Cambria County

Cambria County is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, established in 1804 and named after the Latin name for Wales. Cambria County Seat is Ebensburg, situated at 200 North Center Street, where most county administrative offices are housed. Cambria County includes approximately 688 square miles and has a population of approximately 133,000 residents according to recent census estimates.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Cambria County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Cambria County. It oversees Cambria County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in serving legal documents such as warrants and subpoenas. The office is key to making sure of public safety and order throughout Cambria County.

Police Departments

Cambria County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Cambria County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Johnstown Police Department, Ebensburg County Police Department, and the Portage County Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective area, handling local law enforcement duties and collaborating on major investigations. These agencies work together to address county-wide issues, sharing resources and information to effectively manage crime and ensure public safety.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Cambria County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 201 North Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931, provides law enforcement services including court security, warrant service, and operates Cambria County Prison. Cambria County Prison, located at 425 Manor Drive in Ebensburg, houses inmates awaiting trial and sentenced individuals. Inmate information can be obtained by calling the prison directly at or through Cambria County's website.

• Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest or through the Pennsylvania State Police if the arrest was made by state troopers.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the arresting agency, though some agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.
• Pennsylvania State Police Troop A operates barracks in Ebensburg and provides coverage for areas without municipal police departments.
• Cambria County participates in the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET), which provides law enforcement agencies with integrated access to criminal justice information, though public access to this system is restricted.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Cambria County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by Cambria County Court of Common Pleas and local law enforcement agencies. Residents can request background checks through the Pennsylvania State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The Pennsylvania State Police also offers services for background checks, so that Cambria County residents have access to accurate and up-to-date criminal records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Cambria County are maintained by Cambria County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the respective law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal application and sometimes a fee. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs the access to public records, for public access while protecting sensitive information. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and case status.

Jail & Inmate Records

Cambria County Prison, located in Ebensburg, is the primary detention facility for Cambria County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Cambria County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information is available through an online lookup system, allowing family members and legal representatives to find current detainees. The facility has specific visitation rules, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.

• Bail and bond processes follow Pennsylvania state guidelines, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial under certain conditions.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Cambria County are taken and retained by Cambria County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can often be accessed through the sheriff's website or by submitting a request to the office. Pennsylvania does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement. Mugshots are used for identification purposes and are often included in arrest records available to the public.

Cambria County Court of Common Pleas, located at 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931, is the trial court of general jurisdiction handling civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. The Prothonotary's Office maintains civil court records and can be contacted, while the Clerk of Courts maintains criminal records for Cambria County operates Magisterial District Courts (formerly called District Justice Courts) throughout Cambria County, with multiple locations including districts in Johnstown, Ebensburg, Portage, Southmont, and other municipalities.

• These courts handle preliminary hearings, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil matters under $12,000.
• Some basic searches are free, though certified copies require fees ranging from $0.25 per page for standard copies to additional certification fees.
• Cambria County Law Library, maintained within the courthouse, provides legal research resources.
• Court fees are established by statute and local rules, with filing fees for civil complaints typically starting around $100 depending on case type.

Cambria Recorder of Deeds of Deeds, located at 200 North Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931, maintains property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and related documents. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. All documents recorded since Cambria County's establishment in 1804 are preserved, with older records available in bound volumes and more recent documents available in digital format.

• Cambria County offers online property record searches through a third-party vendor accessible via Cambria County's official website, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or parcel number.
• Some basic searches may be conducted free of charge, though certain detailed reports and document images may require fees.
• Cambria County Assessment Office, located at 201 North Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931 (phone: 814-472-1620), maintains property assessment records, tax maps, and property characteristics used for taxation purposes.
• The Assessment Office provides an online Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool that allows users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, and property characteristics.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder of Deeds for statutory fees, typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Cambria County are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, as Pennsylvania uses a centralized state vital records system rather than county-level registration. Birth certificates can be requested from the Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or in person at various regional offices. The fee is $20 for a certified birth certificate with a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks for mail requests.

• Death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates, though expedited service incurs additional processing fees.
• Marriage licenses in Cambria County are issued by the Register of Wills and Orphans' Court Clerk, located at 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931 (phone: 814-472-1470).
• The license fee is approximately $55, and couples must apply in person with valid identification.
• Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office at Cambria County Courthouse, as divorces are processed through the Court of Common Pleas.

Business licensing and registration in Cambria County involves multiple levels of government depending on the business type and location. The Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporation Bureau maintains the primary database of business entities registered in Pennsylvania, accessible at www.corporations.pa.gov. This free online search tool allows users to look up corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered entities, viewing formation dates, registered agents, and entity status.

• The Prothonotary maintains these records and provides searches for a nominal fee.
• Cambria County Planning Commission, located at 401 Candlelight Drive, Suite 129, Ebensburg (phone: 814-472-2106), provides information on zoning, land use, and development regulations.

Cambria County Bureau of Elections, located at 200 North Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931, administers all federal, state, and local elections within Cambria County. The office can be reached at and provides voter registration services, absentee and mail-in ballot applications, and general election information. Pennsylvania offers online voter registration through the Pennsylvania Department of State at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration.

• These records can be requested through the Bureau of Elections under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.
• Pennsylvania law permits both mail-in voting (available to any registered voter without excuse) and traditional absentee voting.
• Citizens can request access to ballot records, voting machine testing documentation, and other election materials, though certain security-sensitive information is protected from disclosure.

Cambria County's economy has undergone significant transformation from its historical foundation in steel manufacturing and coal mining to a more diversified economy centered on healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. Major employers include Conemaugh Health System (part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare), which operates multiple hospitals and medical facilities throughout Cambria County and employs thousands.

• Cambria County's median household income is approximately $47,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the ongoing economic transition from heavy industry.
• The Cambria Regional Airport provides limited commercial air service.

Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Online GIS & Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: State Online & County Office | Business: Yes: State Online + County Filings | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Cambria County provides good digital access to property, court, and business records through state and county portals, though jail and arrest record access requires direct contact with law enforcement agencies.

Explore public records for 46 cities and communities in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.