Dauphin Public Records / Dauphin County Arrest Records

Dauphin County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Dauphin County

Arrest records in Dauphin County are considered public information pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This statute establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or privilege. Under this framework, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Dauphin County are generally accessible to members of the public.

The accessibility of arrest records is further governed by the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.), which regulates the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information. This act distinguishes between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and may include details about the alleged offense, but do not indicate guilt.
Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings.

It is important for requestors to understand that an arrest record merely indicates that an individual was arrested and charged with an offense, not that they were convicted. The presumption of innocence applies until proven guilty in a court of law.

Law enforcement agencies in Dauphin County, including the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. While these records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected interests.

What's in Dauphin County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Dauphin County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistency across jurisdictions and to facilitate information sharing among criminal justice agencies. Standard arrest records in Dauphin County contain 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)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
Residential address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Offense classification (felony, misdemeanor, summary offense)
Offense description
Offense date, time, and location

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking facility
Booking number
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount
Bail conditions
Bail status (posted, denied, ROR - released on own recognizance)
Bail hearing date

Court Information:

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

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if detained)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation/parole status at time of arrest
Immigration status
Emergency contact information
Medical information relevant to custody

The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Dauphin County Prison may contain additional information related to incarceration following arrest.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dauphin County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Dauphin County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, depending on the specific information needed and the stage of the criminal justice process. Individuals may pursue the following options to look up arrest records:

Submit a Right-to-Know Request to the appropriate agency:
- Complete the standard Right-to-Know request form available on the Dauphin County website
- Specify the information being requested with as much detail as possible
- Submit the request to the Open Records Officer of the relevant agency
- Allow up to 5 business days for a response (extensions may apply in certain circumstances)
Visit the Dauphin County Courthouse in person:

Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6500
Dauphin County Courts
- Visit the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Provide identifying information about the individual whose records you seek
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
Contact the arresting law enforcement agency:
- Determine which police department or law enforcement agency made the arrest
- Contact their records division directly
- Submit a formal records request according to that agency's procedures
Check with the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office:

Dauphin County Sheriff's Office
Dauphin County Courthouse - 1st Floor, Room 104
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6590
Dauphin County Sheriff
- Request information about active warrants and arrests
- Inquire about specific individuals in custody
Access public docket information:
- Utilize the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal
- Search by name, case number, or other identifying information
- Review docket sheets that contain arrest and case information

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Fees may apply for record searches and copies, with payment methods varying by agency.

How To Find Dauphin County Arrest Records Online

Dauphin County provides several digital resources that allow members of the public to access arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and can provide immediate access to certain public records. The following online resources are available for searching arrest records in Dauphin County:

Dauphin County WebCAD System:
- Access the Dauphin County WebCAD portal
- View recent police activity and incident reports
- Search by date, municipality, or incident type
- Note that this system provides real-time emergency response information rather than comprehensive arrest records
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- Visit the PA UJS Web Portal
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose the appropriate court (Magisterial District Courts, Common Pleas Courts)
- Search by participant name, case number, or other criteria
- Access docket information that includes arrest details, charges, and case status
Pennsylvania Inmate Locator:
- Navigate to the PA Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number
- View current custody status and location for individuals in state custody
- Access basic information about the charges and sentence
Dauphin County Prison Inmate Lookup:
- Access the inmate lookup feature through the Dauphin County Prison website
- Search by name to determine if an individual is currently in county custody
- View basic booking information and custody status
Pennsylvania State Police Public Information:
- Visit the PSP Public Information Release Reports page
- Access press releases and public information about significant arrests
- Review incident reports that may contain arrest information

When using these online resources, users should be aware of certain limitations:

Not all arrest records are available online
Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
Historical records may require formal requests through other channels
Some detailed information may only be available through in-person requests

Users should also note that pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, criminal history record information obtained from these systems may have restrictions on use, particularly for employment, licensing, or credit purposes.

How To Search Dauphin County Arrest Records for Free?

Dauphin County residents and other interested parties can access certain arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic information about arrests and criminal proceedings, though they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through formal record requests. The following methods allow for free searches of Dauphin County arrest records:

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- The UJS Portal provides free access to public court dockets
- No registration or payment is required for basic searches
- Search parameters include name, case number, and filing date
- Results include arrest information, charges, and case progression
- Available 24/7 for public access
Dauphin County WebCAD System:
- The Dauphin County WebCAD offers free access to recent police activity
- Provides real-time information about law enforcement responses
- Includes location, time, and nature of incidents
- May indicate when arrests have occurred during incidents
- No user account or payment required
Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse:
- Computer terminals at the Dauphin County Courthouse provide free access to court records
- Located in the Clerk of Courts office and Law Library
- Available during regular business hours
- Staff assistance may be available for search guidance
- While access is free, printing fees may apply
Dauphin County Sheriff's Office Website:
- The Sheriff's Office website provides information about wanted persons
- Lists individuals with active warrants
- May include arrest information for recently apprehended individuals
- Updated regularly with current information
Public Docket Information Access:
- Public docket information is available through the county's website
- Provides case status and proceeding information
- Includes information about arrests that have led to court cases
- Complies with the Criminal History Record Information Act requirements

