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Farmville Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Farmville, Virginia?

Arrest records are public documents in Farmville, Virginia, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access records maintained by public bodies at both local and state levels, including those pertaining to arrests. The VFOIA serves as the statutory framework ensuring governmental transparency and accountability by granting citizens the legal right to inspect and copy public records, with certain exemptions as provided by law.

The Farmville Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. Members of the public seeking access to these records must submit requests in compliance with established procedures, which may include proper identification verification and payment of reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under § 2.2-3704(F) of the Code of Virginia.

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under § 2.2-3706 of the Code of Virginia, which governs criminal records and law enforcement activities.

How to Look Up Farmville Arrest Records in 2025

The Town of Farmville provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information should be aware of the following official methods:

Online Portal Access: The Farmville Police Department maintains a digital records system accessible through the official town website. Users must register for an account and may be required to pay nominal processing fees for certain documents pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Farmville Police Department located at 116 North Main Street, Farmville, VA 23901. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Proper identification is required, and requestors should be prepared to complete a standard records request form.
Prince Edward County Circuit Court: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be available through the Prince Edward Circuit Court. The courthouse is located at 111 South Street, Farmville, VA 23901, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Written Requests: Written applications for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Farmville Police Department, P.O. Box 368, Farmville, VA 23901. All written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, specific information sought, and a copy of government-issued identification.
Virginia State Police: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may contact the Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division at P.O. Box 27472, Richmond, VA 23261, or call (804) 674-2000.

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(B), public bodies must respond to requests within five working days. Fees for record retrieval and reproduction are established in accordance with § 2.2-3704(F) and are subject to periodic adjustment.

Contents of a Farmville Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Farmville Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Virginia law enforcement protocols. These official documents generally include the following components:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and last known address.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; circumstances leading to the arrest; and whether force was used during apprehension.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including Virginia Code citations, classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor), and degree of charges.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification, photograph (mugshot), personal property inventory, and medical screening results if applicable.
Judicial Processing: Court docket number, arraignment date, bail or bond amount set, conditions of release if granted, and name of presiding magistrate or judge.
Detention Status: Location of detention, inmate identification number if applicable, and scheduled release date if determined.

The Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) may contain additional information linked to the arrest record, accessible only to authorized law enforcement personnel in accordance with Code of Virginia § 19.2-389.

It should be noted that certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to confidential informants or ongoing investigations as provided under § 2.2-3706(B).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Farmville

The expungement process in Farmville follows Virginia state law as codified in § 19.2-392.2 of the Code of Virginia. Expungement refers to the legal procedure by which arrest records and related documentation are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains strict criteria for expungement eligibility.

Individuals may petition for expungement of Farmville arrest records under the following circumstances:

The person was acquitted of all charges.
All charges were nolle prossed (formally abandoned by the prosecutor).
The individual received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit.
The arrest was made due to mistaken identity.
The individual's name or identification was used without authorization.

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

File a petition for expungement in the Prince Edward Circuit Court, located at 111 South Street, Farmville, VA 23901.
Submit fingerprints to the Central Criminal Records Exchange for verification.
Pay all applicable filing fees (approximately $88 as of 2025, subject to change).
Serve a copy of the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney.
Attend a hearing if required by the court.

It is important to note that under Virginia law, expungement is generally not available for convictions, with limited exceptions for certain misdemeanors as provided in recent legislative amendments. Additionally, juvenile records are subject to different regulations under § 16.1-306 of the Code of Virginia.

The Farmville Police Department and court personnel are prohibited from providing legal advice regarding expungement eligibility or procedures. The expungement order, if granted, directs all agencies possessing records related to the arrest to remove such records from public access and respond to inquiries as if the event never occurred.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Access to arrest records in Farmville is subject to various statutory limitations designed to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights and law enforcement needs. The following restrictions apply to arrest record access:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-301, records concerning juvenile arrests are confidential and not available for public inspection except under specific court orders or to authorized agencies.
Sealed Cases: Records that have been sealed by court order following expungement proceedings under § 19.2-392.2 are not accessible to the general public.
Ongoing Investigations: Information that may jeopardize active investigations or prosecutions may be withheld under § 2.2-3706(B)(1) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Victim Protection: Personal identifying information of crime victims may be redacted to protect their privacy and safety in accordance with § 19.2-11.2.
Law Enforcement Techniques: Information revealing confidential law enforcement techniques or procedures may be exempt from disclosure under § 2.2-3706(B)(5).
National Security: Records involving matters of national security or terrorism investigations may be subject to additional restrictions under both state and federal law.

The Farmville Police Department adheres to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and maintains strict compliance with these legal restrictions. Violations of confidentiality provisions may result in civil penalties and, in some cases, criminal charges under § 18.2-186.3 for identity theft or § 18.2-472 for unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

Individuals denied access to records may appeal such decisions through administrative channels or seek judicial review in the Prince Edward Circuit Court as provided under § 2.2-3713 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Farmville arrest records may be utilized for background screening purposes subject to compliance with applicable federal and state laws. Employers, landlords, and other entities conducting background checks should be aware of the following legal parameters:

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): When using third-party consumer reporting agencies to conduct background checks that include arrest record information, all provisions of the FCRA must be followed, including obtaining written consent and providing adverse action notices.
Virginia Human Rights Act: Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 2.2-3900 et seq., employers must ensure that the use of arrest records in employment decisions does not result in disparate impact discrimination against protected classes.
Ban-the-Box Provisions: The Town of Farmville follows Virginia's executive order for state agencies that prohibits asking about criminal history on initial job applications, delaying such inquiries until after a conditional offer of employment.
Accuracy Requirements: Users of arrest record information must ensure the accuracy and currency of information obtained. Arrest records without disposition information should not be used as the sole basis for adverse decisions.
Relevancy Standards: There must be a demonstrable relationship between the arrest record information and the purpose for which it is being used (e.g., job responsibilities, housing safety concerns).

The Town of Farmville ordinances further require that any entity using arrest records for background screening purposes must implement reasonable procedures to protect against misuse of such information and unauthorized access.

Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly used may file complaints with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section, at 202 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219, or call (800) 552-9963.