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Lancaster, Pennsylvania Public Records

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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Lancaster Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Lancaster, Pennsylvania government websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you will be transported to the Lancaster County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Lancaster County Court. Under Pennsylvania law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://inmatelocator.cor.pa.gov/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania?
The school district for Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the School District of Lancaster. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the district's performance data for the 2018-2019 school year is as follows:

- Graduation Rate: 87.2%
- Attendance Rate: 94.2%
- Math Proficiency: 39.3%
- Reading Proficiency: 51.2%
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
The school district for Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is the School District of Lancaster. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the district's performance data for the 2018-2019 school year is as follows:

- Total enrollment: 11,845
- Graduation rate: 84.2%
- Average SAT score: 1020
- Average ACT score: 20.2
- Advanced Placement (AP) participation rate: 17.2%
- Advanced Placement (AP) exam pass rate: 59.2%
4
What are the crime statistics for City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of reported crimes in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 2019 was 8,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 7,100 property crimes. The violent crime rate was 545.7 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 4,521.2 per 100,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the total number of reported crimes in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 2019 was 8,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 7,100 property crimes. The violent crime rate was 5.2 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate was 41.7 per 1,000 residents.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the City of Lancaster Pennsylvania Library?
The Lancaster Public Library in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Pennsylvania government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), which governs access to government documents in Pennsylvania. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Lancaster Pennsylvania Archives and Genealogy at https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-and-Education/Pages/Genealogy-and-Personal-Histories.aspx. Contact the Lancaster Public Library reference desk at (717) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Library?
The Lancaster Public Library in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Pennsylvania government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), which governs access to government documents in Pennsylvania. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Lancaster Pennsylvania Archives and Genealogy at https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-and-Education/Pages/Genealogy-and-Personal-Histories.aspx. Contact the Lancaster Public Library reference desk at (717) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania Public Library located?
The Lancaster, Pennsylvania Library is located at 125 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
9
Where is the Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Public Library located?
The Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Library is located at 125 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania?
Fingerprinting services in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania are available through the Lancaster Police Department and the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (717) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Pennsylvania State Police.
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
Fingerprinting services for Lancaster, Pennsylvania residents are provided at the Lancaster Police Department, which serves Lancaster County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Lancaster Police Department at (717) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Pennsylvania State Police at https://epatch.state.pa.us/.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and what information is provided in the records?
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is responsible for issuing vital records for Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To obtain a vital record, you must submit a completed application form, along with the required fee, to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The vital records available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the individual, date of birth or death, place of birth or death, and other relevant information. The address for the Pennsylvania Department of Health is:

Pennsylvania Department of Health

Division of Vital Records

P.O. Box 1528

New Castle, PA 16103
13
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and what information is provided in the records?
The procedures to obtain vital records from Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania are as follows:

1. Visit the Lancaster County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court office in person or by mail.

2. Complete the appropriate application form for the type of record you are requesting.

3. Provide a valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person whose record you are requesting.

4. Pay the applicable fee.

Vital records from Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. The records include the name of the person, date of birth or death, place of birth or death, parents' names, and other relevant information.
14
About background check
A background check in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Pennsylvania. Criminal background checks are processed through the Pennsylvania State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Pennsylvania residents. The Pennsylvania State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://epatch.state.pa.us/. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.