Lackawanna County Arrest Records are official documents that show when someone has been taken into custody by law enforcement within the county. These records include details like the person’s name, date of birth, charges, booking date, and mugshot. The public can view recent arrest data through a free online portal managed by the county. This system covers arrests from the past twelve months and includes active warrants, incident logs, and high-resolution booking photos. Users can search by date, police agency, charge type, or location. Each entry links to court docket numbers and sometimes PDF police reports released under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law. In 2017, the county reported 3,841 index crimes across its 21 municipalities, with property crimes making up most cases. The same portal shows that between 2018 and 2020, there were 8,593 total arrests, with an arrest rate far above the national average.
How to Search Lackawanna County Arrest Records Online
The easiest way to view Lackawanna County Arrest Records is through the county’s free public search tool. This online database lets anyone look up recent arrests without needing an account or paying a fee. You can filter results by arrest date, law enforcement agency—such as the Scranton Police Department or Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office—charge description, or where the person was booked. Each record shows the full name, date of birth, booking number, and court docket number assigned after arraignment. If available, the system also provides links to downloadable police reports. These reports are shared only when allowed by state law. The portal updates regularly and is designed for quick access by residents, journalists, legal professionals, and researchers. It does not include sealed, expunged, or juvenile records due to privacy protections.
Types of Information Included in Arrest Records
Lackawanna County Arrest Records contain several key pieces of information. Every entry lists the individual’s full legal name and date of birth to help confirm identity. The booking number acts as a unique identifier for that specific arrest event. The court docket number links the arrest to future legal proceedings in the Court of Common Pleas. Mugshots are included when available and are high-resolution images taken at the time of booking. Charge descriptions explain what crime the person was accused of, such as theft, assault, or drug possession. Some records also note whether the individual is still in custody or has been released. Incident logs may describe how the arrest happened, though full narratives depend on report availability. All data comes directly from sheriff’s offices, municipal police departments, and court filings.
Arrest Statistics and Crime Trends in Lackawanna County
In 2017, Lackawanna County law enforcement agencies recorded 3,841 index crimes. Property offenses made up the majority: 2,501 larceny-thefts, 614 burglaries, and 216 motor vehicle thefts. Violent crimes and drug violations accounted for the rest. Compared to 2016, total crime rose by 4.2%, mostly due to more theft reports in Scranton. Over a three-year period ending December 31, 2020, the county had 8,593 arrests. That equals an arrest rate of 2,110.96 per 100,000 residents—185% higher than the national average. Of those arrests, 343 were for violent crimes: 115 homicide-related, 87 rapes, and 141 robberies. Property crime arrests totaled 5,721, while drug-related arrests reached 1,529. These numbers come from official sources including the Pennsylvania State Police and County Criminal Court.
How to Get Certified Copies of Criminal Records
If you need an official copy of a criminal record from Lackawanna County, you must request it through the Clerk of Courts. Start by filling out a written application and include a notarized consent form signed by the person named in the record. There is a $15 processing fee per record. Mail or deliver your request to the courthouse at 123 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. The office also offers an online extraction tool that delivers a PDF summary within 72 hours if your request meets state requirements. This service follows the Pennsylvania Access to Public Records Act. Only certain individuals—like the person named, their attorney, or authorized agencies—can obtain full records. Juvenile records and sealed cases are not available to the public.
Contact Information for Arrest and Warrant Inquiries
For questions about recent arrests or inmate status, call the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office at 570-963-6639 during business hours. To get details about a specific criminal complaint, contact the District Attorney’s Office at (570) 963-6717. If you need to verify an active warrant, call 570-963-6719 ext. 7109. General crime statistics and trend reports are available through extension 7118 of the same number. All calls should be made between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Staff can help with record searches, explain procedures, and guide you on submitting formal requests. They cannot give legal advice or disclose protected information.
Understanding Mugshots and Public Access
Mugshots are part of most Lackawanna County Arrest Records and are publicly accessible unless restricted by law. These photos are taken during booking and stored in the county’s digital system. They appear in search results alongside other arrest details. While mugshots are public, their use is regulated. Pennsylvania law allows publication but prohibits using them for commercial gain without consent. Some websites republish mugshots for profit, which has led to criticism. The county itself does not charge for viewing mugshots online. However, third-party sites may require payment. Always verify information from official sources before making decisions based on arrest photos. Remember, an arrest does not mean guilt—charges may be dropped or reduced later.
