Arrests.org PA – Pennsylvania Arrest, Inmate & Mugshot Records

Arrests.org PA functions as a search tool for viewing public arrest data in Pennsylvania. This website collects names, mugshots, and charge details from local law enforcement sources. People use it to check if someone was detained recently. It provides a fast way to look up a name without visiting a police station. The data on this site comes from public logs. It organizes these logs so you can search by name or county.

You can verify these details through official government channels. The Pennsylvania State Police and the Unified Judicial System maintain the legal records. Third-party sites like Arrests.org PA show booking data, which captures a specific moment when police detain a person. This does not always mean the person was convicted of a crime. Official state records show the final outcome of a case. Using both sources gives you the full picture.

Search Pennsylvania Arrest Records Online

Searching for records online saves time. You have two main paths: third-party aggregators and official government databases. Each serves a different purpose. Third-party sites are good for quick checks and viewing photos. Government sites are necessary for official background checks, court dates, and legal verification.

Most searches start with a name and a location. Pennsylvania has 67 counties. Knowing the specific county helps narrow down the results. Common names like “John Smith” will return hundreds of matches. Adding a middle initial or checking the age helps you identify the correct person.

Using Third-Party Search Sites

Sites like Arrests.org PA compile data from many sources into one list. This makes them easy to use. You do not need to know which specific police department made the arrest. You enter a name, and the site scans its stored files.

Steps to Search:

• Type the first and last name in the search box.
• Select “Pennsylvania” as the state.
• Browse the list of results.
• Look at the mugshot and age to confirm the identity.
• Click on the profile to read the charges.

These sites often show the “booking” status. This means the person is in the processing phase. They might be in a county jail or released on bail. The site might list the bail amount. Keep in mind that data on these sites can lag behind real-time events. A person might be released, but the site still shows them in custody.

Official State Police Search (PATCH)

The Pennsylvania State Police manages the central repository for criminal history. They run a system called PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History). This is the source for verified criminal records. Employers and landlords often use this system.

How PATCH Works:

You can request a record check online. The system charges a fee, typically $22. You need the subject’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security number helps but is not always mandatory. The system checks the state database for convictions. It usually does not show arrests that did not lead to a conviction. This filters out cases where the person was found not guilty.

Public Access to Arrest Data

Pennsylvania laws make most arrest logs public. The “Right to Know” law allows citizens to see what police agencies do. This includes logs of who they arrest and why. This transparency helps the public stay safe and hold officials accountable.

What is Public?

• Police Blotters: Daily logs of police activity.
• Court Dockets: Schedules and summaries of court cases.
• Inmate Rosters: Lists of people currently in jail.
• Mugshots: Photos taken during booking are public records in PA.

What is Private?

• Juvenile Records: Crimes committed by minors are usually sealed.
• Victim Information: Names of victims in sensitive cases are protected.
• Ongoing Investigations: Police can withhold details if releasing them would hurt an active case.
• Expunged Records: Files ordered destroyed by a judge are no longer public.

Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records

People often confuse these two terms. They mean different things legally. An arrest record documents a detention. A criminal record documents a conviction.

Arrest Record Details

An arrest record is created when police take a person into custody. It proves that law enforcement suspected the person of a crime. It contains:

• Personal Data: Name, address, birth date.
• Mugshot: The booking photo.
• Fingerprints: Taken at the station.
• Charges: The specific laws the police think were broken.
• Time and Place: When and where the arrest happened.

A person can have an arrest record but no criminal record. If the prosecutor drops the charges, the arrest record remains unless the person asks a judge to remove it.

Criminal Record Details

A criminal record forms after a court finds the person guilty. This happens through a trial verdict or a guilty plea. This record is permanent unless expunged. It contains:

• Conviction: The final crime the person was found guilty of.
• Sentence: Time in jail, probation, or fines.
• Disposition: The status of the case (e.g., Guilty, Nolo Contendere).
• Correctional History: Time served in state prison.

Using the Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal

Pennsylvania has a free online tool for court records. The Unified Judicial System (UJS) Web Portal connects to court databases across the state. This is the best way to see the status of a case without paying a fee.

Search by Docket Number: If you know the case number, enter it directly. This takes you straight to the file.

Search by Name: You can search for a person’s name to see all their court cases in Pennsylvania. This includes traffic tickets, summary offenses, and serious crimes.

Reading a Docket Sheet:

The search results provide a PDF file called a “Docket Sheet.” This document lists every event in the case. It shows when the preliminary hearing happened, who the judge was, and what bail was set. It also lists the specific statute numbers for the charges. This helps you see exactly what the person is accused of doing.

County-Level Search Strategies

Pennsylvania organizes its courts and jails by county. Each of the 67 counties handles its own booking records. If you know where the arrest happened, go directly to that county’s resources. This is often faster than a statewide search.

Sheriff and Jail Rosters

The County Sheriff usually runs the county jail. Many sheriffs publish a daily list of inmates. This list is often called an “Inmate Locator” or “Jail Roster.”

