Berks County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Berks County
Arrest records in Berks County are considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 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 Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), 18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq., further governs the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
Under Pennsylvania law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain restrictions apply. The County Open Records Office serves as the primary point of contact for public records requests in Berks County.
Berks County Open Records Office
Berks County Services Center
633 Court Street, 13th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6136
Berks County Open Records Office
What's in Berks County Arrest Records
Berks County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute/code violations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor, felony)
- Charge severity level
- Charge description
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking number/case number
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount
- Bail conditions
- Bail status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case number
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Probation/parole status
- Protection orders
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Witness information
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
The Berks County Clerk of Courts maintains official criminal court records, while the Berks County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Berks County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Berks County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:
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Submit a Right-to-Know Request
- Complete the official Right-to-Know request form available from the Berks County Open Records Office
- Submit the form in person, by mail, by email, or by fax to the designated Open Records Officer
- Specify the records being requested with reasonable particularity
- Allow up to 5 business days for a response (extensions may apply per 65 P.S. § 67.902)
-
Visit the Berks County Courthouse
- Proceed to the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours
- Request assistance from court staff to search for criminal case records
- Provide identifying information about the case or individual
- Pay applicable fees for copies of records
-
Contact the Arresting Agency
- Determine which law enforcement agency made the arrest
- Submit a records request directly to that agency
- Follow agency-specific procedures for records requests
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
-
Request Criminal History Information
- Submit a Criminal History Request Form to the Pennsylvania State Police
- Include required identification and payment
- Specify the purpose of the request as permitted under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121
Berks County Clerk of Courts
Berks County Courthouse
633 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6550
Berks County Clerk of Courts
How To Find Berks County Arrest Records Online
Berks County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. The following online methods are available to the public:
-
Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Access the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Select "Berks County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Review docket sheets and case information
- Note that this system provides court case information, not arrest records specifically
-
Berks County Sheriff's Office Website
- Visit the Berks County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Warrants" or "Most Wanted" section
- Search for individuals with active warrants
- Review publicly available information about wanted persons
-
Inmate Locator Systems
- Use the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator for state inmates
- Check the Berks County Jail System website for county inmates
- Search by name or inmate number
- Verify current custody status and facility location
-
Third-Party Background Check Services
- Commercial services aggregate public records
- Fees typically apply for comprehensive reports
- Information may not be as current or accurate as official sources
- Use with caution and verify information through official channels
When using online systems, users should be aware that:
- Not all arrest records are available online
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Official record requests may still be necessary for complete information
How To Search Berks County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Berks County arrest records without payment through several no-cost methods. The following free options are available:
-
In-Person Court Docket Review
- Visit the Berks County Courthouse during public hours
- Request to view public terminal computers in the Clerk of Courts office
- Search for cases by name or case number
- Review docket information at no charge (printing fees may apply)
-
Online Unified Judicial System Portal
- Access the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Select the appropriate court (Berks County Court of Common Pleas)
- Conduct searches by name or case number
- View basic case information and docket sheets at no cost
-
Berks County Sheriff's Website
- Visit the Berks County Sheriff's Office website
- Check the current "Wanted Persons" listings
- Review public information about individuals with active warrants
- Access is completely free and requires no registration
-
Public Access Computers at Libraries
- Visit the Reading Public Library or other county libraries
- Use public computers to access court websites
- Search public records databases available through library resources
- Receive assistance from library staff if needed
-
Inmate Locator Services
- Use the free Pennsylvania Inmate Locator service
- Search for currently incarcerated individuals
- Verify custody status and location
- Access basic information about current inmates
When using free search methods, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free searches may provide limited information compared to official record requests
- Some records may require formal requests and applicable fees
- Recent arrests may not be immediately available in free systems
- Complete criminal history information requires formal requests through proper channels
How To Delete Arrest Records in Berks County
Pennsylvania law provides specific mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records under certain circumstances. The processes of expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) are governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 and the Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018).
Expungement (Complete Removal)
Expungement may be available in the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction (acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi)
- Summary offense convictions after 5 years of arrest-free behavior
- Underage drinking convictions for individuals 21 or older
- Successful completion of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
- Individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for 10 years
- Deceased individuals (upon petition by personal representative)
The expungement process involves:
- Filing a petition with the Berks County Court of Common Pleas
- Paying the required filing fee (approximately $200)
- Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court
- Obtaining a court order directing all relevant agencies to expunge records
- Following up to ensure all records are properly expunged
Record Sealing (Limited Access)
Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law, certain records may be eligible for sealing:
- Misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
- Summary offenses
- Cases not resulting in convictions
- Some second and third-degree misdemeanors
The sealing process includes:
- Filing a petition for limited access with the Berks County Court
- Demonstrating eligibility under applicable statutes
- Obtaining a court order granting limited access
- Verifying that records have been properly sealed
Automatic Sealing
As of June 2019, Pennsylvania implemented automatic sealing for:
- Non-conviction records
- Summary offense convictions after 10 years
- Some misdemeanor convictions after 10 crime-free years
Individuals seeking to remove or seal arrest records should consult with a qualified attorney familiar with Pennsylvania's expungement and Clean Slate laws. The Berks County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement.
What Happens After Arrest in Berks County?
The criminal justice process in Berks County follows a structured sequence of events from initial arrest through final disposition. Understanding this process helps individuals navigate the system effectively.
Initial Arrest and Booking
When law enforcement officers make an arrest in Berks County, the following steps occur:
- The individual is taken into custody and transported to a police station or the Berks County Jail System
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial charges are documented
- Medical screening may be conducted
Preliminary Arraignment
Within 72 hours of arrest (typically much sooner):
- The defendant appears before a Magisterial District Judge
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail is set or denied based on factors including:
- Severity of charges
- Prior criminal history
- Flight risk
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
- A preliminary hearing date is scheduled
Preliminary Hearing
Typically held within 3-10 days of arraignment:
- The prosecution must establish a prima facie case
- Evidence and testimony may be presented
- The defendant may challenge evidence or testimony
- The judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- Cases may be dismissed, withdrawn, or bound over for trial
- Some defendants may waive the preliminary hearing
Formal Arraignment
Approximately 30-60 days after the preliminary hearing:
- The case moves to the Court of Common Pleas
- Formal charges are presented via criminal information
- The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Pre-trial conference dates are established
- Discovery process begins
Pre-Trial Proceedings
During this phase:
- Attorneys exchange evidence through discovery
- Pre-trial motions may be filed (suppression, dismissal, etc.)
- Plea negotiations may occur
- Diversionary programs may be considered for eligible defendants
- Case management conferences may be held
Trial or Plea
Most cases resolve through plea agreements, but trials proceed as follows:
- Jury selection (or bench trial decision)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witnesses
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation or judicial decision
- Verdict announcement
Sentencing
If convicted:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- The judge imposes sentence based on:
- Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines
- Case specifics
- Criminal history
- Mitigating/aggravating factors
Post-Conviction
After sentencing:
- Appeal rights are explained
- Defendants may file post-sentence motions
- Appeals may be filed within 30 days
- Sentences are implemented (incarceration, probation, etc.)
- Restitution and fines are established
Throughout this process, the Berks County Clerk of Courts maintains all official criminal court records.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Berks County?
Arrest records in Berks County are maintained according to Pennsylvania's record retention requirements as established in the County Records Manual and governed by 16 P.S. § 13001-13006 (County Records Act). These retention periods ensure proper documentation while balancing public access and individual privacy concerns.
Standard Retention Periods
Law enforcement agencies in Berks County typically maintain arrest records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest reports for felony cases: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for misdemeanor cases: 20 years after case closure
- Arrest reports for summary offenses: 3 years after case closure
- Fingerprint cards and photographs: Maintained until expungement or sealing
- Booking information: Retained in accordance with corresponding case type
Court Record Retention
The Berks County Court of Common Pleas maintains criminal case records according to the following schedule:
- Capital case records: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony case records: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor case records: 25 years after final disposition
- Summary offense records: 7 years after final disposition
- Juvenile records: Special retention rules apply under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308
Digital Records
With the transition to digital record-keeping:
- Electronic arrest records may be maintained indefinitely
- Digital fingerprint records are retained in state and federal databases
- Automated systems may flag records eligible for expungement or sealing
- Digital mugshots may remain accessible until specifically removed
Factors Affecting Retention
Several factors may modify standard retention periods:
- Court-ordered expungements require immediate destruction of records
- Record sealing restricts public access but records remain in existence
- Appeals or post-conviction proceedings may extend retention periods
- Records with historical significance may be preserved permanently
The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Maintains documentation for potential appeals
- Provides information for background checks as authorized by law
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
- Supports statistical analysis and policy development
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention periods should contact the Berks County Open Records Office for the most current policies.
How to Find Mugshots in Berks County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) photograph
- Side-profile (profile) photograph
- Identifying information board or number
- Date of booking
- Arresting agency information
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Berks County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The Berks County Jail System for county-level bookings
- Local police departments for initial arrests
- The Pennsylvania State Police for state-level offenses
- The Berks County Sheriff's Office for certain warrant arrests
Finding Mugshots
Individuals seeking mugshots in Berks County have several potential methods:
-
Submit a Right-to-Know Request
- File a formal request with the arresting agency
- Specify the individual and date of arrest
- Provide justification for the request
- Pay any applicable fees
-
Check the Sheriff's Office Website
- The Berks County Sheriff's Office may publish mugshots of wanted individuals
- Current "Most Wanted" listings often include photographs
- Recently arrested individuals may appear in press releases
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Contact the Arresting Agency
- Determine which police department made the arrest
- Contact their records division directly
- Follow their specific procedures for requesting photographs
- Be prepared to provide case numbers or identifying information
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
The availability of mugshots online in Berks County is limited:
- Official government websites rarely publish comprehensive mugshot databases
- The Berks County Sheriff's Office may publish limited mugshots of wanted persons
- Commercial mugshot websites may publish booking photos, but these are not official sources
- Recent legislation in Pennsylvania has restricted commercial publication of mugshots
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is:
- Identify the agency that took the photograph
- Submit a formal Right-to-Know request to that agency
- Provide specific information about the individual and arrest date
- Pay any required fees for reproduction
- Allow processing time as required by law
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Several restrictions may limit access to mugshots:
- Juvenile records and photographs are generally confidential under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308
- Expunged or sealed records will not include accessible mugshots
- Privacy exemptions may apply under 65 P.S. § 67.708
- Law enforcement agencies may withhold photographs for active investigations
- Recent arrests may not have processed photographs available immediately
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware of potential privacy implications and legal restrictions governing their use and distribution.
Lookup Arrest Records in Berks County
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal