In Pennsylvania, there are at least 142,000 arrests recorded across the state, with about 400 arrests documented for Wayne County. The Right to Know Law (RTKL) grants public access to basic arrest details, including the name of the individual arrested, the time and date of the incident, the location, and mugshots.
However, the RTKL limits the release of sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers and home addresses. It also allows record custodians to withhold portions of records that may reveal the identity of victims or witnesses. Full disclosure of arrest records is typically available to the individual named in the record, the District Attorney, and authorized members of law enforcement. In Wayne County, the cost to obtain these records may be up to $27.
Arrest information may be accessed through the Court of Common Pleas and the Magisterial District Courts. In addition to the courts, these records are managed by local Police Departments, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office accepts arrest record requests filed in person during regular business hours. Interested parties may visit the office at 925 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.
Individuals may request arrest records in person by visiting the arresting police department. Typically, requesters must provide specific information, such as the arrestee's name, the date of the arrest, and the location where the incident occurred, to help the Record Clerk locate the appropriate records. Several notable Police Departments operate within Wayne County, including:
Individuals may request criminal history records from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) for purposes such as employment, adoption, visa applications, volunteer work, or verifying the accuracy of their own records.
For $22, anyone may request a criminal history check on an individual through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) site and print out the results. Alternatively, the PSP permits the public to make the same request by submitting the Request for Criminal Record Check form (SP 4-164) and a money order or certified check for $22 to:
Pennsylvania State Police
Central Repository - 164
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
The Request for Individual Access and Review form (SP 4-170) may be used by any Wayne resident to request their personal criminal history records from the PSP. This process cost $20 and may only be completed by submitting the completed form and required fees to:
Pennsylvania State Police
Central Repository â RCPU
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
Criminal case files typically contain details on arrests that led to the initiation of a formal charge. These records may be accessed by searching the dockets of the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas or the Magisterial District Courts through the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal. Copies may also be acquired by visiting the courthouse where the case was processed.
Additionally, third-party websites such as InfoTracer offer instant access to arrest records, providing a convenient alternative to visiting government Offices in person.
Wayne County reports an estimated 400 arrests each year, based on data from NIBRS report. The arrest figures recorded for Group A offenses are shown below:
| OFFENSE | NUMBER OF ARRESTS |
|---|---|
| Rape | 1 |
| Robbery | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 29 |
| Burglary | 22 |
| Larceny | 111 |
| Simple Assault | 219 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 |
| Arson | 2 |
Source: Pennsylvania UCR Program
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Canaan USP | 3057 Easton Turnpike | 570-488-8000 |
| SCI Waymart | Route 6, P.o. Box 256 | 570-488-5811 |