Arrest records are public in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation mandates that government agencies, including law enforcement entities, make certain records available for public inspection. The law establishes a presumption of openness for government records, with specific exemptions outlined in § 67.708. Arrest records generally do not fall under these exemptions, thus remaining accessible to members of the public. This transparency measure serves to promote accountability in governmental operations and provides citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities within Delaware County.
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas maintains these public records in accordance with state regulations. Interested parties may access these records through the Delaware County Criminal Records Division, located at:
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division
201 West Front Street
Media, PA 19063
610-891-4000
Criminal Dockets - Delaware County
Delaware County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The Delaware County Public Access System provides electronic access to criminal dockets and related information. Additionally, the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania maintains a comprehensive portal for court records, including those pertaining to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings.
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal offers the Case Search function where members of the public may search for criminal cases using name, docket number, or other identifiers. This system operates pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which governs the release of court records while balancing privacy concerns with the public's right to information.
For civil cases related to criminal matters, the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Civil Case Dockets provides a searchable database. Users should note that certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration 5.0.
Members of the public seeking Delaware County arrest records in 2025 have multiple official channels available:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may visit the Delaware County Sheriff's Office located at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063 (610-891-4296) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Requestors must complete a Record Request Form and provide valid identification.
Court Records Division: The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Criminal Division maintains arrest records and case files. Requests may be submitted in person at the courthouse located at 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063.
Online Database Access: The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal provides 24-hour access to criminal docket information. Users must register for an account and may be subject to nominal fees for certain detailed reports.
Written Requests: Pursuant to the Right to Know Law, written requests may be submitted to the Records Officer at the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests must specify the records sought with reasonable particularity as required by § 67.703.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with § 67.1307 of the Right to Know Law and may vary based on the format and volume of records requested. Standard processing time is five business days, with possible extension under circumstances outlined in § 67.902.
Delaware County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 513. These official documents typically include:
Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and information related to minor victims as specified in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121.
For individuals in state custody following conviction, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides current incarceration status and location information. This resource is maintained by:
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
1920 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717-728-2573
Department of Corrections
Under Pennsylvania law, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Delaware County. The authority for expungement is established in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, which delineates specific eligibility criteria. Expungement may be granted under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. Petitioners must submit Form SP 4-170, available through the court clerk's office, along with the required filing fee. The District Attorney's Office reviews all petitions and may contest the expungement request, necessitating a hearing before a judge.
If granted, an expungement order directs all criminal justice agencies to remove the specified records from public access. However, a limited administrative record remains accessible to law enforcement agencies under certain circumstances as permitted by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122(c).
The Clean Slate Act of 2018 (Act 56) provides for automatic sealing of certain non-violent misdemeanors after ten years without subsequent convictions. This process occurs without petition but applies only to specified offenses as enumerated in the statute.