Allentown Recent Arrests
Allentown recent arrests are processed by the Allentown Police Department and go through the Lehigh County court system. As the third-largest city in Pennsylvania, Allentown sees a steady flow of arrests each year. You can search for recent arrests in Allentown through the police department, the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts, or the state UJS Portal. This guide covers all the ways to look up arrest records in Allentown, from online docket searches to in-person requests at the courthouse.
Allentown Quick Facts
Allentown Police and Recent Arrests
The Allentown Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency in the city. The APD headquarters is at 425 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. You can reach them at 610-437-7751. The department serves with a focus on honor, integrity, and trust. Officers work to reduce crime through collaboration with the community.
When someone is arrested in Allentown, the police department creates an arrest record. This record includes the person's name, charges, date, and location of the arrest. The APD records division at police headquarters handles requests for copies. You can visit in person during business hours or send a written request. For formal requests, you may also file under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law through the City of Allentown.
The Allentown Police Department keeps incident reports, arrest records, accident reports, and crime statistics. These records are part of the public record system in Allentown, though some may be restricted based on case status or state law.
Lehigh County Courts and Allentown Arrests
After a recent arrest in Allentown, the case moves to the Lehigh County court system. Initial hearings take place at a Magisterial District Court. More serious cases go to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. The Clerk of Courts office is at 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. You can call them at 610-782-3077. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Clerk of Courts keeps all criminal court records for arrests in Allentown and the rest of Lehigh County. Records on file include docket sheets, case filings, and dispositions. You can search for recent arrests at this office by providing a name and date of birth. Bring a photo ID.
You can also look up Allentown arrest records online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal. The UJS Portal is free and lets you search by name or docket number. It shows charges, filing dates, and case status for any arrest that reached the court stage in Allentown. This is the fastest way to check on a recent arrest without leaving your home.
Note: The Lehigh County Law Library at the courthouse in Room 105 has free public terminals where you can search court dockets for Allentown arrests.
How to Find Allentown Arrest Records
There are several paths to find recent arrest records in Allentown. The right choice depends on what you need and how much detail you want.
- UJS Portal for free online docket searches
- Clerk of Courts at 455 W Hamilton St for certified copies
- APD records division for police reports
- PATCH system for statewide criminal history
- Right-to-Know requests through the city
For a statewide criminal history that includes Allentown arrests, use the PATCH system through the Pennsylvania State Police. The fee is $22 per search. You can also submit a Criminal Record Check form SP4-164 by mail to the Central Repository. PATCH results include arrest records from all counties in Pennsylvania, not just Lehigh County.
The Office of Open Records handles appeals if a Right-to-Know request for Allentown arrest records is denied. Under the PA Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. 67.101), most arrest records that led to charges are public. Records tied to cases that were dismissed may be restricted under the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. Chapter 91). If you need help, the Lehigh County Law Library at 610-782-3114 has staff who can point you in the right direction.
Allentown Arrest Records and the Law
Arrest records in Allentown are subject to state law. The Criminal History Record Information Act sets the rules for public access. Arrests that led to a conviction are generally open to the public. Arrests that did not result in charges, or where the person was found not guilty, may be eligible for expungement under 18 Pa.C.S. 9122.
Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law allows certain older misdemeanor records to be sealed automatically. This can affect searches for past arrests in Allentown. Sealed records do not show up on standard checks, but law enforcement can still view them. Recent arrests in Allentown will appear on the UJS Portal and through police records until the case is resolved.
Note: Expungement petitions for Allentown arrest records are filed at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.
Copies of Arrest Records in Allentown
Getting copies of arrest records in Allentown depends on what type of document you need. Police reports are available from the APD records division at 425 Hamilton Street. Court documents come from the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts at 455 West Hamilton Street. Certified copies cost more than plain copies at both offices.
For mail requests, include the full name of the person, any case or report numbers you have, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing times vary based on the office and the age of the record. Newer arrest records in Allentown are usually available faster than older ones that may be in storage. You can call ahead to confirm fees and availability before making a trip to the courthouse or police station in Allentown.
Lehigh County Recent Arrests
Allentown is the county seat of Lehigh County. All criminal cases from Allentown arrests are processed through the Lehigh County court system. For more details on county-level arrest records and resources, visit the Lehigh County page.
Nearby Cities with Arrest Records
Several cities near Allentown have their own police departments and arrest records. Pick one below to learn about recent arrests in that area.