About Pulaski County
Pulaski County is located in north-central Indiana, covering approximately 435 square miles of predominantly agricultural land. The county seat is Winamac, situated along the Tippecanoe River, which serves as a central geographic and recreational feature of the region. Established in 1839, Pulaski County was named after Polish military hero Casimir Pulaski, who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The county's population is approximately 12,500 residents, making it one of Indiana's smaller counties by population.
The landscape is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain with rich farmland, woodlands, and several small lakes. Major landmarks include the Tippecanoe River State Park, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts for camping, canoeing, and hiking. The county's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, along with livestock farming.
The Pulaski County Courthouse, located at 112 East Main Street in Winamac, serves as the administrative center and houses several key offices. The County Recorder's office maintains property records and is located within the courthouse complex. The Pulaski County Clerk's office, also at the courthouse, handles court records, marriage licenses, and various governmental filings.
The County Assessor's office at 112 East Main Street oversees property assessments and tax records. Winamac, with a population around 2,400, serves as the primary commercial and governmental hub, while other communities include Francesville, Medaryville, Monterey, and Star City.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and works closely with local schools and organizations to promote safety and awareness. The Sheriff's Office is integral in coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage of the county's public safety needs.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Pulaski County is primarily handled by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in towns like Winamac and Francesville. The Winamac Police Department serves the town of Winamac, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a unified response across the county. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective area, but they collaborate on investigations and share resources when necessary.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, located at 125 South Riverside Drive in Winamac, Indiana 46996, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (574) 946-3313 and operates the Pulaski County Jail, which houses inmates for the county. Inmate information and jail rosters can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as the county maintains limited online inmate lookup capabilities.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, specifying the information sought.
- There may be copying fees associated with obtaining physical records.
- The county does not maintain a publicly accessible online mugshot database, so requests must be made in person or by written correspondence.
- Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request and staff availability.
Municipal police departments operate within incorporated towns, including the Winamac Police Department, which serves the county seat, and smaller departments in Francesville, Medaryville, and Monterey that provide local law enforcement services. Arrest records in Pulaski County are public records subject to Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), which establishes that any person may inspect and copy public records during regular business hours. Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Indiana and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though some booking information may be restricted if it pertains to ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Pulaski County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Indiana State Police provides broader background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Indiana State Police's online portal, which offers comprehensive reports. The Indiana Bureau of Investigation supports local agencies by providing resources and expertise in complex cases.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pulaski County are maintained by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests, including the charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act governs the release of these records, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive information. Arrest records typically include personal information, charges, and court dates.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Pulaski County Jail, located in Winamac, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Indiana's legal framework, allowing for the release of detainees upon meeting set conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pulaski County are taken and retained by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Indiana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots online varies, and some third-party services may offer access to these images.
Courts & Case Records
The Pulaski Circuit Court serves as the primary trial court for Pulaski County, located at 112 East Main Street, Winamac, Indiana 46996. The court can be reached at (574) 946-3313 and has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters arising within the county. Court records in Indiana are governed by Indiana Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3) and Indiana Administrative Rule 9, which establishes guidelines for access to court records while protecting confidential information.
- The Pulaski County Clerk's office maintains court records and provides access to case information during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
- Researchers seeking extensive court records should contact the Clerk's office in advance to discuss availability, fees, and whether an appointment is necessary for in-person research.
While Pulaski County does not maintain a comprehensive online case management system accessible to the public, Indiana residents can access some case information through the Indiana Judiciary's Mycase.in.gov portal, which provides statewide case search capabilities for participating courts. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to view case summaries, dockets, and certain filed documents, though some records may be sealed or restricted from public view. Copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk's office, with fees typically set at $1.00 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies (usually $6.00 to $7.00 per document plus per-page charges).
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order, and some offices may accept credit cards.
Property & Public Records
The Pulaski County Recorder's Office, located at 112 East Main Street, Winamac, Indiana 46996, maintains land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, land contracts, and plat maps dating back to the county's establishment. The Recorder's office can be contacted at (574) 946-3313 and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Property records are public under Indiana law (IC 5-14-3) and can be searched on-site by index books or through the office's record-keeping system.
- Property tax records can be searched through the Indiana Gateway portal (gateway.in.gov), which provides access to property tax information for all Indiana counties.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Recorder's office for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 per page plus an additional certification fee of approximately $5.00 to $7.00 per document.
- Pulaski County participates in the Indiana Geographic Information Office initiatives, and some parcel mapping information may be available through county or regional GIS systems, though online public access varies.
While the county has made progress in digitizing records, comprehensive online access may be limited compared to larger Indiana counties, and many researchers still need to visit the office in person or submit written requests for specific documents. The Pulaski County Assessor's office, also located at 112 East Main Street, maintains property tax assessment records, including ownership information, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax payment history. The County Treasurer's office handles property tax collection and can provide information about current and delinquent taxes, tax sale information, and payment options.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pulaski County, Indiana, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Pulaski County can be requested through the Pulaski County Health Department, located at 125 West Voting Street, Winamac, Indiana 46996, phone (574) 946-6797. The Health Department typically maintains records for recent events and can process requests for certified copies.
- Birth certificates generally cost $10.00 to $12.00 for the first copy and slightly less for additional copies ordered simultaneously, while death certificates follow similar pricing.
- Processing time for in-person requests is often same-day or within a few business days, while mail requests may take two to three weeks.
