About Hershey — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
Dauphin County Prison is the primary lockup for anyone arrested in the Hershey area. Once brought in, individuals go through standard booking procedures, photographs, fingerprints, and processing into the system. The facility maintains an online inmate lookup tool that lets the public search for current detainees without making phone calls or visiting in person. Visitation follows strict protocols and requires advance appointments. Bond and bail decisions operate under Pennsylvania state law, which allows eligible inmates to secure release while awaiting their day in court.
Arrest Records
When someone gets arrested in the Hershey area, that record lands with both local police departments and the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request copies through formal applications, which typically require showing identification and paying a processing fee. These records lay out the basics: arrest date, charges filed, and booking details. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law sets the framework for accessing this information, balancing public transparency against individual privacy considerations.
Local specifics: Recent arrest records for Hershey are published online at www.berkspa.gov.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Dauphin County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registries. Residents can conduct background checks through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides criminal history information. The Pennsylvania State Police offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Hershey residents can be requested through www.pa.gov. The standard fee is $24.20 per record request.
Vital Records
The Dauphin County Department of Health (https://www.dauphincounty.org/government/departments/department_of_health.php) oversees the vital records for Hershey, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Residents can obtain these records through the department's online portal or by visiting their office in Harrisburg, the Dauphin County seat.
Business & Licensing Records
The Hershey-Derry Township Chamber of Commerce (https://hersheypa.com/business-community/hershey-derry-township-chamber-of-commerce) anchors the local business community, connecting entrepreneurs and established companies through networking events, advocacy efforts, and economic intelligence about the area. For broader regional support, the Dauphin County Economic Development Corporation (https://www.dauphincounty.org/government/departments/economic_development.php) provides resources and assistance to businesses operating throughout the Hershey area and beyond.
Economy & Demographics
Hershey's economy is heavily influenced by the world-renowned Hershey Company (https://www.hersheys.com/en_us/home.html), the town's largest employer. The company's chocolate manufacturing facilities and tourist attractions, such as Hersheypark, drive significant economic activity in the region. The tourism industry, healthcare, and other service-oriented businesses contribute to Hershey's thriving local economy.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Hershey turn to the Dauphin County Bureau of Elections & Voter Registration for everything ballot-related. The office sits in Dauphin County administration building at 2 South Second Street, 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101, reachable at 717-780-6360 or through https://www.dauphincounty.gov/government/departments/voter-registration. Staff there handle registration, mail-in ballot requests, and election administration for Derry Township and every other municipality countywide.
Pennsylvania makes online registration straightforward at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx, accepting applications up to 15 days before any election as long as you've got a valid Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID number. First-timers need to bring identification when they vote. Because Hershey exists as an unincorporated community within Derry Township rather than as its own municipality, residents don't elect a mayor or city council. Instead, local governance falls to the Derry Township Board of Supervisors - five members serving staggered six-year terms. These supervisors run in municipal elections during odd-numbered years, with the most recent contests in 2023 and the next scheduled for 2025. Their names appear on both May primary and November general election ballots. Finding your polling place takes just a few clicks at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/pollingplaceinfo.aspx, where entering your address pulls up your assigned location - usually a fire station, community center, or school somewhere in Derry Township. Pennsylvania runs fairly transparent elections. Voter registration lists are public records, though birthdates and Social Security numbers stay protected. Campaign finance reports sit in a searchable database at https://www.campaignfinanceonline.pa.gov, while candidate filings and petitions are available through the Dauphin County elections office. After certification, the bureau publishes precinct-level results that show exactly how each neighborhood voted. The November 2024 presidential election drew about 130,000 Dauphin County voters, pushing turnout to roughly 68-70% of registered voters. County results reflected Pennsylvania's status as a swing state, with competitive races across the board. Pennsylvania doesn't have a U.S. Senate seat up that year, but the governor's race tops the ballot as Josh Shapiro's term expires in 2027. Voters will also choose a Lieutenant Governor, all 203 Pennsylvania House seats including the 106th District that covers Derry Township, and half the 50 state Senate seats - the 15th Senatorial District includes the Hershey area. Various Dauphin County row offices like Controller and Coroner appear depending on term schedules, and Derry Township Board of Supervisors seats may be on the ballot as well. Pennsylvania's Act 77, passed in 2019, opened mail-in voting to everyone without requiring an excuse. Request your ballot online at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication by the Tuesday before Election Day, though election officials recommend applying earlier to avoid last-minute problems. Completed ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day. The county elections website posts sample ballots, candidate lists, polling place updates, and unofficial results as votes get counted on election night. Certified results typically appear within two weeks.
Hershey Public Records Directory
Search county, state, and federal government records serving Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Public Records Resources for Hershey, Pennsylvania
Official government websites for Hershey, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov,.us,.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org,.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Pennsylvania Criminal History RecordsFind information on how to obtain a criminal history record in Pennsylvania.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Philadelphia OfficeFederal criminal records, criminal background checks.
- Pennsylvania State PoliceLaw enforcement and highway safety services.
- Pennsylvania InmatesFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the PA Dept. of Corrections.
- Pennsylvania Sex OffendersSearch the PA State Police database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Pennsylvania Most WantedCurrent posting of fugitives and absconders from the PA State Police.
- Pennsylvania Crime Victims AssistanceHelp and services for victims of crime.
- Pennsylvania Game CommissionLicenses, permits, information and more.
- Pennsylvania Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts.
- Pennsylvania Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the PA Secretary of State.
- Pennsylvania Death RowPennsylvania's death penalty, execution list, warrant listing and list of individuals executed by lethal injection.
- Pennsylvania Professional License Verifylook up professional Pennsylvania licensing, verify status and eligibility.
Nearby Cities in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Hershey, Pennsylvania?
To register to vote in Hershey, Pennsylvania, residents can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Dauphin County elections office. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Department of State's voter lookup tool. For local county and state elections (Hershey is an unincorporated community in Dauphin County and does not hold municipal elections), contact the Dauphin County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Hershey, Pennsylvania?
Property records for Hershey, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Dauphin Board of Assessment Appeals's Office and the Dauphin Recorder of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Dauphin County, including parcels in Hershey. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Dauphin Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Pennsylvania counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Dauphin County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hershey, Pennsylvania?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hershey, Pennsylvania residents are available through both county and state offices. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in New Castle, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Pennsylvania. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Dauphin County Register of Wills issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Dauphin 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.