Common Data on Rosters:

• Inmate Name
• Booking Date
• Housing Unit (where they sleep)
• Bail Amount
• Next Court Date

If a county does not have an online list, you must call the jail. Ask for “Records” or “Booking.” They can tell you if a specific person is there.

Clerk of Courts

The Clerk of Courts keeps the paperwork for criminal cases. You can visit the Clerk’s office in the county courthouse. They have public computer terminals. You can use these terminals to view case files for free. You can also ask the staff for help finding a specific file. They can print copies for a small fee per page.

Locating Inmates in State Prison

If a person is convicted of a serious crime, they go to a state prison. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) manages these facilities. County jails hold people awaiting trial or serving short sentences (usually under two years). State prisons hold people with sentences of two years or more.

DOC Inmate Locator Tool:

The DOC website has a search tool. You enter the inmate’s name or inmate number. The results show:

• Facility: Which prison holds them (e.g., SCI Phoenix, SCI Rockview).
• Inmate Number: A unique ID for that person.
• Parole Eligibility: The earliest date they might leave.
• Mailing Address: How to send them letters.

Parole and Probation Searches

Many people in the legal system are not in jail. They are under supervision in the community. This is called probation or parole.

Probation: Usually given instead of jail time. The person reports to a county officer.

Parole: Given after a person serves part of a prison sentence. The person reports to a state agent.

The Pennsylvania Parole Board has a search tool for state parolees. You can see who is under supervision and if they have absconded (run away). For county probation, you must contact the specific county probation office. They do not always have online search tools.

Checking for Warrants

A warrant allows police to arrest someone. You can check for warrants to see if you or someone else is wanted. Pennsylvania does not have one single list for all warrants. You must check different sources.

Types of Warrants:

• Arrest Warrant: Issued when police have evidence of a crime.
• Bench Warrant: Issued when a person misses a court date.

Where to Check:

• UJS Portal: Look for cases with a status of “Active – Warrant” or “Inactive.”
• Sheriff Websites: Many sheriffs post “Most Wanted” lists.
• City Websites: Large cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have their own warrant lists.

If you find an active warrant for yourself, contact a lawyer immediately. Turning yourself in safely is better than being arrested during a traffic stop.

Sex Offender Registry Search

Pennsylvania tracks people convicted of sex crimes. This is Megan’s Law. The state maintains a public website where you can search for these individuals. You can search by name, city, or zip code. You can also search for offenders near a specific address, like a school or your home.

The registry provides:

• Name and Aliases
• Current Photo
• Home and Work Addresses
• Vehicle Information
• Details of the Crime

This tool helps families stay aware of who lives nearby. It is illegal to use this information to harass or threaten anyone listed.

Federal Criminal Records

Some crimes break federal laws, not state laws. These include drug trafficking across state lines, mail fraud, and tax evasion. Pennsylvania state records do not show federal cases. You must check the federal court system.

PACER System:

The federal courts use a system called PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). You must create an account. Searches cost $0.10 per page. This system covers all federal district courts in Pennsylvania (Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts).

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP):

If a person is in federal prison, use the BOP inmate locator. It works like the state DOC tool but covers the whole country. You can search by name or BOP Register Number.

Expungement and Sealing Records

A criminal record can make it hard to get a job. Pennsylvania allows people to clear their records under certain conditions. This is called expungement. There is also a “Clean Slate” law that seals some records automatically.

Expungement

Expungement destroys the record completely. It is available for:

• Charges that were dropped or dismissed.
• “Not Guilty” verdicts.
• Summary offenses (minor crimes) if you stay arrest-free for five years.
• Underage drinking offenses after turning 21.

You must file a petition with the court to get an expungement. A judge must approve it.

Clean Slate Law

This law seals records so the public cannot see them. Police and courts can still see them. Sealing happens automatically for:

• Arrests that did not result in a conviction (after 60 days).
• Summary convictions (after 10 years clean).
• Some non-violent misdemeanors (after 10 years clean).

If your record is sealed, you do not have to tell employers about it. It will not show up on most background checks.

Correcting Inaccurate Records

Mistakes happen. A record might show a conviction that should be an arrest. It might show the wrong name. If you find an error, you must fix it at the source.

Fixing Third-Party Sites:

Sites like Arrests.org PA scrape data. If they show wrong info, look for an “Opt-Out” or “Remove” link. You usually need to send them proof, like a court order or an expungement paper. They are required to remove expunged records if you notify them.

Fixing State Records:

If the error is on your official PATCH report, you must file a “Access and Review” challenge with the State Police. You will need fingerprints to prove your identity. If the court docket is wrong, contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where the case was filed.

Bail and Bond Procedures

When someone is arrested, a judge sets bail. This is money paid to the court to guarantee the person returns for trial. If they pay, they go home. If not, they stay in jail.

Types of Bail in PA:

• ROR (Release on Own Recognizance): No money needed. The person promises to return.
• Nominal Bail: A small amount, often $1.
• Monetary Condition: A specific dollar amount (e.g., $10,000).
• Unsecured Bail: You owe the money only if you miss court. You pay nothing upfront.