- State vital records requests can be submitted by mail, in person at the Indianapolis office, or through the online VitalChek service at vitalchek.com, though online orders incur additional processing fees.
- The marriage license fee is established by state statute and is approximately $18.00 to $35.00 depending on whether couples complete premarital education.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
The Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records office in Indianapolis serves as the centralized repository for all Indiana vital records and can provide certified copies of birth certificates (records from October 1907 forward) and death certificates (from 1900 forward) for events occurring anywhere in the state. Marriage licenses are issued by the Pulaski County Clerk's office at 112 East Main Street, Winamac, with both parties typically required to appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and Social Security numbers. Marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk and are public records accessible under Indiana Code 5-14-3.
Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk's office, as divorces are court proceedings.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Pulaski County involves multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Pulaski County Clerk's office at 112 East Main Street, Winamac, maintains records of assumed business names (DBAs or fictitious names) filed by businesses operating under names different from the owner's legal name. These filings are public records and can be searched at the Clerk's office during regular business hours.
- For formal business entity formation (corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, nonprofit organizations), businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State's Business Services Division.
- The INBiz system provides free public access to business entity information including corporate names, registration dates, principal addresses, registered agents, and current status (active, dissolved, merged, etc.).
- Sales tax permits are administered by the Indiana Department of Revenue, and businesses selling tangible goods must register for a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate.
The Secretary of State maintains INBiz (inbiz.in.gov), a comprehensive online portal where users can search existing business entities, check name availability, file new business formations, and maintain registered agent information. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, real estate agents, etc.) are typically issued by state-level boards and can be verified through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Local business permits and zoning approvals are handled by the Pulaski County Planning and Building Department or individual municipal authorities for businesses within town limits.
Building permits for construction, renovation, or signage must be obtained from the county Building Commissioner or town building departments. The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, which can be contacted through local business networks in Winamac, provides resources for new businesses and maintains directories of local enterprises, though it is not a regulatory or licensing agency.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pulaski County are administered by the Pulaski County Clerk's office, which serves as the county election board. The office is located at 112 East Main Street, Winamac, Indiana 46996, and can be reached at (574) 946-3313. Voter registration in Pulaski County can be completed online through the Indiana Voter Registration Portal at indianavoters.in.gov, by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or in person at the County Clerk's office, Bureau of Motor Vehicles branches, or various state agencies.
- Indiana law requires voters to register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- The County Clerk's office provides polling place information and can answer questions about precinct boundaries.
- The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is typically 11 days before the election, while in-person absentee voting at the Clerk's office is available until noon the day before Election Day.
- Pulaski County maintains transparency in election administration by making precinct results, voter turnout statistics, and candidate filing information available to the public upon request.
Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check voter history through the indianavoters.in.gov portal by entering their name and date of birth or their county and voter registration number. Pulaski County operates multiple precinct polling places on Election Day, with locations varying by voter address and precinct assignment. Election records that are public under Indiana law include voter registration lists (though with some personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate declarations and petitions, and precinct-level election results.
Election results by precinct are published following certification and are available through the County Clerk's office and the Indiana Election Division website. In the November 2024 general election, Pulaski County voter turnout was approximately 65-70%, consistent with typical presidential election participation in rural Indiana counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include races for U.S.
House of Representatives (Indiana's 2nd Congressional District), state legislative seats, and various county offices depending on the election cycle. Absentee voting by mail is available to Indiana voters who meet specific criteria including being absent from the county on Election Day, having a disability, being at least 65 years old, having religious obligations, being a poll worker assigned outside their precinct, being confined due to illness or injury, or being prevented from voting due to work schedule. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted through the indianavoters.in.gov portal, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
Early voting locations and hours are established before each election and published by the County Clerk.
Economy & Demographics
Pulaski County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming operations covering the majority of the county's land area. Corn and soybean production dominate the agricultural sector, supplemented by wheat, hay, and livestock operations including cattle, hogs, and poultry. The median household income in Pulaski County is approximately $52,000 to $57,000, somewhat below the Indiana state average, reflecting the rural character and agricultural economic base.
- The county has seen some manufacturing development, with companies in metal fabrication, agricultural equipment, and food processing providing employment beyond the farm sector.
Major employers in the county include Winamac Community Schools, Pulaski Memorial Hospital (a critical access hospital serving the region), and various agricultural services and manufacturing facilities. Retail and service businesses centered in Winamac serve the county population, while larger shopping and healthcare facilities in nearby communities like Plymouth, Logansport, and Knox provide additional economic connections. Tourism and outdoor recreation contribute to the local economy, particularly through Tippecanoe River State Park, which attracts visitors for camping, canoeing, fishing, and hiking.
The park generates seasonal employment and supports local hospitality businesses. The unemployment rate in Pulaski County typically tracks close to or slightly above the state average, with some seasonal variation due to agricultural cycles. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, improving infrastructure, and leveraging the county's location along US Highway 35 and State Road 14.
The Pulaski County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and retain existing employers. Challenges facing the county economy include population decline, aging workforce, limited broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and competition from larger nearby labor markets.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online (Mycase Portal) | Property: ⚠️ Partial Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Required | Business: ✅ State Online Portal | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Lookup | Overall Score: 6/10 — Pulaski County provides basic access to public records with reliance on in-person visits and phone contact for many services.
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Cities & Towns in Pulaski County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Pulaski County, Indiana.
Nearby Counties
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