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  1. Chester County Court
  2. Chester County Arrest Records

Chester County, Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Chester County arrest records are official documentation created and retained when an individual is lawfully detained and formally charged in Chester County, Pennsylvania. They typically include the arrestee's name, identifying details, the date and location of arrest,  the arresting agency, the alleged offenses, and booking information. 

Since arrest is a major state action that affects liberty, arrest records allow the public to see how law enforcement exercises its powers. It shows how and why an individual was detained, and where they are being held in compliance with state law.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Chester, Pennsylvania?

Under section 305 of Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), arrests that result in criminal proceedings constitute the primary form of publicly accessible records in Chester County, Pennsylvania. By contrast, arrests that do not lead to prosecution remain largely confined to restricted law enforcement records under the Right to Know Law and the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA). 

Additionally, even within publicly accessible records, certain records (or information in the record) may be exempt from public disclosure under federal or state law or a court order. Commonly exempted records under the RTKL include:

  • Victim information
  • Records that, if disclosed, will show the progress or result of a criminal investigation 
  • Records that include the identity of an informant
  • Investigative materials
  • Records that have been specifically sealed by the order of a court

Note: If a law enforcement agency determines that a record should be withheld because a law prohibits access, they typically justify such retention to the requester.

Chester County Arrest Search

The Pennsylvania State Police is the agency primarily responsible for criminal history background checks at the state level in Chester County, Pennsylvania. In this capacity, the Agency offers a range of access options for viewing and obtaining copies of information collected by criminal justice agencies, including personal identifiers, indictments, arrest dates and notations, and other criminal charges and resulting dispositions. 

One of such options is the EPATCH website. This online search tool allows registered and non-registered users to obtain criminal history information on individuals, including arrest notations and the case final disposition. Before users can search for their desired record, they typically accept the terms and conditions. The Agency also charges a $22.00 non-refundable search fee, regardless of outcome. 

The agency does not provide notarized copies through the website. Those seeking notarized copies of a criminal history record check typically send their request by mailing a completed SP4-164 Form along with a $27.00 money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to:

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
164 1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758 

The request is typically also accompanied by a written request indicating that a notarized copy is desired. 

Some arrests are made by federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and the DEA, and therefore do not appear in state or local search tools. In Chester County, the corresponding charges for such arrests are usually filed in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

To find records of these cases, which usually include notations of arrest and the corresponding outcomes, individuals may visit the Clerk's Office - U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania to view federal records. The office is situated at:

James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse

601 Market Street, Room 2609

Philadelphia, PA 19106-1797

Phone: (215) 597-7704 

Hours: Typically 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday (excluding federal holidays)

Instead of having to go to the Clerk's Office, individuals may use PACER - Public Access to Court Electronic Records to remotely view electronic criminal records. The PACER Case Locator is an online tool for nationwide searches of federal arrests, charges, filings, case events, and outcomes. Registration is required, and fees are charged for document access. Users may search for specific records by name, case numbers, and other specified criteria. 

Depending on the agency that made the arrest, individuals may also submit an FOIA request under the Freedom of Information Act to any of the following agencies:

Chester County Inmate Locator

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections offers an online inmate locator tool to find inmates currently held in county jails across Pennsylvania, including Chester County. Individuals may search by name, inmate number, date of birth, and committing county.

Active Warrant Search in Chester County

An active warrant is a court order asking law enforcement to arrest a person. The content of an arrest record includes:

  • The law enforcement officer(s) to whom it is addressed;
  • A directive commanding the law enforcement officer to arrest the suspect;
  • The suspect's name, and
  • The issuing judge or magistrate's signature

When a warrant is issued, law enforcement is authorized to arrest the named suspect anywhere within state borders. Most arrest warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate, making the court the most reliable place to search for one. However, statewide warrants are not considered public information in Chester County, and under Pennsylvania law, they are not public information. While the Pennsylvania Judiciary website portal provides access,  only approved users with a secure login may view arrest warrants.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Chester County

Certain local agencies provide arrest records without a charge. These include the Office of the Chester County Clerk of Courts. The Clerk’s Office serves as the recordkeeper for the Chester County Court of Common Pleas, where most criminal cases are filed and resolved. In this capacity, the Clerk maintains custody of nearly all criminal records and filings arising from arrests in Chester County. 

Generally, arrest records are publicly accessible, except for certain records or information that are considered confidential, which may be redacted or completely withheld under state law. These include social security numbers, financial account numbers, and minors’ names and dates of birth. Those wishing to view or copy criminal court records, including arrest records, may contact the Clerk directly at: 

County of Chester

313 West Market Street

West Chester, PA 19380

Phone: 610-344-6000

Email: avicoli@chesco.org

For online access,  inquirers may visit the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. This search tool lets users look up records by case number or name without visiting the courthouse.

Chester County Arrest Report

In Chester County, an arrest record is a summary custodial entry reflecting the fact that an arrest occurred. It is an index-based record prepared by law enforcement agency and which outlines details like:

  • The name of the individual arrested
  • Physical description (age, race, height)
  • The arrest location
  • Arresting agency
  • The charges filed

In Chester County, it is usually public in its basic form, especially when linked to a court case, that is, the individual has been booked, and charges have been filed.

By contrast, an arrest report is a narrative investigative document prepared by an arresting officer that details the circumstances and evidentiary basis of an arrest. It usually begins with the arresting officer taking a brief note at the point of arrest and preparing the final paperwork at the local police station after the individual is taken into custody. It documents the story of the arrest incident, including how and why the arrest was made, and other information such as:

  • Officer's narrative of events
  • Statement by the suspect and witnesses
  • Probable cause explanation
  • Evidence description
  • Use of force details
  • Investigative observations

An arrest report usually forms the basis for prosecution and is part of police investigative materials. Under Section 305 of the Right to Know Law, these records are largely restricted, but may be more accessible when the arrestee has been charged and sentenced.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Chester County

To have a record expunged in Chester County, certain eligibility criteria must typically first be met under state law. The arrest sought to be expunged typically satisfies at least one of these conditions:

  • The arrest typically would not have resulted in a conviction
  • The individual was charged, but the case was resolved through an ARD (Accelerative Rehabilitative Program), provided the charge was unrelated to a sex crime against a minor.
  • The defendant was acquitted of all charges.
  • The offense was a summary offense, and the individual has remained arrest-free
  • The individual was below 21 years at the time of arrest for a drinking offense and has completed their sentence.
  • The individual is 70 years or older and has remained arrest-free for 10 years.
  • The individual was arrested for a minor misdemeanor 

Once the individual confirms that an eligibility criterion has been met, the individual or their legal representative may follow these steps to have the arrest expunged:

  • Download, print, and complete form SP 4-170, and mail the completed form along with a certified $20 check or money order (payable to Common Wealth of Pennsylvania) to Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository.
    Pennsylvania State Police
    Central Repository – RCPU
    1800 Elmerton Avenue
    Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
  • Also attach a copy of a government-issued photo ID, and where applicable, include a legal affidavit or letter of representation
  • The full arrest record will be sent to the requester by mail from the Central Repository 
  • They may proceed by filing a petition for expungement in the court where the case was heard, along with the arrest record. 
  • They typically pay the filing fee and serve copies of the petition to the District Attorney’s office and court administration.
  • If there is any objection to the request, the court will hold a hearing.
  • After the Pennsylvania State Police receives the court order for expungement from the Clerk of Courts signed by a Commonwealth Court judge, the record will be expunged.

Note: Expungement typically means that criminal records for arrests are no longer visible in criminal background checks. Law enforcement and court officials will still have access to the record. It is always advisable to consult a lawyer first.

How Do You Remove Chester County Arrest Records From the Internet?

To remove arrest records published online, the official record typically must first have been expunged. For court portals, Sheriff inmate lists, and county PDFs, send them a copy of the expungement order and a written request to delete public copies. They are legally obligated to comply. For private background check sites, most requesters may generally remove records using an opt-out form and completing a few basic steps:

  • Search the record name.
  • Submit opt-out request
  • Attach expungement if requested. 

What Do Public Chester County Arrest Records Contain?

Here are the details usually found when an individual searches for a Chester arrest records:

  • Full name of the arrestee
  • Mugshot
  • Age
  • Personal Descriptors such as race, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color
  • Arresting agency
  • Location of arrest
  • Circumstances of arrest
  • Charge
  • Date of arrest
  • Warrant details (where applicable)