Posting Bail:

You can pay the full amount in cash at the court or jail. If you cannot afford it, you can hire a bail bondsman. You pay the bondsman a fee (usually 5-10%). They pay the full bail to the court. This fee is non-refundable.

Legal Rights and Background Checks

Employers must follow rules when checking your record. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects you. If an employer denies you a job because of a background check, they must tell you. They must give you a copy of the report.

Ban the Box:

Some places in PA have “Ban the Box” laws. This means employers cannot ask about criminal history on the initial job application. They must wait until the interview stage. This gives you a chance to explain your past.

Using records to harass, stalk, or intimidate someone is a crime. Public records are for information only. They are not a license to harm others.

Major County Resources

Here are details for the largest counties in Pennsylvania. Use these for local searches.

Philadelphia County:

Philadelphia has its own court system. The “First Judicial District” handles cases here. The city does not always have a simple online inmate roster. You often need to use the state UJS portal to find Philadelphia cases.

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh):

The Allegheny County Jail has a robust online inmate search. You can see mugshots and bail amounts easily. The Sheriff’s office is very active in serving warrants.

Montgomery County:

Located near Philadelphia. They have a clear public access policy. You can search court records online through their prothonotary system.

Bucks County:

They offer an inmate lookup tool. The correctional facility updates the list daily. You can also search for bench warrants on their county website.

Official Contact Information

Use these contacts for official inquiries. Do not rely on third-party sites for legal action.

Pennsylvania State Police (Central Repository)
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 1-888-783-7972

PA Department of Corrections
1920 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: 717-728-2573

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arrests.org PA a government website?

No, Arrests.org PA is not a government website. It is a privately owned platform. It gathers data from public government sources and displays it in a searchable format. The site is not affiliated with the Pennsylvania State Police or the Pennsylvania Court System. Because it is a third-party site, the information might not be updated instantly. If a person is released from jail or if charges are dropped, the site might still show the old arrest data for a while. For official legal purposes, such as employment background checks or court proceedings, you must use official government sources like the PATCH system or the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

Can I find out why someone was arrested using this site?

Yes, you can usually find the reason for an arrest on this site. The search results typically include a list of charges. These charges appear as codes or short descriptions, such as “DUI,” “Theft,” or “Assault.” The record might also list the “grading” of the offense, such as “F1” for a first-degree felony or “M2” for a second-degree misdemeanor. This tells you the severity of the alleged crime. However, the initial arrest record only shows what the police charged the person with at the time of booking. The prosecutor might change these charges later. To see the final charges used in court, you should check the official court docket on the UJS portal.

Is it free to search for arrest records in Pennsylvania?

Yes, searching for arrest records is generally free if you know where to look. The Unified Judicial System (UJS) portal allows you to search for court dockets at no cost. You can view and download the PDF docket sheets for free. Many county sheriff’s offices also provide free online inmate locators. Third-party sites like Arrests.org PA often allow free searches for basic information, such as names and mugshots. However, they might charge a fee for detailed reports or background checks. The Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system charges a fee (usually $22) for an official criminal history certificate, which is required for many jobs.

How do I remove my mugshot from Arrests.org PA?

Removing a mugshot from a third-party site can be a process. Arrests.org PA and similar sites usually have an “opt-out” or removal request page. You will need to provide proof that your case was resolved in your favor. This could be a court order showing the charges were dismissed, a “not guilty” verdict, or an expungement order. Once you submit this proof, the site should remove the record. However, removing it from one site does not remove it from the internet entirely. Other sites might also have scraped the data. If you have a legal order of expungement, you can enforce the removal more effectively, as Pennsylvania law supports the destruction of these records.

What does “Summary Offense” mean on an arrest record?

A summary offense is the least serious type of crime in Pennsylvania. It is less severe than a misdemeanor or a felony. Common summary offenses include disorderly conduct, harassment, low-level retail theft (shoplifting), and traffic violations like speeding. These offenses usually result in a fine rather than jail time, although short jail sentences are possible. On a background check, summary offenses may still appear unless they are expunged. Under the Clean Slate law, summary convictions are often sealed automatically after 10 years if the person does not commit any new crimes. This means they disappear from public view without you needing to file a petition.

Can I search for someone by their date of birth?

Yes, searching by date of birth is a very effective way to find records. Common names can produce hundreds of results. Adding a birth date filters the list down to the specific person you want. The UJS portal allows you to enter a date of birth range. The PATCH system requires a specific date of birth to process a request. Third-party sites also allow you to filter results by age or birth date. This ensures you do not confuse two people with the same name. Always verify the middle name and other identifiers to be certain you have the right record.

How often is the data updated?

The update frequency depends on the source. Official government databases like the UJS portal and the DOC inmate locator are updated daily. They reflect real-time changes in the court system and prison population. Third-party sites like Arrests.org PA update their databases regularly, but there can be a delay. It might take a few days or even weeks for a new arrest to appear or for a released person to be removed from the “in custody” list. If you need the most current status of an inmate, call the county jail directly or check the official county inmate roster.