Cambria County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cambria County
Arrest records in Cambria County are considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101), which establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or privilege. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains that criminal history record information collected and maintained by law enforcement agencies is generally accessible to the public with certain limitations.
Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, criminal history record information maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies, including the Cambria County Sheriff's Office, may be disseminated to any individual or organization upon request. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) governs the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information. Under this act, certain protections exist for individuals whose records include arrests that did not lead to convictions. Specifically, if an arrest did not result in a conviction, this information may be subject to limited dissemination after certain time periods have elapsed.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cambria County should be aware that while these records are generally public, access may be restricted in cases involving:
- Ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records (unless specifically authorized by court order)
- Records sealed by court order
- Records subject to expungement
What's in Cambria County Arrest Records
Cambria County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania state law and contain the following standard elements:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, summary offense)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking number/identification
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bail conditions
- Whether bail was posted
- Type of bail (cash, surety, ROR)
Court Information:
- Preliminary arraignment details
- Assigned court
- Docket number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Magistrate or judge presiding
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
- Immigration status
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101) and other applicable state and federal laws.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cambria County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cambria County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Contact the Cambria County Sheriff's Office directly to request arrest record information. Individuals may submit requests in person, by mail, or in some cases, electronically.
Cambria County Sheriff's Office
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1691
Cambria County Sheriff's Office
- Submit a request to the Pennsylvania State Police for a criminal history record check through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. This centralized database contains arrest information from across the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-9973
Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History
- Visit the Cambria County Clerk of Courts Office to review public court records related to criminal cases, which often contain information about arrests.
Cambria County Clerk of Courts
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1440
Cambria County Clerk of Courts
- Submit a Right-to-Know request to the appropriate law enforcement agency or municipality where the arrest occurred. Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, agencies must respond to requests within five business days.
When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- The full name of the subject of the record
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Any known aliases
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case or docket number (if known)
Requestors may be required to complete standardized forms and pay applicable fees for record searches and copies. Fees vary by agency but typically range from $10-$25 for a basic record search. Certified copies may incur additional charges.
Identification is required when requesting arrest records in person, and notarized authorization may be necessary when requesting records on behalf of another individual.
How To Find Cambria County Arrest Records Online
Cambria County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through several online platforms maintained by government agencies. The digital accessibility of these records facilitates efficient public access while maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania public records laws.
The primary online resources for locating Cambria County arrest records include:
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides access to court docket information, which includes details of criminal cases resulting from arrests. Users can search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
- Navigate to Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose "Criminal" under the docket type
- Select "Cambria" as the county
- Enter search criteria (name, date of birth, etc.)
- Review results for arrest-related information
-
Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system allows individuals to request criminal history information, including arrest data, directly from the Pennsylvania State Police.
- Visit the PATCH website
- Create an account or proceed as a public user
- Select "Submit a New Record Check"
- Enter required information about the subject
- Pay the required fee ($22 for public users)
- Receive results electronically
-
Cambria County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup provides information about individuals currently in custody following arrest.
- Access the Cambria County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate information section
- Enter search criteria to locate current inmates
- Review booking information related to recent arrests
-
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator can be used to find information about individuals who have been transferred to state custody following arrest and conviction.
- Visit the PA Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number
- Review custody status and facility information
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:
- Some records may require creation of user accounts
- Fees may apply for certain searches or detailed reports
- Not all arrest records are available online, particularly older records
- Information available online may be limited compared to records obtained directly from agencies
- Some sensitive cases may be restricted from online access
Online access to arrest records is governed by the same legal framework that applies to physical records, including the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and the Criminal History Record Information Act.
How To Search Cambria County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to Cambria County arrest records have several options available under Pennsylvania public records laws. While some official record searches require fees, the following methods provide free access to arrest information:
- Visit the Cambria County Courthouse to conduct in-person searches of public terminals. The courthouse maintains public access terminals that allow visitors to search court dockets related to criminal cases.
Cambria County Courthouse
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1440
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Access the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal which provides free docket searches for criminal cases. While detailed reports may require fees, basic case information is available at no cost.
- Navigate to Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose "Criminal" under the docket type
- Select "Cambria" as the county
- Enter search criteria and review results
- Review local newspaper archives at the Cambria County Library. Many local publications report on arrests, particularly in notable cases, and library access is free to the public.
Cambria County Library
248 Main Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 536-5131
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
-
Monitor the Cambria County Sheriff's Office website for press releases and public notices regarding significant arrests and law enforcement activities.
-
Utilize the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator to find information about individuals who have been transferred to state custody following arrest and conviction.
- Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number
- Review custody status and facility information at no cost
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free searches may provide less comprehensive information than paid searches
- Historical records may not be available through free online resources
- High-volume requests may be subject to restrictions
- Some records may require in-person visits during business hours
- Certain sensitive cases may have restricted access regardless of method
Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.1307, while agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees for record duplication and certification, they may not charge for the review of a record to determine whether it is subject to access under the Right-to-Know Law.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Cambria County
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. In Cambria County, individuals may pursue either expungement (complete removal) or sealing (restricted access) of arrest records through established legal procedures.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
Expungement results in the physical destruction of arrest records, while sealing (also known as "limited access" in Pennsylvania) restricts public access while maintaining the records for law enforcement purposes. The eligibility criteria and effects differ significantly:
- Expungement completely removes records from public and law enforcement databases
- Sealing/Limited Access hides records from public view but maintains them for law enforcement and judicial use
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement may be granted in the following circumstances:
- Non-conviction records (cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi, or withdrawn charges)
- Summary offense convictions after five years of arrest-free behavior
- Underage drinking convictions for individuals 21 or older
- Cases resolved through ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) after successful completion
- Individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for ten years
- Deceased individuals (upon request by authorized representative)
Eligibility for Record Sealing:
Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law and Act 5 of 2016, certain records may be eligible for sealing:
- Misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
- Some second and third-degree misdemeanors
- Ungraded offenses carrying penalties of two years or less
Process for Expungement or Sealing in Cambria County:
-
File a Petition for Expungement or Limited Access with the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. Standard forms are available through the Clerk of Courts office.
-
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $132 for expungement petitions in Cambria County). Fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.
-
Serve copies of the petition to the Cambria County District Attorney's Office, which has 30 days to file objections.
-
Attend the scheduled hearing if the District Attorney objects or if the court requires one.
-
If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement or sealing order.
-
Distribute the order to all relevant agencies holding records, including:
- Cambria County Sheriff's Office
- Pennsylvania State Police
- FBI
- Magisterial District Courts
- Cambria County Jail
- Any other agencies with custody of the records
The entire process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion. Due to the legal complexities involved, many individuals seek assistance from legal aid organizations or private attorneys when pursuing expungement or sealing of arrest records.
What Happens After Arrest in Cambria County?
Following an arrest in Cambria County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition:
1. Arrest and Booking
When law enforcement officers take an individual into custody, they transport the arrestee to a local police station or the Cambria County Jail for processing. During booking, officials:
- Collect personal information
- Take fingerprints and photographs
- Inventory personal property
- Conduct initial health screening
- Enter arrest information into law enforcement databases
2. Preliminary Arraignment
Within 72 hours of arrest (typically much sooner), the arrestee appears before a Magisterial District Judge for preliminary arraignment, where:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination is made
- Preliminary hearing date is scheduled
- Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
3. Bail Determination
The Magisterial District Judge sets bail based on factors including:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Ties to the community
- Flight risk assessment
- Danger to the community
Bail options may include:
- Release on Recognizance (ROR)
- Unsecured bail (promise to pay if terms violated)
- Secured bail (cash or property)
- Denial of bail for certain serious offenses
4. Preliminary Hearing
Typically held within 3-10 days of arrest, this hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed with prosecution. The Commonwealth must establish a prima facie case that:
- A crime was committed
- The defendant likely committed the crime
If probable cause is established, the case proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas; if not, charges may be dismissed or modified.
5. Formal Arraignment
If the case moves forward, a formal arraignment occurs at the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas where:
- Charges are officially read
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Pre-trial conference is scheduled
- Discovery process begins
6. Pre-Trial Proceedings
During this phase:
- Defense may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Plea negotiations may occur between defense and prosecution
- Case management conferences address administrative matters
- Diversionary programs may be considered for eligible defendants
7. Trial or Plea
Most cases resolve through plea agreements, but if no agreement is reached:
- Jury selection occurs (unless jury trial is waived)
- Commonwealth presents its case
- Defense presents its case
- Jury or judge renders verdict
8. Sentencing
If convicted:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines
- Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or alternative programs
9. Post-Conviction
Following conviction:
- Defendant may file post-sentence motions
- Appeal rights must be exercised within 30 days
- Incarceration begins or probation supervision commences
Throughout this process, individuals remain in custody at the Cambria County Jail or may be released on bail depending on the court's determination and the defendant's ability to meet bail conditions.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cambria County?
Arrest records in Cambria County are maintained according to Pennsylvania's record retention requirements, which establish specific timeframes for preserving various categories of criminal justice information. These retention periods are governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9111 and the County Records Manual issued by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Standard Retention Periods:
-
Arrest Records Without Prosecution: Maintained for three years from the date of arrest, after which they may be eligible for expungement if no prosecution was initiated.
-
Misdemeanor Arrest and Conviction Records: Typically retained for ten years after the completion of the sentence, including probation or parole.
-
Felony Arrest and Conviction Records: Maintained for the lifetime of the individual, unless expunged or sealed through court order.
-
Summary Offense Records: Generally kept for five years after case disposition, after which they may be eligible for expungement if certain conditions are met.
-
Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to different retention schedules, with many records eligible for expungement when the individual reaches 18 years of age, depending on the nature of the offense and subsequent behavior.
Agency-Specific Retention Requirements:
Different agencies within Cambria County maintain arrest records for varying periods:
-
Cambria County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records in accordance with state law enforcement retention schedules, typically for the duration specified above.
-
Cambria County Clerk of Courts: Preserves court records related to criminal cases permanently, though access may be restricted for sealed or expunged records.
-
Magisterial District Courts: Retain records for 7-10 years for most cases, with certain serious offenses maintained for longer periods.
-
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository: Maintains criminal history information indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public policy objectives:
- Preserves evidence that may be relevant to future investigations
- Maintains accountability within the criminal justice system
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
- Ensures availability of information for background checks authorized by law
- Supports the rights of individuals to access information about their interactions with government agencies
It is important to note that while records may be maintained for these periods, access to them may be restricted based on various factors, including whether the record has been sealed pursuant to Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law or other applicable statutes.
How to Find Mugshots in Cambria County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Cambria County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are:
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken under standardized conditions to document:
- Physical appearance at time of arrest
- Identifying features such as scars, tattoos, or other distinguishing marks
- Height reference using standardized background measurements
- Booking information displayed on identification placard
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Cambria County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- Cambria County Sheriff's Office as part of arrest booking records
- Cambria County Prison for individuals who are incarcerated following arrest
- Local Police Departments that conducted the initial arrest and booking
- Pennsylvania State Police for certain offenses entered into statewide databases
Finding Mugshots:
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Cambria County may utilize several official channels:
-
Submit a Right-to-Know request to the arresting agency or the Cambria County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
-
Contact the Cambria County Prison for booking photographs of current inmates:
Cambria County Prison
425 Manor Drive
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-7330
Cambria County Prison
- Review court records at the Cambria County Courthouse, as mugshots may be included in case files for certain proceedings.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online:
Unlike some jurisdictions, Cambria County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets reporting on arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos
- Pennsylvania Department of Corrections inmate search for convicted individuals transferred to state custody
Obtaining Mugshots Officially:
To officially obtain mugshots, individuals should:
- Complete a Right-to-Know request form specifying the booking photograph
- Submit the request to the appropriate agency
- Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction (typically $0.25 per page)
- Provide identification when collecting records
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Access to mugshots may be limited in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest photographs are generally confidential
- Expunged or sealed records will not include accessible mugshots
- Active investigations may result in temporary restrictions
- Privacy protections may apply in certain sensitive cases
Individuals should be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records under Pennsylvania law, their use and distribution may be subject to limitations, particularly for commercial purposes.
Lookup Arrest Records in Cambria County
Sheriff Office - Cambria County, PA