Prince George's County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Prince George's County
Arrest records in Prince George's County are considered public information under the Maryland Public Information Act ([MPIA], Md. Code Ann., Gen. Provisions § 4-101). This statute establishes that members of the public have a right to access government records, including those related to arrests, unless specifically exempted by law.
The Maryland Public Information Act operates under the presumption that citizens have a right to information about government operations, including law enforcement activities. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
In Prince George's County, the Prince George's County Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations. While these records are generally accessible to the public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or personal privacy in accordance with Md. Code Ann., Gen. Provisions § 4-351.
Juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality protections under Maryland law and are generally not available to the public unless specifically ordered by a court.
What's in Prince George's County Arrest Records
Prince George's County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying numbers (driver's license, state ID)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Incident reports
- Witness statements
- Officer narratives
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency within Prince George's County.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Prince George's County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Prince George's County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
Individuals may submit requests in person at the Prince George's County Police Department Records Division:
Prince George's County Police Department Records Division
7600 Barlowe Road
Palmer Park, MD 20785
301-772-4420
Prince George's County Police Department
Required documentation for in-person requests includes:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Completed Public Information Act Request Form
- Applicable fees (currently $15 for record search, additional fees may apply for copies)
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division address above. Requests must include:
- Full name of the subject of the record
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of incident or arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of requestor's government-issued ID
- Notarized authorization if requesting records of another individual
Electronic Requests:
The Prince George's County Police Department accepts electronic requests through their online portal. To submit a request electronically:
- Visit the Prince George's County Police Department website
- Navigate to the Records Division section
- Complete the online Public Information Act request form
- Provide all required information and documentation
- Submit payment for applicable fees
Pursuant to Md. Code Ann., Gen. Provisions § 4-203, the custodian of records must respond to requests within 30 days. Complex requests may require additional time for processing.
How To Find Prince George's County Arrest Records Online
Prince George's County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:
Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
The primary online resource for accessing court case information related to arrests in Prince George's County is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system:
- Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review results for Prince George's County cases
- Note that this system provides case information but not complete arrest records
Prince George's County Police Department Website:
The Prince George's County Police Department maintains limited arrest information on their website:
- Navigate to the Prince George's County Police Department website
- Select the "Public Safety" section
- Access the "Daily Arrest Reports" feature for recent arrest information
- Note that historical arrest data may not be available through this method
Maryland State Archives:
For historical arrest records, the Maryland State Archives maintains Prince George's County records:
- Visit the Maryland State Archives website
- Navigate to the "Prince George's County Records" section
- Search using available criteria (name, date, etc.)
- Request copies of available records following the archives' procedures
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest record information. Sensitive details are often redacted from online versions, and older records may not be digitized. For comprehensive arrest records, direct requests to the Prince George's County Police Department Records Division may be necessary.
How To Search Prince George's County Arrest Records for Free?
Prince George's County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide varying levels of information:
Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
The Maryland Judiciary offers free public access to court case information through their online database:
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Accept the terms of use
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Filter results for Prince George's County cases
- View basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status
This resource provides court case information related to arrests but does not include complete arrest records or booking photos.
Public Library Access:
Prince George's County Memorial Library System provides free public computer access for conducting online searches:
Prince George's County Memorial Library System
9601 Capital Lane
Largo, MD 20774
301-699-3500
Prince George's County Memorial Library System
Library patrons may use public computers to access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search and other public records resources at no cost.
Prince George's County Police Department Website:
Limited current arrest information is available at no cost on the official police department website:
- Visit the Prince George's County Police Department website
- Navigate to the "Public Information" section
- Access recent arrest logs and police blotters
- Note that historical information may be limited
In-Person Inspection:
Under the Maryland Public Information Act, individuals have the right to inspect public records during normal business hours without charge. To exercise this right:
- Visit the Prince George's County Police Department Records Division during business hours
- Complete a Public Information Act request form specifying "inspection only"
- Present valid identification
- Schedule an appointment for record inspection if records are not immediately available
While inspection of records is free, fees may apply if copies are requested. Additionally, certain records may have restricted access based on ongoing investigations or privacy concerns.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Prince George's County
In Prince George's County, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or shielding (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Maryland law. These processes differ significantly:
Expungement:
Expungement is the complete removal of records from public access and agency files. Under Md. Code Ann., Criminal Procedure § 10-105, expungement may be available in the following situations:
- Acquittal of all charges
- Dismissal of charges
- Probation before judgment (after completion of probation)
- Nolle prosequi (prosecutor's decision not to pursue charges)
- Stet (indefinite postponement of case)
- Pardon from the Governor
- Certain minor convictions after waiting periods
To petition for expungement in Prince George's County:
- Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from the Maryland Courts
- File the petition with the court where the case was handled:
Prince George's County Circuit Court
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Prince George's County Circuit Court
- Pay the filing fee (currently $30, may be waived for financial hardship)
- Serve copies on the State's Attorney and arresting agency
- Attend any scheduled hearing
- If granted, ensure all agencies comply with the expungement order
Shielding:
Shielding, established under Md. Code Ann., Criminal Procedure § 10-301, allows certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions to be shielded from public view while remaining accessible to law enforcement and certain employers. The process for shielding records includes:
- Verify eligibility (specific misdemeanors only, after 3-year waiting period)
- Complete the Petition for Shielding
- File with the appropriate court
- Pay applicable filing fees
- Attend any required hearings
Important considerations regarding record removal:
- Expungement and shielding are separate legal processes with different eligibility requirements
- Private companies that have previously collected arrest data are not obligated to remove information
- Some records may be eligible for automatic expungement under recent Maryland legislation
- Legal assistance is recommended for navigating these complex processes
Individuals seeking expungement or shielding may contact the Maryland Legal Aid or the Office of the Public Defender for assistance with these procedures.
