The Ritchie County Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The department consists of 22 full-time officers and 9 part-time officers. The department handles an average of 3,500 calls for service per year. Police Department located at:
1501 E. Main Street
Harrisville, WV 26362
Phone Number:
304-643-2669
The Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of the county as well as operating the county jail. The sheriff’s office employs 13 full-time deputies and 5 part-time deputies.
Both the police department and sheriff’s office maintain records of their incidents and arrests. These records are public records and can be accessed by anyone.
What Do Ritchie County Police Records Contain?
Ritchie County police records contain information about crimes that have been committed in the county. These records can include incident reports, arrest records, and crime statistics. Police records can be a valuable resource for conducting background checks or researching crime in the area.
How Can I Access Police Records?
Police records are public records in West Virginia, which means that anyone can request access to them. There are a few different ways to request police records:
- In-person: You can visit the Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office or the Ritchie County Police Department during business hours and request access to records. You will need to fill out a public records request form and pay any associated fees.
- By mail: You can send a written request for records to the Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office or the Ritchie County Police Department. Be sure to include any relevant information, such as the specific records you are requesting and the period you are interested in. You will also need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope and pay any associated fees.
- Online: You can visit the West Virginia State Police website and request access to criminal history records. This service is free of charge, but you will need to provide personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
What Are Some Common Reasons For Requesting Police Records?
There are many reasons why someone might request police records. Some common reasons include:
- Conducting a background check on someone
- Researching crime in the area
- Checking for outstanding warrants
- Obtaining accident reports
Can I Get Police Records Over The Phone?
In most cases, no. While you might be able to obtain some basic information over the phone, such as accident reports, most police records will need to be requested in person or by mail.
Do I Need The Subpoena To Obtain Police Records?
No. Police records are public records in West Virginia, which means that anyone can request access to them. However, you will need to fill out a public records request form and pay any associated fees.
Can I Get Ritchie County Police Records For Free?
In some cases, yes. You can obtain criminal history records from the West Virginia State Police for free. However, most other police records will come with a fee. Fees typically range from $5-$25, depending on the type of record requested.