Arrest records are public documents in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations, facilitate public oversight of law enforcement activities, and uphold the principle of open government.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Eddystone should be aware that while these documents are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as prescribed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121. The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas maintains jurisdiction over criminal proceedings in Eddystone and serves as a repository for associated documentation.
Public access to arrest records supports community awareness regarding law enforcement activities within municipal boundaries and provides essential information for background checks, legal proceedings, and statistical analysis of crime patterns within the borough.
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth's commitment to governmental transparency is reflected in these established procedures for record retrieval:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Eddystone Police Department, where designated personnel process public records requests during regular business hours. Requestors must complete a standardized form specifying the information sought.
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas maintains comprehensive criminal case files, including arrest documentation. Court records may be accessed through the public terminal system located at the courthouse.
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal (UJS Portal) provides electronic access to court docket information, including cases originating from arrests in Eddystone. This resource is maintained pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. No. 509.
The Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository offers criminal history record information for a prescribed fee, as authorized under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121. Requests require submission of identifying information and appropriate documentation.
Third-party aggregators of public records may compile and disseminate arrest information, though the accuracy and currency of such sources cannot be guaranteed by governmental entities.
Requestors should anticipate processing times of 5-10 business days for standard requests, as stipulated by the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Expedited processing may be available under certain circumstances as determined by the records custodian.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Eddystone, Pennsylvania typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 502. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and generally include:
Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
Unique identifiers assigned by law enforcement, including Pennsylvania State Identification Number (SID) and local booking numbers
Date, time, and geographic location where the apprehension occurred within Eddystone borough limits
Statutory citations and descriptive information regarding alleged criminal violations, classified according to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Title 18)
Identity of the arresting officer and their affiliated agency, typically the Eddystone Police Department or Pennsylvania State Police
Preliminary arraignment information, including bail determination and conditions of release if applicable
Case disposition information, updated as the matter progresses through the judicial system
Photographic documentation (mugshot) and biometric data including fingerprint classification
Property inventory detailing items seized during the arrest procedure
Miranda warning acknowledgment and other procedural documentation
The comprehensiveness of arrest records varies according to the nature of the alleged offense, with more detailed documentation typically associated with felony charges than with summary offenses. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and details pertaining to confidential informants.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides statutory mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Eddystone and other municipalities. This legal process is governed primarily by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 and Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure 490 and 790.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Eddystone arrest cases include:
Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict) are eligible for immediate expungement upon final disposition
Arrests without convictions, including nolle prosequi, withdrawn charges, or successful completion of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) programs may qualify for expungement
Summary offense convictions may be expunged after five years without subsequent arrest, provided all fines and costs have been satisfied
Certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for limited access (partial sealing) under the Clean Slate Act if the individual has remained free from arrest for 10 years and has satisfied all court-ordered financial obligations
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
Upon judicial approval, an Order for Expungement directs all relevant agencies to remove specified records from public access. The Pennsylvania State Police, Eddystone Police Department, and Delaware County Court system must comply with such orders within 30 days of receipt.
Expunged records are not physically destroyed but are segregated from public access and may be viewed only by criminal justice agencies under limited circumstances as prescribed by statute. The practical effect of expungement is the restoration of the individual's record to its pre-arrest status for purposes of employment, housing, and other civil matters.
Eddystone Police Department
1300 East 12th Street
Eddystone, PA 19022
(610) 876-1000
Eddystone Police Department
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
201 West Front Street
Media, PA 19063
(610) 891-4000
Delaware County Court Records
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5494
Pennsylvania Criminal Record Checks