Juvenile and Sealed Records Policy
Lackawanna County does not release juvenile arrest records to the public. These files are protected under state law to support rehabilitation and privacy. Similarly, records that have been sealed or expunged cannot be viewed through the public portal. If a case is closed and ordered sealed by a judge, all related documents—including mugshots—are removed from public access. Adults seeking to seal their own records must file a petition with the Court of Common Pleas. The process involves a hearing and approval from the district attorney. Once sealed, the record no longer appears in background checks or online searches. This policy helps people rebuild their lives after legal issues are resolved.
Police Departments Contributing to Arrest Data
Multiple law enforcement agencies report arrests to the Lackawanna County system. The largest contributor is the Scranton Police Department, which serves the county’s biggest city. The Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office handles county-wide operations, including jail management and warrant service. Smaller towns like Dickson City, Carbondale, and Clarks Summit also submit arrest data through their local police departments. Each agency follows the same reporting standards set by the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System. This ensures consistency in how crimes are classified and recorded. All data feeds into one centralized database for public access. Cooperation between agencies improves transparency and helps track regional crime patterns.
Court System and Docket Numbers
Every arrest in Lackawanna County leads to a court case with a unique docket number. This number is assigned during arraignment and stays with the case through trial or dismissal. The docket number appears in arrest records and allows users to track legal progress. You can use it to look up hearing dates, charges, and outcomes in the Court of Common Pleas. The civil and criminal divisions handle different types of cases. Criminal dockets include misdemeanors and felonies. The court offers virtual filing through its e-Filing portal, but most hearings still occur in person. Mask protocols were in place during recent health emergencies. For help, contact the clerk’s office, which handles about 1,200 inquiries weekly.
House Arrest and Electronic Monitoring Programs
Lackawanna County operates a House Arrest program for eligible offenders. This alternative to jail uses GPS tracking and curfew enforcement. Participants must stay at home except for work, medical appointments, or court-ordered activities. Staff from the Probation and Parole Division conduct random checks to ensure compliance. The office runs from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Services include counseling, job assistance, and substance abuse referrals. The goal is to reduce repeat offenses and support reintegration. Records of house arrest assignments may appear in public logs but do not include real-time location data. This program is part of the county’s broader effort to manage incarceration costs and improve public safety.
Public Records Portal and Additional Services
The county’s main public records website combines data from many departments. Users can search property assessments, view deed images, and explore genealogy archives dating back to the 1800s. The Citizen Request Center at 123 Wyoming Avenue processes over 2,300 requests each year. It provides in-person help Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Online tools let you submit requests for accident reports, arrest logs, and meeting minutes. Pop-up blockers must be disabled for full access. The site also streams public meetings and posts job openings. All services follow Pennsylvania’s open records laws and aim to increase government transparency.
Accident and Incident Reports
The Lackawanna County Police Department maintains detailed incident reports. These include traffic accidents, criminal activity, and civil disturbances. Each report lists the date, time, exact location using GPS coordinates, officer narrative, and any citations issued. People involved in crashes can request copies for insurance claims. Researchers use these logs to study crime trends across the county’s nine precincts. Reports are not always immediately available—some require review before release. You can ask for them through the public records portal or by calling the sheriff’s office. Fees may apply for printed or certified copies.
Family Court and Juvenile Services
The Family Court Division handles custody, support, and visitation cases. It sends legal notices by mail and phone and manages records for Juvenile Probation and Children and Youth Services. About 4,500 juvenile cases are processed yearly. Online access requires disabling pop-up blockers. For technical support, call 814-472-6146 during business hours. These records are not part of the public arrest database due to privacy laws. Only authorized parties can view them. The division works closely with social services to protect children and support families.
