Clearfield County

Clearfield County is located in the north-central region of Pennsylvania, covering approximately 1,154 square miles of diverse terrain that includes forests, mountains, and river valleys. Clearfield County seat is Clearfield Borough, situated along the West Branch Susquehanna River. Established in 1804 from parts of Huntingdon and Lycoming counties, Clearfield County has a population of approximately 80,000 residents as of recent estimates. Clearfield County is named for the clearfields that early settlers found along the river bottoms. Major communities include DuBois, the largest municipality, along with Curwensville, Houtzdale, and Philipsburg. Clearfield County is home to significant natural landmarks including Moshannon State Forest, Parker Dam State Park, and S.B. Elliott State Park. Historically, Clearfield County's economy was built on lumber, coal mining, and clay production, with Clearfield County once being a major supplier of fire clay and bituminous coal. Clearfield County Courthouse, located at 230 East Market Street in Clearfield, PA 16830, is the administrative center. The Recorder of Deeds office handles property transactions and land records, while the Prothonotary is the clerk for civil court matters. The Assessment Office, also located in the courthouse complex, maintains property valuations and tax assessment records. The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court manages estate and probate matters. What makes Clearfield County unique is its blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and its historical significance in Pennsylvania's lumber and mining industries, combined with its ongoing transition to more diversified economic activities including healthcare, education, and tourism.

• The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court manages estate and probate matters.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Clearfield County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement duties across Clearfield County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office handles the service of legal documents, security for the courthouse, and the transportation of prisoners. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and a focus on drug enforcement. The office works closely with local police departments to ensure public safety.

Police Departments

Clearfield County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Clearfield County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the DuBois City Police Department and the Clearfield County Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective area, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often collaborating on investigations and sharing resources. The sheriff's office provides additional support for areas without a dedicated police department.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Clearfield County Sheriff's Office, located at 650 Leonard Street, Clearfield, PA 16830, is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for court security, warrant service, and operating Clearfield County Prison. Clearfield County Prison, a county-operated detention facility located at 650 Leonard Street, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate lookup services are available by contacting the prison directly at or through Clearfield County's administrative offices.

• Requesters should submit written requests identifying the specific records sought.
• Processing times for arrest record requests vary but must be fulfilled within five business days under the statute, with possible extensions for complex requests.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Clearfield County includes felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Pennsylvania State Police's PATCH system, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Pennsylvania State Police offers additional resources for Clearfield residents seeking full criminal background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Clearfield County are maintained by Clearfield County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the offense, and the arresting agency. The process for obtaining these records involves submitting a request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, with some records accessible online.

Jail & Inmate Records

Clearfield County Jail, located in Clearfield, is the primary detention facility for Clearfield County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through Clearfield County's official website, providing information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Pennsylvania state guidelines, allowing for cash, property, or bail bondsmen to secure release.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Clearfield County are taken and retained by Clearfield County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by request. Pennsylvania does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Third-party websites may also host these images, but official records are best obtained directly from the sheriff's office.

Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas, located at 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830, is the general trial court with jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. The Prothonotary's Office handles civil case filings and records, while the Clerk of Courts manages criminal case records. Clearfield County has Magisterial District Courts (also known as District Justice Courts) that handle preliminary hearings, minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, civil claims up to $12,000, and landlord-tenant disputes.

• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the appropriate court office with fees typically ranging from $6 to $10 for certifications plus per-page copying costs.

Clearfield County Recorder of Deeds Office, located at 230 East Market Street, Suite 202, Clearfield, PA 16830, maintains land and property records for the entire county. The office can be contacted for Available records include property deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and various other instruments affecting real property.

• Recording fees are established by Pennsylvania statute and vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing around $150 to record.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $6 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
• Clearfield County Assessment Office, located at 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 (phone: 814-765-2641 ext.

Vital records for Clearfield County residents are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates from January 1906 forward are available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or by calling. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies.

• Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.health.pa.gov/vitals, with additional processing fees.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Clearfield County Clerk of Orphans' Court, located at 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 (phone: 814-765-2641 ext.
• Couples must apply in person, and the license costs approximately $60.
• Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record being requested, as Pennsylvania restricts vital record access to eligible individuals to protect privacy.

Business licensing and registration in Clearfield County involves both county-level and state-level requirements depending on the business type and activities. The Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporation Bureau maintains the official registry of business entities including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and fictitious name registrations.

• Fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) may also be filed with the Prothonotary's Office at Clearfield County Courthouse, 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 (phone: 814-765-2641).
• Clearfield County Planning Commission, located at 650 Leonard Street, Clearfield, PA 16830, provides planning assistance and reviews subdivision and land development plans.

Explore public records for 48 cities and communities in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

Clearfield County's economy has undergone significant transformation from its historical base in extraction industries to a more diversified economic structure. Major employers include Penn Highlands Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in Clearfield County with facilities in DuBois and Clearfield, employing over 2,000 people. Educational institutions including Penn State DuBois and Clearfield County Career & Technology Center are also significant employers.

• Census data, the median household income in Clearfield County is approximately $48,000 to $52,000, somewhat below the Pennsylvania state median.

Elections in Clearfield County are administered by Clearfield County Bureau of Elections, located at 230 East Market Street, Suite 105, Clearfield, PA 16830. The Elections Office can be reached at ext. 5060, and information is available on Clearfield County website at www.clearfieldco.org. Voter registration in Pennsylvania can be completed online through the Pennsylvania Department of State at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx, by mail using a paper application, or in person at the Elections Office. Clearfield County typically operates approximately 70-80 polling places throughout its various boroughs and townships on Election Day. Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase for legitimate purposes under 25 P.S.