Allegheny County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Allegheny County
Arrest records in Allegheny County are considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), specifically 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or privilege. The Pennsylvania RTKL governs access to public records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities within Allegheny County.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. Arrest records document the apprehension and charging of an individual but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records, by contrast, document the final disposition of a case resulting in a finding of guilt. Under Pennsylvania law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions apply.
The Pennsylvania State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history record information throughout the Commonwealth, including Allegheny County. Access to these records is further governed by the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), 18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq., which establishes protocols for the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information.
Certain arrest information may be exempt from public disclosure under specific circumstances, such as:
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations
- Juvenile arrest records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Records subject to limited access pursuant to the Clean Slate Law
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Allegheny County should be aware that while these records are generally public, access methods and restrictions vary depending on the specific information sought and the maintaining agency.
What's in Allegheny County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Allegheny County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. The content of these records is standardized according to Pennsylvania state requirements and includes several categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or prior names)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
- State identification number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Pennsylvania criminal statute citations
- Offense classification (felony, misdemeanor, summary offense)
- Offense description
- Offense date, time, and location
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount
- Bail conditions
- Whether bail was posted
- Bail hearing date
Court Information:
- Preliminary arraignment details
- Preliminary hearing date
- Court of Common Pleas docket number
- Assigned judge
- Scheduled court appearances
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if incarcerated)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Protection orders
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration detainers
- Special custody considerations
The Allegheny County Department of Court Records maintains official court documentation related to arrests, while the Allegheny County Police Department and municipal police departments maintain arrest reports and booking information. The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Allegheny County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Allegheny County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The process varies depending on the specific information sought and the maintaining agency.
For court records related to arrests, individuals may contact:
Allegheny County Department of Court Records
414 Grant Street, 1st Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5730
Allegheny County Department of Court Records
The Department of Court Records maintains criminal case files that include arrest information. To obtain these records:
- Complete a public records request form, available at the Department of Court Records or downloadable from their website
- Provide the name of the individual and, if possible, the docket number or date of arrest
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or through the online portal
- Pay applicable fees (currently $0.25 per page for copies)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
For police arrest reports, contact the arresting agency directly. For arrests made by the Allegheny County Police:
Allegheny County Police Department
400 North Lexington Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
412-473-1200
Allegheny County Police Department
To request arrest records from the Allegheny County Police:
- Submit a written request specifying the information sought
- Include the full name of the arrestee and date of arrest if known
- Provide requestor contact information
- Submit the request in person or by mail
- Pay applicable fees
- Allow up to 30 days for processing pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law
For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests throughout Pennsylvania:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5494
Pennsylvania State Police
To obtain criminal history records:
- Complete a Request for Criminal Record Check form (SP4-164)
- Include a $22 processing fee
- Submit fingerprints if requesting your own record
- Submit the request by mail or through the online portal
- Allow 2-4 weeks for processing
Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, criminal history record information maintained by the central repository is available to the public upon request, subject to certain restrictions.
How To Find Allegheny County Arrest Records Online
Allegheny County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource for court records related to arrests is the Unified Judicial System Web Portal, maintained by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. This system provides access to criminal case information throughout Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County. To use this system:
- Navigate to the UJS Web Portal
- Select "Common Pleas Courts" or "Magisterial District Courts" case information
- Choose "Allegheny County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Review docket sheets containing arrest information, charges, and case status
The Allegheny County Jail Inmate Search provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including:
- Inmate name and identification number
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bail information
- Next court date
For real-time arrest information, the public may access:
Allegheny County Police Blotter
Allegheny County Police Department
This resource provides information about recent arrests made by the Allegheny County Police Department, typically including:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Charges filed
- Brief description of circumstances
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System maintains an electronic case record public access policy pursuant to 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, which governs online access to court records, including those related to arrests.
