Indiana County Public Records / Indiana County Arrest Records

Indiana County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Indiana County

Arrest records in Indiana County, Pennsylvania are considered public records under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, specifically pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.101. This statute establishes that government records, including those created by law enforcement agencies, are presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Pennsylvania law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, conviction records are more broadly accessible than arrest records that did not result in convictions.

The Pennsylvania State Police maintain the Criminal History Record Information Act Policy, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information, including arrest records. This policy implements the provisions of the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), which establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information.

It is important to note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted or restricted from public access, particularly if the information:

Relates to an ongoing investigation
Contains personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
Involves juvenile offenders
Has been sealed or expunged by court order

What's in Indiana County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Indiana County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Distinguishing features (tattoos, scars, or other identifying marks)
Address at time of arrest
Occupation (if provided)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, summary offense)
Description of alleged criminal activity
Victim information (with certain privacy protections)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Charges listed on warrant

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Fingerprints
Mugshot photographs
Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Type of bail (cash, secured, unsecured)
Whether bail was posted
Bail conditions imposed
Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

Preliminary arraignment details
Preliminary hearing date
Assigned court
Docket number
Judge or magistrate assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Classification within detention facility

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history references
Probation/parole status at time of arrest
Immigration status (if relevant)
Medical information relevant to custody
Behavioral notes during arrest or booking

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act, which governs the collection and maintenance of criminal justice information.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Indiana County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Indiana County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Visit the Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Office in person:

Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts
825 Philadelphia Street, 2nd Floor
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-3855
Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
(Closed on federal and state holidays)

Submit a written request using the official Right-to-Know request form. This form may be obtained:
- In person at the Clerk of Courts Office
- Downloaded from the Indiana County website
- Requested by mail
Provide required identification when requesting records:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Completed request form with specific case information
- Payment of applicable fees (currently $15.00 per record search)
Contact the Indiana County Sheriff's Office for arrest records not yet processed by the courts:

Indiana County Sheriff's Office
825 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-3930
Indiana County Sheriff's Office

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Submit requests for certified copies of criminal records through the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) by:
- Visiting the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal
- Creating an account
- Selecting "Indiana County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Following the prompts to request specific records

When requesting arrest records, it is advisable to provide as much identifying information as possible, including:

Full name of the individual
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest
Case or docket number (if known)

Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.901, agencies must respond to record requests within five business days, though extensions may apply in certain circumstances.

How To Find Indiana County Arrest Records Online

Indiana County arrest records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The following digital resources are available to the public:

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Navigate to the Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose "Criminal Court Case Information"
- Select "Indiana County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review results for arrest information contained in court dockets
Indiana County Criminal Records Search
- Access the Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts website
- Navigate to the "Online Services" section
- Select "Criminal Records Search"
- Create an account if required
- Enter search parameters
- Pay applicable fees for detailed record access
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Information
- Visit the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History portal
- Select "Submit a New Record Check"
- Complete the required fields
- Pay the processing fee ($22 for general public requests)
- Receive results electronically
Pennsylvania Inmate Locator System
- For individuals currently in custody, visit the Inmate/Department Supervised Individual Locator
- Enter the individual's name or inmate number
- Review custody status and location information
- Note that this system includes Indiana County Jail inmates
Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website
- For sex offender registry information, access the Pennsylvania Megan's Law Public Website
- Search by name, location, or non-compliant status
- Review registration information, which may include arrest details

When conducting online searches, users should note that:

Some records may require creation of an account
Fees typically apply for detailed record access
Not all arrest records are available online, particularly older cases
Information is updated according to varying schedules depending on the system
Some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions

Online access to arrest records is governed by the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act, which establishes parameters for digital access to criminal justice information.