What Happens After Arrest in Prince George's County?
Following an arrest in Prince George's County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by Maryland state law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
Initial Custody and Booking:
After physical arrest, the individual is transported to a processing facility where:
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in holding cell pending initial appearance
Initial Appearance Before a Commissioner:
Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a District Court Commissioner who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Makes preliminary determination of probable cause
- Sets initial bail or pretrial release conditions
- Schedules subsequent court dates
Bail Review Hearing:
If the individual remains in custody after the initial appearance:
- A bail review hearing is conducted before a District Court judge
- Typically occurs within 24 hours of initial appearance
- Judge reviews commissioner's bail determination
- May modify release conditions based on factors including public safety, flight risk, and community ties
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
For felony charges that did not originate from a grand jury indictment:
- Hearing must be held within 10 days if defendant remains in custody
- Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
- Case may be dismissed if probable cause is not established
- If probable cause is found, case proceeds to Circuit Court
Arraignment:
The formal reading of charges in the court of jurisdiction:
- Defendant is informed of charges
- Plea options are explained (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Defendant enters initial plea
- Trial date is established
Pretrial Proceedings:
Before trial, several legal procedures may occur:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pretrial motions (suppress evidence, dismiss charges)
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
Trial:
If the case proceeds to trial:
- Misdemeanors are typically tried in District Court
- Felonies are tried in Circuit Court
- Defendant may choose bench trial (judge) or jury trial
- Standard of proof is "beyond reasonable doubt"
Sentencing:
Following conviction:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines, case factors, and recommendations
Post-Conviction:
After case disposition:
- Appeal rights are explained
- Probation terms are established if applicable
- Incarceration begins if sentenced to confinement
- Record of arrest and disposition becomes part of criminal history
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. Those unable to afford an attorney may request representation from the Office of the Public Defender.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Prince George's County?
Arrest records in Prince George's County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Maryland state law and administrative regulations. These retention periods vary based on record type, case disposition, and maintaining agency.
Under Md. Code Ann., State Government § 10-633, law enforcement agencies must maintain records in accordance with established retention schedules. For arrest records in Prince George's County, the following retention periods generally apply:
Law Enforcement Agency Records:
- Arrest reports for felony cases: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for misdemeanor cases: Minimum 75 years
- Arrest logs and booking information: 75 years
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Photographs/mugshots: Permanent retention unless expunged
- Incident reports related to arrests: 75 years
Court Records:
- Circuit Court criminal case files: Permanent retention
- District Court criminal case files: 75 years after case disposition
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 10 years after completion of probation
Corrections Records:
- Inmate files for sentenced individuals: 75 years after release
- Detention center records for pre-trial detainees: 10 years after release
The Maryland State Archives serves as the ultimate repository for permanent government records, including historical arrest records from Prince George's County. After departmental retention periods expire, records of historical value are transferred to the Archives for permanent preservation.
It is important to note that these retention periods apply unless records are subject to expungement orders issued by a court. When expungement is granted, agencies must destroy records in accordance with Md. Code Ann., Criminal Procedure § 10-105.
The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence that may be relevant to future investigations
- Maintains accountability for law enforcement actions
- Provides documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Creates historical record of criminal justice system operations
Individuals with questions about specific record retention may contact:
Prince George's County Police Department Records Division
7600 Barlowe Road
Palmer Park, MD 20785
301-772-4420
Prince George's County Police Department
How to Find Mugshots in Prince George's County
Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of arrest records in Prince George's County. Access to these images is governed by Maryland public records laws.
What Mugshots Are:
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process that typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
- Profile (side) view of the arrestee
- Identifying information board showing name, date, and booking number
- Consistent background and lighting for identification purposes
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Prince George's County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- Prince George's County Police Department
- Prince George's County Department of Corrections
- Maryland State Police (for arrests by state troopers)
- Municipal police departments within the county
Finding Mugshots:
To obtain official copies of mugshots in Prince George's County:
- Submit a Public Information Act request to the arresting agency:
Prince George's County Police Department Records Division
7600 Barlowe Road
Palmer Park, MD 20785
301-772-4420
Prince George's County Police Department
-
Include in your request:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Your contact information
- Purpose of request (optional but may expedite processing)
-
Pay applicable fees:
- Search fee: $15
- Copy fee: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: Additional $5 per document
Can Mugshots Be Found Online:
Prince George's County does not maintain an official online database of mugshots accessible to the public. While some mugshots may appear on:
- News media websites (for newsworthy arrests)
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos
- Social media shared by non-official sources
These unofficial sources should not be considered authoritative or complete.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially:
The most reliable method for obtaining authentic mugshots is through official channels:
- In-person requests at the Records Division
- Written requests via mail
- Electronic requests through official portals
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Access to mugshots may be limited under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (under 18): Records generally confidential
- Ongoing investigations: May be temporarily restricted
- Expunged records: No longer available to the public
- Sealed records: Access restricted by court order
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that Maryland law enforcement agencies balance public records access with privacy considerations when responding to mugshot requests.