Virginia records about 206,600 arrests annually, with Frederick County accounting for over 1,600. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, the public may access records created and maintained by government agencies, including arrest records. However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure, such as those related to ongoing investigations, sealed cases, and juvenile arrests.
Access to restricted arrest records is limited to authorized personnel, such as law enforcement officers, judicial officials, individuals named in the records, their attorneys, and the 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. For instance, the Sheriff's Office provides FOIA request guidelines, recommending online submissions with processing fees set at $25 per hour for staff time and $0.05 per page for copies.
Frederick County arrest records are accessible through various agencies, including the state's law enforcement agencies, local police departments, and the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records within its jurisdiction, providing public access and calls for service through their official websites. Individuals may search incidents by location, date, or type of incident and access information on recent arrests. Alternatively, interested parties may use their online request system or request copies of arrest records by visiting the office at:
1080 Coverstone Drive
Winchester, VA 22602
Phone: (540) 662-6168
The local police departments oversee law enforcement activities within the county, including maintaining police reports and arrest records. For example, the Winchester Police Department offers daily arrest logs and call blotters on its website. Individuals may obtain reports online or in person at the police department. Another notable police department is the Town of Stephens City Police Department:
The Virginia State Police (VSP) serves as the central repository for criminal records and provides both name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history searches. Individuals may request a name-based search by submitting a notarized SP-167 form along with a $15 fee, or $20 if sex offender information is requested. Employers and agencies, however, may use the SP-230 form, which does not require notarization. Payment may be made via certified check, money order, or credit card and mailed along with the completed form to:
Central Criminal Records Exchange
Richmond, VA 23261
P.O. Box 27472
Phone: (804) 674-2131
The processing takes about 15 business days. Fingerprint-based checks are often required for employment, licensing, and adoption, with the VSP providing specific instructions.
Arrest records leading to charges are documented and maintained within the county's criminal court records. The Circuit Court handles felonies, civil claims, and family matters, while the General District Court oversees misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary felony hearings. Each court's records are maintained by its respective clerks. Individuals seeking access to criminal court records may visit the Judicial Center at:
5 North Kent Street
Winchester, VA 22601-5037
Alternatively, the Virginia Judicial System offers online access to court records through the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information Portal and the General District Court Online Case Information System. These platforms allow users to search case details by name, case number, or hearing date for participating courts.
On the other hand, the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC) handles arrests and inmate records in the county. Requesters may search records through their official website or contact the facility directly. Frederick County arrest records may also be accessed through reliable third-party websites like InfoTracer. These platforms allow users to search the county's arrest data more conveniently.
Frederick County has a crime rate of 8.5 per 100,000 population. Some arrest figures (adult and juvenile) recorded in Freder County during this period are shown below:
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Murder | 1 |
| Kidnapping | 3 |
| Rape | 4 |
| Aggravated Assault | 16 |
| Simple Assault | 213 |
| Crime Against Society | 179 |
| Crime Against Property | 198 |
| Total Number of Arrests | 1,653 |
Source: Virginia State Police
It is situated in Frederick county, Virginia with a total number of 144 employees - 14 female, 115 male officers and 15 civilians. Frederick County SO ORI (Originated Agency Identifier) number is VA0340000, it belongs to the South Atlantic division in the South region with a region code of Region III.
| Department | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Stephens City Police Department | 1033 Locust St | 540-868-1012 |
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center | 141 Fort Collier Road | 540-535-3800 |