Susquehanna County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Susquehanna County in 2026
SusquehannaRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Susquehanna County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, court case filings, and criminal history summaries. The completeness and currency of records may vary by source and agency.
Records may be searched through official county and state resources, including the Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online state databases. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county correctional facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent arrests. At present, the Sheriff's Office does not operate a publicly accessible online jail roster portal; inquiries are handled by phone or in person.
Available information includes arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. Records are updated as bookings occur.
2. Local Police Departments
Susquehanna County is served by the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop R, which covers the majority of the county's municipalities. The Pennsylvania State Police publishes Public Information Release Reports that include arrest and incident information searchable by county, year, and month. Individual borough police departments, including Forest City Police Department and Susquehanna Depot Borough Police, may issue press releases containing arrest information through their respective municipal offices.
3. County Clerk of Courts Case Search
The Susquehanna County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal, which provides access to docket information, charge details, and case status for matters filed in the Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Pennsylvania State Police administers the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, which allows members of the public to request criminal history background checks online. PATCH searches the statewide criminal history repository maintained pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. § 9121, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information. The current fee for a PATCH request is $22.00, payable online by credit or debit card. Results indicate whether a record exists and, if so, provide conviction and arrest data held in the state repository.
Additionally, members of the public may submit a Right-to-Know request to the Pennsylvania State Police Open Records Officer to obtain records not available through standard channels.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office
31 Lake Avenue
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building.
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where known, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number.
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply.
Police Departments:
Pennsylvania State Police, Troop R – Dunmore
85 Keystone Industrial Park
Dunmore, PA 18512
Phone: (570) 963-3156
Pennsylvania State Police Troop R
- Records requests may be submitted in person or by mail.
- Fees for copies are governed by the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.1307, which sets the standard duplication fee at $0.25 per page.
Clerk of Courts:
Susquehanna County Clerk of Courts
31 Lake Avenue, Courthouse
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County
- Criminal records division is located within the Susquehanna County Courthouse.
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Case files are available for public inspection during business hours.
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are available for an additional fee.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office at 31 Lake Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801. Each written request should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number
- Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office)
Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks, depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office: (570) 278-4600
- At present, no automated arrest information telephone system is in operation for Susquehanna County.
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
- Detailed record information is not released by telephone; callers may be directed to submit a written or in-person request.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case materials through formal discovery proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. Defense counsel and prosecutors obtain records 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 (Sheriff's Office, State Police, municipal department)
Are Arrest Records Public in Susquehanna County
Arrest records in Susquehanna County are public records subject to disclosure under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.102, which defines public records as documents or information of a Commonwealth agency, local agency, or judicial agency that are not exempt from disclosure. As the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records has stated, "The Right-to-Know Law presumes that records are public unless an exemption applies." Arrest records serve the public interest by promoting government transparency, enabling community awareness of law enforcement activity, supporting journalism and academic research, facilitating background screening, and providing information relevant to legal proceedings.
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
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current 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)
- Information pertaining to active investigations
- Identities of undercover officers
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Information pertaining to witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Pennsylvania Constitution, Article I, Section 11, guarantees access to courts and public proceedings. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public record. The Right-to-Know Law balances transparency with privacy by enumerating specific exemptions while establishing a presumption of openness. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- 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 federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions, requiring that consumer reporting agencies report only accurate and current information. Pennsylvania does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have enacted local ordinances. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Susquehanna County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race or ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania State Police, municipal department)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (where included)
- Booking date, time, and booking number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Conditions of release, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Court of Common Pleas or Magisterial District Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, where available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed in Susquehanna County
- Historical booking numbers and charges
- Not always included in a current arrest record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected or 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 detailed incident narratives not always available as public records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Susquehanna County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Susquehanna County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, agencies are permitted to charge standard duplication fees for copies of public records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Courts) | $5.00 per document (plus copy fee) |
| PATCH criminal history (online) | $22.00 per request |
| Electronic records (where available) | No additional fee in most cases |
| Inspection of records (in person) | No charge |
Accepted payment methods vary by office. The Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts accept cash, check, or money order. The PATCH system accepts credit and debit cards online. Fee waivers are not broadly available for routine arrest record requests, though members of the media and nonprofit organizations may request fee reductions under the Right-to-Know Law by demonstrating that disclosure serves the public interest. Inspection of records at the courthouse or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Susquehanna County
Pennsylvania law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or removal of records, and limited access orders (sometimes referred to as sealing), which restrict public access while preserving records for law enforcement use. The distinction is significant: expungement eliminates the record, while a limited access order removes it from public view without destroying it.
Under 18 Pa. C.S. § 9122, a person may petition for expungement of an arrest record in the following circumstances:
- The individual was arrested but no charges were filed
- All charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
- 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 deceased for three years
Limited access orders under 18 Pa. C.S. § 9122.1 are available for certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period free of additional offenses.
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Susquehanna County:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from PATCH or the Clerk of Courts to confirm the charges and disposition.
- Prepare a Petition for Expungement, which must include the petitioner's identifying information, the docket number, the charges, and the basis for expungement eligibility.
- File the petition with the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division.
- Serve the petition on the Susquehanna County District Attorney's Office, which has the opportunity to object.
- Attend any scheduled hearing before the Court of Common Pleas.
