Pulaski County

Pulaski County, Kentucky, is located in the south-central region of the Commonwealth and is a significant hub for commerce, tourism, and government services. Established in 1798 and named after Polish Revolutionary War hero Count Casimir Pulaski, Pulaski County includes approximately 662 square miles of diverse terrain including rolling hills, forests, and the scenic Lake Cumberland shoreline. Pulaski County Seat is Somerset, a city of approximately 11,000 residents that anchors a county population of roughly 65,000 people.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Pulaski County. The office handles a variety of duties, including patrolling rural areas, serving legal documents, and executing warrants. The sheriff's office also manages Pulaski County Detention Center, where it oversees the incarceration of individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and a dedicated narcotics division meant to combating drug-related crimes in Pulaski County.

Police Departments

In addition to Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Pulaski County is provided by several municipal police departments, including the Somerset Police Department and the Burnside Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and emergencies, sharing resources and information to effectively address crime across Pulaski County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, led by an elected sheriff, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Pulaski County and operates Pulaski County Detention Center. The office maintains an online presence where citizens can access information about services, though full arrest records searches typically require in-person or written requests.

• Within Pulaski County, the Somerset Police Department provides municipal law enforcement for the city of Somerset and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Burnside Police Department serves the city of Burnside.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Pulaski County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice's online portal or by contacting the Kentucky State Police for a more full criminal history report.

• The Kentucky State Police provides additional services for background checks, particularly for employment or licensing purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pulaski County are maintained by Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the sheriff's office or the specific police department involved in the arrest. Requests are typically processed under the guidelines of the Kentucky Open Records Act, which ensures public access to government records.

Jail & Inmate Records

Pulaski County Detention Center, located in Somerset, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Pulaski County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestee. Inmate information can be accessed through the detention center's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and permissible items.

• In Kentucky, the bond or bail process allows for the release of individuals pending trial, contingent upon the nature of the charges and the discretion of the court.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Pulaski County are taken and retained by Pulaski County Detention Center at the time of booking. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the detention center's online system or by request at the sheriff's office. While Kentucky does not have specific laws mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals seeking removal may need to pursue legal avenues if they believe the publication of their mugshot violates their rights.

• The availability of mugshots online varies, with some third-party websites offering search capabilities for a fee.

Pulaski County's judicial system operates through Pulaski County Circuit Court and Pulaski County District Court, both part of Kentucky's unified court system under the 28th Judicial Circuit and 28th Judicial District respectively. Pulaski County Judicial Center, located at 100 Public Square in Somerset, Kentucky 42501, houses both courts. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts exceeding $5,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, juvenile matters, and appeals from District Court.

• Pulaski County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $5,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, probate matters, and small claims.
• Court records can be accessed through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal CourtNet 2.0, available at kycourts.gov, which provides case information, docket sheets, and scheduled hearings.
• Certified copies of court documents require a written request and payment of statutory fees, typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus $6 for certification.
• Online access provides basic case information without fees, but official certified documents require payment and formal request procedures.

Property and land records for Pulaski County are maintained by Pulaski County Clerk's office, which is the County Recorder, located at 100 West Public Square Suite 2, Somerset, Kentucky 42501 The Clerk's office records and maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, mineral rights, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property within Pulaski County. These records date back to Pulaski County's formation in 1798 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location.

• Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $20 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
• The PVA office provides property valuation data, parcel maps, and assessment appeals information.
• Certified copies of recorded documents require photo identification and payment of statutory fees.

Vital records for Pulaski County, Kentucky, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are available through Pulaski County Clerk's office at 100 West Public Square Suite 2, Somerset, Kentucky 42501, phone, for events occurring within Pulaski County. Birth certificates cost $10 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates follow the same fee structure.

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are on file, while mail requests take approximately two to three weeks.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at kentucky.gov/vitalstats, with additional processing fees.
• Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by Pulaski County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person, and the license costs $35.50.
• Authorized requesters include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders.

Business and licensing records in Pulaski County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Pulaski County Clerk's office at 100 West Public Square Suite 2, Somerset, Kentucky 42501, phone, processes assumed name (DBA) filings for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. These filings cost approximately $25 and must be renewed periodically.

Elections in Pulaski County, Kentucky, are administered by Pulaski County Clerk's office, which is the County Board of Elections, located at 100 West Public Square Suite 2, Somerset, Kentucky 42501. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available through Pulaski County clerk's section of the Kentucky State Board of Elections website at elect.ky.gov.

• Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the State Board of Elections voter information portal.
• In the November 2024 general election, Pulaski County voter turnout was approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with typical Kentucky county participation in presidential election years.

Pulaski County's economy is diversified across manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, retail, and government services, with a median household income estimated around $42,000 as of recent census data. Pulaski County's largest employer is Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, a major healthcare facility providing hundreds of jobs and acting as a regional medical center. Manufacturing remains significant, with companies producing automotive components, building materials, and consumer goods.

• Government employment, including federal, state, county, and municipal positions, provides stable employment for many residents.

Court Records: Yes: Online via CourtNet | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Portal Online | Elections: Yes: Online Resources | Overall Score: 7/10, Pulaski County provides good digital access to court and property records through state systems, though some records require traditional request methods.

Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Pulaski County, Kentucky.