Arrest records are public documents in Springfield, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records are accessible to the public to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains that arrest records fall under the category of public records unless specifically exempted by statute, court order, or other legal provision.
The Springfield Township Police Department, operating under the jurisdiction of Delaware County, maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public may access these documents through established protocols, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with 65 P.S. § 67.708, which outlines exceptions to public record accessibility.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain sensitive information contained within these records may be subject to redaction prior to release. This includes information related to juvenile offenders, victims of certain crimes, and details that might compromise active investigations as stipulated in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in Springfield. These methods have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining necessary security protocols. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following official channels:
Online Portal Access: The Springfield Township Police Department maintains an electronic records system accessible through their official website. Users must register and may be required to pay nominal processing fees in accordance with 65 P.S. § 67.1307.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Springfield Township Police Department located at 50 Powell Road, Springfield, PA 19064. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (610) 544-1100.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, located at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063. The Court Clerk's Office operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Springfield Township Police Department. All requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details regarding the records being sought.
Criminal History Record Information (CHRI): For comprehensive background checks, the Pennsylvania State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information, accessible through their ePATCH system pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121.
All requests must comply with the provisions outlined in the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, and requestors may be required to complete standardized forms and provide identification to verify their identity.
Springfield arrest records, maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania Administrative Code Title 37, Chapter 51, typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement authorities. These records are standardized across Delaware County jurisdictions and generally include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, the arresting agency (typically Springfield Township Police Department), badge numbers of arresting officers, and the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete enumeration of all charges filed, including Pennsylvania Criminal Code citations (Title 18) and grade of offense (summary, misdemeanor, or felony).
Booking Documentation: Fingerprint records, booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), and unique identification numbers assigned to the case.
Procedural Information: Record of Miranda rights administration, preliminary arraignment details, bail determination, and initial court appearance scheduling.
Property Inventory: Itemized list of personal effects in the arrestee's possession at the time of booking, including any items seized as evidence.
Medical Screening: Basic health assessment information collected during the intake process, though this information may be subject to privacy protections under HIPAA regulations.
These records are maintained in both physical and digital formats by the Springfield Township Police Department in compliance with Pennsylvania record retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Springfield Township. This process is governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 and allows for the removal of arrest information from public access under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Springfield, Pennsylvania typically include:
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. This petition must include certified copies of arrest records, docket transcripts, and disposition information. The court filing fee is approximately $250, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial need.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office of Delaware County must be notified and has the right to contest the expungement request. If granted, the court will issue an Order for Expungement directing all relevant agencies, including the Springfield Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository, to remove the specified records from public access.
It should be noted that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes, though they will no longer be available to the general public or appear in standard background checks.
Springfield Township Police Department
50 Powell Road, Springfield, PA 19064
(610) 544-1100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063
(610) 891-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Springfield Township Municipal Building
50 Powell Road, Springfield, PA 19064
(610) 544-1300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Delaware County Government Center
201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063
(610) 891-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM