Decatur County

Decatur County, Indiana is located in the southeastern portion of the state, including approximately 373 square miles. Established in 1822, Decatur County was named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, a distinguished naval officer in the War of 1812. Decatur County seat is Greensburg, a distinctive city known worldwide for its trees growing from the courthouse tower—a phenomenon that has persisted since the 1870s and earned Greensburg the nickname 'Tree City.' As of recent census estimates, Decatur County has a population of approximately 26,500 residents. Decatur County is bordered by Rush County to the north, Ripley County to the east, Jennings County to the south, and Bartholomew and Shelby counties to the west. Major roadways include Interstate 74, U.S. Route 421, and State Road 3, providing excellent transportation connectivity. Decatur County Courthouse, located at 150 Courthouse Square in Greensburg, houses many essential county offices. Decatur County Recorder's Office, responsible for land records, is located at 150 Courthouse Square, Suite 205, Greensburg, IN 47240. Decatur County Clerk's Office, which maintains court records, marriage licenses, and voter registration, operates from Room 201 of the courthouse. Decatur County Assessor's Office, handling property tax assessments, is situated at 150 Courthouse Square, Room 200. Decatur County features a mix of agricultural heritage and growing industry, with communities including Greensburg, St. Paul, Westport, Millhousen, and New Point. Decatur County's economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, but has diversified to include manufacturing and distribution centers. The distinctive courthouse trees, along with Decatur County's proximity to both Indianapolis and Cincinnati, make Decatur County a unique blend of small-town charm and strategic location.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Mugshots and booking photos are typically available as part of booking records, either through the jail's online roster or by submitting a formal public records request.
• Fees for copies may apply based on the actual cost of reproduction.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process in Indiana allows for the posting of bail to secure a defendant's release, with specific procedures outlined by Decatur County.

• gov, which provides free public access to most court records including case filings, dockets, judgments, and orders for Decatur County cases.
• The Clerk's Office charges fees for certified copies of court documents: typically $1.00 per page for copies plus a $6.00 certification fee.
• Document retrieval fees may also apply for archived records.
• Small claims court matters are handled within the Circuit and Superior Court structure, with jurisdiction over disputes up to $6,000.
• Traffic violations and infractions are also processed through these courts.

• Decatur County participates in the mix system, which provides online access to recorded documents.
• Users can search Decatur County's land records database at no charge through Decatur County's online portal, though there may be fees to download or print recorded documents.
• For certified copies of recorded documents, the Recorder charges $1.00 per page plus a $6.00 certification fee.
• The Assessor's website provides access to property tax assessment data, including assessed values, property characteristics, sales data, and tax exemptions.
• Decatur County's Geographic Information System (GIS) provides aerial photography, parcel boundaries, zoning information, and other spatial data useful for property research.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates are also available through the County Health Department for deaths occurring in Decatur County, with the same fee structure of $15.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
• Processing time for walk-in requests is typically immediate if records are readily available, though older records may require additional retrieval time.
• Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers, and the fee is $18.00.
• After the marriage is performed, certified copies of the marriage certificate can be obtained from the Clerk's Office for $2.00 per copy.
• Divorce records, including dissolution decrees, are maintained as court records by the Clerk's Office and can be accessed through the same office.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State.
• gov, which provides free online access to search business entity records, view annual reports, check business name availability, and examine registered agent information for all Indiana businesses.