Crook County

Crook County is located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, bordered by South Dakota and Montana. Established in 1875 and organized in 1885, the county was named after General George Crook, a distinguished military officer who served in the Indian Wars. The county seat is Sundance, a small town made famous by the outlaw Harry Longabaugh, who adopted the alias "Sundance Kid" after being incarcerated there in the 1880s.

• This striking geological formation rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and attracts approximately 400,000 visitors annually.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Crook County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and offers various community programs aimed at crime prevention and education. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for search and rescue operations, reflecting the county's commitment to comprehensive law enforcement services.

Police Departments

Law enforcement in Crook County is primarily handled by the Crook County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the unincorporated areas and smaller communities. In addition, the city of Sundance has its own police department, the Sundance Police Department, which manages law enforcement within city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Crook County Sheriff's Office, located at 309 Cleveland Street in Sundance, Wyoming 82729, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (307) 283-1323 and maintains jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of the county as well as providing jail services. The Crook County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours.

• The Sundance Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the town limits of Sundance and can be contacted at (307) 283-2222.
• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Crook County Sheriff's Office, though some information may be redacted for ongoing investigations or privacy considerations.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though there may be fees associated with obtaining copies.
• Wyoming law requires that law enforcement agencies respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
• For historical arrest records, requests should be directed to the Sheriff's Office records division.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Crook County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Crook County Sheriff's Office and the local courts maintain these records, providing access to residents seeking background checks or legal information. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation offers additional resources for background checks, which can be requested by residents for employment or personal purposes.

• The Wyoming Bureau of Investigation provides statewide criminal history information, which includes data from Crook County, ensuring comprehensive coverage for those seeking detailed criminal records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Crook County are maintained by the Crook County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the circumstances of an arrest, including the charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Wyoming Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Crook County Detention Center, located in Sundance, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.

• The bond and bail process in Wyoming allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Crook County are taken and retained by the Crook County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are considered public records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some counties offer online databases for mugshot searches, Crook County may require in-person or written requests for access. Wyoming does not have specific mugshot removal laws, meaning that once a mugshot is part of the public record, it remains accessible unless expunged by court order.

Crook County is served by the Sixth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $50,000, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters. The District Court is located at the Crook County Courthouse, 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, and can be reached at (307) 283-1323. The court clerk's office maintains case files and court records dating back to the county's organization.

• Case searches can be conducted in person at the courthouse, and the clerk's office charges fees for copies and certified documents according to the fee schedule established by Wyoming statute.
• Fees for certified copies typically range from $3 to $5 per document plus a certification fee.

The Crook County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, maintains official land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps. The office can be reached at (307) 283-1323. The Recorder's office has indexed land records dating back to the county's establishment, with some records available in digital format.

• Property records are public under Wyoming Statute §18-3-401 et seq., and citizens may search deed records during business hours or request copies for a statutory fee.
• To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters must visit or contact the Clerk and Recorder's office with the specific document information including book and page number or reception number.
• Fees for copies are established by Wyoming statute and typically include a per-page charge plus certification fees if required.

Vital records for Crook County, Wyoming, are maintained by both local and state agencies. Birth and death certificates occurring in Crook County may be obtained through the Crook County Clerk's Office at 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, phone (307) 283-1323, though the Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics Services serves as the primary repository for all Wyoming vital records. The state office is located at 2300 Capitol Avenue, Hempstead Building, 1st Floor, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002 and can be reached at (307) 777-7591.

• Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing times typically ranging from two to four weeks for mail requests.
• Death certificates are available for $13 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies.
• The marriage license fee is established by Wyoming statute and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement in Wyoming.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through the Wyoming Department of Health's VitalChek service at vitalchek.com, though expedited service fees apply.
• Requesters must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record under Wyoming Statute §35-1-401 et seq.

Business and licensing records in Crook County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Crook County Clerk's Office at 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, handles Doing Business As (DBA) filings and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating under assumed names in the county. These records are public and can be searched by contacting the Clerk's office at (307) 283-1323.

• Sales tax licenses and permits are administered by the Wyoming Department of Revenue's Excise Tax Division, and businesses collecting sales tax must register with the state.
• The Sundance Area Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached through the City of Sundance offices, provides resources for business development and maintains information about local businesses.

Elections in Crook County are administered by the Crook County Clerk, who serves as the county election official. The County Clerk's office is located at 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, and can be reached at (307) 283-1323 for election-related inquiries. Voter registration in Wyoming is available to U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old by election day and have resided in Wyoming for at least 30 days prior to the election.

• Wyoming offers online voter registration through the Secretary of State's website at sos.wyo.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information.
• Absentee ballots in Crook County can be requested through the County Clerk's office either in person, by mail, or online through the state system.
• Wyoming law allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
• Crook County maintains transparent election processes with public testing of voting equipment, observation opportunities for interested citizens, and prompt posting of unofficial results on election night.

Crook County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of agriculture, tourism, natural resource extraction, and government services. Cattle ranching and dryland farming represent the traditional economic base, with many multi-generational family operations continuing to dominate the rural landscape. The county's agricultural sector produces cattle, hay, wheat, and other crops suited to the semi-arid climate.

• Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in Crook County is approximately $58,000 to $63,000, slightly below the state average but reflecting the rural character of the county.
• Timber harvesting in the Black Hills portion of the county provides additional economic activity.
• Government employment, including county offices, schools, and federal land management agencies, provides stable year-round jobs.

Court Records: ✅ Online (via state portal) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ✅ Available (state & county) | Business: ✅ Online (state portal) | Elections: ✅ Good Access | Overall Score: 7/10 — Crook County provides reasonable access to public records, though some services require in-person or phone contact due to the county's small size and limited digital infrastructure.

Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Crook County, Wyoming.