Perry County

Perry County is located in south-central Pennsylvania, bordered by the Susquehanna River to the east and the Blue Mountain range to the north. Perry County seat is New Bloomfield, a small borough that is the administrative center. Perry County was formed in 1820 from Cumberland County and named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the naval hero of the War of 1812. Covering approximately 556 square miles, Perry County has a population of approximately 46,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The scene is characterized by rolling farmland, forested ridges, and the scenic Susquehanna River valley. Major landmarks include the Appalachian Trail, which crosses through the northern portion of Perry County along Blue Mountain, and the historic Duncan's Island on the Susquehanna River. Perry County is predominantly rural with strong agricultural traditions. Perry County Courthouse, located at 25 West Main Street in New Bloomfield, houses several key county offices. Perry County Recorder of Deeds maintains land records and is accessible at the courthouse. The Prothonotary is the civil court clerk, while the Clerk of Courts handles criminal cases. Perry County Assessment Office, responsible for property valuations, is also located at the courthouse complex. Perry County's economy historically relied on agriculture and limestone quarrying, with many family farms still operating today. Perry County offers a blend of rural charm and proximity to the state capital, Harrisburg, which lies just across the Susquehanna River.

The Access to public records in Perry County is facilitated by the Perry County Court serves the region and is located at 2 East Main Street in New Bloomfield. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Pennsylvania online court portal.

The Perry County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Perry County, Pennsylvania. It has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including juvenile matters. The court also has jurisdiction over appeals from the magisterial district courts.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• The Pennsylvania State Police Troop H, with barracks in Newport, provides primary law enforcement coverage for the majority of Perry County's townships that do not maintain local police forces.
• Processing fees typically apply, and requests must reasonably identify the record sought.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available through the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, though online mugshot databases are not officially maintained by Perry County.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process in Pennsylvania allows for cash bail or bail bonds, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the prison administration.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• Basic case searches are free, though certified copies and bulk records requests incur fees established by the court administrator.
• In-person record requests can be made at the Prothonotary's Office (civil cases) or Clerk of Courts Office (criminal cases) during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Fees for certified copies typically range from $7.00 to $10.00 per document plus additional per-page charges for lengthy records.

• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
• The Assessment Office provides property valuations, ownership information, and tax assessment data.
• Perry County has implemented a GIS mapping system accessible through Perry County website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, and basic property characteristics free of charge.
• The interactive mapping tool provides aerial photography, tax map information, and links to assessment records.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.pa.gov/vital for an additional convenience fee, reducing processing time to approximately 10-15 business days.
• Perry County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court, located at 25 West Main Street, New Bloomfield, maintains some historical vital records and handles marriage license applications.
• Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Wills at a cost of $50.00 for Pennsylvania residents.
• Divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office at Perry County Courthouse and are considered public court records accessible through standard court record request procedures.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The filing fee is approximately $70.00 for the initial registration.
• Perry County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at www.perrycountychamber.org, provides resources for business owners and maintains a directory of member businesses throughout Perry County.