Official Resources and Help Desk
For reliable information, always use official county sources. The main website is https://www.lackawannacounty.org. The public records portal is at https://www.lackawannacounty.org/public_records/index.php. The Clerk of Judicial Records page provides forms and instructions. If you need help, call the sheriff’s office at 570-963-6639 or the warrant desk at 570-963-6719 ext. 7109. Visiting hours for the courthouse are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The address is 123 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. Below is a map showing the location:
Related Public Record Searches
People often search for related records when looking up Lackawanna County Arrest Records. Common needs include inmate locators, background checks, and statewide crime databases. While the county provides direct access to local data, other resources cover broader regions. Always verify the credibility of third-party sites before paying for information. Official sources remain the most accurate and up-to-date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about arrest records in Lackawanna County. Below are clear answers based on current policies and procedures.
Can I remove my arrest record from public view?
You cannot simply delete an arrest record, but you may be able to seal or expunge it under Pennsylvania law. Sealing hides the record from public searches, while expungement destroys it entirely. Eligibility depends on the charge, outcome, and time passed. For example, if charges were dropped or you were acquitted, you likely qualify for expungement. Misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies may also be eligible after a waiting period. You must file a petition in the Court of Common Pleas and attend a hearing. The district attorney can object. If approved, the record disappears from the online portal and background checks. Juvenile records are automatically protected. Consult a lawyer to understand your options. The process takes weeks or months and costs money in filing fees.
Why is the arrest rate so high compared to the national average?
Lackawanna County’s arrest rate is 2,110.96 per 100,000 people, which is 185% above the U.S. average. This doesn’t necessarily mean more crime—it reflects aggressive policing, better reporting, and population density. Scranton, the largest city, has a higher concentration of law enforcement and surveillance. The county also includes rural areas where arrests might be more visible due to fewer residents. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law encourages transparency, so more records are public. Drug enforcement efforts have increased in recent years, contributing to higher arrest numbers. However, crime rates for serious offenses like murder remain low. The data comes from official state and local agencies, not estimates. Always compare trends over time rather than single-year snapshots.
Are mugshots really public record?
Yes, mugshots are considered public record in Pennsylvania unless a judge orders them sealed. They are taken during booking and stored with other arrest details. The Lackawanna County portal displays them freely. However, state law prohibits using mugshots for commercial purposes without permission. Some private websites republish them and charge fees to remove them—this practice is legal but controversial. The county does not profit from mugshot access. Remember, appearing in a mugshot means someone was arrested, not convicted. Charges can be dismissed, reduced, or result in acquittal. Rely on court outcomes, not booking photos, to assess guilt.
How long do arrests stay on the public portal?
Arrest records remain on the Lackawanna County public portal for twelve months from the booking date. After that, they are archived and no longer appear in standard searches. However, older records may still exist in court files or state databases. If you need information beyond one year, contact the Clerk of Courts or use the online extraction tool. Expunged or sealed records are removed immediately upon court order. Juvenile records are never public. The system is designed to balance transparency with privacy.
Can employers see my arrest record?
Employers can see arrest records that are public, including those on the county portal. However, Pennsylvania law limits how they use this information. Employers cannot discriminate based solely on an arrest without conviction. If you were arrested but not charged or were acquitted, you have legal protections. Some jobs, especially in government or education, require full disclosure. Always be honest on applications. You can explain the situation and provide court documents showing the outcome. Consider getting records expunged if eligible. This removes them from most background checks.
What if I find incorrect information in an arrest record?
If you see wrong details—like a misspelled name, wrong charge, or incorrect date—contact the agency that made the arrest. For Scranton arrests, call the police department. For county-wide issues, call the sheriff’s office at 570-963-6639. Provide proof of the error, such as a court dismissal or corrected paperwork. The agency will review and update its records if needed. The online portal may take a few days to reflect changes. If the mistake affects your reputation or employment, keep copies of all corrections. You can also file a formal dispute with the Clerk of Courts.
Do arrest records include bail or bond information?
Most arrest records in Lackawanna County do not show bail or bond amounts. These details are handled separately by the court system. Once a person is arraigned, a judge sets bail based on the charge, criminal history, and flight risk. You can find bail information by searching the court docket number linked in the arrest record. The Court of Common Pleas website provides hearing schedules and financial terms. Some third-party sites compile this data, but official sources are more reliable. If someone posts bail, they are released but must return for all court dates.