When accessing arrest records online, users should be aware that:
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Online records may not be as comprehensive as official records obtained directly from the maintaining agency
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online access
How To Search Allegheny County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Allegheny County arrest records without payment, though some limitations apply to free searches.
The Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides free access to basic case information, including:
- Defendant name
- Charges filed
- Case status
- Court dates
- Docket number
While basic docket information is available at no cost, there may be fees for obtaining certified copies or complete case files.
The Allegheny County Jail Inmate Lookup offers free public access to information about currently incarcerated individuals, including:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Next court date
- Expected release date (when available)
Local public libraries in Allegheny County provide free computer access to these online resources. Major branches include:
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Main
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-622-3114
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Library staff can assist patrons with navigating public records databases at no charge.
For in-person research, the public may visit:
Allegheny County Department of Court Records
414 Grant Street, 1st Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5730
Allegheny County Department of Court Records
While there is no fee to view public records in person, copying fees apply ($0.25 per page). The Department of Court Records maintains public access terminals where visitors may search case information at no charge.
Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, specifically 65 P.S. § 67.1307, agencies may waive fees if:
- The requestor is indigent and files a signed affidavit
- The agency determines that the information primarily benefits the general public
- The request is made by an educational institution for scholarly research
How To Delete Arrest Records in Allegheny County
Pennsylvania law provides several mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through expungement (complete removal) or sealing (restricting access) processes. These remedies are governed by specific statutes and require court approval.
Expungement
Expungement results in the physical destruction of arrest records and is available under limited circumstances pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122. Individuals may petition for expungement if:
- They were not convicted of the offense (charges were dismissed, withdrawn, or resulted in not guilty verdicts)
- They completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for non-violent offenses
- They were convicted of certain summary offenses and have remained free from arrest for five years
- They have reached age 70 and have been free from arrest for ten years
- The individual has been dead for three years
To petition for expungement in Allegheny County:
- Obtain a criminal record check from the Pennsylvania State Police
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $100, though fee waivers are available for indigent petitioners)
- Attend the scheduled hearing if required
- If granted, ensure the expungement order is served on all agencies maintaining records
Record Sealing
Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018) provides for both petition-based and automatic sealing of certain criminal records. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1, eligible offenses include:
- Second and third-degree misdemeanors
- Ungraded offenses carrying a maximum penalty of two years or less
- Summary offenses
Requirements for petition-based sealing include:
- Completion of all punishment including probation/parole
- Payment of all court-ordered financial obligations
- No arrests for ten years (excluding summary offenses)
Automatic sealing occurs for eligible non-violent misdemeanors after ten years without subsequent convictions, and for cases resulting in non-conviction dispositions after 60 days.
Sealed records remain available to law enforcement agencies but are not accessible to the general public or visible in most background checks.
For assistance with expungement or sealing:
Allegheny County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
400 Koppers Building
436 Seventh Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-261-5555
Allegheny County Bar Association
Neighborhood Legal Services Association
928 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-6700
Neighborhood Legal Services
What Happens After Arrest in Allegheny County?
Following an arrest in Allegheny County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law and local court rules. This process includes several distinct phases:
Preliminary Arraignment
Within 48 hours of arrest, the accused appears before a Magisterial District Judge for preliminary arraignment, where:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail is set or denied
- A preliminary hearing date is scheduled
- Public defender representation is arranged if the defendant qualifies
Preliminary arraignments in Allegheny County often occur via video conference with the arrestee remaining at the booking facility.
