>Portsmouth City County Arrest Records Online

Portsmouth Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Portsmouth, Virginia?

Arrest records are public in Portsmouth, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes that all public records maintained by public bodies shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizens of the Commonwealth, with certain statutory exemptions. The Portsmouth Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available to promote transparency in law enforcement operations and to ensure public accountability.

While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain records may be exempt from disclosure under § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia, particularly those that might compromise ongoing investigations, contain sensitive personal information, or involve juvenile offenders. The Portsmouth Police Department adheres to these statutory provisions when processing public record requests.

How to Look Up Portsmouth Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Portsmouth have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The Portsmouth Police Department maintains systems for public record retrieval through the following channels:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Portsmouth Police Department Records Division to submit formal requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying specific records.

Portsmouth Police Department
801 Water Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 393-8000
Official Website

Online Access: The Portsmouth Police Department maintains a digital database of arrest reports that is updated regularly. This system allows for remote access to recent arrest information without requiring a visit to the department.
Court Records: Arrest information may also be accessed through the Portsmouth General District Court or Portsmouth Circuit Court case management systems, which maintain records of criminal proceedings resulting from arrests.

Portsmouth General District Court
1345 Court Street, Suite 104
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 393-8681

Portsmouth Circuit Court
1345 Court Street, 1st Floor
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 393-8671
Circuit Court Information

Written Requests: Pursuant to VFOIA provisions, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records by mail. These requests must reasonably identify the records sought and comply with departmental procedures for record retrieval.

Contents of a Portsmouth Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Portsmouth Police Department contain specific information as required by Virginia law and departmental policy. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information including processing location and assigned identification numbers
Custody status and bail determination, where applicable
Photographic images (mugshots) and fingerprint records
Initial court appearance information

Pursuant to § 19.2-390 of the Code of Virginia, certain identifying information is collected and maintained as part of the Central Criminal Records Exchange. The Portsmouth Police Department adheres to these statutory requirements when documenting arrests and processing arrestees.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Portsmouth is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. Key statutory provisions include:

Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.): Establishes the presumption that all public records are open to inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Criminal History Record Information Act (§ 19.2-387 et seq.): Regulates the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history information by law enforcement agencies.
Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act (§ 2.2-3800 et seq.): Provides guidelines for the management of personal information by government agencies.

The Portsmouth Police Department is required to respond to requests for arrest records within five working days, as mandated by § 2.2-3704(B) of the Code of Virginia. Responses may include providing the requested records, invoking applicable exemptions, or requesting additional time if necessary to fulfill the request.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Information

While arrest records are generally public, certain categories of information may be restricted or redacted before release. The Portsmouth Police Department may withhold or redact:

Information related to ongoing criminal investigations pursuant to § 2.2-3706(A)(2)(a)
Records containing identifying information of victims of certain crimes as specified in § 19.2-11.2
Juvenile arrest records, which are subject to heightened confidentiality under § 16.1-301
Social security numbers, medical information, and other personal identifiers protected under § 2.2-3705.1
Information that would jeopardize public safety or compromise law enforcement techniques

When requesting arrest records, members of the public should be aware that certain information may be lawfully withheld or redacted in accordance with these statutory provisions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Portsmouth

Under Virginia law, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia, expungement may be available when:

The individual was acquitted of the charge
The charge was nolle prossed or otherwise dismissed
The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Portsmouth Circuit Court where the case was concluded. The petition must include:

Certified copies of the arrest warrant or indictment
The date of the arrest and the name of the arresting agency
The specific criminal charge to be expunged
The date of final disposition of the charge
The petitioner's fingerprints obtained from a law enforcement agency

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the Commonwealth's Attorney, who may contest the petition. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies possessing records related to the arrest to remove these records from public access and seal them.

Inmate Information and Current Custody Status

The Portsmouth Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals arrested and detained in the Portsmouth City Jail. Information regarding current inmates, including custody status, charges, and bond information, is available through the Inmate Information System.

Portsmouth Sheriff's Office
701 Crawford Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 393-5030
Inmate Information

Visitors seeking information about individuals currently in custody may contact the jail directly or utilize the online inmate lookup system. Information available through this system includes:

Current custody status
Scheduled court dates
Bond amounts and conditions
Projected release dates for sentenced individuals
Visitation eligibility and procedures

This information is updated regularly but may not reflect recent changes in custody status or court proceedings.