How To Search Indiana County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Indiana County arrest records without payment through several authorized channels. The following methods are currently available for free arrest record searches:

In-Person Courthouse Terminal Access
- Visit the public access terminals at the Indiana County Courthouse
- Located at: 825 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
- Available during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- No fee is required for basic searches on public terminals
- Printing fees may apply ($0.25 per page)
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal - Basic Search
- Access the Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose "Criminal Court Case Information"
- Basic docket information is available without charge
- Detailed reports may require payment
Indiana County Jail Inmate Lookup
- Visit the Pennsylvania Inmate Locator website
- Enter the individual's name
- Review current custody status and facility information
- This service is provided free of charge
Public Sex Offender Registry
- Access the Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website
- Search by name, location, or non-compliant status
- Review registration information, which may include arrest details
- This service is provided at no cost to the public
Local Newspaper Archives
- Visit the Indiana County Public Library
- Located at: 845 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
- Access digital newspaper archives containing arrest reports
- Library card holders may access these resources free of charge

When utilizing free search methods, users should be aware of the following limitations:

Free searches typically provide basic information only
Detailed criminal history reports generally require payment
Older records may not be available through free online systems
Some free systems may have limited search functionality
Information may not be as current as paid services

Free access to basic arrest record information is provided in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, which establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy and security concerns.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Indiana County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Indiana County involves either expungement (complete legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by Pennsylvania state law and require specific procedures.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Legal Distinction

Expungement, as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, involves the complete removal and destruction of criminal records. When a record is expunged, it is eliminated from all public databases and physically destroyed. Law enforcement agencies may retain limited information for internal use only.

Record sealing, established under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law, restricts public access to criminal records while maintaining them within the justice system. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies but are hidden from public view.

Eligibility for Expungement in Indiana County

Expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Non-conviction records (cases resulting in dismissal, withdrawal, or acquittal)
Summary offense convictions after five years without subsequent arrests
Certain misdemeanor convictions for individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for ten years
Juvenile records in specific circumstances
Cases resolved through ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) or other diversion programs
Pardoned offenses

Eligibility for Record Sealing in Indiana County

Record sealing may be available for:

Certain second and third-degree misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
Some first-degree misdemeanors after 10 clean years
Automatic sealing of eligible non-violent misdemeanors after 10 years without conviction
Cases resulting in non-conviction dispositions

Steps to Expunge or Seal Arrest Records

Determine eligibility by reviewing case disposition and applicable statutes
Obtain certified copies of all relevant court records from:

Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts
825 Philadelphia Street, 2nd Floor
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-3855
Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts

File a petition for expungement or limited access with the Court of Common Pleas
Pay filing fees (currently $137.00, with fee waiver options available for eligible individuals)
Attend scheduled hearing if required by the court
Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney's Office and Pennsylvania State Police
Obtain court order if petition is granted
Distribute court order to all agencies maintaining records

The Clean Slate automated sealing process, implemented under Act 56 of 2018, provides for automatic sealing of eligible records without petition. This process occurs monthly for qualifying cases.

Legal assistance for expungement or sealing may be obtained through:

Laurel Legal Services
655 Church Street, Suite 1
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-7663
Laurel Legal Services

What Happens After Arrest in Indiana County?

Following an arrest in Indiana County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

1. Arrest and Booking

Law enforcement officers take the individual into custody
Transportation to the Indiana County Jail or local police station
Booking procedures include:
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Initial criminal history check

2. Preliminary Arraignment

Occurs within 72 hours of arrest, typically sooner
Conducted by a Magisterial District Judge
Defendant is informed of:
- Charges filed
- Constitutional rights
- Right to counsel
Bail determination is made
Preliminary hearing date is scheduled

3. Bail Consideration

Factors considered include:
- Severity of alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
Types of bail may include:
- ROR (Released on Own Recognizance)
- Unsecured bail (promise to pay if terms violated)
- Secured bail (requires payment or collateral)
- Cash bail (full amount must be paid)
Conditions of release may be imposed

4. Preliminary Hearing

Held before a Magisterial District Judge
Prosecution must establish prima facie case
Defense may challenge evidence presented
Judge determines if case proceeds to Court of Common Pleas
May be waived by defendant

5. Formal Arraignment

Occurs at Court of Common Pleas
Official reading of charges
Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Pre-trial conference date is set

6. Pre-Trial Proceedings

Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
Filing of pre-trial motions
Plea negotiations may occur
Diversion program consideration for eligible cases

