Manassas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Manassas, Virginia?
Arrest records are public documents in Manassas, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that all records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizens of the Commonwealth. The Manassas City Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain exemptions may apply under § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia, particularly for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would compromise public safety. The custodian of records must respond to requests within five working days, as mandated by § 2.2-3704(B).
How to Look Up Manassas Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Manassas, Virginia. The Commonwealth's commitment to transparency in government operations provides citizens with several options for obtaining this information:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Manassas City Police Department located at 9518 Fairview Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors must complete a records request form and present valid identification.
Online Access: The Prince William County Police Department maintains an online database of adult arrests for the most recent 30-31 day period, which includes arrests made in Manassas City.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to:
Manassas City Police Department
Records Division
9518 Fairview Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: (703) 257-8000
Official WebsiteCircuit Court Records: The Prince William County Circuit Court maintains criminal case records, which can be accessed at:
Prince William County Circuit Court
9311 Lee Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: (703) 792-6015
Pursuant to § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, court records are open to inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by law. Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with § 17.1-275.
Contents of a Manassas Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Manassas City Police Department typically contain the following information as prescribed by Virginia law and departmental policies:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation of offense(s) charged
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint records collected during the booking process
- Case number assigned to the incident
- Custody status information
It should be noted that pursuant to § 19.2-390 of the Code of Virginia, certain identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information is redacted from public records to protect against identity theft and fraud.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Manassas
The Commonwealth of Virginia provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia. Individuals may petition for expungement in the following situations:
- The individual was acquitted of all charges
- Nolle prosequi was entered or the case was otherwise dismissed
- The individual was granted an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit
- The arrest was made without probable cause
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the circuit court where the case was disposed. For Manassas residents, this petition would be filed with:
Prince William County Circuit Court
9311 Lee Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: (703) 792-6015
Petitioners must submit:
- A completed petition for expungement form (Form CC-1473)
- A complete set of fingerprints obtained from a law enforcement agency
- Filing fee of $88.00 (as of 2025)
- Certified copies of the warrant or indictment and the order of acquittal or dismissal
Upon receipt of a petition, the court forwards copies to the Commonwealth's Attorney who has 21 days to file an objection. If the Commonwealth objects, a hearing will be scheduled. If no objection is filed, the court may enter an order of expungement without a hearing if it finds that the continued existence of the record may cause the petitioner a manifest injustice.
Pursuant to § 19.2-392.3, it is unlawful for any person having access to expunged records to disclose their existence or to use such records for any purpose.
Search Arrest Records in Manassas
The following resources are available to citizens seeking information about arrest records in Manassas:
