Westmoreland County Criminal Records
What Is Westmoreland County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), specifically under § 9102, which defines criminal history record information as "information collected by criminal justice agencies concerning individuals, and arising from the initiation of a criminal proceeding."
Criminal records in Westmoreland County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Westmoreland County Prison
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records confirm legal guilt. Pennsylvania law differentiates between felonies (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year) and misdemeanors (less serious offenses with shorter potential sentences).
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Westmoreland County:
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office
2 North Main Street, Suite 101
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-830-3457
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office
Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts
2 North Main Street, Suite 203
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-830-3734
Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts
Pennsylvania State Police
Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5494
Pennsylvania State Police
Adult criminal records typically include documentation of arrests, charges, arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. Juvenile records, by contrast, are generally sealed under Pennsylvania Juvenile Act § 6308, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
Are Criminal Records Public In Westmoreland County
Criminal records in Westmoreland County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) and the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA). Under § 9121 of CHRIA, criminal history record information maintained by the central repository is public information when requested for non-criminal justice purposes.
The Pennsylvania RTKL establishes a presumption of openness for government records, stating in § 301: "A record in the possession of a Commonwealth agency or local agency shall be presumed to be a public record." This presumption applies to most criminal records maintained by Westmoreland County agencies.
Public criminal records in Westmoreland County typically include:
- Court dockets and case files for adult criminal proceedings
- Criminal conviction records
- Inmate records for individuals currently incarcerated
- Criminal court calendars and schedules
- Final dispositions of criminal cases
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations, as exempted under § 708(b)(16) of the RTKL
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions for violent offenses)
- Records sealed by court order or expunged pursuant to § 9122 of CHRIA
- Records related to victims of sexual or domestic violence
- Grand jury proceedings and materials
- Mental health evaluations and records
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System provides additional guidance through its Public Access Policy, which governs access to court records throughout the Commonwealth, including Westmoreland County.
Members of the public seeking criminal records should note that while conviction information is generally accessible, non-conviction data (such as arrests not leading to convictions) may have restricted access under § 9121(b)(2) of CHRIA, which states: "Criminal history record information shall not include information which is confidential in accordance with this chapter."
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Westmoreland County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Westmoreland County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county currently maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts
2 North Main Street, Suite 203
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-830-3734
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts
The procedure for in-person criminal record searches includes:
- Complete the public records request form available at the Clerk's office
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees (currently $20.00 for certified copies, $0.25 per page for photocopies)
- Allow processing time, which varies based on request volume
For mail requests, individuals should:
- Download and complete the Public Records Request Form
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail to the Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts at the address listed above
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Pennsylvania State Police maintain the central repository through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. Requests through PATCH require:
- The subject's full name and date of birth
- Payment of the statutory fee (currently $22 per request)
- Creation of a user account for online requests
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, requestors may also submit a written request to the Westmoreland County Court Administrator for specific criminal case information not available through other means.
How To Find Criminal Records in Westmoreland County Online?
Westmoreland County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resources include:
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Westmoreland County Public Record Searches - The county's official portal provides access to various public records, including criminal court dockets. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date without registration.
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Westmoreland County Prison Inmate Lookup - This database allows searches of current inmates housed in the Westmoreland County Prison. Information includes inmate name, booking date, charges, and bail information. No registration is required.
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Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal - This statewide system provides access to court dockets across Pennsylvania, including Westmoreland County criminal cases. Users must register for a free account to access detailed information. The portal contains:
- Criminal court dockets
- Case status information
- Scheduled court dates
- Case disposition information
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Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) - Maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police, this system provides official criminal history record checks. Users must:
- Create an account
- Pay the statutory fee ($22 per search)
- Provide subject identifying information
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Westmoreland County Sheriff's Civil Process Database - While primarily for civil matters, this database may contain information about individuals with active warrants. No registration is required.
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Information accuracy depends on timely updates by the respective agencies
- Some case details may require in-person requests for complete files
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
- Records of expunged cases will not appear in public databases
Online searches typically provide basic case information, while detailed documents such as criminal complaints, affidavits, and transcripts generally require in-person requests at the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
Can You Search Westmoreland County Criminal Records for Free?
Westmoreland County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations apply. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law establishes in § 1307(a) that "fees for duplication by photocopying, printing from electronic media or microfilm, copying onto electronic media, transmission by facsimile or other electronic means and other means of duplication shall be established by the Office of Open Records."
Free inspection options include:
- In-person inspection at the Westmoreland County Courthouse during regular business hours. Pursuant to § 1307(a) of the RTKL, "a public record shall be accessible for inspection by any requester during the regular business hours of an agency." No fee is charged for viewing records, though copying fees apply.
Westmoreland County Courthouse
2 North Main Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Westmoreland County Prison Inmate Lookup - This free online database allows public searches of current inmates without registration or fees.
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Westmoreland County Public Record Searches - The county's official portal provides free access to basic criminal court information.
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Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal - This statewide system offers free registration and access to court dockets, though certain detailed documents may require fees.
While basic record searches are available without charge, fees apply for:
- Certified copies of documents ($20.00 per document)
- Photocopies ($0.25 per page)
- Official criminal history reports through PATCH ($22 per search)
- Expedited processing services
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records has established in its Fee Structure that "an agency may not charge a fee for the agency's review of a record to determine whether the record is a public record subject to access under the Right-to-Know Law." This ensures that the determination process itself remains free of charge to requestors.
What's Included in a Westmoreland County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Westmoreland County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is governed by Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act § 9102, which defines the scope and limitations of criminal history information.
A typical Westmoreland County criminal record includes:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Docket/case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Filing date and case status
- Statutory charges with Pennsylvania Criminal Code citations
- Classification of offenses (felony grades F1-F3, misdemeanor grades M1-M3)
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Preliminary hearing details and outcomes
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Verdict (if trial conducted)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation/parole conditions and duration
- Fines, costs, and restitution ordered
- Alternative sentencing (ARD, treatment programs)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation/parole violations
Criminal records maintained by the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office may contain additional law enforcement information not available in court records, while Pennsylvania State Police records provide a statewide perspective on an individual's criminal history.
It should be noted that pursuant to § 9121(b)(2) of CHRIA, certain information may be redacted from public criminal records, particularly details related to victims, witnesses, or sensitive investigative techniques.
How Long Does Westmoreland County Keep Criminal Records?
Westmoreland County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission under the County Records Act § 1326. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
The current retention periods for criminal records in Westmoreland County are:
- Criminal Case Files - Permanent retention for felony cases resulting in conviction; 25 years for misdemeanor convictions; 3 years after final disposition for cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Arrest Records - 75 years from date of arrest
- Booking Information - 75 years from date of booking
- Criminal Complaints - Permanent retention for felony cases; 25 years for misdemeanor cases
- Criminal Dockets - Permanent retention
- Sentencing Orders - Permanent retention
- Probation/Parole Records - 10 years after final discharge from supervision
- Protection From Abuse Orders - 10 years after expiration of order
- Bench Warrants - 3 years after execution or withdrawal
- Summary Offense Records - 3 years after final disposition
These retention periods may be extended when records are subject to litigation holds or ongoing investigations. Additionally, records of historical significance may be preserved indefinitely by the Westmoreland County Archives.
It is important to note that while records may be maintained according to these schedules, they may become eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances as provided in Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act § 9122. Expunged records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.
The Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law, enacted in 2018 and expanded in 2019, provides for automatic sealing of certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent offenses, as well as non-conviction records and summary offenses after specific time periods. Sealed records remain in existence but are not accessible to the public.
Lookup Criminal Records in Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office
Westmoreland County Prison Inmate Search