What Are Allentown Public Records?
Allentown public records refer to government-generated documents of any form that do not have any statutory restrictions on public disclosure and are not protected by a privilege, court order, or decree. These include written, taped, typed, photographic, or computerized information compiled and maintained by local agencies in the city, county, or state. Exempted records include:
- Psychological, medical, and other health records
- Personal identification and financial information
- Confidential proprietary information and trade secrets
- Information that may jeopardize public safety or personal security
- Records on children who are 17 years or younger
Allentown Crime Statistics
According to the crime statistics provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2019 the city of Allentown had 471 violent crimes and 2,782 violent crimes. Violent crimes consisted of seven murders, 64 rapes, 170 robberies, and 230 aggravated assaults, while property crimes included five arsons, 243 motor vehicle thefts (MVT), 521 burglaries, and 2,018 larceny-thefts. Compared to the 2018 statistics, violent crimes increased by 14.3%, and property crimes reduced by 1.9%. The crimes with more significant changes included arson, murder, and burglary with 44.4%, 36.4%, and 22.5% decrease in recorded incidents, with rape increasing by 30.6%.
Are Allentown Criminal Records Public?
Allentown criminal records are available to the public. Individuals and organizations can obtain records of arrests, prosecution, and convictions from the Pennsylvania State Police, local criminal history information from the Allentown Police Department, and criminal case information from Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System.
However, the scope of information in the record may differ depending on the issuer. For instance, background checks done by the local police may only contain information on citywide arrests, online or mailed requests to the state police will provide statewide information on both arrest and conviction, and the judicial system shows court case information.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Allentown Police Department serves as the official repository for police reports. Interested persons may obtain copies of Allentown arrest records, accident reports, and incident reports upon making requests in person or via mail. Individuals can also mail requests for incident and accident reports. Start by writing a letter containing the incident number, date and location of the incident, name, phone number, and address, and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a money order or check of $15 made payable to the "City of Allentown." Mail requests for incident reports to:
Allentown Police Department
ATTN: Staff Review
425 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mail requests for accident reports to:
Allentown Police Department
ATTN: Traffic Office
425 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Note: Not all Allentown police records are publicly available.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Allentown
The Pennsylvania State Police maintains a searchable database that contains information on sexual predators and offenders who are living or incarcerated in the city of Allentown and other parts of the state. Individuals can use the city search tool or other search categories to find and obtain information on sex offenders, including their photographs, addresses, physical description, offenses, and identifying details.
How to Find Allentown Inmate Records
The Lehigh County Jail and Juvenile Detention Center are located in the City of Allentown. Individuals interested in obtaining information on inmates incarcerated in these facilities should direct queries to the Lehigh County Department of Corrections at:
38 North Fourth Street
Allentown, PA 18102
Phone: (610) 782-3846 (DOC)
Phone: (610) 782-3263 (Jail records)
Phone: (610) 871-5960 (Juvenile)
Fax: (610) 481-9347 (Juvenile)
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Allentown Jail?
In compliance with the visitation rules of Lehigh County Jail, all visitors into the facility must present valid identification and provide the inmate's identification number and full name to expedite the process. General population inmates can receive non-contact visits every three days, a visit a day, two persons per visit, and for 30 minutes per session at:
Lehigh County Jail
38 North Fourth Street,
Allentown, PA 18102
Phone: (610) 782-3270 (General information)
Visits are daily but depend on the inmate's housing unit and visitation schedule. Therefore, individuals should check the visitation calendar. All visitors must keep the regulations on search, identification, dress code, and conduct or visits will be unsuccessful.
Court Records
Allentown court records are documents filed by a court in the city to provide information on civil, criminal, and probate cases that happen within its jurisdiction. These are recordings of legal proceedings and administrative actions done in the court, including case files, transcripts, dockets, judgment rolls, and other materials.
Locations of Courts in Allentown
Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street,
Suite 122,
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: (610) 782-3148 (Civil)
Fax: (610) 871-2895 (Civil)
Phone: (610) 782-3077 (Criminal)
Fax: (610) 871-2896 (Criminal)
Phone: (610) 782-3170 (Register of Wills)
Fax: (610) 871-2895 (Register of Wills)
Lehigh County Orphans' Court
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street,
Suite 123,
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: (610) 782-3172
Fax: (610) 782-3928
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-1-01
1201 Sumner Avenue,
Allentown, PA 18102
Phone: (610) 432-3080
Fax: (610) 433-0130
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-1-02
1101 West Hamilton Street,
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: (610) 432-8700
Fax: (610) 432-0140
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-1-03
1428 West Hamilton Street,
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: (610) 434-7903
Fax: (610) 434-0213
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-1-04
1501 Lehigh Street,
Suite 104,
Allentown, PA 18103
Phone: (610) 797-0906
Fax: (610) 797-3292
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-1-05
1007 Union Boulevard,
Allentown, PA 18109
Phone: (610) 439-0661
Fax: (610) 439-1257
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-1-08
3000 South Pike Avenue,
Allentown, PA 18103
Phone: (610) 797-8724
Fax: (610) 791-1401
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-2-01
501 West Hamilton Street,
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: (610) 782-3834
Fax: (610) 770-2793
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-2-02
3404 Hamilton Boulevard,
Allentown, PA 18103
Phone: (610) 434-2070
Fax: (610) 434-0215
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-3-02
Green Hills Commerce Center
5925 Tilghman Street,
Suite 500,
Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: (610) 398-1167
Fax: (610) 398-2185
Are Allentown Court Records Public?
