Delaware County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Delaware County in 2026
DelawarePARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Members of the public may find booking records, criminal dockets, court case information, custody status, and charge details through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, court filings, inmate records, and criminal history summaries. Information presented reflects what is available through public sources and may not represent complete or fully current records.
Records may be searched through official county resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline each available method in detail.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and custody records for individuals processed through the county jail system. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the county's public access portal. The Delaware County Public Access portal provides searchable court and criminal docket information, including case numbers, charges, and court dates. Records are updated on a rolling basis as new arrests are processed and court actions are recorded.
2. Local Police Departments
Delaware County encompasses numerous municipalities, each maintaining its own police department with independent arrest logs and incident records. Departments including the Upper Darby Police Department, Chester Police Department, and Haverford Township Police Department maintain arrest records and may publish press releases with arrest information. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from a specific municipality should contact the relevant department's records division directly, as procedures and availability vary by jurisdiction.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Delaware County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files for all matters processed through the Court of Common Pleas. The Criminal Dockets division is responsible for case files in all criminal cases processed from local District Justices. Members of the public may search by arrestee name to locate associated court cases, docket numbers, charge information, and case status. Court cases linked to arrests are accessible through the public access terminal located at the courthouse.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Pennsylvania State Police maintain a statewide criminal history repository accessible through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. Members of the public may submit a name-based criminal history request online for a fee of $22.00 per request. The PATCH system returns conviction records and, in some cases, arrest information for incidents occurring throughout Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides daily-updated information on individuals currently incarcerated or under departmental supervision statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4296
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply per page as outlined in the fee schedule below.
Police Departments:
Upper Darby Police Department
7236 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby, PA 19082
Phone: (610) 734-7693
Upper Darby Police Department
Chester Police Department
100 East 5th Street
Chester, PA 19013
Phone: (610) 447-8430
Chester Police Department
Records requests at individual police departments require submission of a written Right-to-Know request pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Fees for copies are set at the statutory rate.
Clerk of Court:
Delaware County Clerk of Courts – Criminal Division
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Members of the public may inspect case files at the criminal records division counter. Certified copies and standard copies are available for a per-page fee. Case file inspection is permitted without charge during regular business hours.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office or the relevant police department's records division at the addresses listed above. Each written request should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request in the form of a check or money order made payable to the applicable agency. Processing time for mailed requests is typically ten business days from receipt.
By Phone:
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (610) 891-4296 during regular business hours. Callers should have available the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Phone inquiries provide limited information; callers are frequently referred to the online public access system or directed to appear in person for detailed records.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request complete case files and arrest documentation through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. In active legal proceedings, arrest records and associated documentation are obtainable through the standard discovery process governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)
Are Arrest Records Public in Delaware County
Arrest records in Delaware County are public records subject to disclosure under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101, which establishes a presumption of public access to government records. The Commonwealth's public records framework reflects the principles of government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability. Arrest records serve legitimate purposes including journalism and investigative research, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photo
- Bond/bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Pennsylvania law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Pennsylvania Constitution, Article I, Section 11, affirms the right of access to courts and public proceedings. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within the Right-to-Know Law. The First Amendment provides press organizations with access to arrest records as part of the broader public record. Due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records and records of conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions, requiring that consumer reporting agencies maintain accuracy and provide dispute mechanisms. Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act, 18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq., further regulates the dissemination and use of criminal history information. Employers and landlords must distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest alone does not establish guilt.
What's in Delaware County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Pennsylvania State Police)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation where applicable
- Gang-related designation where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time if applicable
- Release conditions where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment where available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests within the county
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges
- Not consistently included in current arrest records
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available publicly
- Court records: Document legal proceedings following arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Delaware County?
Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.1307, fees for public records copies are regulated by the Office of Open Records. Current standard fees applicable to Delaware County arrest and court records are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white paper copies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of records | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | No additional charge |
| PATCH criminal history search (state) | $22.00 per request |
| Clerk of Courts certified copy | $5.00 per document |
| Court docket printout | $0.25 per page |
Inspection of records at the Clerk of Courts or Sheriff's Office is permitted without charge during regular business hours. Members of the public who wish to obtain certified copies for legal purposes will incur the applicable certification fee. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit cards. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of a written waiver request with supporting documentation, subject to agency discretion.
The Government Open Records page maintained by Delaware County provides additional guidance on submitting Right-to-Know requests and applicable fee schedules.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Delaware County
Pennsylvania law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and limited access orders, which restrict dissemination of criminal history information. The distinction is significant — expungement eliminates the record from public databases, while a limited access order restricts who may view the record without destroying it.
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, a person may petition for expungement of an arrest record in the following circumstances:
- The charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
- The prosecution declined to file charges (nolle prosequi)
- The individual successfully completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
- The individual is 70 years of age or older and has been free of arrest or prosecution for ten years following the last conviction
- The individual has been dead for three years
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Delaware County:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal docket from the Delaware County Clerk of Courts to confirm case disposition.