- If the court grants the petition, certified copies of the order are served on all agencies holding records, including the Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository.
Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas
31 Lake Avenue, Courthouse
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County
Susquehanna County District Attorney's Office
31 Lake Avenue, Courthouse
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County
Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may contact the Susquehanna County Public Defender's Office or seek assistance from a legal aid organization. Filing fees for expungement petitions vary; the Clerk of Courts should be contacted for the current fee schedule.
What Happens After Arrest in Susquehanna County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Susquehanna County, the arrested individual is transported to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
Susquehanna County Correctional Facility
31 Lake Avenue
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the correctional facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Pennsylvania law, an arrested individual must be brought before a Magisterial District Judge for a preliminary arraignment within 72 hours of arrest, and in practice this occurs within 24 hours in most cases. At the preliminary arraignment:
- The defendant is formally notified of the charges
- The right to counsel is explained and a public defender may be appointed for eligible individuals
- Bond or bail is determined
- The defendant is advised of rights and the next court date
Preliminary arraignments may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds.
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
- The amount is set by the Magisterial District Judge at preliminary arraignment.
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount.
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Pennsylvania law.
- The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The defendant is released on a written promise to appear.
- No monetary payment is required.
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond:
- The defendant is held without the possibility of bail.
- Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration detainers, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the county's pretrial services program.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours.
- Personal property is returned.
- The defendant receives written notice of the next court date and conditions of release.
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The defendant remains in custody at the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility.
- Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained upon intake.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Susquehanna County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income and financial circumstances.
Susquehanna County Public Defender's Office
31 Lake Avenue, Courthouse
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects individuals with licensed attorneys. Attorney-client consultations at the correctional facility are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Susquehanna County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.
Arraignment:
At the formal arraignment before the Court of Common Pleas, the defendant is read the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas in Pennsylvania are guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the Court of Common Pleas.
Pretrial conferences bring attorneys and the judge together to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects. A dismissal may support a petition for expungement.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with a recommended or agreed sentence. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution and defense present their cases, and a verdict is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing follows.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The Court of Common Pleas imposes sentence, which may include incarceration, probation, fines and costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to preliminary arraignment | Within 72 hours (typically 24 hours) |
| Preliminary arraignment to formal arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to trial or resolution | Months (varies widely) |
| Misdemeanor cases | Two to six months typical |
| Felony cases | Six to eighteen months typical |
Pennsylvania's right to a speedy trial is governed by Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 600, which requires that trial commence within 365 days of the filing of the criminal complaint.
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:
Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
31 Lake Avenue
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office
Susquehanna County Clerk of Courts
31 Lake Avenue, Courthouse
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County
Susquehanna County District Attorney's Office
31 Lake Avenue, Courthouse
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County
Susquehanna County Public Defender's Office
31 Lake Avenue, Courthouse
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections operates the Inmate/Department Supervised Individual Locator, which is updated daily and allows members of the public to locate individuals held in state correctional institutions.
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement.
- Do not physically resist arrest.
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions.
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney.
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed.
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
- Comply with all conditions of release.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Susquehanna County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Susquehanna County is governed by Pennsylvania law, local agency policies, and applicable federal regulations. The Pennsylvania State Records Committee establishes retention schedules for local government records under the Municipal Records Manual, which specifies minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the state repository and court records systems.
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules, with many agencies retaining records permanently in digital systems.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of three to seven years.
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order.
- State repository: Records remain unless expungement is granted and certified to the Pennsylvania State Police.
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged.
- Local law enforcement: Retained per agency retention schedule.
- Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition.
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three years.
- Eligible for expungement petition upon demonstration that no charges were filed.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per agency schedule, at minimum three to seven years.
- Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record.
Digital Records:
- Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Often retained permanently once digitized.
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Unified Judicial System.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and online mugshot aggregators may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Law enforcement retains access to sealed records even when public access is restricted.
Retention by Agency:
Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office
31 Lake Avenue
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: Minimum seven years; felony-related records retained permanently.
- Arrest reports: Minimum seven years.
- Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome.
Pennsylvania State Police, Troop R
85 Keystone Industrial Park
Dunmore, PA 18512
Phone: (570) 963-3156
Pennsylvania State Police
- Arrest records and incident reports: Retained per state retention schedule; felony records retained permanently.
Susquehanna County Clerk of Courts
31 Lake Avenue, Courthouse
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: (570) 278-4600
Susquehanna County
- Felony case files: Permanent retention.
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years.
- Electronic records: Permanent retention in the Unified Judicial System.
State Repository:
The Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository maintains criminal history records for all arrests occurring within the Commonwealth. Records are retained in accordance with state law and are accessible through the PATCH criminal history system. Expungement orders certified to the repository result in removal or sealing of the affected record.
FBI Database:
The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent retention in all databases |
| Dismissal | Remains unless expunged by court order |
| Acquittal | Remains unless expunged by court order |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention; eligible for expungement |
| Expungement granted | Physical destruction or sealing; state repository updated |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for seven years for non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Pennsylvania does not currently impose a statewide limit on reporting conviction records. Arrests without conviction are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance ordinances.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Susquehanna County Sheriff's Records Division at (570) 278-4600 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 31 Lake Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.