Preliminary Hearing
Typically scheduled within 3-10 days of arrest, the preliminary hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to establish a prima facie case. At this hearing:
- The prosecution presents evidence and witnesses
- The defense may cross-examine witnesses but rarely presents evidence
- The Magisterial District Judge determines if the case proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas
- Charges may be dismissed, modified, or held for court
Formal Arraignment
If charges are held for court, a formal arraignment occurs at the Allegheny County Courthouse, where:
- Charges are officially entered into the Court of Common Pleas
- The defendant enters a plea
- Discovery is provided to the defense
- Pretrial conference dates are set
Pretrial Proceedings
Before trial, several proceedings may occur:
- Pretrial conferences to discuss plea negotiations
- Filing and argument of pretrial motions
- Suppression hearings to determine admissibility of evidence
- Status conferences to ensure case readiness
Trial or Plea
Most cases resolve through plea agreements, but if no agreement is reached:
- A trial date is scheduled
- The defendant chooses between a jury trial or bench trial
- The Commonwealth presents its case
- The defense presents its case
- A verdict is rendered
Sentencing
Following conviction by plea or trial:
- A pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- A sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Both sides present sentencing arguments
- The judge imposes sentence according to Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines
Post-Conviction
After sentencing, defendants retain certain rights:
- Direct appeal within 30 days of sentencing
- Post-conviction relief petition under the Post Conviction Relief Act
- Parole consideration after serving minimum sentence
Throughout this process, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office represents the Commonwealth, while defendants may be represented by the Allegheny County Public Defender's Office or private counsel.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Allegheny County?
Arrest records in Allegheny County are subject to retention requirements established by Pennsylvania law and administrative policy. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the maintaining agency.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission establishes records retention schedules for local government agencies, including law enforcement, pursuant to the Municipal Records Act, 53 Pa.C.S. § 1381 et seq. Under these schedules:
- Police incident reports, including arrest information: minimum 5-year retention
- Criminal investigation files: minimum 5-year retention after case closure
- Arrest logs and booking information: minimum 75-year retention
- Fingerprint cards and photographs: permanent retention until expungement
Court records related to arrests are maintained according to the Unified Judicial System Records Retention Schedule, which specifies:
- Magisterial District Court criminal case files: 7-year retention after final disposition
- Court of Common Pleas criminal case files: 75-year retention after final disposition
- Index and docket information: permanent retention
The Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository maintains criminal history record information indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122. This information includes:
- Arrest data
- Criminal charges
- Disposition information
- Sentencing details
Digital records maintained in the Unified Judicial System Web Portal and other electronic systems generally follow the same retention schedules as their physical counterparts.
It is important to note that even when official retention periods expire, information about arrests may persist in:
- News media archives
- Commercial background check databases
- Internet search results
- Third-party data aggregators
These sources are not subject to government records retention schedules and may maintain information indefinitely.
How to Find Mugshots in Allegheny County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile (profile) view of the arrestee
- Identification information (name, date, case number)
These photographs serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are taken by law enforcement agencies at the time of booking.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Allegheny County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Allegheny County Jail
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-2000
Allegheny County Jail
Allegheny County Police Department
400 North Lexington Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
412-473-1200
Allegheny County Police Department
Municipal police departments within Allegheny County also maintain booking photographs for arrests they process.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain booking photographs in Allegheny County, individuals may:
- Submit a Right-to-Know Law request to the arresting agency or the Allegheny County Jail
- Provide the full name of the arrestee and date of arrest
- Specify that booking photographs are being requested
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
- Allow up to 30 days for processing pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.901
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Allegheny County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public online databases of booking photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- News media websites covering arrests
- Commercial mugshot websites that aggregate booking photos
- Social media posts by law enforcement agencies announcing significant arrests
The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office occasionally posts mugshots of wanted individuals on their website and social media platforms, but these are limited to active fugitives.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining official booking photographs is through a formal records request to:
Allegheny County Right to Know Officer
County Office Building
542 Forbes Avenue, Room 206
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-6109
Allegheny County Right to Know
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Photographs related to active investigations may be exempt from disclosure
- Juvenile booking photographs are generally not public records
- Photographs associated with expunged or sealed cases are not accessible
- Commercial use of booking photographs may be restricted under Pennsylvania law
Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9121) governs the dissemination of criminal history information, including booking photographs, and establishes penalties for improper use or distribution.