Hazard Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Hazard, Kentucky government websites.
About Hazard, Kentucky
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Hazard, Kentucky, is the Hazard City Commission, which consists of five elected members. Each commissioner is elected at-large to serve a term of four years. The current members of the commission include Mayor Happy Mobelini, along with Commissioners Joe M. Meade, Michael A. "Mike" Hensley, and others. Budget details and financial records are available through official city records or by contacting local government offices. The local council holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
Law enforcement in Hazard is primarily overseen by the Hazard Police Department. For those in need of access to criminal records, the process typically begins with the Hazard Police Department, where individuals can request arrest records, mugshots, and booking records by contacting the department directly or visiting in person. If further information is required, individuals may consult the Kentucky State Police’s Criminal Identification and Records Branch, which is the state repository for criminal records. Online portals are available If you need to conduct preliminary searches for certain records, streamlining the process and providing users with immediate access to essential information. The judicial system for Hazard is served by the Perry County Circuit Court, which handles various legal proceedings and manages civil and criminal cases. Individuals seeking court records can make requests through the court’s online portal or visit the court clerk’s office in person. For vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, citizens can contact the Perry County Clerk-Recorder’s office or refer to Kentucky Vital Records for state-managed documents. For property records, both the county assessor and the recorder maintain full databases that are accessible online, allowing residents to explore property ownership details and land transactions. Hazard falls under the Kentucky Open Records Act, which allows individuals to request other public records. Requests are typically processed within a response timeline of 5 to 10 business days.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across Perry County relies on collaboration between multiple agencies. These local departments work closely with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and public safety initiatives, creating a coordinated response network that covers the entire county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Perry County Detention Center is the primary jail facility for the county, processing everyone arrested within its borders. After booking, arrestees are photographed and fingerprinted at the facility. Families and attorneys can locate inmates through the detention center's online lookup system, which provides current information on detainees. Visitation requires advance appointments, and visitors must follow strict guidelines when visiting. Kentucky law allows for cash bonds or property bonds, with release occurring once the required bond amount is posted.
Arrest Records
The Perry County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, the charges filed, and personal information about arrestees. Anyone seeking arrest records can contact the Sheriff's Office directly to request them. The Kentucky Open Records Act grants individuals the right to access public records, including arrest documentation, except where specific legal exemptions apply. These records typically show the arrest date, charges filed, and which agency made the arrest.
Court Records
, Hazard, KY 41701, the Perry County Courthouse serves as home to the local court system. Both the District Court and Circuit Court operate from this downtown building, handling everything from civil disputes and criminal proceedings to probate matters. Those seeking court records, case dockets, or court filings can access them through the Kentucky Court of Justice website at https://kycourts.gov/.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Perry County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice's online portal or by contacting the Kentucky State Police. The bureau provides criminal history reports, which include convictions and pending charges, to authorized individuals and agencies.
Public Records Access
Public records in Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky, are maintained at two primary downtown locations. Hazard City Hall, at 704 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701, houses city-specific documents including council meeting minutes, municipal ordinances, and zoning regulations. The Perry County Courthouse, Hazard, KY 41701, keeps county-level records such as property deeds, birth and death certificates, and court proceedings. Residents can visit either office in person or explore Perry County's online database at https://perrycountyky.gov/.
Vital Records
The Hazard-Perry County Health Department, situated at 11 Medical Park Dr, Hazard, KY 41701, is the primary source for vital records in the area. Residents can obtain birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses by visiting the department or by accessing the online portal at https://kyhealthfacts.org/. The department also is important in public health initiatives and community outreach programs.
Business & Licensing Records
The Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce operates from 101 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701, serving as the central resource for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The chamber keeps a directory of registered businesses, offers development resources for new and existing ventures, and organizes community events designed to stimulate economic growth. Business owners can register and update their information through the chamber's website at https://hazardperry.org/.
Economy & Demographics
Hazard's economy is heavily influenced by the healthcare and education sectors. The Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, located at 100 Medical Center Dr, Hazard, KY 41701, is one of the city's largest employers, providing a wide range of medical services. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine - Hazard Campus, situated at 100 Airport Rd, Hazard, KY 41701, contributes to the city's economic growth through research, education, and healthcare initiatives.
Elections & Voter Records
The Perry County Clerk's Office administers all elections for Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky, operating from 145 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701. Residents can reach the office at 606-436-4614 or visit perryclerk.com. Kentucky residents register to vote online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections at elect.ky.gov/voters, though registration closes 29 days before any election. Registration requires a Kentucky driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number, plus proof of U.S. Citizenship, Kentucky residency, and age 18 by the next election.
The city conducts municipal elections for mayor and city council positions, with mayoral races occurring every four years, most recently in 2022, next in 2026, while city council seats are elected on staggered terms. Residents also vote in Perry County Fiscal Court elections, Kentucky General Assembly races covering House District 92 and Senate District 29, and federal contests. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the lookup tool at elect.ky.gov/voters or by contacting the Perry County Clerk. Kentucky provides broad public access to election records. Voter registration lists are available for purchase by qualified requesters under KRS 117.015, campaign finance reports are searchable through the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance at kref.ky.gov, and candidate filings are kept by both the Perry County Clerk and Secretary of State. The State Board of Elections publishes precinct-level results. During the November 2024 presidential election, Perry County reported approximately 6,800 votes cast, representing around 51% turnout among registered voters. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature U.S. Senate and U.S. House races in Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, all Kentucky House seats including District 92 covering Perry County, various county constitutional offices such as Perry County Judge/Executive, Sheriff, County Clerk, and Jailer, plus the mayoral race for the city. Kentucky doesn't offer true absentee voting but provides excuse-required absentee ballots and no-excuse early voting. Mail-in absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Perry County Clerk with qualifying reasons under KRS 117.085, while in-person early voting takes place at the Perry County Clerk's office from the Thursday before Election Day through the Monday before Election Day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Limited: Partial Online | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 6.5/10, Perry County provides good access to court records through Kentucky's statewide CourtNet system and business entities through the Secretary of State, but property deed records require in-person visits, and vital records must be requested through state offices with fees, reflecting typical rural Kentucky county accessibility with room for digital improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky?
Public schools in Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Kentucky Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky?
Crime data for Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky Library?
The Hazard Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Perry County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky Public Library located?
The Hazard Public Library serves residents of Hazard and the surrounding Perry County area in Kentucky. Contact the library or visit the Perry County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky?
Fingerprinting services for Hazard, Kentucky residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Perry County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Perry County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Hazard, Kentucky?
To register to vote in Hazard, Kentucky, residents can register online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Perry County elections office. Kentucky requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Kentucky State Board of Elections's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Hazard, contact the Perry County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Hazard, Kentucky?
Property records for Hazard, Kentucky are maintained by the Perry Property Valuation Administrator's Office and the Perry County County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Perry County, including parcels in Hazard. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Perry County County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Kentucky counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Perry County offices at the county courthouse. The Perry County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hazard, Kentucky?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hazard, Kentucky residents are available through both county and state offices. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Statistics, located in Frankfort, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Kentucky. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Perry County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Perry County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Hazard, Kentucky?
Business licensing for Hazard, Kentucky operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Hazard town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Hazard limits. Perry County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Kentucky businesses must register with the Kentucky Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Kentucky licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Hazard, contact the Hazard clerk's office and the Perry County economic development office.