Lansdowne Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania?
Arrest records are public documents in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation 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 governmental transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records through designated channels, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with § 67.708 of the statute.
The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.) further regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information, including arrest data. While maintaining the public nature of these records, the Act establishes protocols for their proper handling and distribution by law enforcement agencies and court systems throughout Delaware County, including Lansdowne Borough.
How to Look Up Lansdowne Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search and may be required to pay nominal processing fees as established by local ordinance.
The primary methods for accessing Lansdowne arrest records include:
In-person requests at the Lansdowne Police Department located at 12 E. Baltimore Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (610) 623-0700.
Submitting written requests to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas at the Office of Judicial Support, Delaware County Government Center, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063. Telephone: (610) 891-4370.
Utilizing the public access terminals available at the Delaware County Government Center during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
Requesting historical arrest records from the Delaware County Archives for cases dating prior to 1929. The Archives are located at 340 North Middletown Road, Building 19, Lima, PA 19037. Telephone: (610) 891-4210.
Submitting a Right-to-Know request form to the designated Open Records Officer for the Borough of Lansdowne at 12 E. Baltimore Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, agencies must respond to requests within five business days, though extensions may apply for complex requests under § 67.902 of the Right to Know Law.
Contents of a Lansdowne Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Lansdowne law enforcement agencies and the Delaware County District Attorney's Office typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 513. These official documents generally include:
- Complete legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or previous names
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged criminal offense(s)
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint impressions
- Demographic information including date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and last known address
- Case or docket number assigned by the arresting agency or court
- Preliminary arraignment details and bail determination
- Custody status following arrest
- Record of property seized during the arrest pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 517
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal proceedings. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with exemptions provided in § 67.708 of the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lansdowne
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122. Residents of Lansdowne may petition for expungement when:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The case was dismissed or withdrawn by the prosecution
- The individual has completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program or other pre-trial diversionary program
- The conviction was for a summary offense and the individual has remained free from arrest or prosecution for five years following the conviction
- The individual has reached 70 years of age and has been free from arrest or prosecution for ten years following final release from confinement or supervision
- The individual has been deceased for three years
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. Petitioners must submit Form SP 4-170, "Petition for Expungement Pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 790," along with supporting documentation and the required filing fee of $267.00 (subject to change). The petition must be served on the Delaware County District Attorney's Office located at Delaware County Courthouse, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063.
Upon receipt of a petition, the Court will schedule a hearing date, typically within 60-90 days. The District Attorney's Office has the right to object to the expungement request. If the Court grants the expungement, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to remove the arrest record from public access. The process typically takes 6-9 months from filing to completion.
Pursuant to the Clean Slate Act of 2018 (Act 56), certain eligible non-violent misdemeanor convictions may be automatically sealed after 10 years if the individual has remained free from conviction. This automated process does not require filing a petition but does not fully expunge the record from all government databases.
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