When utilizing these free resources, users should be aware of certain limitations:

Information may not be comprehensive or complete
Recent arrests may not appear immediately
Some details may be redacted or limited
Historical records may not be available through these platforms
Complex searches may require assistance or formal requests

Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9125, employers must be cautious about using arrest record information obtained from these sources for employment decisions, as the Criminal History Record Information Act places restrictions on such use.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Dauphin County

Under Pennsylvania law, individuals with arrest records in Dauphin County may have options to limit public access to this information through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies serve different purposes and have distinct eligibility requirements:

Expungement (Legal Erasure): Expungement results in the physical destruction of arrest records and removal from public databases. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Arrests that did not lead to convictions
Summary offense convictions after five years of arrest-free behavior
Individuals who have reached 70 years of age and have been arrest-free for ten years
Deceased individuals (upon request by authorized representative)
Cases involving successful completion of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)
Certain juvenile records

Record Sealing (Limited Access): Record sealing, formalized through Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law, restricts public access to records while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1, sealing may be available for:

Misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
Certain second and third-degree misdemeanors
Ungraded misdemeanors with penalties of two years or less
Summary offenses
Cases resolved without conviction

To pursue expungement or sealing in Dauphin County, individuals must follow these steps:

Determine eligibility:
- Review the statutory requirements for expungement or sealing
- Obtain a copy of your criminal history record from the Pennsylvania State Police
- Consult with an attorney to assess eligibility
Prepare and file a petition:
- Complete the appropriate petition form for expungement or sealing
- Include certified copies of relevant court documents
- File the petition with the Clerk of Courts in Dauphin County
- Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals)
Attend the hearing (if required):
- The court may schedule a hearing on the petition
- Be prepared to explain why expungement or sealing is warranted
- Address any objections raised by the District Attorney's Office
Distribute the order (if granted):
- If the petition is granted, ensure the order is distributed to all relevant agencies
- Follow up to confirm records have been expunged or sealed as ordered

The Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas handles expungement and sealing petitions:

Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6500
Dauphin County Courts

Individuals should be aware that certain records, particularly those related to violent offenses, sexual crimes, or offenses involving minors, may have limited eligibility for expungement or sealing. Additionally, even expunged or sealed records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as permitted by law.

What Happens After Arrest in Dauphin County?

Following an arrest in Dauphin County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law and local court rules. This process includes several key stages that determine how a case progresses through the system:

Booking and Processing:
- The arrestee is transported to a local police station or the Dauphin County Booking Center
- Personal information is recorded, including fingerprints and photographs
- Property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening may be conducted
- The arrestee may be held in temporary detention pending preliminary arraignment
Preliminary Arraignment:
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (typically much sooner)
- Conducted before a Magisterial District Judge
- Formal charges are presented to the defendant
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination is made
- Preliminary hearing date is scheduled
- Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
Bail Determination:
- The judge considers factors including:
  - Nature and severity of the charges
  - Defendant's criminal history
  - Community ties and flight risk
  - Public safety concerns
- Options include:
  - Release on own recognizance (ROR)
  - Monetary bail (secured or unsecured)
  - Nonmonetary conditions (e.g., electronic monitoring)
  - Detention without bail for certain serious offenses
Preliminary Hearing:
- Typically held within 3-10 days of preliminary arraignment
- Prosecution must establish prima facie evidence that:
  - A crime was committed
  - The defendant likely committed the crime
- Defense may challenge evidence but cannot present a full defense
- Cases may be dismissed, withdrawn, or bound over for trial
- Some defendants may waive the preliminary hearing
Formal Arraignment:
- Occurs in the Court of Common Pleas
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Discovery process begins
- Pretrial conference date is set
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges)
- Plea negotiations
- Case may be diverted to specialty courts (Drug Court, Veterans Court, etc.)
Trial or Plea:
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- Trials may be jury trials or bench trials (judge only)
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
- Verdict determination (guilty or not guilty)
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing guidelines are considered
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence, which may include:
  - Incarceration in Dauphin County Prison or state facility
  - Probation supervision
  - Fines and costs
  - Treatment programs
  - Community service
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Parole consideration (for eligible sentences)

Throughout this process, individuals are held at the Dauphin County Prison unless released on bail. The prison maintains an inmate locator system that allows family members and others to verify custody status and location.

The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases, while the Public Defender's Office represents eligible defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Both offices are located in the Dauphin County Courthouse.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dauphin County?

