Portsmouth City reports an average of 1,000 arrests annually, contributing to Virginia's statewide total of approximately 405,672 arrests each year. In accordance with Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, most arrest records are considered public information and may be obtained through a formal request process, typically for a fee of up to $15.00 per record. However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure. These include cases involving juvenile offenders, ongoing criminal investigations, adoption proceedings, and domestic relations matters. Access to such records is restricted to the individuals directly involved, their legal counsel, authorized law enforcement agencies, and the Office of the Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Portsmouth City may obtain them from the following agencies:
The Portsmouth City Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining all arrest records generated within the city. Individuals seeking copies of these records may submit a completed public records request form by mail or visit the office in person at:
Portsmouth Sheriff's Office
2690 Elmhurst Lane
Portsmouth, VA 23701
Requests may also be made by phone by contacting the office at (757) 391-3177.
To obtain arrest records in Portsmouth City, individuals should contact the law enforcement agency or municipal police department responsible for the arrest. Requesters will need to provide specific details, including the individual's full name, date of arrest, charges, and the location where the arrest occurred.
Many law enforcement agencies in Portsmouth City offer online portals for convenient access to arrest records. The Portsmouth City Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency within the city.
The Portsmouth City Police Department and the Virginia State Police are the primary agencies responsible for recording and maintaining criminal history information, arrest records, and court records for the City of Portsmouth. Individuals seeking access to these records may submit a formal request online through the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange Portal or by mail to:
Virginia State Police
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261
A $15.00 processing fee applies to each request. For additional assistance, contact the Virginia State Police at (804) 674-2131.
Criminal court records in Portsmouth City are generated when arrest cases are formally processed through the judicial system. The Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining all court records for cases filed within the city, including both felony and misdemeanor matters.
These records can be accessed online via the Virginia Judicial System's Case Information Database. Requests may also be submitted in person or by mail at:
Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office
1345 Court Street
Portsmouth, VA 23705
Phone: (757) 393-8671
For faster and more convenient access to criminal court records and arrest information, individuals may also use trusted third-party services like InfoTracer, which often offer more efficient and cost-effective search options.
Portsmouth City reports an estimated arrest rate of 98.7 per 10,000 residents. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of arrests recorded within the city:
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Murder & Non-Negligent Homicide | 32 |
| Kidnaping/Abduction | 47 |
| Rape | 6 |
| Robbery | 39 |
| Aggravated Assault | 105 |
| Simple Assault | 328 |
| Arson | 3 |
| Burglary/Breaking & Entering | 24 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 13 |
| Larceny | 73 |
| Total Crimes Against Person (Violent Crimes) | 518 |
| Total Crimes Against Property | 437 |
| Total Number of Arrests | 955 |
Source: Virginia State Police