Yes, arrest records are public in Sussex County, Delaware. This accessibility is governed by the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which mandates that all government records, unless specifically exempted by law, must be available for public inspection and copying. Pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 10001-10007, arrest records fall under the category of public records, ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations. The Delaware State Police and Sussex County Sheriff's Office maintain these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities. Members of the public may request access to these records through established procedures, subject to certain privacy protections for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases as specified in § 10002(l).
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Sussex County through several official digital platforms. The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) serves as the primary repository for criminal justice information in the state, including arrest data from Sussex County. Additionally, the Delaware Court Connect system provides public access to court case information, including records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. These digital resources have been established pursuant to 11 Del. C. § 8605, which authorizes the creation and maintenance of electronic criminal justice information systems. Users should note that while basic information is available online, certain detailed records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.
To obtain Sussex County arrest records in 2025, members of the public may utilize multiple resources both online and offline. The following options are available:
Visit the Sussex County Sheriff's Office in person to submit a direct request for arrest records: Sussex County Sheriff's Office 1 The Circle, Suite 3 Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 855-7830 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Access the Delaware State Police website for recent arrest information and press releases regarding significant cases in Sussex County.
Use the Delaware Inmate Locator to find information about individuals currently in custody following an arrest.
Visit the Sussex County Courthouse to access public terminals for searching court records related to arrests: Sussex County Courthouse 1 The Circle Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 855-7055 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Submit a formal request under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act to the arresting agency, which must be processed within 15 business days as required by 29 Del. C. § 10003(h).
A Sussex County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Pursuant to Delaware Administrative Code Title 1, Section 1300, these records must include the following standard elements:
These records are maintained in the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System as mandated by 11 Del. C. § 8605 and are subject to specific retention schedules established by the Delaware Public Archives.
Sussex County arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and for the general public. Under Delaware law, these records may be lawfully used for:
The Division of Professional Regulation and the Department of Health and Social Services Background Check Center utilize these records for licensing and employment screening purposes. Unauthorized or discriminatory use of arrest record information may violate state and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Delaware's anti-discrimination statutes.
While arrest records in Sussex County are generally public, certain limitations and restrictions apply to their accessibility. These limitations are established by Delaware statutes and court rules to balance transparency with privacy and due process concerns:
Agencies maintaining arrest records must comply with these statutory limitations when responding to public requests. The Delaware State Police provides certified criminal history records that include arrest information, but these reports are subject to the limitations outlined above.
In Sussex County, individuals may petition to have their arrest records expunged under specific conditions established by Delaware law. Pursuant to 11 Del. C. § 4371-4375, expungement is typically available in the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the appropriate court, which varies depending on where the case was handled. The Delaware State Courts provide detailed guidance on the expungement process. Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all agencies to remove the record from public access and treat the event as if it never occurred. This includes removal from both physical and electronic databases maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System.