Official Government Sources
Hershey Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Hershey, Pennsylvania government websites.
About Hershey City Government
Hershey, Pennsylvania, operates under a Borough Council form of government, specifically known as the Hershey Borough Council. This governing body consists of seven elected members, who serve four-year terms. Council members are elected through a combination of at-large and district voting, ensuring representation across the borough.
For the fiscal year 2023, Hershey's annual operating budget is approximately $4.5 million. This budget supports various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community programs, reflecting the borough's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.
The Hershey Borough Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Hershey Municipal Building, located at 605 Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
For the fiscal year 2023, Hershey's annual operating budget is approximately $4.5 million. This budget supports various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community programs, reflecting the borough's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.
The Hershey Borough Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Hershey Municipal Building, located at 605 Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
About Hershey, Pennsylvania
Nestled in the heart of Dauphin County, Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant town best known for its deep-rooted connection to chocolate and amusement. With a population of approximately 14,257, Hershey was founded in 1903 by Milton S. Hershey, who established the Hershey Chocolate Company, leading to the town’s development around his confectionery enterprise. The community is characterized by its picturesque neighborhoods, including the quaint homes of Hersheypark and the historical charm of Chocolate Avenue. The local economy thrives primarily on the tourism brought in by attractions like Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World, and the nearby Hershey Gardens. Beyond chocolate, the town has diversified its economy with healthcare institutions, retail, and service industries, establishing itself as a distinctive blend of community spirit and commercial activity. While the sweet aroma of chocolate permeates the air, it is the town’s family-friendly atmosphere, rich history, and commitment to education that truly make Hershey a delightful place to live and visit.
Law enforcement in Hershey is primarily served by the Hershey Police Department, which is committed to maintaining safety and upholding the law within the community. For broader law enforcement matters, residents may also interact with the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office, which provides various services including civil enforcement and warrants. The county jail, known as the Dauphin County Prison, is the local detention facility that manages individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history information in Hershey, the process typically begins at the Hershey Police Department. Individuals can visit the police department's records unit or contact them directly to request specific records. For more comprehensive searches, the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office can assist, and for statewide criminal history, you may contact the Pennsylvania State Police or access their online repository. Certain records may also be available through online lookup portals, which streamline the process for residents seeking access to public information.
Hershey falls within the jurisdiction of the Dauphin County Court system, specifically the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas. To request court records, individuals have the option of using the online portal available through the Dauphin County government website or visiting the courthouse in person to speak with the clerk. If you need vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates, these can be obtained from the Dauphin County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, or through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's vital records division. Property records are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, and many of these records can also be accessed online via the county’s official portal. Additionally, under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, residents can request general public records. Requests typically receive responses within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information in Hershey’s governance.
Law enforcement in Hershey is primarily served by the Hershey Police Department, which is committed to maintaining safety and upholding the law within the community. For broader law enforcement matters, residents may also interact with the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office, which provides various services including civil enforcement and warrants. The county jail, known as the Dauphin County Prison, is the local detention facility that manages individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history information in Hershey, the process typically begins at the Hershey Police Department. Individuals can visit the police department's records unit or contact them directly to request specific records. For more comprehensive searches, the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office can assist, and for statewide criminal history, you may contact the Pennsylvania State Police or access their online repository. Certain records may also be available through online lookup portals, which streamline the process for residents seeking access to public information.
Hershey falls within the jurisdiction of the Dauphin County Court system, specifically the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas. To request court records, individuals have the option of using the online portal available through the Dauphin County government website or visiting the courthouse in person to speak with the clerk. If you need vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates, these can be obtained from the Dauphin County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, or through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's vital records division. Property records are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, and many of these records can also be accessed online via the county’s official portal. Additionally, under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, residents can request general public records. Requests typically receive responses within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information in Hershey’s governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Hershey, Pennsylvania, you will be transported to the Dauphin County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Dauphin County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Dauphin County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania?
The Hershey area is served by public school districts in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3
What are the crime statistics for Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania?
Crime statistics for Hershey, Pennsylvania are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Hershey Police Department on their official website. The Pennsylvania Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Library?
The Hershey Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Pennsylvania government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5
Where is the Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Public Library located?
The Hershey Public Library main branch is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Check the Hershey city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania?
Fingerprinting services in Hershey, Pennsylvania are available through the Hershey Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Hershey, Pennsylvania, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Dauphin County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Hershey, Pennsylvania can be obtained from the Hershey Police Department or the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Pennsylvania DMV.
9
About background check
A background check in Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Pennsylvania criminal history report through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
Nearby Cities in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: