Bourbon County

Bourbon County, located in the heart of the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky, was established in 1785 and named after the French royal House of Bourbon in recognition of France's assistance during the American Revolution. Bourbon County Seat is Paris, a charming city known for its historic architecture and horse farms. Bourbon County includes approximately 291 square miles and has a population of approximately 20,000 residents according to recent census estimates.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Bourbon County's unincorporated areas. The office oversees the enforcement of laws, patrols rural areas, and manages Bourbon County jail. It also processes arrests and maintains criminal records for Bourbon County. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol unit, investigations, and court security.

Police Departments

Bourbon County is served by Bourbon County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Paris Police Department and the Millersburg Police Department. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across Bourbon County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky 40361, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Bourbon County. Inmate information and jail rosters can be accessed through Bourbon County Detention Center, with current inmate lookup typically available by contacting the facility directly for The detention center maintains booking records, housing status, and scheduled release dates for inmates.

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office or the Paris Police Department, specifying the records sought.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records and may be obtained through formal requests to the detention center or law enforcement agencies.
• Response time for records requests is typically three business days under Kentucky law, though agencies may request additional time for complex requests.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Bourbon County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kentucky State Police, which provides full criminal history reports.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Bourbon County are maintained by Bourbon County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. The Kentucky Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to government documents. Arrest records typically include the date and location of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's details.

Jail & Inmate Records

Bourbon County Detention Center is the primary facility for incarcerating individuals arrested in Bourbon County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the charges against the detainee. Inmate information can be accessed through the detention center's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation is allowed under specific rules, and visitors must adhere to the schedule and guidelines set by the facility.

• In Kentucky, the bond or bail process allows for the release of an inmate pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the detention center or the court handling the case.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Bourbon County are taken and retained by Bourbon County Detention Center during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the detention center or the sheriff's office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Kentucky does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted.

Bourbon County judicial proceedings are conducted through the Bourbon Circuit Court and Bourbon District Court, both located in Bourbon County Courthouse at 301 Main Street, Paris, Kentucky 40361. The Circuit Court, which can be reached, has jurisdiction over felony cases, civil matters exceeding $5,000, divorce and family law cases, and appeals from District Court. Bourbon District Court, contactable, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $5,000, juvenile matters, and preliminary hearings for felonies.

• Court records for Bourbon County are accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice's CourtNet system at courtnet.kycourts.net, which provides case information searches for both criminal and civil dockets.
• In-person record requests can be made at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Certified copies of court documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
• Online access through CourtNet is free for case searches, though detailed documents may require in-person requests.

Bourbon County Clerk's office, Paris, Kentucky 40361, is the official custodian of property and land records for Bourbon County and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Clerk maintains full records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-way documents, and plat maps dating back to Bourbon County's establishment in 1785. Real property transactions are recorded in the order received, with deed books and mortgage books indexed by grantor and grantee names. The office provides public access to these records during regular business hours, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with an additional $5.00 certification fee.
• The PVA office can be contacted at and provides property information including assessed values, tax maps, and property characteristic cards.
• A GIS mapping system for Bourbon County provides parcel boundaries, ownership information, and tax data, though availability may vary.
• All requests for copies of property records should be submitted to the County Clerk's office, which processes requests under the Kentucky Open Records Act.

Vital records for Bourbon County, Kentucky, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by Bourbon County Clerk's office at 301 Main Street, Paris, Kentucky 40361 Birth certificates for events occurring in Bourbon County from 1911 forward are available through the County Clerk, with earlier records held by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Certified copies of birth certificates cost $10.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.

• Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Kentucky Revised Statute 213.146.
• Eligible requesters include the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order.
• Death certificates are similarly available through the County Clerk for deaths occurring in Bourbon County, with the same fee structure of $10.00 per certified copy.
• Processing time for vital records requests is typically immediate for in-person requests if the record is readily accessible, though older records may require additional research time.
• The fee for a marriage license is $35.50, and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement in Kentucky.

Business licensing and registration records in Bourbon County are maintained through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Bourbon County Clerk's office at 301 Main Street, Paris, Kentucky 40361, handles local business certificate filings, commonly known as "Doing Business As" (DBA) or fictitious name registrations. These filings cost $10.00 and must be published in a local newspaper of general circulation before being recorded. The Clerk can be contacted through the office’s website. information on local business filings.

• The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at web.sos.ky.gov/ftsearch which allows free searches of all registered business entities in Kentucky, including those operating in Bourbon County.
• This database provides information on entity name, registration date, status, registered agent, and principal office address.

Elections in Bourbon County, Kentucky, are administered by Bourbon County Clerk, who is the County Clerk and chief election official. The Clerk's office is, Paris, Kentucky 40361, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office handles all aspects of election administration including voter registration, absentee ballot processing, poll worker recruitment, and election night results tabulation.

• The deadline to register to vote is 29 days before any election.
• These records can be requested through the County Clerk's office under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
• Absentee ballot requests must be submitted to the County Clerk's office, with the last day to request a mailed ballot being seven days before the election.

Bourbon County's economy is deeply rooted in Kentucky's signature industries of horse breeding, bourbon production, and agriculture, while diversifying into advanced manufacturing and healthcare services. Bourbon County is home to several world-renowned thoroughbred farms including Claiborne Farm, birthplace of legendary racehorses such as Secretariat, and Stone Farm, continuing a tradition of equine excellence spanning generations. The median household income in Bourbon County is approximately $52,000, slightly below the Kentucky state average, with a poverty rate around 14%.

• Manufacturing has expanded with companies in automotive parts, food processing, and industrial equipment production establishing facilities in Bourbon County.

Court Records: Yes: Online via CourtNet | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Bourbon County provides good digital access to court and property records, with vital records and jail information requiring more direct contact.

Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Bourbon County, Kentucky.