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East Chicago, Indiana Public Records

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for East Chicago, Indiana.

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East Chicago Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official East Chicago, Indiana government websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of East Chicago, Indiana, you will be transported to the Lake County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Lake County Court. Under Indiana law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Indiana State Police. The Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.in.gov/idoc/about-idoc/idoc-offender-search/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for City of East Chicago, Indiana?
The East Chicago Community School Corporation serves the city of East Chicago, Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Education, the district's overall performance grade for the 2018-2019 school year was a C. The district's graduation rate was 79.2%, and the district's four-year cohort graduation rate was 74.3%.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana?
The East Chicago Community School Corporation serves the city of East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Education, the district's overall performance grade for the 2018-2019 school year was a C. The district's graduation rate was 79.2%, and the district's four-year cohort graduation rate was 74.3%.
4
What are the crime statistics for City of East Chicago, Indiana?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, East Chicago, Indiana had a total of 1,845 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,072 property crimes and 773 violent crimes. The violent crime rate was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 2,845.7 per 100,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana had a total of 1,845 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,072 property crimes and 773 violent crimes. The violent crime rate was 4,072.7 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 5,093.2 per 100,000 people.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana Library?
The East Chicago Public Library in Lake County, Indiana provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Indiana government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), which governs access to government documents in Indiana. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the East Chicago Indiana Archives and Genealogy at https://www.in.gov/iara/. Contact the East Chicago Public Library reference desk at (219) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
Where is the City of East Chicago, Indiana Public Library located?
The East Chicago Public Library is located at 2401 East Columbus Drive, East Chicago, IN 46312.
8
Where is the East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana Public Library located?
The East Chicago Public Library is located at 2401 E Columbus Dr, East Chicago, IN 46312.
9
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of East Chicago, Indiana?
Fingerprinting services in East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana are available through the East Chicago Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (219) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Indiana State Police and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Indiana State Police.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana?
Fingerprinting services for East Chicago, Indiana residents are provided at the East Chicago Police Department, which serves Lake County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the East Chicago Police Department at (219) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Indiana State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Indiana State Police at https://www.in.gov/isp/ias/criminal-history-information/.
11
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from City of East Chicago, Indiana, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for East Chicago, Indiana, you must contact the Lake County Health Department. The Health Department is located at:

Lake County Health Department

2149 45th Avenue

East Chicago, IN 46312

Phone: (219) 391-8400

Fax: (219) 391-8402

The Health Department can provide copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the record, and a completed application form. The application form can be found on the Health Department's website.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana, you must contact the Lake County Health Department.

Vital records available from the Lake County Health Department include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide proof of identity and a valid photo ID. You must also provide the full name of the person whose record you are requesting, as well as the date and place of the event.
13
About Police Reports
Police reports from East Chicago, Indiana can be obtained from the East Chicago Police Department, located in Lake County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), most police reports are public records in Indiana, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the East Chicago Police Department Records Division at (219) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.in.gov/isp/ias/criminal-history-information/.
14
About background check
A background check in East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Indiana. Criminal background checks are processed through the Indiana State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Indiana residents. The Indiana State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.in.gov/isp/ias/criminal-history-information/. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.