Blair Public Records / Blair County Arrest Records

Blair County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Blair County

Arrest records in Blair County are considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101), which provides citizens with access to public records maintained by state and local government agencies. This law establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute, regulation, judicial order, or decree.

The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101) further governs the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information. Under this act, arrest records are generally accessible to the public, though certain limitations exist regarding their dissemination and use.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings

The Pennsylvania State Police maintain and disseminate criminal history record information through their Public Information Release Reports system. Local law enforcement agencies in Blair County, including municipal police departments and the Blair County Sheriff's Office, also maintain arrest records that may be accessible to the public under applicable state laws.

What's in Blair County Arrest Records

Blair County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records generally include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Home address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute citations
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, summary offense)
Charge descriptions
Charge severity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date issued
Type of warrant

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking location
Booking officer
Property inventory
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount
Bail conditions
Bail status (posted, denied, etc.)
Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Docket number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Housing location (if incarcerated)
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation/parole status
Protection orders
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Some information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or other legal considerations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Blair County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Blair County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:

Contact the Blair County Sheriff's Office directly:

Blair County Sheriff's Office
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 239
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Phone: (814) 693-3100
Blair County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Submit a Right-to-Know request to the appropriate law enforcement agency:
- Identify which agency made the arrest (municipal police, state police, sheriff)
- Complete the agency's Right-to-Know request form
- Submit the form to the agency's designated Right-to-Know Officer
- Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction
Visit the Blair County Courthouse:

Blair County Courthouse
423 Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Phone: (814) 693-3000
Blair County Government
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Access the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal:
- Visit the UJS Portal
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose the appropriate court (Magisterial District Courts or Common Pleas Courts)
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Review docket information related to arrests and charges
Contact the arresting police department:
- Altoona Police Department, Logan Township Police Department, or other municipal police agencies
- Pennsylvania State Police, Troop G (Hollidaysburg)
- Submit a formal records request pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law

When requesting arrest records, requesters should be prepared to provide:

The full name of the individual
Date of birth or approximate age
Date or approximate timeframe of the arrest
Any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records

Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, agencies must respond to requests within five business days, though extensions may apply in certain circumstances.

How To Find Blair County Arrest Records Online

Blair County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through several online resources. The following digital platforms currently provide access to arrest-related information:

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Navigate to https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose either "Magisterial District Court" or "Court of Common Pleas"
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review case information, including charges and disposition
Blair County Prison Inmate Lookup
- Visit the Blair County Prison website
- Access the inmate search function
- Enter the individual's name or inmate number
- View custody status and basic case information
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
- Access the Inmate/Department Supervised Individual Locator
- Enter the individual's name or inmate number
- View information about individuals in state custody
- Note that this system only includes state prison inmates, not county jail inmates
Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Reports
- Visit the Public Information Release Reports page
- Select Troop G (which covers Blair County)
- Review recent arrest information and police activity reports
Municipal Police Department Websites
- Check the websites of local police departments, such as the Logan Township Police Department
- Some departments post recent arrest information or police blotters online
- Follow links to public records request procedures

When searching for arrest records online, users should be aware that:

Not all arrest records are available online
Information may be limited or incomplete
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
Some online services may require registration or fees
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records

For comprehensive arrest record information, it may be necessary to supplement online searches with formal records requests to the appropriate agencies.

How To Search Blair County Arrest Records for Free?

Blair County residents may access arrest records without incurring fees through several public resources. The following methods are currently available for conducting free searches of arrest records:

Visit the Blair County Courthouse Law Library:

Blair County Law Library
423 Allegheny Street, 3rd Floor
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Phone: (814) 693-3000 ext. 5793
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The law library provides public access terminals for searching court records, including criminal cases stemming from arrests.

