Here are some ways to search for mugshots and arrest records in Pennsylvania:
Pennsylvania Inmate Locator
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections provides an online Inmate Locator database that allows you to search for current inmates:
- Go to the Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Locator website
- Enter the inmate’s name, date of birth, or inmate number
- The results will show basic information like current location and may include a mugshot
This is useful for finding recent arrests and current inmates but does not include historical records.
County Jail Websites
Many Pennsylvania county jails maintain online inmate rosters that include recent mugshots:
- Find the website for the specific county jail
- Look for an inmate search or roster section
- Search by name to find arrest information and mugshots
This works best for very recent arrests in a known county.
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH)
For more comprehensive criminal history searches:
- Visit the PATCH website
- Create an account or use as a guest
- Enter the person’s name and other details
- Pay the $22 fee per record search
- Results include criminal history but may not include mugshots
PATCH provides official records but focuses on conviction history rather than arrest photos.
Third-Party Mugshot Websites
Several non-government websites aggregate mugshots and arrest records from public sources. Search these sites by name and location. The information may not always be current or complete.
What Information Is Included In A Pennsylvania Mugshot Record?
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Booking number
- Charges
- Bond amount (if applicable)
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Location of arrest
- Physical description (race, gender, height, etc.)
- Inmate ID number (if incarcerated)
- Current facility/location (if incarcerated)
Are Juvenile Mugshots Sealed in Pennsylvania
- Juvenile records are generally sealed from public view in Pennsylvania. These records are only accessible by personnel involved in law enforcement and the courts.
- Law enforcement records for juveniles, including mugshots, are generally considered confidential. Only certain authorized individuals can access them, such as:
- The child’s attorney
- Probation department personnel
- Corrections department personnel
- Law enforcement officers
- Court personnel
- there are exceptions where juvenile records may become public:
- For very serious offenses committed by juveniles aged 14 or older, including murder, rape, robbery, etc.
- For felony offenses committed at age 14 or older
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) of juveniles must be kept separate from adult fingerprints and photographs.
- Juvenile history record information, which can include photographs, is maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police in the Central Repository. But this is not publicly accessible.
- Pennsylvania law allows for the sealing or expungement of juvenile records under certain conditions, which would include mugshots.
juvenile mugshots are generally sealed and confidential in Pennsylvania, with limited exceptions for serious crimes committed by older juveniles. They are not publicly accessible like adult mugshots and are kept separate from adult records. The confidentiality of juvenile records, including mugshots, is designed to protect minors and give them a chance at rehabilitation without the stigma of a public criminal record.
Considerations
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Some records may be sealed or expunged and unavailable publicly
- Mugshot websites can contain errors or outdated information
- Consider privacy concerns before widely sharing mugshot information
Contacting the arresting agency or county jail directly is often the best approach for the most accurate and current arrest information.