Arrest records are public documents in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and duplication unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the public's right to information.
Arrest records maintained by the Chambersburg Police Department and Franklin County law enforcement agencies typically contain information such as:
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with Pennsylvania law, particularly details that could compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informants, or infringe upon protected privacy interests as outlined in 65 P.S. § 67.708.
The Franklin County Clerk of Courts maintains official court records related to criminal proceedings that follow arrests. These records become part of the public judicial record unless sealed by court order or otherwise restricted by statute.
Franklin County residents and other interested parties may access Chambersburg arrest records through several authorized channels. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Chambersburg Police Department
100 South Second Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 264-4131
Borough of Chambersburg
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Franklin County Clerk of Courts
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 261-3805
Franklin County Clerk of Courts
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
When requesting arrest records, individuals must:
Electronic access to certain arrest record information is available through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal. This system provides docket information for criminal cases that have been filed with the courts. Users should note that this system does not include arrests that have not resulted in formal charges.
Pursuant to 234 Pa. Code Rule 113, electronic case record information is available to the public with certain restrictions regarding sensitive information.
Official arrest records maintained by Chambersburg law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Pennsylvania law and local protocols. These records serve as documentation of law enforcement actions and initiate the criminal justice process.
A comprehensive Chambersburg arrest record typically includes:
In accordance with 234 Pa. Code Rule 513, arrest records also document whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant or under circumstances permitting warrantless arrest.
The Franklin County Magisterial District Courts maintain records of preliminary proceedings following arrests, including arraignments and preliminary hearings. These courts serve as the entry point for criminal cases in the judicial system.
Franklin County Magisterial District Court 39-3-04
401 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 264-5813
Franklin County Magisterial District Judges
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Pennsylvania law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, individuals may petition for expungement when:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Court of Common Pleas in Franklin County. Upon approval, the court will issue an order directing all criminal justice agencies to:
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 261-3805
Franklin County Courts
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves legal complexities and may require the assistance of legal counsel. The Pennsylvania Bar Association maintains referral services for individuals seeking representation in expungement matters.
Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018), certain eligible non-violent misdemeanor convictions may be automatically sealed after 10 years if the individual has remained free from conviction. This automated process began implementation in June 2019 and continues to expand in scope.