Carbon County Arrest and Police Records
Carbon County sits in eastern Pennsylvania with Jim Thorpe as its county seat. The county is home to roughly 66,000 residents spread across the Pocono region. Public records here include police reports, criminal case files, court dockets, and background check information. State law governs access to all of these records, and several local and state resources are available to help residents find what they need. This guide covers the main access points for Carbon County police and criminal records.
Carbon County Quick Facts
Carbon County Police Records Access
Carbon County residents can access police records through several channels. The county government website at carboncountypa.gov is the main hub for county services. Local police departments, the County Sheriff, and the Pennsylvania State Police all generate records that may be accessible through public records laws.
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104 is the primary legal framework for accessing government records in Carbon County. Under this law, any person can request records held by a public agency. Agencies must respond within five business days. Refusals must be in writing and explain the legal basis for denial.
Criminal records in Carbon County are also subject to the Criminal History Record Information Act, 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9101-9183. This law sets strict rules about who can access criminal history data and how it can be used. Most certified background checks for Carbon County residents go through the state PATCH system rather than the local level.
The screenshot below shows the Carbon County official government website, which is the starting point for open records requests and access to county department information.
Carbon County Official Website
The county website connects you to the Sheriff's Department, Open Records office, and other departments relevant to public records requests.
Note: Records related to active criminal investigations are typically exempt from disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law and cannot be obtained through a standard open records request.
Carbon County Court Records and Criminal Cases
The Carbon County Court of Common Pleas maintains records for all criminal and civil cases heard in the county. The court's website at carboncourts.com provides online access to several services.
Carbon County courts offer online payment options through their PA E-Pay system. Fines, bail, and probation fees can be handled online through PAePay. This system serves defendants and their families who need to manage financial obligations to the court.
The image below shows the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas website, where residents can find case information, court calendars, and online payment tools.
Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Court dockets in Carbon County are also searchable through the statewide Unified Judicial System Portal. This free tool lets users search by name, docket number, or date range. Results include charges, dispositions, sentencing information, and case status for both criminal and civil matters.
The Prothonotary's office handles civil case filings. The Clerk of Courts manages criminal dockets. Both offices are located in Jim Thorpe at the Carbon County Courthouse. In-person visits are possible during regular business hours for accessing records not available online.
Summary offense records from Magisterial District Courts are also searchable through the UJS Portal. These include minor traffic violations, disorderly conduct, and other low-level offenses that are handled at the district court level rather than the Court of Common Pleas.
Carbon County Sheriff Police Records
The Carbon County Sheriff's Department handles civil process service, courthouse security, and prisoner transport. The Sheriff also enforces court orders and maintains records related to those activities. Information about the Sheriff's Department is available at carboncountypa.gov/departments/sheriff/.
Civil records maintained by the Sheriff include execution of writs, levies, and real estate sales. These are different from criminal investigative records. People seeking civil process records can contact the Sheriff's office directly.
License to Carry Firearms permits are processed through the Carbon County Sheriff's office. Applications require a background check through the state system. Permit records are not public under Pennsylvania law, but the existence of a permit may come up in other legal proceedings.
The Sheriff's office works with the Pennsylvania State Police and local municipal departments throughout Carbon County. Municipal police departments in the county include departments serving Lansford, Lehighton, Palmerton, and Jim Thorpe, among others. Each department maintains its own records and handles requests according to the Right-to-Know Law.
For incidents handled by the Pennsylvania State Police in Carbon County, records requests go through the PSP records request portal. State Police maintain their own filing system separate from local departments.
Note: The Sheriff does not typically maintain criminal investigative files. Those records stay with the investigating agency, whether local police or State Police.
Carbon County Open Records Office
Carbon County has a designated open records officer who handles requests submitted under the Right-to-Know Law. The open records page at carboncountypa.gov/departments/open-records/ provides the contact information and procedures for submitting a request.
Requests must be in writing. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Submit your request to the open records officer by email, mail, or in person. The agency has five business days to respond. They may grant the request, deny it, or request a 30-day extension.
If the agency denies your request, you have 15 business days to appeal to the Office of Open Records. That office can be reached at 717-346-9903. The Office of Open Records issues binding decisions and is the standard appellate body for Right-to-Know disputes involving county agencies.
Fees for copies in Carbon County follow the state-mandated schedule. Standard paper copies cost $0.25 per page. Electronic records may be provided at no charge. The agency cannot charge for time spent searching for records unless the request is unusually complex or the requester agrees to pay in advance.
PATCH System for Carbon County Background Checks
Pennsylvania's PATCH system is the official tool for obtaining certified criminal background checks on individuals with records in Pennsylvania courts and law enforcement databases.
The PATCH fee is $22 per search. Results are typically available within minutes of submitting an online request. To begin, visit the PATCH overview page on the Pennsylvania State Police website. You will create an account and submit payment before receiving results.
PATCH searches draw on statewide criminal history data governed by 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9101-9183. Results include convictions, guilty pleas, and other case dispositions from courts across Pennsylvania. Arrests that were dismissed or resulted in acquittals may also appear in certain types of searches. Expunged records do not show up in PATCH results.
Organizations operating in Carbon County that need to screen volunteers or workers through Act 33 or Act 34 checks must use the PATCH system or an approved third-party provider. The PATCH system supports these special categories of background checks as well as standard individual requests.
Vehicle crash reports involving incidents in Carbon County are handled through a separate request process. The Pennsylvania State Police manages those requests at a cost of $22 per report. The crash report request page walks through the steps to submit a request and receive your copy.
Sex Offender Registry in Carbon County
Pennsylvania's Megan's Law sex offender registry includes individuals registered in Carbon County. The registry is maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and is publicly searchable. Residents can search by name, county, or zip code to find registered offenders in their area.
Visit pameganslaw.state.pa.us to access the registry. Registration tiers determine what information is publicly visible and how long an individual must register. Tier III offenders face lifetime registration requirements.
Local law enforcement in Carbon County works with the State Police to monitor compliance with registration requirements. Failure to register is a felony under Pennsylvania law. Community notification programs operate through the State Police for certain high-tier offenders.
Note: The registry only shows individuals required to register under current Pennsylvania law. Some older convictions may not appear if the offense predated Megan's Law requirements.
Nearby Counties
Carbon County borders several eastern Pennsylvania counties. If you need records from a neighboring jurisdiction, the pages below can help.