Virginia records about 200,000 arrests annually, with Albemarle County accounting for over 1,704. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, the public may access records created and maintained by government agencies, including arrest reports. However, certain records are exempt from public inspection. They include documents related to ongoing investigations, sealed cases, and juvenile arrests.
Access to sensitive arrest records is restricted to authorized personnel, such as law enforcement officers, judicial officials, individuals named in the records, their attorneys, and the Albemarle County Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney. The procedure and fees associated with obtaining these records may vary depending on the agency and the nature of the request. It is advisable to contact the relevant law enforcement agency.
Albemarle County arrest records are accessible through various agencies, including the state's law enforcement agencies, local police departments, Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, and the Albemarle County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
The Sheriff's Office maintains records related to arrests and law enforcement activities but does not operate a detention facility or provide an online inmate search tool. Requesters may contact the Sheriff's Office directly for assistance with arrest records at:
411 East High Street
Building B
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: (434) 972-4001
For inmate details, the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail offers an online search tool.
The Albemarle County Police Department oversees law enforcement activities within Albemarle County, including the maintenance of police reports and arrest records. Individuals involved in an incident may obtain reports by mail or in person at:
1600 5th Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: (434) 296-5807
Other notable police departments in the county are the Charlottesville Police Department and the ScottsvillePolice Department.
The Virginia State Police (VSP) serves as the central repository for criminal records and provides both name-based and fingerprint-based background checks. Individuals may request a name-based background check by submitting a notarized SP-167 form along with a $15 fee, or $20 if they wish to include sex offender information. Employers and agencies, however, may use the SP-230 form, which does not require notarization. Requests must be mailed with payment to:
The Virginia State Police
Central Criminal Records Exchange
Richmond, VA 23261
P.O. Box 27472
Phone: (804) 674-2131
This takes about 15 business days to process. Fingerprint-based checks are often required for employment, licensing, and adoption purposes, with specific instructions and fees provided by the VSP. Payments may be made via certified check, money order, or credit card. Nonetheless, personal checks are not accepted.
The county's criminal court records contain arrests that led to charges. The Circuit Court has broad jurisdiction over civil claims, felony cases, and family matters. At the same time, the District Court handles civil cases, traffic violations, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The clerks of both courts maintain their respective records. Individuals may visit the courthouses to request access to criminal court records.
Moreover, the Virginia Judicial System offers the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information Portal as well as the General District Court Online Case Information System. Interested parties may access civil, criminal, and traffic case records using these resources. The systems allow searches by name, case number, or hearing date for participating courts.
On the other hand, Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail (ACRJ) provides an Inmate Search feature. Record seekers may call the facility at 434-977-6981. The jail staff may assist with inquiries regarding inmate status, charges, and visitation schedules. In addition to official sources, Albemarle County arrest records may be accessed through reliable third-party websites like InfoTracer. These platforms allow users to search the county's arrest data faster and more conveniently.
Albemarle County has an arrest rate of 2,937 per 100,000 population. Some arrest figures (adult and juvenile) recorded in Albemarle County during this period are shown below:
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Murder | 6 |
| Drug/ Narcotics Violations | 62 |
| Robbery | 2 |
| Arson | 1 |
| Rape | 7 |
| Aggravated Assault | 32 |
| Simple Assault | 187 |
| Vandalism | 34 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 |
| Larceny | 19 |
| Other Offenses | 841 |
| Total Number of Arrests | 1,704 |
Source: Virginia State Police
| Department | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Albemarle County Police Department | 1600 5th St | 434-296-5807 |
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Albemarle-CharlottesvilleRegional Jail | 160 Peregory Lane | 434-977-6981 |