Centre County Public Records / Centre County Arrest Records

Centre County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Centre County

Arrest records in Centre County are generally considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101), which governs access to public records throughout the Commonwealth. This statute establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or privilege.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Pennsylvania law. Arrest records document the initial apprehension and charging of an individual, while conviction records indicate that a person has been found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under current Pennsylvania law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions apply.

The Pennsylvania State Police maintain the Central Repository for criminal history record information as authorized by the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101). This act establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records.

However, certain arrest records may be subject to limited access or sealing under specific circumstances, particularly if the arrest did not lead to a conviction or if the case was subject to an expungement order. Additionally, juvenile records are generally not public unless the juvenile was charged as an adult for certain serious offenses.

Centre County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts
Centre County Courthouse
102 S. Allegheny Street, Room 102
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6794
Centre County Courts

What's in Centre County Arrest Records

Centre County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following components:

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, etc.)
Home address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Reason for arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute/code violations
Charge classification (misdemeanor, felony)
Charge severity/grade
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number/case number
Processing location

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Assigned court
Docket number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation/parole status at time of arrest
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
Property seized during arrest
Victim information (often redacted in public records)
Witness information (often redacted in public records)

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the Centre County Records Management policies currently in effect.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Centre County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Centre County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:

Visit the Centre County Correctional Facility in person:
- Complete a records request form at the facility
- Provide proper identification
- Specify the records being requested
- Pay applicable fees for copies
Submit a written request to the Centre County Sheriff's Office:
- Include the full name of the person whose records are being sought
- Provide date of birth or approximate age if known
- Specify the time period for the records search
- Include requestor's contact information
- Submit payment for processing fees
File a formal Right-to-Know request:
- Submit the standard RTK request form to the appropriate agency
- Be specific about the records being requested
- Allow up to 5 business days for an initial response (may be extended)
- Appeals of denied requests may be filed with the Office of Open Records
Contact the arresting police department directly:
- Local police departments maintain their own arrest records
- Each department may have different procedures for records requests
- Fees and processing times vary by department

Centre County Sheriff's Office
Centre County Courthouse
102 S. Allegheny Street
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6803
Centre County Sheriff

Centre County Correctional Facility
700 Rishel Hill Road
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6794
Centre County Correctional Facility

Requestors should note that pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication and certification of records. Additionally, certain information may be redacted from arrest records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations.

How To Find Centre County Arrest Records Online

Centre County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. The following online methods are currently available to the public:

Centre County Inmate Listing:
- Visit the Centre County Inmate Listing portal
- Access is available 24 hours a day
- Search by name to find current inmates
- Information includes charges and booking dates
- No account creation is required
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- Navigate to the UJS Portal Case Search
- Select "Centre County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Access docket sheets, court schedules, and case outcomes
- Free registration may be required for certain searches
Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Reports:
- Access the Public Information Release Reports system
- Select Centre County from the location options
- Review recent arrest information and police activity
- Reports are typically updated regularly
VINELink Victim Notification Service:
- Visit the VINELink website
- Select Pennsylvania and Centre County
- Search for offender information
- Provides custody status and criminal case information
- Free service available to the public
Third-Party Background Check Services:
- Commercial services aggregate public records
- May include arrest information from Centre County
- Typically require payment for comprehensive reports
- Information may not be as current as official sources

Users should be aware that online records may not contain complete arrest information, and certain details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation protections. For the most comprehensive and accurate information, direct contact with the appropriate Centre County agency is recommended.

How To Search Centre County Arrest Records for Free?

Centre County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without incurring fees through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:

Centre County Courthouse Public Access Terminals:
- Located in the Centre County Courthouse
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- No fee for on-site searches
- Staff assistance may be available for navigational help
- Printing fees may apply for copies
Online Inmate Search:
- The Centre County Inmate Listing provides free access to current inmate information
- Search by name to find individuals currently in custody
- Information includes charges and booking dates
- Updated regularly with current detention information
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- The UJS Portal offers free basic searches
- Access to docket sheets and case information
- Search by name or case number
- Registration is free but required for certain searches
Public Library Resources:
- Centre County Library & Historical Museum provides free computer access
- Staff can assist with navigating public records websites
- Access to legal research databases may be available
Pennsylvania State Police Public Information:
- Public Information Release Reports are freely accessible
- Includes recent arrest information for Centre County
- No registration or payment required

Centre County Library & Historical Museum
200 N. Allegheny Street
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-1516
Centre County Library

While basic searches are free, requestors should note that pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.1307, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication, certification, and extensive research services. Additionally, while electronic access is generally free, printed copies typically incur a per-page fee.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Centre County

Under Pennsylvania law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records in Centre County under specific circumstances. The distinction between these two remedies is significant:

Expungement completely removes the record from public view and most government databases, while sealing (also known as "limited access") restricts public access but maintains the record for law enforcement purposes.

Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement may be available in the following cases:

Arrests that did not lead to convictions
Summary offense convictions after five years with no subsequent arrests
Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 10 years with no subsequent arrests
Individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for 10 years
Deceased individuals (upon request by authorized representative)

For record sealing, Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018) provides for:

Automatic sealing of eligible non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
Automatic sealing of non-conviction records
Petition-based sealing for certain first-degree misdemeanors after 10 years

The process for expungement or sealing in Centre County involves:

Determine eligibility based on the nature of the offense and time elapsed
Obtain criminal history record from Pennsylvania State Police
File a petition with the Centre County Court of Common Pleas
Pay filing fees (fee waivers may be available for those who qualify)
Attend hearing if scheduled by the court
If granted, ensure proper service of the order to all relevant agencies

Centre County Court of Common Pleas
Centre County Courthouse
102 S. Allegheny Street
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6727
Centre County Courts

Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records are advised that the process can be complex and may benefit from legal assistance. The Pennsylvania Bar Association offers referral services for those seeking legal representation in expungement matters.

What Happens After Arrest in Centre County?

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

Arrest and Booking:
- The individual is taken into custody by law enforcement
- Transportation to the Centre County Correctional Facility or local police station
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Initial charges are formally documented
Preliminary Arraignment:
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (typically much sooner)
- Conducted before a Magisterial District Judge
- Formal reading of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail determination based on factors including:
  - Severity of alleged offense
  - Prior criminal history
  - Community ties
  - Flight risk assessment
Preliminary Hearing:
- Scheduled within 3-10 days of preliminary arraignment
- Prosecution must establish prima facie evidence of a crime
- Defense may challenge evidence but cannot present a full defense
- Cases may be dismissed, charges modified, or bound over for trial
Formal Arraignment:
- Occurs in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas
- Formal reading of charges that have been bound over
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Pre-trial conference dates are established
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing of pre-trial motions (suppression, dismissal, etc.)
- Plea negotiations may occur
- Diversionary programs may be considered for eligible defendants
Trial:
- May be jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
- Prosecution presents case and bears burden of proof
- Defense presents its case
- Verdict determination (guilty, not guilty, hung jury)
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be ordered
- Sentencing guidelines considered
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence which may include:
  - Incarceration
  - Probation
  - Fines and costs
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation/parole supervision if applicable
- Reentry services for those released from incarceration

Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record and is maintained by the Centre County Clerk of Courts, unless specifically sealed or expunged by court order.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Centre County?

Arrest records in Centre County are subject to retention requirements established by Pennsylvania's County Records Manual and the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9111). These regulations mandate specific timeframes for maintaining various types of criminal justice records.

Under current Pennsylvania law, arrest records are generally maintained indefinitely unless specifically expunged or sealed by court order. The retention periods for different components of arrest records include:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
Criminal Complaint Documents: Permanent retention
Fingerprint Records: Permanent retention in the state central repository
Photographs/Mugshots: Permanent retention
Preliminary Arraignment Records: Minimum 7 years after case closure
Preliminary Hearing Transcripts: Minimum 7 years after case closure
Non-Traffic Citations: Minimum 3 years after final disposition

Different agencies within Centre County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Centre County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records related to their operations indefinitely.
Centre County Correctional Facility retains inmate records for a minimum of 7 years after release, with certain information maintained permanently.
Centre County Clerk of Courts preserves court records related to criminal cases permanently, as these are considered records of historical significance.
Local Police Departments within Centre County follow municipal records retention schedules, generally maintaining arrest records for a minimum of 5 years, with serious offense records kept permanently.

The Pennsylvania State Archives provides the County Records Manual which establishes the official retention schedule for all county records, including arrest records. This comprehensive document details the specific retention periods mandated by state law.

Records retention serves several important purposes in the criminal justice system:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintains accountability and transparency in law enforcement
Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
Ensures documentation is available for background checks and security clearances

How to Find Mugshots in Centre County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Centre County, these photographs are captured as part of standard arrest processing and become part of the official arrest record. Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Centre County are primarily maintained by:

Centre County Correctional Facility
700 Rishel Hill Road
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6794
Centre County Correctional Facility
Arresting Police Agencies - Each law enforcement agency that makes arrests in Centre County maintains its own records, including mugshots.
Pennsylvania State Police - For arrests made by state troopers, mugshots are maintained in state databases.

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots in Centre County have several options:

Submit a Right-to-Know request to the appropriate law enforcement agency or the Centre County Correctional Facility. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
Check the Centre County Inmate Listing - Current inmate information may include booking photos for individuals currently in custody.
Review court records - While court files typically do not contain mugshots, they can provide case numbers and arresting agency information to help locate the appropriate mugshot repository.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Unlike some jurisdictions, Centre County does not maintain a public online database specifically for mugshots. However, limited information may be available through:

The Centre County Inmate Listing portal, which provides basic information about current inmates
The Pennsylvania Public Information Release Reports system, which may include limited information about recent arrests

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain mugshots, requestors must:

Submit a formal written request to the agency holding the records
Pay any applicable fees (typically $15-25 per mugshot)
Provide proper identification
State the purpose for the request (may be required under Pennsylvania law)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

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

Juvenile mugshots are generally not public records unless the juvenile was charged as an adult
Mugshots related to expunged or sealed cases are not accessible to the public
Agencies may redact or withhold mugshots related to ongoing investigations
Commercial use of mugshots may be restricted under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121

Requestors should note that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their release is subject to agency discretion and applicable exemptions under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.