The different law enforcement agencies in the State of Pennsylvania have their dedicated websites from which one can access different types of criminal records information.
The State of Pennsylvania has a website that is dedicated to criminal history background information. This is known as PATCH or Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History. This site can be used by registered and non-registered individuals who want to access criminal history information about them or other individuals. This is made available to and accessible by the general public in order to promote public safety. The criminal records that can be accessed from the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository includes convictions, charges that are less than 3 years from the date of arrest, and charges for which a warrant of arrest has been issued.
In order to run the search, the full name and date of birth of the individual in question is entered. Additional information such as social security number, sex, age, maiden name, and other personal identifiers can also be entered in order to increase the chances of providing a match to the person you are searching for. Upon submission of the search details, a control number will be given to the requestor of the files. The status of the request can be monitored using the control number. The results will be sent to the requestor's email address. Each request for a background check has a fee of $10, regardless of whether or not the results return a positive identification of criminal records. This fee is payable by credit card or by billing the account used to run the search. The billing of registered customers comes on a monthly basis. Along with the checks payable to PATCH, a remittance form or the company's PATCH account number written in the check must be sent in order to clear the balance in the account. For more details, the requestor can contact the PATCH Help Line through 1-888-QUERY-PA (1-888-783-7972)
Another option to access criminal history records is to mail a request to the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository. It is important to note that the records that are requested are only compared with the existing data in the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository. The first step in obtaining a background check includes the completion of a Criminal History Request Form - SP4-164, which can be downloaded from the Pennsylvania State Police website. This form, along with a check or money order for $10 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, should be mailed to this address: Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository - 164, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758. The results of the criminal history background check will be mailed back to the mailing return address specified by the requestor.
In order to retrieve Pennsylvania background checks and criminal records, follow the step-by-step instructions below:
Step 1.
Visit the Pennsylvania State Police to download the request form labeled "Download Criminal History Request Form."
Step 2.
Fill out the request form and mail it with a certified check or money order for $10.
Step 3.
Alternatively, you can access criminal records online by visiting the Pennsylvania State Police and utilizing PATCH.
Step 4.
If you are using PATCH, you will need to accept the terms and conditions, submit all of the required personal information, which includes first and last name, address, and phone number, and then provide your credit card information for a $10 charge per record.
If you need additional assistance, you can contact the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository:
Pennsylvania State Police
PA State Police Central Repository-164
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 425-5546
You can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections if you would like to find out more information about Pennsylvania arrest records. To make the search for Pennsylvania arrest records easier, the Department of Corrections also offers an online Inmate Locator feature.
Online records can be accessed by:
Step 1.
Visit the Department of Corrections site to use the Pennsylvania Inmate Locator.
Step 2.
Click on the link to access the locator. You will then be given several fields and options to use for your search. Input your search criteria and hit the Find Inmate button at the bottom.
Step 3.
Results will then be displayed. If you would like to see more information, click on the Inmate Number.
Questions regarding Pennsylvania arrest records search can be addressed by contacting the Department of Corrections at:
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
2520 Lisburn Road
P.O. Box 598
Camp Hill, PA 17001-0598
(717) 975-4859
Where to Locate and Peruse Pennsylvania Criminal Records
The Pennsylvania State Police controls the database of criminal records, and they accept mailed requests. They also operate an online database "Patch" that can delivers results via email and charges a credit card $10 per search. To mail a request, fill out a request form and return it with a $10 certified check or money order.
Who is Allowed to Retrieve Pennsylvania Criminal Records?
Any member of the public may obtain Pennsylvania criminal records, although limited results are returned to the public. An individual may request his entire criminal record, and law enforcement and authorized agencies may also review complete criminal records.
How to Fix a Criminal Record with Errors
If you feel your criminal record has a mistake, contact the Pennsylvania State Police, and they will provide guidance regarding how you may repair your criminal record's errors.
Public Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Birth Records
Death Records
Marriage Records
Divorce Records
Genealogy Records