Jefferson County, WV Arrests & Jail Records
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How To Search Jefferson County Arrest Records
Jefferson County law enforcement agencies process approximately 1,200 arrests each year, contributing to more than 25,000 annual arrests recorded throughout West Virginia. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, these arrest records are accessible to the public for a processing fee of $5 to $20 per copy.
However, not all records are available for public viewing. Exemptions include records involving juveniles, sexual assault cases, ongoing investigations, and sealed records. These protected documents are only accessible to authorized parties such as the individuals named in the records, law enforcement agencies, the County Circuit Court, and the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
How To Look Up Jefferson County Arrest Records
The County arrest records may be accessed through several agencies, including the Sheriff's Office, local police departments, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, Magistrate Courts, and the Circuit Court.
Jefferson County Sheriff's Arrest Records
The Sheriff's Office provides arrest records through the Records Division. Requests can be made by calling (304) 728-3205 or visiting in person at: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 102 Industrial Boulevard Kearneysville, WV 25430.
Jefferson County Police Arrest Records
Major police departments in Jefferson County include:
- Charles Town Police Department
- Ranson Police Department
- Shepherdstown Police Department
- Harpers Ferry Police Department
To access arrest records, interested persons should visit the specific department overseeing the city or town where the arrest was made. You must provide details such as the individual's name and arrest date, and a fee may be required. Some departments offer online "Public Records" requests through their official websites or maintain recent incident logs for public viewing.
The West Virginia Criminal Agency
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Records manages the collection and dissemination of criminal history information statewide. Individuals can request personal criminal records online via the West Virginia CARES system or by submitting a completed Challenge of Criminal History Record form through the mail.
To request by mail, send the form, a copy of a government-issued photo ID, and applicable fees to:
West Virginia State Police - Criminal Records Section 725 Jefferson Road South Charleston, WV 25309
Jefferson County Criminal Court Records
Individuals seeking criminal court records in the County can obtain them from the Circuit Court or Magistrate Court, depending on the severity of the charges. These records are maintained by the Clerk of theCircuit Court and are accessible to the public.
Requests can be made in person at the Jefferson County Courthouse or online via the West Virginia Judiciary's Court Records Access platform. To perform a search, requesters typically need the name of the individual involved or a case number. Copy fees may apply.
In addition to these official sources, arrest records from the County may also be available through third-party websites like InfoTracer, which offer broader search access and convenience.
Arrest Statistics
According to data from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the West Virginia Statistical Analysis Center (WVSAC), Jefferson County has a crime index rate of 116.21 per 100,000 people. The table below outlines the number of arrests recorded in the county for specific offenses.
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Robbery | 2 |
| Aggravated Assault | 11 |
| Simple Assault | 51 |
| Arson | 7 |
| Burglary/Breaking & Entering | 151 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 27 |
| Property Crimes | 832 |
| Negligent Manslaughter | 3 |
| Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter | 5 |
Source: Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and Statistical Analysis Center (WVSAC)
Police Departments in Jefferson County
| Department | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Town Police Department | 114 W Liberty St | 304-725-2714 |
| Ranson Police Department | 700 N. Preston St. | 304-725-2411 |
| Shepherdstown Police Department | 104 N King St | 304-876-6036 |