About Fountain County
Population
16,300 residents
County Seat
Covington
Established
1826
Named After
Major James Fontaine
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Under Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), arrest records are generally considered public information and can be requested from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
- Written requests should identify the specific records sought and may be subject to copying fees as established by statute.
- Citizens seeking arrest records should submit requests in writing to the Records Division, specifying the name and approximate date of arrest.
- Indiana law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, typically within seven business days, though complex requests may require additional processing time.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Indiana state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon posting bail, which can be arranged through the court or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The Clerk's office charges statutory fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $1.00 per page plus an $8.00 certification fee.
Property & Public Records
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time for vital records requests is generally 7-10 business days for in-person or mail requests.
- The state office charges $15 per certified copy and offers online ordering through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor that provides expedited service for additional fees.
- Indiana law requires both parties to appear, and there is typically a $19 fee for the license.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- gov, where citizens can search business entity records, view corporate filings, check entity status, and access registered agent information free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Fountain County, Indiana?
To search for someone recently arrested in Fountain County, Indiana, you can contact the Fountain County Jail. The jail provides an inmate lookup process that can be accessed by calling the jail directly or visiting their office. You may visit the Sheriff's Office website for more information on recent arrests and inmate searches.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Fountain County, Indiana?
Mugshots or booking photos in Fountain County, Indiana, can be obtained from the Fountain County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their office or an online portal if available. It is recommended to contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about the availability and process for obtaining these images.
How do I get a criminal background check in Fountain County, Indiana?
To obtain a criminal background check in Fountain County, Indiana, you should contact the Indiana State Police, which handles background checks through their Limited Criminal History Search. Locally, you can also reach out to the Fountain County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process and any additional steps required at the county level.
How can I look up sex offenders in Fountain County, Indiana?
To look up sex offenders in Fountain County, Indiana, you can use the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Indiana Department of Correction and provides a searchable database of registered sex offenders. You can access this registry online to find information specific to Fountain County.
How do I register to vote in Fountain County, Indiana?
To register to vote in Fountain County, you can complete the process online at indianavoters.in.gov, submit a paper application to the Fountain County Clerk at 301 Main Street in Covington, or register in person at the Clerk's office. Indiana requires registration at least 29 days before an election for eligibility to vote in that election. You must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old on or before the next election, and a resident of the region. The County Clerk's office at (765) 793-2119 can also provide information about absentee voting options.
How do I look up property records in Fountain County, Indiana?
Property records in Fountain County are maintained by the County Recorder's office for land records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and the County Assessor's office for tax assessment information, both located at 301 Main Street in Covington. You can visit the courthouse in person during business hours to search through record books and indices, or contact the offices at (765) 793-2515 to inquire about available online search options. The Recorder maintains all recorded documents affecting property title, while the Assessor provides assessed values, parcel data, and ownership information used for property taxation purposes. Some records may be available through online GIS mapping systems or county websites.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Fountain County, Indiana?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Fountain County can be obtained from the Fountain County Health Department at 210 Third Street in Covington or from the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records office in Indianapolis. The current fee is typically $15 for a certified copy, with processing taking 7-10 business days for standard requests. You must be an eligible applicant (the person named on the certificate, parent, legal guardian, or legal representative) and provide valid photo identification. Online ordering is available through the state's authorized vendor, VitalChek, for expedited service with additional fees.
How do I find business license records in Fountain County, Indiana?
Business records in Fountain County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. Assumed business name (DBA) registrations are filed with the Fountain County Clerk's office at the courthouse in Covington at (765) 793-2119. For formal business entities like corporations and LLCs, search the Indiana Secretary of State's INBiz portal at www.inbiz.in.gov, which provides free access to all registered business entities in Indiana including those operating in Fountain County. Local business licenses or permits may be issued by individual municipalities such as Attica or Covington, so contact the respective town or city clerk for specific local licensing requirements.