Contact the arresting agency directly. For arrests made by the Pennsylvania State Police, contact the Rockview Station at 745 South Eagle Valley Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Phone: (814) 355-7545.
Utilize the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's online case search for criminal court records related to arrests in Centre County.
Submit a Right-to-Know request to the appropriate municipal police department for arrests made within their jurisdiction. Each department maintains records of arrests conducted by their officers.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information. Fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services in accordance with § 67.1307 of the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.
Centre County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania law and generally include the following elements:
The Centre County Correctional Facility, located at 700 Rishel Hill Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823, Phone: (814) 355-6794, maintains booking records for all individuals processed through their facility. These records become part of the official documentation of an arrest in Centre County.
It should be noted that pursuant to Pennsylvania law, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or where disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation or public safety.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122. In Centre County, individuals may petition for expungement when their case meets statutory criteria, including:
The expungement process in Centre County requires filing a petition with the Centre County Court of Common Pleas, located at 102 South Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Phone: (814) 355-6727. The petition must comply with Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 790 and include all relevant case information.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and provide notice to the Centre County District Attorney's Office, which has the right to object to the expungement request. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police, Centre County Correctional Facility, and local police departments, to remove the specified arrest records from public access.
Individuals seeking expungement may wish to consult with legal counsel, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules. The Centre County Public Defender's Office, located at 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823, Phone: (814) 355-6798, may provide assistance to qualifying individuals.