Lackawanna County Police Records and Arrest Information
Lackawanna County is home to roughly 214,000 residents in northeastern Pennsylvania. Scranton, the county seat, is the largest city in the region and one of the most historically significant in the state, known for its anthracite coal mining past and its role in early American industrial development. Police records in Lackawanna County come from city and borough departments, the county sheriff, the District Attorney's office, and the Pennsylvania State Police. This guide explains how to search and request those records, from state background checks to local Right-to-Know filings. Each agency has its own process, and this page walks through every option clearly.
Lackawanna County Quick Facts
Lackawanna County Police Records and the Right-to-Know Law
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104, establishes the public's legal right to access government records. In Lackawanna County, this applies to Scranton city police, borough departments, the county sheriff, and other law enforcement entities. Residents can request incident reports, arrest logs, and call records. Agencies must respond within five business days. A 30-day extension is allowed, but written notice is required.
The county provides a dedicated open records process. You can find information on that process through the county website at lackawannacounty.org/open-records/. This page explains who the Open Records Officer is for county-level agencies and how to submit a formal request. Having this information in advance saves time and reduces back-and-forth when you need records quickly.
Criminal history records in Pennsylvania are covered by 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9101-9183. The Criminal History Record Information Act, known as CHRIA, defines who can see detailed criminal background data and how it may be used. Public access to criminal history typically runs through the PATCH system. Court filings are a separate and more open channel for case-level information.
The image below is sourced from the Lackawanna County official website, which is the starting point for finding department contact information and submitting records requests.
The county site links to the sheriff, the DA, and the open records office, making it a useful first stop for any records search in Lackawanna County.
Lackawanna County Sheriff and District Attorney Records
The Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office is responsible for civil process, court security, and records tied to court-related activity. You can reach the sheriff at lackawannacounty.org/sheriffs-office/. For RTK requests directed to the sheriff, submit your written request to the sheriff's Open Records Officer. The sheriff handles records distinct from those held by Scranton city police or the Pennsylvania State Police.
The District Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases across Lackawanna County. The DA page is at lackawannacounty.org/district-attorney/. The DA does not typically maintain public-facing databases, but formal RTK requests can yield certain documents. Keep in mind that active prosecution files and grand jury materials are not subject to public disclosure under the RTKL.
Scranton is a city with its own police department. Records from Scranton PD are requested separately from county agencies. Contact Scranton police directly for incident reports and arrest records tied to city-jurisdiction incidents.
PATCH Background Checks in Lackawanna County
The PATCH system is Pennsylvania's criminal history check tool. It is run by the Pennsylvania State Police and costs $22 per request. Most results come back instantly. The remaining requests require manual review, which may add a few days. PATCH covers reported convictions and dispositions from all 67 Pennsylvania counties, including Lackawanna.
Start a PATCH search at the PATCH overview page. Results reflect what is in the state system. Records that were expunged, sealed, or never reported will not appear. Combine a PATCH result with a court search for a more complete picture. The Unified Judicial System portal provides free access to court filings across Pennsylvania, including Lackawanna County cases in both the Court of Common Pleas and magisterial district courts.
Vehicle crash reports involving Lackawanna County locations are available through the PSP crash report page for $22 each.
Lackawanna County Court Records
The Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas handles all major criminal, civil, and family court matters. Court records generated by those proceedings are generally public and accessible either in person at the courthouse in Scranton or through the UJS portal online. The portal allows free searches by name, docket number, or case type. It is updated frequently and covers current and recent cases effectively.
For older records or those not yet digitized, a visit to the courthouse is necessary. The courthouse is in downtown Scranton. Bring photo ID and be prepared to pay $0.25 per page for copies. The Clerk of Courts manages criminal case files, while the Prothonotary handles civil matters. Call ahead to confirm what you need and which office maintains it.
Note: Certain court records are sealed or restricted. These include juvenile cases, records of expunged offenses, and some mental health commitment proceedings. These records are not accessible through standard public channels.
Right-to-Know Requests and Appeals in Lackawanna County
Every agency in Lackawanna County subject to the RTKL must have a designated Open Records Officer. That officer receives, tracks, and responds to your request. To file, write to the Open Records Officer at the agency holding the records. Be specific about what you want, including dates and case identifiers if available.
The county's open records page at lackawannacounty.org/open-records/ lists contact information for the county-level Open Records Officer. For city or borough police departments, contact those agencies separately. Each operates under the same RTKL rules but maintains its own records and responds independently.
If your request is denied or not handled correctly, appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records within 15 business days. The address is 555 Walnut Street, Suite 605, Harrisburg. The phone number is 717-346-9903. You can file online at openrecords.pa.gov. The process is free and accessible without legal representation, though you may choose to consult an attorney.
Lackawanna County Sex Offender Registry
Pennsylvania's Megan's Law registry is free and open to the public. Search by name, zip code, or county at pameganslaw.state.pa.us. Scranton and surrounding areas in Lackawanna County are all covered. Results show each offender's photo, address, tier level, and registration status. You can set up community alerts that notify you about registration changes near your location. The registry is maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and is updated on an ongoing basis.
Lackawanna County Crime Statistics
Annual crime data for Lackawanna County, including Scranton city statistics, is reported through the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting system. The Attorney General's office publishes the statewide data at the UCR page. Lackawanna County, as an urban area with a large city at its center, tends to have higher offense counts in categories like theft, assault, and drug activity compared to rural neighboring counties. Reviewing the data year over year reveals trends and shifts in local crime patterns. Researchers and residents alike can use this information to understand the public safety picture in Scranton and the surrounding communities of Lackawanna County.