>Salem City County Arrest Records Online

Salem Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Salem, Virginia?

Arrest records in Salem, Virginia are public documents accessible to citizens pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be available for inspection by any Virginia resident or representative of media organizations. The Salem Police Department maintains these records as part of their commitment to transparency and public accountability in law enforcement operations.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Virginia law, particularly for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and cases where release might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in § 2.2-3706. Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, specific components may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions.

The Salem Police Department regularly publishes arrest reports through their official archive system, providing a mechanism for public oversight of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.

How to Look Up Salem Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Salem, Virginia. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods in accordance with established procedures:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Salem Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit formal requests for arrest documentation. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Access: The Salem Police Department's Arrest Reports Archive provides digital access to recent arrest reports. This resource is updated regularly and allows for convenient remote access to public arrest information.
Virginia State Police Criminal History Record Check: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request a record check through the Virginia State Police Criminal Records Exchange, which maintains a centralized database of arrest records statewide.
Court Records: The Salem Circuit Court and Salem General District Court maintain records of criminal proceedings that may include arrest information for cases processed through their respective jurisdictions.

Salem Police Department
801 East Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
Phone: 540-375-3078
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website

Salem Circuit Court
2 East Calhoun Street
Salem, VA 24153
Phone: 540-375-3067
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website

Contents of a Salem Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Salem law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as prescribed by Virginia Code § 19.2-390. These records typically include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Offense Information: Nature and statutory classification of alleged criminal violations, including Virginia Code references for charged offenses.
Case Processing Data: Assigned case numbers, court appearance dates, and preliminary disposition information.
Identification Records: Fingerprint impressions and booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention.

Pursuant to Virginia law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals.

The Salem Sheriff's Office maintains custody records for individuals held at local detention facilities, which may supplement arrest record information with incarceration details.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Salem

Virginia law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances as governed by Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement through a formal legal process administered by the Salem court system.

Expungement eligibility generally applies to the following situations:

Cases resulting in acquittal
Nolle prosequi determinations
Dismissals
Arrests without charges being filed
Instances of mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identifying information

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Salem Circuit Court. This procedure includes:

Submission of a completed petition for expungement form
Payment of required filing fees (currently $88 for petition filing)
Fingerprinting at the Salem Police Department for verification purposes
Court hearing before a Circuit Court judge
Judicial determination regarding expungement eligibility

Successful expungement results in the sealing of arrest records from public access, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific authorized purposes. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may contest requests that fail to meet statutory requirements.

Salem Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
2 East Calhoun Street, Suite B
Salem, VA 24153
Phone: 540-375-3071
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Virginia law establishes specific limitations on arrest record access to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights and investigative integrity. The following restrictions apply to arrest record dissemination in Salem:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 16.1-301, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential and not available for public inspection except under limited circumstances authorized by court order.
Expunged Records: Records that have been lawfully expunged through court proceedings are removed from public access and may not be disclosed by government agencies.
Ongoing Investigations: Information that might compromise active criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld from public disclosure under exemptions provided in § 2.2-3706(B).
Victim Protection: Details that could endanger victims or witnesses may be redacted from public versions of arrest records.
Federal Compliance: Records subject to federal privacy regulations, including those governed by HIPAA or involving federal investigations, may have restricted accessibility.

The Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, which may supplement arrest record information for cases resulting in conviction and imprisonment.

Using Salem Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records maintained by Salem law enforcement agencies may be utilized for authorized background screening purposes subject to applicable state and federal regulations. Entities conducting background checks should observe the following guidelines:

Fair Credit Reporting Act Compliance: Commercial background screening companies must adhere to FCRA requirements when utilizing arrest information for employment decisions.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Standards: Employers should evaluate arrest information in accordance with EEOC guidance to avoid discriminatory hiring practices.
Virginia Consumer Protection Regulations: State law imposes additional requirements on the use of criminal history information for employment, housing, and licensing decisions.
Accuracy Verification: Users of arrest record information should verify data currency and accuracy, as records may not reflect subsequent case dispositions or expungements.

Authorized entities may access Salem arrest records through established channels, including direct requests to the Salem Police Department Records Division or through court record searches at the Salem General District Court.