7. Trial

Jury trial or bench trial (before judge only)
Prosecution presents case
Defense presents case
Verdict determination (guilty or not guilty)

8. Sentencing (if convicted)

Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
Sentencing hearing scheduled
Judge imposes sentence based on:
- Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
- Victim impact statements
- Defendant's criminal history

9. Post-Conviction

Incarceration in county jail or state prison
Probation supervision
Payment of fines, costs, and restitution
Participation in mandated treatment programs
Appeal rights explained

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under both Pennsylvania and federal law, including the right to counsel. Those unable to afford an attorney may request representation from:

Indiana County Public Defender's Office
825 Philadelphia Street, 3rd Floor
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-3944
Indiana County Public Defender

The criminal justice process timeline varies based on case complexity, court schedules, and whether the defendant is in custody or released on bail.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Indiana County?

Arrest records in Indiana County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania state law, specifically 18 Pa.C.S. § 9111 of the Criminal History Record Information Act. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the maintaining agency.

Law Enforcement Agency Records

The Indiana County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records according to the following schedule:

Active criminal investigation records: Retained indefinitely while active
Arrest reports resulting in charges: Minimum 75 years from date of arrest
Arrest reports not resulting in charges: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest
Fingerprint cards and photographs: 75 years from date of collection
Incident reports: Minimum 20 years from date of report

Court Records Retention

The Indiana County Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts maintain records according to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Record Retention Schedule:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: 75 years from final disposition
Summary offense case files: 7 years from final disposition
Non-conviction records: Maintained until expungement ordered
Juvenile records: Special retention rules apply under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308

Central Repository Records

The Pennsylvania State Police maintain the central repository of criminal history information with the following retention periods:

Conviction records: Retained for the lifetime of the individual
Non-conviction records: Retained until individual reaches 70 years of age, provided 3 years have elapsed since last arrest
Expunged records: Removed according to court order

Digital Records Retention

Electronic arrest records maintained in databases such as the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) follow the same retention schedules as their physical counterparts, though technological systems may facilitate longer practical retention.

The retention of arrest records serves several important public policy functions:

Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintenance of accurate criminal history information for law enforcement
Documentation for background check purposes
Historical record-keeping for statistical and research purposes
Accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:

Indiana County Records Management Office
825 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-3805
Indiana County Records Management

How to Find Mugshots in Indiana County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and are created for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Indiana County, mugshots are considered part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Indiana County are primarily maintained by:

The Indiana County Jail, which processes and books individuals following arrest
Local police departments that conduct arrests within their jurisdictions
The Indiana County Sheriff's Office for arrests made by county deputies
The Pennsylvania State Police for arrests made by state troopers

These photographs become part of the official booking record and are stored in both physical and digital formats according to agency protocols.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Indiana County have several potential avenues for access:

Submit a Right-to-Know request to the arresting agency:
- Requests must be in writing using the agency's official form
- Include specific identifying information about the arrest
- Provide requestor contact information
- Allow up to 5 business days for initial response
Contact the Indiana County Jail for booking photographs:

Indiana County Jail
665 Hood School Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-471-7500
Indiana County Jail

Visit the Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts for mugshots that have become part of court records:

Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts
825 Philadelphia Street, 2nd Floor
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-3855
Indiana County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Indiana County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:

The Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website for registered sex offenders
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator for state inmates
Third-party websites that aggregate public records (not officially sanctioned)

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain a mugshot, requestors should:

Identify the agency that made the arrest
Submit a written Right-to-Know request to that agency
Provide specific information about the arrest (date, name, charges)
Pay any applicable fees (typically $15-25 per record)
Present identification if requesting in person

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Indiana County is subject to several important restrictions:

Juvenile mugshots are generally not public records under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308
Expunged or sealed arrest records, including mugshots, are not accessible to the public
Ongoing investigation exemptions may temporarily restrict access
Commercial use restrictions may apply under Pennsylvania law
Privacy considerations may result in redaction of certain information

Agencies may deny requests for mugshots if release would: