Chester Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Chester, Virginia government websites.

  About Chester City Government
Annual Budget $1.5 billion
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Chester, Virginia, is the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, which consists of five elected members. Each supervisor represents a specific district and is elected to serve a four-year term. The current members include Chairwoman Leslie A. Haley, Vice Chairman James A. Holland, and Supervisors Kevin Carroll, Chris Winslow, and Angela L. Kelly-Wiecezorek.

For the fiscal year 2023, Chesterfield County's approximate annual operating budget is $1.5 billion. This budget allocates funds for various essential services, including public safety, education, and infrastructure improvements, reflecting the county's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.

Regular meetings of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Chesterfield County Administration Building, located at 9901 Lori Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the governance of their community.

  About Chester, Virginia

Nestled within Chesterfield County, Chester, Virginia, is a charming suburban community that boasts a population of approximately 20,000 residents, according to recent estimates. Founded in the early 19th century, Chester has transformed from a quaint settlement into a vibrant town known for its rich history and welcoming atmosphere. Among its notable neighborhoods, residents often highlight the attractive subdivisions of Ironbridge, Braxton Park, and Chester Village Green. The local economy is diverse, with a mix of small businesses, retail establishments, and larger employers such as the Chesterfield County government and local healthcare facilities. Chester stands out for its commitment to community engagement, boasting numerous parks, recreational programs, and a robust sense of local pride that reflects in its annual events and festivals.

The Chester Police Department is tasked with maintaining law and order in this community, while the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office offers additional support for county-wide law enforcement efforts. Chester also has access to the Chesterfield County Jail for detention services. For those seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process primarily begins with the Chester Police Department’s records unit. To request specific records, individuals should contact the records unit directly, which can typically be reached via phone or through their official website. Should the records not be available locally, the next step involves contacting the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office. Those seeking more comprehensive information may access the Virginia State Police’s Criminal Record Exchange, an online portal that allows individuals to request statewide criminal history records. This multi-step approach ensures that anyone can obtain the necessary legal information regarding criminal activities in Chester.

Legal proceedings in Chester are handled through the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, where residents can request various court records and documents. For those interested in accessing court records, the Chesterfield County Circuit Court offers an online portal for convenient access, while individuals may also visit the clerk’s office in person for assistance. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained through the Chesterfield County Clerk of the Circuit Court or the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records. Property records are maintained by the Chesterfield County Assessor and Recorder’s office, with many resources available through online portals for ease of access. Citizens can also file general public records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA). Typically, responses to VFOIA requests are provided within 5 to 10 business days, facilitating transparency and open access to municipal records for residents.

About Chester

Nestled within Chesterfield County, Chester, Virginia is a charming suburban community with a population of 23,068 residents. Founded in the early 19th century, this city has transformed from a quaint settlement into a vibrant town known for its rich history and welcoming atmosphere. Chester's notable neighborhoods include the attractive subdivisions of Ironbridge, Braxton Park, and Chester Village Green. The local economy is diverse, with a mix of small businesses, retail establishments, and larger employers like the Chesterfield County government and regional healthcare facilities.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Chesterfield County is provided by both the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office and the Chesterfield County Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas and manages the county jail, while the Police Department focuses on crime prevention and response within the county's municipalities. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support for residents.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Chesterfield County Jail, officially known as the Chesterfield County Detention Center, is where individuals arrested in the county are booked and held. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, with scheduled times and strict guidelines to ensure security.
The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or the detention center's online portal.

Court Records

The Chesterfield County Courthouse, located in the county seat of Chesterfield, serves as the central hub for the local court system. This facility houses the Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, which handle a variety of civil and criminal cases for the Chester area. Residents can access court records, look up case information, and obtain documents related to legal proceedings by contacting the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The courthouse also provides access to alternative dispute resolution services like mediation.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Chesterfield County encompasses a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office and the Chesterfield County Police Department maintain these records, while the Virginia State Police provide additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Virginia State Police's Central Criminal Records Exchange, which offers comprehensive background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Chesterfield County are maintained primarily by the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and any court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, adhering to procedures outlined by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. An arrest record in Chesterfield County typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.

Public Records Access

Residents of Chester can access a variety of public records through the Chesterfield County Administration Building. This includes property assessment records, deed information, and land use data maintained by the County Assessor's Office. The Chesterfield County Clerk of the Circuit Court also houses deed records, plat maps, and other real estate documents dating back to the county's founding in 1749. Those seeking to research the history and characteristics of their home or local properties can submit requests to these county offices, either in person or through their online portals.

Economy & Demographics

Chester's diverse economy includes a mix of small businesses, retail establishments, and larger employers. Major industries in the area include healthcare, education, and government services. Notable employers headquartered in Chester or with a significant local presence include Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, the Chesterfield County government, and the Chesterfield County Public Schools system. The city also benefits from its proximity to the Richmond metropolitan area, allowing residents to access a wider range of job opportunities.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Public safety in Chester is primarily overseen by the Chester Police Department, which is responsible for law enforcement, emergency response, and crime prevention within the city limits. The department operates out of its headquarters on Percival Street and can be reached by phone at (804) 748-1251. For county-wide law enforcement support, the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office also serves Chester and the surrounding communities. This agency manages the Chesterfield County Jail and provides additional resources like the civil process division and courthouse security.

Vital Records

For vital records, Chester residents must contact the Chesterfield Health Department, which manages birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses for the local area. Birth and death records are available dating back to 1853, when Virginia established statewide registration. The Health Department's Vital Records Division can provide certified copies of these important documents to qualified individuals. Requests can be submitted by mail, in person at the department's office, or through their convenient online portal.

Business & Licensing Records

The Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection oversees business licensing, zoning, and construction permitting for the Chester community. Entrepreneurs looking to open a new venture must obtain the proper business licenses and permits from this county agency. The department also regulates land use, building codes, and development plans to ensure compliance with local ordinances. Business owners can find application forms, fee schedules, and other resources on the department's website to navigate the process of establishing a new enterprise in Chester.

Elections & Voter Records

Chester voters are served by the Chesterfield County Office of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 9800 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323, Chesterfield, VA 23832 (phone: 804-748-1471; website: chesterfield.gov/elections). This office administers all aspects of voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots, and election administration for Chester residents. Virginia residents can register to vote online at vote.elections.virginia.gov, the official Virginia Department of Elections portal, or by submitting a paper application. The voter registration deadline is 22 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Virginia, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not currently declared mentally incapacitated by a court or convicted of a felony (unless rights have been restored). Acceptable forms of ID for in-person voting include a valid Virginia driver's license, U.S. passport, employer-issued photo ID, student ID from a Virginia school, or other government-issued ID. Because Chester is an unincorporated community, there are no municipal elections for mayor or town council; Chester residents vote in Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors elections, Virginia General Assembly races (House of Delegates and State Senate), and statewide and federal offices. Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors elections are held in November of odd-numbered years, with the next election in November 2025. Chester is part of the Bermuda Magisterial District, which elects one supervisor. To find their assigned polling place, voters can use the Virginia Department of Elections polling place lookup tool at vote.elections.virginia.gov or contact the Chesterfield elections office. In the November 2024 presidential election, Chesterfield County reported approximately 65% voter turnout, with over 235,000 registered voters and roughly 153,000 ballots cast. On November 3, 2026, Virginia voters—including Chester residents—will decide several key races. Virginia's U.S. Senate seat (Class 2) is NOT up in 2026; the next Senate election is in 2026 for the Class 1 seat currently held by Tim Kaine. The Virginia Governor's race is also NOT in 2026 (next gubernatorial election is November 2025). In 2026, all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates and all 40 seats in the Virginia State Senate will be on the ballot, as Virginia holds legislative elections in even-numbered years. Chester voters will also decide Chesterfield County constitutional offices such as Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, Clerk of Court, Commissioner of Revenue, and Treasurer, depending on the election cycle. Absentee voting in Virginia is available to any registered voter without an excuse. Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online at vote.elections.virginia.gov, by mail, or in person at the elections office. The application deadline is 11 days before Election Day for mail ballots and up to the Saturday before Election Day for in-person absentee voting. Early in-person voting is available at the Chesterfield elections office and satellite locations beginning 45 days before Election Day. Virginia election records that are public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for lawful election-related purposes), campaign finance disclosure reports searchable at elections.virginia.gov/candidatepac-info, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results published after each election at results.elections.virginia.gov. Voter history (whether someone voted, but not how they voted) is also public information.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Chesterfield County and Virginia provide excellent online access to most public records, including comprehensive court case search, free property assessment data, subscription-based land records, inmate rosters, online vital records ordering, state business entity search, and robust election information, with minimal barriers to transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Chester, Chesterfield County, Virginia to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Chester, Virginia, you will be transported to the Chesterfield County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Chesterfield County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Chesterfield County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Chester area is served by public school districts in Chesterfield County, Virginia. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Virginia Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Chester, Virginia are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Chester Police Department on their official website. The Virginia Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Chester Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Virginia government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Chester Public Library main branch is located in Chester, Virginia. Check the Chester city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Chester, Virginia are available through the Chester Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Chester, Virginia, contact the Virginia Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Chesterfield County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Chester, Virginia can be obtained from the Chester Police Department or the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Virginia DMV.
A background check in Chester, Chesterfield County, Virginia typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Virginia criminal history report through the Virginia Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Chesterfield County, Virginia

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Chesterfield Midlothian Moseley