Highland Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Highland, Indiana government websites.
About Highland, Indiana
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Highland, Indiana, is the Highland Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member serves a term of four years, with elections held every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The council members are elected at-large, meaning that all voters in Highland can vote for each council seat.
The Highland Police Department provides essential law enforcement services to the community, working closely with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees broader county law enforcement responsibilities. If you need access to arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history, the process begins at the Highland Police Department. Individuals can visit the police department's records unit to submit a request for specific records. If the records are not available locally, inquiries may be directed to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office, which maintains full databases for the entire county. Indiana residents can access state-level criminal records through the Indiana State Police or the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides online portals for background checks and criminal history evaluations. These resources are indispensable for people looking to obtain personal records or check the background of others, for public access and safety in the community. Highland falls under the jurisdiction of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court, which handles various civil and criminal cases, as well as appeals from lower courts. Requesting court records is a straightforward process; individuals can access many records through the court's online portal or visit the court clerk's office in person for assistance. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are provided through the Vanderburgh County Clerk-Recorder's office or via the Indiana Vital Records office. Property records can also be accessed through the county assessor's office and recorder, with many documents available online for ease of use. For broader public records requests, residents can use the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, which allows anyone to request documents from government agencies. Typically, requests are processed within 5 to 10 business days, enhancing the transparency of public affairs and allowing residents to stay informed about local governance and community matters.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Highland, Lake County, Indiana, involves coordination between several agencies. While the Lake County Sheriff's Office provides countywide services, municipal departments in cities like Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago handle jurisdiction within their respective boundaries. The Gary Police Department and Hammond Police Department manage local enforcement duties independently but work alongside the Sheriff's Office when major crimes or regional issues demand a unified response.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lake County Jail in Crown Point is the primary detention facility for Lake County. When someone is arrested, they're processed through a standard booking procedure that includes photographing, fingerprinting, and entry into the county records system. The public can search for current detainees using the online inmate lookup services maintained by the facility. Visitation follows strict regulations, with specific hours and an approved visitor list requirement that must be met before anyone can see an inmate.
Indiana's bond and bail system allows for pretrial release, and details about posting bail are available through the jail's administrative office. Those looking for recently arrested individuals can contact the facility directly or use the Sheriff's Office's online search tool.
Arrest Records
The Lake County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments across the county maintain arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications, typically submitted in writing or via online forms. Each record generally contains the arrestee's name, the charges filed, and the arrest date. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act governs access to this information, making most arrest records available to the public unless a court has ordered them sealed.
Court Records
The Highland Municipal Court handles civil and criminal matters that fall within the city's jurisdiction. Located at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, IN 46322, the court can be reached at (219) 838-1080 for general inquiries. Those seeking court records, including case filings, judgments, and proceedings, can access them through the Indiana Judicial Records Portal at https://publicaccess.courts. gov/. The online system provides a centralized way to search for documents and track case progress without needing to visit the courthouse in person.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Lake County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by various agencies, including the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Indiana State Police. Residents can request background checks through the Indiana State Police, which provides criminal history reports. The Indiana Bureau of Investigation also helps with maintaining statewide criminal records, offering resources for residents of Lake County to access information.
Public Records Access
Municipal documents are available through the Highland Public Records Office, which maintains everything from city council meeting minutes to zoning records and property tax assessments. The office operates at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, IN 46322, and residents can call (219) 838-1080 with questions. For those who prefer digital access, the city's website at https://www.highland. gov/government/public records/ offers online records that can be searched and retrieved without an in-person visit.
Vital Records
The Highland Vital Records Office is responsible for maintaining and providing access to important documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. The office is located at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, IN 46322, and can be reached at (219) 838-1080. Residents can also request vital records online through the Indiana State Department of Health's website at https://www. gov/isdh/26556.htm.
Business & Licensing Records
Local entrepreneurs and business owners turn to the Highland Business Records Office for registration and licensing services. The office handles commercial permits, processes business licenses, and keeps records tied to economic development initiatives across the community. Located at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, IN 46322, the office can be reached at (219) 838-1080 during business hours. Those looking for broader resources and information about the city's economy can visit https://www.highland. gov/government/economic-development/ for additional guidance and support programs.
Economy & Demographics
Highland's local economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and professional services industries. The city's largest employers include Cargill, Franciscan Health, and Strack & Van Til Supermarkets. Economic development data, including business licenses, property assessments, and tax revenue reports, can be obtained through the Highland Economic Development Office at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, IN 46322, or by visiting the city's economic development website at https://www.highland. gov/government/economic-development/.
Elections & Voter Records
The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration, Suite L-10, Crown Point, IN 46307, administers all elections for Highland voters. Residents can reach the office at 219-755-3357 or visit lakecountyindiana.com/elections for information. The board manages everything from voter registration rolls to absentee ballot processing, election certification, and polling place assignments. Indiana residents register to vote online at indianavoters. gov, the official state portal maintained by the Secretary of State.
Registration requires an Indiana driver's license or state ID number and must be completed 29 days before any election. Highland operates under a town council form of government, electing five council members at-large in November of odd-numbered years. The next municipal election is scheduled for November 2025. The Town Council President is chosen from among the elected members, and there are no mayoral elections since the community doesn't use a mayor-council structure. Voters can locate their assigned polling place through the online lookup tool at indianavoters. gov by entering their name and date of birth, or by calling the Lake County Elections Office. During the November 2024 presidential election, Lake County saw approximately 52-54% turnout, with Highland precincts typically exceeding the county average. The November 3, 2026 general election will be significant, featuring Indiana's U.S. Senate Class I seat, all nine U.S. House seats (Highland is in District 1), state legislative races covering the area, Lake County Council and Commissioner positions, and various township offices. Indiana's gubernatorial race won't appear on the 2026 ballot, as those elections occur in 2024 and 2028. Absentee voting is available by mail or in-person at the Lake County elections office. Voters can request absentee ballots online at indianavoters. gov up to 12 days before the election, but ballots must arrive by noon on Election Day to count. Early in-person voting begins 28 days before the election at the Lake County office and satellite locations. Public election records in Indiana include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports showing contributions and expenditures filed with the Indiana Election Division at in.gov/sos/elections, candidate declarations, and precinct-level results. The county posts unofficial results on election night at lakecountyindiana.com/elections, with official canvassed results certified within two weeks. Highland residents can review sample ballots, candidate information, and local ballot measures through the Lake County elections website before heading to the polls.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, Lake County provides excellent digital access to most public records through well-maintained online portals for court cases, property data, jail rosters, and business entities, with efficient state-level systems for vital records and voter services, though some town-level Highland records require in-person requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 How do I register to vote in Highland, Indiana?
To register to vote in Highland, Indiana, residents can register online through the Indiana Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Vanderburgh County elections office. Indiana 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 Indiana Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Highland, contact the Vanderburgh County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
2 How do I look up property records in Highland, Indiana?
Property records for Highland, Indiana are maintained by the Lake County Assessor's Office and the Lake County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Lake County, including parcels in Highland. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Lake County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Indiana counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Lake County offices at the county courthouse. The Lake County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
3 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Highland, Indiana?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Highland, Indiana residents are available through both county and state offices. The Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Indianapolis, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Indiana. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Lake County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Lake 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.
4 How do I find business license records in Highland, Indiana?
Business licensing for Highland, Indiana operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Highland town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Highland limits. Lake County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Indiana businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Indiana Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Indiana licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Highland, contact the Highland clerk's office and the Lake County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Lake County, Indiana
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: