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Portland, Maine Public Records

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Portland, Maine.

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Portland Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Portland, Maine government websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Portland, Maine, you will be transported to the Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Court. Under Maine 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 Maine State Police. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.maine.gov/corrections/adult-community-corrections/offender-search where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for City of Portland, Maine?
The Portland Public Schools district serves the city of Portland, Maine. According to the Maine Department of Education, the district's overall performance rating for the 2018-2019 school year was a B. The district's graduation rate was 87.3%, and the average SAT score was 1020.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Portland, Cumberland County, Maine?
The Portland Public Schools district serves the city of Portland, Cumberland County, Maine. According to the Maine Department of Education, the district's most recent performance data shows that the district has an overall proficiency rate of 68.2%, with a graduation rate of 87.2%.
4
What are the crime statistics for City of Portland, Maine?
According to the Portland Police Department, the total number of reported crimes in Portland, Maine in 2019 was 8,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 7,100 property crimes. The violent crime rate per 1,000 people was 24.3, and the property crime rate per 1,000 people was 95.7.
5
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the City of Portland Maine Library?
The Portland Public Library in Cumberland County, Maine provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Maine 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 Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), which governs access to government documents in Maine. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Portland Maine Archives and Genealogy at https://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/genealogy/index.html. Contact the Portland Public Library reference desk at (207) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Portland, Cumberland County, Maine Library?
The Portland Public Library in Cumberland County, Maine provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Maine 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 Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), which governs access to government documents in Maine. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Portland Maine Archives and Genealogy at https://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/genealogy/index.html. Contact the Portland Public Library reference desk at (207) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
Where is the City of Portland, Maine Public Library located?
The Portland Public Library is located at 5 Monument Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
8
Where is the Portland, Cumberland County, Maine Public Library located?
The Portland, Cumberland County, Maine Library is located at 5 Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101.
9
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of Portland, Maine?
Fingerprinting services in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine are available through the Portland Police Department and the Cumberland 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 (207) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Maine State Police and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Maine State Police.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine?
Fingerprinting services for Portland, Maine residents are provided at the Portland Police Department, which serves Cumberland 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 Portland Police Department at (207) 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 Maine State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Maine State Police at https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/media-community/criminal-information-center.
11
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from City of Portland, Maine, and what information is provided in the records?
In order to obtain vital records from Portland, Maine, you must contact the Maine Office of Vital Records. The office is located at:

Maine Office of Vital Records

11 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333

Phone: (207) 287-3181

Fax: (207) 287-3183

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

The types of vital records available from the Maine Office of Vital Records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates. All records are available for a fee. To obtain a record, you must provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date and place of the event, and a valid photo ID. You may also need to provide additional information, such as the names of the parents or spouse.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, and what information is provided in the records?
The Maine State Archives is the official repository for vital records in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine. To obtain vital records from the Maine State Archives, you must submit a written request that includes the following information:

* Full name of the person whose record is being requested
* Date and place of the event
* Relationship of the requester to the person whose record is being requested
* Reason for the request
* Requester's name, address, and phone number.

The Maine State Archives will provide a certified copy of the vital record upon request. The records include birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as divorce records.
13
About Police Reports
Police reports from Portland, Maine can be obtained from the Portland Police Department, located in Cumberland County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), most police reports are public records in Maine, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Portland Police Department Records Division at (207) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/media-community/criminal-information-center.
14
About background check
A background check in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine 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 Maine. Criminal background checks are processed through the Maine State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Maine residents. The Maine State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/media-community/criminal-information-center. Under the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 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.