Pittsburgh Criminal History Records
Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania's second-largest city and the seat of Allegheny County. Criminal history records for Pittsburgh residents are filed at the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, which serves as the official repository for felony and serious criminal case documents. Summary offenses and preliminary hearings are handled at the Magisterial District Court level. Researchers and individuals can search case data through the UJS Portal, the Allegheny County court records system, or request certified background checks through the PA State Police PATCH system.
Pittsburgh Quick Facts
Where Pittsburgh Criminal History Records Are Filed
All felony and misdemeanor criminal cases in Pittsburgh are filed at the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. The court is located at the Allegheny County Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. This is where official dockets, court orders, and case documents are maintained.
The Clerk of Courts for Allegheny County is responsible for filing and preserving criminal case records. The Department of Court Records handles the indexing and retrieval of criminal files. These two offices work together but serve distinct functions within the court system.
Pittsburgh also has Magisterial District Courts scattered throughout the city and county. These handle preliminary hearings for felony and misdemeanor charges, as well as summary offenses. Records from these lower courts are also searchable through the statewide UJS portal.
Note: The Department of Court Records Criminal Division is located at Room 114, Allegheny County Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone: 412-350-5323.
Searching Pittsburgh Criminal History Online
The Pennsylvania UJS Case Search portal is the primary free tool for searching Pittsburgh criminal records. You can search by participant name, docket number, offense tracking number, or police incident number. Results show docket entries, hearing dates, charge details, and case status.
Allegheny County also maintains its own court records portal through the Department of Court Records. This covers civil, family, and orphans' court matters. For criminal records, the UJS portal is the most direct route.
The City of Pittsburgh website connects residents to municipal services, public safety information, and court-related resources in Allegheny County.
Online searches show docket information only. Full case documents, including transcripts and exhibits, must be requested directly from the clerk's office. Basic docket access through the UJS portal is free of charge.
Pittsburgh Criminal History Through PATCH
The Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History system, PATCH, provides certified criminal background checks for Pittsburgh and all of Pennsylvania. PATCH is operated by the Pennsylvania State Police and draws on statewide court data.
Each check costs $22 and is submitted online at epatch.pa.gov. You will need the full name and date of birth of the person being searched. Results typically come back quickly for standard requests.
PATCH is the only source for a certified criminal history check in Pennsylvania. Court docket searches through the UJS portal are not official background checks. They reflect what has been entered by court clerks and may not be fully up to date.
Allegheny County Court Records and Pittsburgh Cases
The Allegheny County Clerk of Courts serves as the official record keeper for criminal proceedings in Pittsburgh and throughout the county. The office files and indexes documents, issues certified copies, and assists the public with record access.
Criminal case information can be viewed using the statewide UJS portal or through the Allegheny County Department of Court Records portal. Searches can be done by defendant name, docket number, or filing year. Bring valid photo ID if visiting in person.
Certified copy fees for Allegheny County court documents are: 25 cents per page for one-sided copies, 25 cents per side for two-sided copies, and $1 for record certification. Simple requests are often processed the same day in person.
The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal provides free public access to Pittsburgh-area criminal docket sheets from the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas and local Magisterial District Courts.
Note: Recent entries made in court filing offices may not immediately appear on UJS docket sheets. A delay of at least 24 hours is typical, and may be longer for older cases or complex filings.
Pittsburgh Criminal History and the Right-to-Know Law
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law covers access to public government records. Court records from the Unified Judicial System follow a separate public access policy. That said, many Pittsburgh city government records fall under the Right-to-Know Law.
Criminal investigative records held by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police may be partially exempt under Section 708(b)(16) of the Right-to-Know Law. This exemption covers active investigation materials, notes, and reports that could compromise an ongoing case.
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records handles appeals when agencies deny record requests. If a request to the City of Pittsburgh or Allegheny County is denied, you can appeal to this office within 15 business days.
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Local Records
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police handles law enforcement within the city. Arrest records, incident reports, and police blotters may be available through the bureau depending on the type of record and the age of the case.
The bureau is part of the City of Pittsburgh. Public records requests for police records can be submitted through the city's public records office. Certain records may be withheld if they relate to an ongoing investigation.
Police blotter information is generally public under Pennsylvania law. More detailed records, such as arrest reports and investigative files, may require a formal Right-to-Know request. The City of Pittsburgh website provides information on how to submit public records requests.
Pittsburgh Court Contact Information
| Court | Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 |
| Court Records Phone | (412) 350-5323 |
| UJS Portal | ujsportal.pacourts.us |
| PATCH System | epatch.pa.gov ($22 per check) |
| Judicial District | 5th Judicial District |
| County | Allegheny County |
Allegheny County Criminal Records
Pittsburgh criminal cases are filed at the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. The county records page includes additional resources, contact details, and access methods for Allegheny County criminal history information.
Other Pennsylvania Cities
Criminal history records in other Pennsylvania cities are filed at their respective county Courts of Common Pleas. Browse resources for other major Pennsylvania cities below.