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Court of Common Pleas.
- File the petition with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division.
- Serve the petition on the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the District Attorney objects.
- If the court grants the petition, follow up with the Clerk of Courts and all relevant agencies to confirm record destruction or sealing.
Members of the public may initiate the process through the Apply for Criminal Record Expungement resource maintained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which provides step-by-step guidance and links to required forms.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas – Criminal Division
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Delaware County District Attorney's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4161
Delaware County District Attorney
Individuals who are not eligible for expungement may petition for a limited access order under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law, which automates sealing for certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a ten-year conviction-free period. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies but are not available to the general public or most employers.
What Happens After Arrest in Delaware County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, the primary detention facility serving Delaware County.
George W. Hill Correctional Facility
500 Cheyney Road
Thornton, PA 19373
Phone: (610) 日891-4745
Delaware County Prison
Transport time varies based on the location of arrest and arresting agency. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer until formally transferred to booking staff.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, the process includes recording of personal information, photograph (mugshot), fingerprint collection, criminal history and outstanding warrant checks, personal property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification. The booking process typically requires one to four hours depending on facility volume.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Pennsylvania law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magisterial district judge for a preliminary arraignment within 72 hours of arrest. At this proceeding, the individual is formally notified of charges, advised of rights, and a bail determination is made. The preliminary arraignment may be conducted via video conference. Public defender eligibility is assessed at or shortly after this stage.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bail amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman, paying a non-refundable premium of approximately ten percent of the total bail amount. The bondsman posts the full amount with the court.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on assessment of community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without bail in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bail is posted, processing for release typically requires one to eight hours. The individual receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in bail forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bail is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Delaware County Public Defender's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4175
Delaware County Public Defender
Eligibility for public defender services is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and is permitted confidential consultation at the jail facility.
Charging Decision:
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. For felony matters, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause supports an indictment.
Arraignment in the Court of Common Pleas follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea — not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere — and court dates are established. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase encompasses discovery, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted at trial or by plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled at which the judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination thereof.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to preliminary arraignment: within 72 hours
- Preliminary arraignment to preliminary hearing: within 14 days (in custody) or 21 days (released)
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: resolution within three to six months in many cases
- Felonies: resolution within six to eighteen months in many cases
- Pennsylvania's constitutional right to a speedy trial is governed by Pa.R.Crim.P. 600
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4296
Delaware County Sheriff
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Clerk of Courts
Delaware County District Attorney's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4161
District Attorney
Delaware County Public Defender's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4175
Public Defender
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
- Contact family or trusted individuals for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Delaware County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Delaware County is governed by the Pennsylvania State Records Committee schedules and applicable provisions of the Criminal History Record Information Act. Agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, which vary by record type and case disposition.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions: Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Pennsylvania State Police repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Felony conviction records are maintained indefinitely across all relevant databases.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Retained permanently in court records and the state criminal history repository. Local law enforcement records are subject to agency-specific retention schedules, which at present provide for long-term or permanent retention of conviction-related records.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges: Local law enforcement records are retained for a period determined by agency policy, commonly five to seven years. Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order. Records in the state repository remain until expunged.
Acquittals: Court records are retained permanently absent an expungement order. Local law enforcement records follow agency retention schedules. Individuals acquitted of charges are eligible to petition for expungement under Pennsylvania law.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records are subject to agency retention schedules and may be purged after a defined period. Individuals whose charges were not filed are among those most readily eligible for expungement.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable state records retention schedule. Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable law.
Digital Records: Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are retained for periods specified in agency retention schedules, with many digital records maintained on a long-term or permanent basis. Court electronic records are retained permanently in most instances.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework may not update records following expungement.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained pursuant to the Pennsylvania State Records Committee schedule. Members of the public may contact the records division at (610) 891-4296 for information regarding specific records.
Police Departments: Arrest records and incident reports are retained according to each department's approved retention schedule. Retention periods may vary among the county's numerous municipal departments.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years following case disposition. Electronic records are retained permanently in most instances.
State Repository: The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Records and Identification maintains criminal history records for all arrests occurring within the Commonwealth. Retention policy provides for permanent maintenance of conviction records and retention of non-conviction records until expunged.
FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records on a permanent basis. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention across all primary databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on most standard background checks
- Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after a defined period; eligible for expungement petition
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent arrest records are accessible online through the Delaware County Public Access portal with real-time or daily updates. Older records may require an in-person request at the relevant agency's records division, with possible retrieval fees and extended processing times. Records predating digitization may exist only in paper form in agency archives and may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years, though convictions may be reported indefinitely for positions with salaries above a defined threshold. Pennsylvania law does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on reporting non-conviction arrest records, though employers are advised to consider the distinction between arrest and conviction in employment decisions. Certain licensing agencies and law enforcement employers are exempt from standard FCRA reporting limitations.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Delaware County Sheriff's Records Division at (610) 891-4296 or submit a written Right-to-Know request to the relevant agency. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.