Shippensburg Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania?
Arrest records in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania are considered public documents under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including those maintained by local law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may request and review these records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or general information gathering.
The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law specifically designates criminal records, including arrest information, as public records subject to disclosure. However, certain exceptions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would compromise public safety. The Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas maintains jurisdiction over records related to arrests made within Shippensburg's municipal boundaries.
Law enforcement agencies in Shippensburg are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request. The Shippensburg Police Department serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits, while the Pennsylvania State Police may maintain records for arrests made on state highways or in areas outside municipal police jurisdiction.
How to Look Up Shippensburg Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Shippensburg Police Department during regular business hours. Requestors must complete a standard Right to Know request form and may be required to present identification. The department typically processes these requests within five business days as required by Pennsylvania law.
Shippensburg Police Department
60 West Burd Street
Shippensburg, PA 17257
(717) 532-7361
Shippensburg Police Department Official Website
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the Shippensburg Police Department's Records Division. These requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records being sought, and any applicable processing fees. Pursuant to § 67.1307 of the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication and certification of records.
The Cumberland County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. These records can be accessed at:
Cumberland County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
Cumberland County Courts Official Website
Online access to certain arrest information is available through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal. This system provides docket information for criminal cases processed through the court system. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate records of interest.
Contents of a Shippensburg Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Shippensburg law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Criminal charges filed, including Pennsylvania Criminal Code citations and offense descriptions
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information, including processing location and identification numbers
- Custody status and bail determination
- Preliminary hearing date and assigned magisterial district court
- Fingerprint records collected during processing
- Photographic identification (mugshot) taken during booking
Arrest records may also reference related documents such as incident reports, witness statements, and property inventories. These supplemental materials may require separate requests and may be subject to additional disclosure restrictions under Pennsylvania law.
The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.) governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information, including arrest data. This statute establishes standards for accuracy, security, and appropriate use of such information by government agencies and private entities.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Shippensburg
Pennsylvania law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking to remove arrest information from public access must petition the court and demonstrate eligibility under applicable statutes.
Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement may be granted when:
- No disposition has been recorded within 18 months of arrest and no proceedings are pending
- A court order specifically directs expungement
- The individual is 70 years of age or older and has been free from arrest for ten years
- The individual has been dead for three years
- The arrest resulted in no conviction or disposition
Additionally, Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018) provides for automatic sealing of certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after ten years without subsequent offenses. While sealed records remain available to law enforcement agencies, they are removed from public access.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest, subsequent proceedings, and grounds for expungement. The court typically schedules a hearing where the District Attorney's Office may present objections.
Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
Cumberland County Courts Official Website
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel familiar with Pennsylvania criminal record procedures. The Cumberland County Bar Association maintains a referral service for those requiring legal assistance with expungement matters.
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