Yes, the Pennsylvania constitution and judicial system grant public access to court proceedings and records. Therefore, these files are publicly available unless restricted by law, court seal, court order, or rule. The court can remove or redact entire documents, sections with sensitive details, or certain details from public access due to the confidentiality of information, such as juvenile records and information that may jeopardize public safety or personal security.
Can You Look Up an Allentown Court Case Online?
Yes, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System grants online access to court calendars, dockets sheets, and case information. Individuals can view information on Allentown court cases on the web portal by searching according to case numbers, dates, party names, and other related details. However, not all case records are available online.
How to Obtain Allentown Civil Court Case Records
Individuals may obtain information on civil cases that happened in Allentown courts by using the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System to search according to case numbers, dates, party names, and other related details. The web portal provides comprehensive online access to court calendars, dockets sheets, and case information. However, not all case records are available online and may require requests in person, via mail, or fax to the civil division of the Lehigh Clerk of Judicial Records at:
Lehigh County Courthouse
Room 122
455 West Hamilton Street,
Allentown, PA 18101-1614
Phone: (610) 782-3148 (Civil)
Fax: (610) 871-2895 (Civil)
Individuals may mail or fax request forms or letters, or visit the clerk of the court where the civil proceedings took place. The clerk may require individuals to provide information describing the case or records as well as pay fees for the search and duplication. Restricted files may also require interested persons to provide valid photo identification.
How to Obtain Allentown Criminal Court Records
Information on Allentown criminal cases may be available on the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System. Individuals may access court calendars, dockets sheets, and case information by conducting searches on the web portal according to case numbers, dates, party names, and other related details. However, not all case records are available online may require requests in person, via mail, or fax to the criminal division of the Lehigh Clerk of Judicial Records at:
Lehigh County Courthouse
Room 122
455 West Hamilton Street,
Allentown, PA 18101-1614
Phone: (610) 782-3077 (Criminal)
Fax: (610) 871-2896 (Criminal)
Individuals may send request forms and letters via mail or fax or visit the clerk of the court where the civil proceedings took place. The clerk may require individuals to provide information describing the case or records as well as pay fees for the search and duplication. Restricted documents may also require interested persons to provide valid photo identification.
What Are Allentown Vital Records?
Allentown vital records are government-generated documents that contain information on life events that happen to individuals in the city. These records are generated by departments in the city, county, or state to confirm or provide summaries on births, divorces, marriages, and divorces. Under state laws, these records are mostly open to the public but may require legitimate claims or interests in some cases.
Where and How to Obtain Allentown Divorce Records
Interested persons can get Allentown divorce records from the Civil Division of the Lehigh Clerk of Judicial Records where other similar court records are issued. Requesters may obtain copies of the original divorce decree by visiting the Lehigh County Courthouse at 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, or mail request letters containing the names of the divorced party, date of divorce, case number, and other information to the clerk at:
Lehigh County Courthouse
Room 122
455 West Hamilton Street,
Allentown, PA 18101-1614
Phone: (610) 782-3148 (Civil)
Fax: (610) 871-2895 (Civil)
When required, requesters should pay the actual cost of searching or duplicating the record to complete the process.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Allentown
Confidential Allentown marriage records from October 1885 are available at the Orphans' Court Division and issued for $10 per copy through the Marriage License Department. The bride or groom mentioned in the record may request certified copies of these documents via email, mail, or dropbox delivery by sending a completed order form, with fees, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Marriage License Office, Clerk of Orphans' Court
Lehigh County Courthouse,
455 West Hamilton Street,
Room 123,
Allentown PA 18101
Email: marriagelicense@lehighcounty.org
Payment of fees via email should be with credit cards, while mailed requests should include attached fees in money order payable to Marriage License Office.
Where and How to Get Public Allentown Marriage Records
The Orphans' Court Division maintains public Allentown marriage certificates or licenses issued since October 1885 but provides copies through the Marriage License Department for $10 each. Interested persons may request copies of these documents via email, mail, or dropbox delivery by sending completed order forms, with fees, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Marriage License Office, Clerk of Orphans' Court
Lehigh County Courthouse,
455 West Hamilton Street,
Room 123,
Allentown PA 18101
Email: marriagelicense@lehighcounty.org
Payment of fees via email should be with credit cards, while mailed requests payments are with money orders payable to Marriage License Office.
Where and How to Find Allentown Birth Records
The Vital Records Division of the Pennsylvania Department of Health is the depository of Allentown birth records from 1906 till date. However, access to these documents is limited to eligible applicants, including the person mentioned in the Allentown birth certificates, spouse, direct or adopted descendants, close relatives, and legal representatives. Interested parties should mail completed application forms, photocopy of valid identification, and $20 per copy to:
Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
For mailed applications, attach payments in check or money order made payable to "Vital Records." In-person services are also available at 105 Nesbitt Road, New Castle, and eligible parties must bring along original photo identification and fees to the office.
Where and How to Find Allentown Death Records
Allentown death records are available at the Vital Records Division of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the statewide repository of death records since 1906. However, access to these documents is limited to eligible applicants, including the spouse of the person mentioned in the certificates, parents, direct or adopted descendants, close relatives, and legal representatives. Interested parties should mail completed application forms, photocopy of valid identification, and $20 per copy to:
Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
For mailed applications, attach payments in check or money order made payable to "Vital Records." In-person services are also available at 105 Nesbitt Road, New Castle, and eligible parties must bring along original photo identification and fees to the office.
Note: Applicants of Allentown death certificates must be at least 18 years of age.