Arrest records in Dauphin County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania law and administrative policies. The duration for which these records are preserved varies based on several factors, including the nature of the offense, case disposition, and the maintaining agency. The following guidelines govern record retention in Dauphin County:

Law Enforcement Records: Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9111, law enforcement agencies must maintain criminal history record information, including arrest data, with appropriate security measures. The Pennsylvania State Police and local police departments in Dauphin County typically retain arrest records indefinitely unless:

A court orders expungement
The record qualifies for automatic sealing under Clean Slate legislation
The record pertains to a summary offense eligible for administrative purging

Court Records: The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts establishes retention schedules for court records through the Record Retention & Disposition Schedule. For Dauphin County courts, these schedules generally require:

Magisterial District Court records: Minimum of 7 years after final disposition
Court of Common Pleas criminal case files: Minimum of 75 years after final disposition
Index and docket records: Permanent retention
Records of acquittals and dismissals: May be eligible for earlier expungement

Correctional Facility Records: The Dauphin County Prison maintains booking and incarceration records according to the following guidelines:

Active inmate records: Maintained throughout incarceration
Released inmate records: Minimum of 10 years after release
Medical records: Minimum of 7 years after release
Disciplinary records: Minimum of 5 years after creation

Central Repository Records: The Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository maintains criminal history record information, including Dauphin County arrests, indefinitely unless expunged or sealed by court order. This repository serves as the official state record of criminal history information.

Digital Records: Electronic records systems, including the Dauphin County WebCAD and other digital databases, may have different retention periods than physical records. Generally, these systems maintain information according to the same statutory requirements that govern physical records.

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

Supports law enforcement investigations of subsequent offenses
Provides necessary information for bail and sentencing decisions
Maintains historical documentation for statistical and research purposes
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system
Preserves evidence that may be relevant to future proceedings

Individuals seeking to limit the retention of their arrest records may petition for expungement or sealing as provided by Pennsylvania law, as detailed in the previous section on deleting arrest records.

How to Find Mugshots in Dauphin County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. In Dauphin County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include:

Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
Side profile (lateral) view in some cases
Identification information (name, date, booking number)
Height measurement markers in the background

These photographs become part of the official arrest record and are used by law enforcement for identification purposes throughout the criminal justice process.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Dauphin County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

The arresting law enforcement agency
The Dauphin County Prison for individuals who are incarcerated
The Dauphin County Sheriff's Office for individuals with active warrants
The Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository as part of complete criminal history records

These agencies maintain mugshots in both physical and digital formats, with increasing emphasis on digital storage systems that facilitate information sharing among criminal justice agencies.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Dauphin County must follow established procedures that balance public access rights with privacy considerations. The primary methods for obtaining booking photographs include:

Submit a Right-to-Know request to the appropriate agency:
- Identify the agency likely to possess the mugshot
- Complete the standard Right-to-Know request form
- Provide specific identifying information about the individual
- Submit the request to the agency's Open Records Officer
- Pay any applicable fees for reproduction
Check the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office website:
- The Sheriff's Office may publish mugshots of individuals with active warrants
- These photographs are posted as part of public safety notifications
- The website is updated regularly as warrants are issued and served
Review court case files:
- Mugshots may be included in court records for certain cases
- Visit the Clerk of Courts office at the Dauphin County Courthouse
- Request to view the case file for the specific individual
- Note that not all case files will contain booking photographs

Can They Be Found Online

The availability of mugshots online through official Dauphin County sources is limited. Currently:

The Dauphin County government website does not maintain a searchable database of all booking photographs
The Dauphin County WebCAD system provides incident information but does not include mugshots
The Sheriff's Office website may display mugshots only for individuals with active warrants
The Pennsylvania Inmate Locator provides custody information but does not display photographs

Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sources are not officially affiliated with Dauphin County government and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain a mugshot from Dauphin County authorities:

Identify the specific agency likely to possess the photograph
Submit a written request specifying:
- The individual's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Any case or booking numbers (if available)
Provide justification for the request if required
Pay any applicable fees for search and reproduction

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Dauphin County is subject to certain restrictions under Pennsylvania law:

Pursuant to the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.), agencies may withhold mugshots if release would:
- Interfere with an active investigation
- Deprive an individual of a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Endanger an individual's safety
Mugshots that are part of expunged or sealed records are not accessible to the public
Juvenile mugshots are generally not available to the public except in limited circumstances

Law enforcement agencies retain discretion in determining whether to release mugshots in response to public requests, balancing transparency with privacy and public safety considerations.

Lookup Arrest Records in Dauphin County

Accessing Public Docket Information

Dauphin County Prison Inmate Information

Pennsylvania Inmate Locator System

Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Reports

Dauphin County Sheriff's Office

Dauphin County WebCAD Emergency Response System

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