Delaware County Public Records / Delaware County Arrest Records

Delaware County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Delaware County in 2026

DelawareCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Delaware County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories may be available:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal charge information
Court case filings linked to arrests
Mugshot and bond information
Custody and release status

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Delaware County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest information accessible to the public. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office provides information on individuals currently in custody, including charges and booking dates. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status. Members of the public may search by name to locate recent arrest and booking entries.

2. Local Police Departments

Delaware County encompasses multiple municipalities, each with its own police department. The Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division and local departments such as the Upper Darby Police Department and Chester Police Department may publish press releases containing arrest information. These releases are available on department websites and provide charge descriptions, arresting officer information, and incident summaries.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search by defendant name to locate associated court filings, docket entries, and case dispositions. Court case searches are available through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's public docket search portal.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Pennsylvania State Police maintains the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, which allows members of the public to request criminal history records statewide. A fee of $22.00 per request is currently assessed for public criminal history searches. The PATCH system includes arrest and conviction data from jurisdictions across Pennsylvania, including Delaware County.

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

Records division is located at the main courthouse complex
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies

Police Departments:

Upper Darby Police Department
7236 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby, PA 19082
Phone: (610) 789-7300
Upper Darby Police Department

Chester Police Department
100 East 5th Street
Chester, PA 19013
Phone: (610) 447-8430
City of Chester

Records request procedures vary by department. Members of the public are advised to submit a written request identifying the subject by full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees are assessed at the standard rate established under Pennsylvania law.

Clerk of Court:

Delaware County Clerk of Courts
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Courts

Criminal records division is located within the courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Case file inspection is available during business hours
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are $5.00 per document

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Delaware County)

Processing time for mail requests is two to four weeks depending on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Delaware County Sheriff's Office: (610) 891-4296
Automated arrest information is not available by phone in Delaware County
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Staff may refer callers to the online docket system or direct them to submit an in-person or written request

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. In active legal proceedings, records are obtained through the discovery process governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (which municipality or agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Delaware County

Arrest records in Delaware County are public records under Pennsylvania law. Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq., members of the public have the right to access records created or maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are subject to public disclosure because they document official government action and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, and community awareness.

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 photograph
Bond and 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 that would jeopardize an ongoing inquiry
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 under the Right-to-Know Law. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information, and 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 Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Pennsylvania does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have enacted local ordinances. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Delaware County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
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 (street address or general area)
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, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Pennsylvania statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor grade)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
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 more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Delaware County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Delaware County depends on the requesting method and the agency involved. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.1307, agencies may charge fees for duplication but may not charge for the time spent retrieving records.

Current Fee Structure:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$5.00 per document
Pennsylvania PATCH criminal history	$22.00 per request
Electronic records (where available)	No additional charge
Record inspection (in-person review)	No charge

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order payable to Delaware County (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (where available at specific offices)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are indigent may request a fee waiver in writing. Waiver determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the responding agency. Media organizations and nonprofit entities engaged in public interest research may also request reduced or waived fees under applicable provisions of the Right-to-Know Law.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public arrest records
Online docket searches through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
Online review of publicly posted jail rosters

How To Delete Arrest Records in Delaware County

In Pennsylvania, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement and limited access (sealing). Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records, while limited access restricts public visibility without destroying the underlying record. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes, while records under limited access remain available to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Expunged:

Under 18 Pa. C.S. § 9122, a person may petition for expungement of an arrest record in the following circumstances:

The individual was acquitted of all charges
The charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (prosecution declined)
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
Summary offense convictions where the individual has been free of arrest for five years

Limited Access (Sealing):

Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law, effective under Act 56 of 2018, provides for the automatic sealing of certain misdemeanor convictions and non-conviction records after a specified period of crime-free behavior. Records eligible for automatic sealing include most second- and third-degree misdemeanor convictions where ten years have passed without a subsequent offense.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal docket from the Delaware County Clerk of Courts
Complete a Petition for Expungement (available from the court)
File the petition with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office
Attend the scheduled hearing, if required
If granted, the court issues an Order for Expungement
The order is served on all relevant agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police and arresting agency

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas – Criminal Division
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Courts

Delaware County District Attorney's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4526
Delaware County District Attorney

Delaware County Public Defender's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4175
Delaware County Public Defender

What Happens After Arrest in Delaware County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Delaware County, the arrested individual is transported to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, which serves as the county's primary detention facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the arresting agency involved.