Use the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- Access https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/ from any internet-connected device
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose the appropriate court type
- Enter search criteria
- View case information at no cost
Review Public Police Blotters:
- Local newspapers often publish police blotters containing recent arrest information
- The Altoona Mirror regularly features arrest reports
- Some police departments post blotters on their websites or social media pages
Access the Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Reports:
- Visit the Public Information Release Reports website
- Select Troop G (covering Blair County)
- Review recent arrest information at no cost
Submit a Right-to-Know Request:
- Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, agencies may not charge for electronic records viewed in person
- Submit a request to the Logan Township Right to Know Officer or other appropriate agency
- Arrange to view records in person to avoid duplication fees
Check the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator:
- Use the free Inmate/Department Supervised Individual Locator service
- Search by name to find individuals currently in state custody
- View basic information about their charges and custody status

While these methods provide free access to arrest record information, requesters should note that:

Fees may still apply for printed copies of records
Some detailed information may require formal requests
Records may be subject to redaction based on privacy laws
Commercial background check services that charge fees may provide more comprehensive information

How To Delete Arrest Records in Blair County

Under Pennsylvania law, individuals with arrest records in Blair County may be eligible to have those records expunged (legally erased) or sealed (restricted from public access) under specific circumstances. The following information outlines the current processes for removing arrest records from public view:

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement physically destroys records or removes them from public view
Sealing (also called "limited access") restricts public access but maintains records for law enforcement use
Expunged records are treated as if they never existed; sealed records still exist but with limited accessibility

Eligibility for Expungement: Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement may be available in the following situations:

Charges that resulted in no conviction (acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi, withdrawal)
Summary offenses after five years of arrest-free behavior
Underage drinking offenses for individuals 21 or older
Successful completion of an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
Individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for 10 years
Deceased individuals (after 3 years)

Eligibility for Record Sealing: Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018), certain records may be eligible for sealing:

Non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
Cases resulting in non-conviction dispositions after 60 days
Summary offense convictions after 10 years
Some second and third-degree misdemeanors

Steps to Request Expungement or Sealing:

Determine eligibility by reviewing the relevant statutes or consulting with an attorney
Obtain criminal history record from the Pennsylvania State Police:
- Submit a Request for Criminal Record Check form (SP4-164)
- Pay the required fee
- Review the record for accuracy
File a petition with the Blair County Court of Common Pleas:

Blair County Court of Common Pleas
423 Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Phone: (814) 693-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Prepare and submit required documentation:
- Petition for Expungement or Sealing
- Criminal Complaint
- Disposition records
- Criminal history record
- Filing fee (approximately $100-$200)
Attend any scheduled hearings before the assigned judge
If granted, ensure proper service of the expungement or sealing order to all relevant agencies

Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of arrest records are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney, as the process can be complex and requirements may change based on individual circumstances and legislative updates.

What Happens After Arrest in Blair County?

Following an arrest in Blair County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law. The standard post-arrest procedure typically progresses through the following stages:

Booking and Processing:
- Arrestee is transported to a local police station or the Blair County Prison
- Fingerprinting and photographing (mugshot) are completed
- Personal information is recorded
- Property is inventoried and secured
Preliminary Arraignment:
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (typically much sooner)
- Conducted before a Magisterial District Judge
- Charges are formally presented to the defendant
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination is made
- Preliminary hearing date is scheduled
Bail Determination:
- Judge considers factors including:
  - Severity of the alleged offense
  - Prior criminal history
  - Ties to the community
  - Flight risk
  - Danger to the public
- Types of bail may include:
  - Release on recognizance (ROR)
  - Monetary bail (secured or unsecured)
  - Conditional release
  - Denial of bail for serious offenses
Preliminary Hearing:
- Held before a Magisterial District Judge
- Prosecution must establish prima facie evidence
- Defense may challenge evidence or cross-examine witnesses
- Judge determines if case proceeds to Court of Common Pleas
- Typically occurs within 3-10 days of preliminary arraignment
- May be waived by defendant
Formal Arraignment:
- Occurs at the Blair County Courthouse
- Official reading of charges
- Defendant enters initial plea
- Pretrial conference date is set
- Discovery process begins
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (suppression, dismissal, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
Resolution Pathways:
- Plea agreement
- Trial (jury or bench)
- Alternative disposition programs (ARD, Drug Court, etc.)
- Dismissal of charges
Trial (if applicable):
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation
- Sentencing hearing
- Imposition of sentence (incarceration, probation, fines, etc.)
- Notification of appeal rights
Post-Conviction:
- Potential appeal
- Incarceration or supervision
- Payment of fines and costs
- Completion of required programs

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to confront witnesses. The Blair County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to eligible defendants who cannot afford private counsel.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Blair County?

Arrest records in Blair County are maintained according to Pennsylvania's record retention requirements, which vary based on the type of record and the maintaining agency. The following guidelines currently govern the retention of arrest records:

State Law Requirements: Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9111, criminal history record information must be maintained by criminal justice agencies in a manner that ensures accuracy, completeness, and security of such information. The Pennsylvania State Archives and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission establish retention schedules for government records, including arrest records, pursuant to the Administrative Code of 1929.

Law Enforcement Agency Retention:

Active criminal investigation records: Maintained indefinitely while active
Arrest reports: Typically retained for a minimum of 7 years
Incident reports: Generally kept for 5-7 years
Fingerprint records: Maintained permanently by the Pennsylvania State Police
Photographs (mugshots): Retained for the duration of the case plus additional years based on offense severity

Court Record Retention:

Magisterial District Court records: Maintained for 7 years after case closure
Court of Common Pleas criminal case files: Retained for 7-75 years depending on case type
Homicide case records: Permanently maintained
Felony case records: Typically retained for 25-75 years
Misdemeanor case records: Generally kept for 7-25 years
Summary offense records: Usually maintained for 3-7 years

Correctional Facility Records:

Blair County Prison inmate records: Maintained for 7 years after release
State correctional facility records: Kept for 10 years after final discharge

Exceptions and Special Circumstances:

Records subject to expungement orders are destroyed according to court directives
Records sealed under Clean Slate legislation remain in existence but with restricted access
Records of juvenile offenders follow different retention schedules
Records related to unsolved crimes may be maintained indefinitely

The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
Maintains documentation for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
Provides historical data for crime analysis and policy development
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system
Supports background checks for employment, licensing, and other purposes

Individuals seeking information about specific arrest records should contact the agency that created or maintains those records for the most accurate information regarding retention periods.

How to Find Mugshots in Blair County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Blair County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Blair County Prison
419 Market Square Alley
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Phone: (814) 693-3155
Blair County Prison

Blair County Sheriff's Office
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 239
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Phone: (814) 693-3100
Blair County Sheriff's Office

Local police departments that make arrests also maintain mugshots in their booking records, including:

Altoona Police Department
1106 16th Street
Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: (814) 949-2489
Altoona Police Department

Logan Township Police Department
100 Chief Logan Circle
Altoona, PA 16602
Phone: (814) 949-3364
Logan Township Police Department

Finding Mugshots

To obtain mugshots in Blair County, individuals may:

Submit a Right-to-Know request to the arresting agency or the Blair County Prison
Contact the Blair County Clerk of Courts for mugshots that have become part of court records
Request records from the Pennsylvania State Police if they were the arresting agency
Submit requests to municipal police departments that made the arrest

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Blair County does not maintain a public online database specifically for mugshots. However, mugshots may occasionally appear online through:

News media websites reporting on arrests
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections inmate search for state prisoners
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public sources

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially request a mugshot, individuals should:

Identify the agency that took the photograph
Submit a formal Right-to-Know request to that agency's Right-to-Know Officer
Provide specific information about the arrested individual (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction
Allow the agency time to respond (typically 5 business days under Pennsylvania law)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records and photographs are generally confidential
Mugshots related to expunged or sealed cases are not publicly available
Photographs related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld
Certain identifying information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Commercial use of mugshots may be restricted under Pennsylvania law

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these photographs are generally considered public records, agencies may evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis to ensure compliance with privacy laws and investigative integrity.

Lookup Arrest Records in Blair County

Public Information Release Reports

Pennsylvania Inmate Locator

Logan Township Open Records

Logan Township Police Department

Locate an Inmate or Parolee

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