George W. Hill Correctional Facility
500 Cheyney Road
Thornton, PA 19373
Phone: (610) 日891-2700
Delaware County Prison

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the following steps are completed:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and mental health screening conducted
Housing classification determined

The booking process typically takes 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 a reasonable time following arrest, at which point:

Formal charges are read
Bail is set or denied
The right to counsel is explained
A preliminary hearing date is scheduled

Preliminary arraignments in Delaware County may be conducted in person or via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full amount paid in cash to the court
Refunded upon case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the magisterial district judge

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount in Pennsylvania
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and nature of charges

No Bond:

Individual held without bail
Applied in cases involving serious violent offenses, flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or active immigration holds

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing and release typically takes one to eight hours. The released individual receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending the preliminary hearing and subsequent proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Delaware County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income. The Public Defender's Office is located at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063, and may be reached at (610) 891-4175.

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The Pennsylvania Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Delaware County District Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, or decline prosecution. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment before the Court of Common Pleas, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at this stage, and pretrial dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings between prosecution and defense
Pretrial motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
Pretrial conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to assess case status and explore resolution

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for eligible first-time offenders; successful completion results in dismissal and eligibility for expungement
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed charges with a recommended sentence
Trial: Jury or bench trial; if convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to preliminary arraignment: Within hours of arrest
Preliminary hearing: Within three to ten days for detained defendants; up to 21 days for those released on bail
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within three to six months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Governed by Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 600

Rights Throughout the 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's Office

Delaware County Clerk of Courts
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Courts

Delaware County District Attorney's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4526
Delaware County District Attorney

Delaware County Public Defender's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4175
Delaware County Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent (politely decline to answer questions)
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than legal counsel
Contact family or friends 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 Pennsylvania law and the policies of individual agencies. Under the Pennsylvania Records Retention and Disposition Schedule established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on record type and case outcome.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Pennsylvania State Police, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Pennsylvania State Police criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of seven years; many agencies retain indefinitely
Court records retained permanently in electronic form

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three to seven years depending on agency policy
Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository: Retained unless expungement order is received

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three years
Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged
Eligible for expungement petition under Pennsylvania law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum three to seven years
Fingerprint cards: Retained until expungement order received or subject's death
Photographs (mugshots): Retained consistent with booking record schedule

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Retained permanently
Mugshot databases maintained by third parties: Retention varies and is not controlled by law enforcement

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely. These entities are not subject to expungement orders issued by Pennsylvania courts and are not required to update records when a court orders expungement. Under the FCRA, however, consumer reporting agencies must maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy and may not report records that have been expunged when they have actual knowledge of the expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum seven years; felony-related records retained permanently
Arrest reports: Minimum seven years
Contact: (610) 891-4296

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum three to seven years depending on department policy
Incident reports: Minimum three years
Departments vary; members of the public should contact the specific department's records division

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained permanently in electronic form
Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of five years
Electronic records: Retained permanently

State Repository:

The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Records and Identification maintains the central criminal history repository for the Commonwealth. Records are retained in accordance with state law and are accessible through the PATCH system. Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records are retained unless an expungement order is received.

FBI Database:

The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes. Expungement orders issued by Pennsylvania courts are forwarded to the FBI, which updates its records accordingly, though the process may take several months.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks by compliant consumer reporting agencies
Expungement: Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI database updated with notation; third-party websites may not update records

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests: Available online through the UJS Portal with real-time or daily updates
Older arrests (more than ten years): May require in-person request and retrieval from archives; additional processing time and fees may apply
Very old arrests (more than 25 years): May not be digitized; paper records may be held in county archives; contact the Delaware County Records Division at (610) 891-4370

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Pennsylvania law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions, though certain municipalities have enacted local fair chance hiring ordinances. Arrests without conviction are not considered evidence of criminal conduct and their use in employment decisions is subject to legal scrutiny under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.

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 public records request to the relevant agency. Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved from archives.