What are Blackford County Public Records?
Blackford County public records are open documents created by local agencies responsible for maintaining the records. Generally, public records in Blackford County are available online or in physical copies. County residents can obtain free arrest records, inmate records, and public court records at the Blackford County sheriff or the Blackford County clerk.
Requesters can visit or contact state agencies in Indiana for open records that are difficult to obtain at county offices. Keep in mind that not all public records are provided free of charge. The local or state agencies in charge of disseminating the documents may require payment for copies of the open records requested. Keep in mind that some records are restricted from public view due to the sensitive information contained within such records.
Blackford County Crime Statistics
The FBI Uniform Crime Reporting unit and the Indiana Statewide NIBRS are tasked with recording all criminal cases, arrest reports, and police records in the state. The crime rate in Blackford County decreased by 22.5% since 2016 compared to the 2019 UCR report. The report reveals that Blackford County had eight violent crimes and 16 property crimes. UCR reports in Blackford County often show that larceny and theft is the predominant crime in the county.
Are Blackford County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, residents of Blackford County can access criminal records according to the APRA in Indiana. Blackford County criminal records are documentation created when an individual is found guilty of misconduct. Generally, the Indiana State Police serves as the central repository for all criminal records. At the county level, requesters can contact the local sheriff to locate criminal history files. Criminal records in Blackford County provide details such as:
- The offender's personal information (date of birth and name).
- Arrest information showing criminal offense and date of crime.
- Search warrant
- Offender's identification (fingerprints, color, weight, height, or mugshots)
- Location of state prison or detention facility.
- Information of bail or bond as well as the expected release date.
- Court proceedings of the criminal case.
- Other information includes the date of sentence, sentence, and probation details.
Information contained in criminal records differs from one state to the other. The production, preservation, and access methods might also differ depending on the state's borough, county, or township.
How to Obtain Blackford County Police Reports and Arrest Records
In Blackford County, police reports and arrest records are open to the public with limited access to the most sensitive information. Interested persons can request copies of their Blackford County arrest records or police reports through the Blackford County Sheriff's office. The office is located at:
Blackford County Sheriff
0064 N 500 E
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-0930
The local police departments in Blackford County also provide access to police reports. Below are locations of police departments in Blackford County:
Hartford City Police Department
700 North Walnut Street
Hartford, IN 47348
(765) 348-4819
Montpelier Police Department
300 West Huntington Street
Montpelier, IN 47359
(765) 728-6504
Requesters should have their full name, contact information, and case number when contacting officials for information about an arrest record or police report.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Blackford County
Sex offender information in Blackford County is available on the state's Sex and Violent Offender Registry. According to Indiana Code 11-8-8, sex offender information to be accessible on the internet free of charge. The purpose of this easy access is to protect county residents from possible future harm by former sex offenders. The Blackford County sex offender registry was implemented after the introduction of Megan's Law, which mandates those who commit sexual offenses to enroll and make their location public to their neighbors and society. Nonetheless, parties should not use the availability of sex offender information to intimidate, harass, or threaten people.
How to Find Blackford County Inmate Records
The Blackford County Sheriff's office maintains information concerning inmates. Requesters can find inmate information by contacting the jail division of the sheriff's office at:
Blackford County Security Center
0064 N 500 E
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-0930
How do I Visit an Inmate in Blackford County Jail?
Visitations to Blackford County Jail are possible only through appointments. Visitors are only given 30 minutes to see and speak to offenders only after they have scheduled the meeting. All family members and friends of inmates should call the jail division's office at (765) 348-0930. Visitors can also set up inmate calling by (866) 288-4031. Generally, visitation rules in Blackford County Jail conform with visitation rules at the state level. According to the jail administrator, visitors can see prisoners one at a time. When more than one person plans a meeting simultaneously, the inmate has the option of choosing who to attend. Note that the jail officials will conduct background checks on all visitors. Visiting parties should also keep in mind that visiting hours are open from Monday through Saturday within 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Blackford County Court Records
Blackford County court records contain court proceedings, allegations, and sworn statements generally available for public inspection. The Indiana APR Act guarantees that all citizens, including Blackford County residents, have full access to public court documents. The easiest way to obtain this free information is to visit the court immediately. The Blackford County Clerk is the recordkeeper of Circuit and Superior Court files.
Blackford County Clerk
110 West Washington Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-1130
The individual who desires to view the record usually must provide specific details to the record keeper. These details are needed to make a document search more accessible, and it generally contains case facts such as the case number and the identities of the involved parties. Interested persons may be asked to present a valid means of identity and pay a fee before receiving copies of court documents. A copy of an Indiana case file is usually $1 a page, whereas certified versions are $2 per page. Applications for court transcripts can be made either in person or by mail. The state supreme court's Case Search service also provides access to some Indiana court documents. There are two Blackford County courts, which can be contacted at:
Blackford County Circuit Court
110 W Washington Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-1130
Blackford County Superior Court
110 W Washington Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-1130
Are Blackford County Court Records Public?
Blackford County court records are available to anyone who requests them. Interested persons can access these records at their local county courthouse and pay a small fee for copies of the documents. However, some documents contain sensitive information and can reveal trade secrets and ongoing investigations. Therefore, court records that are not available to the public according to Indiana’s Rules on Access to Court Records are:
- Medical records
- Records involving mental health
- Records that were declared confidential by the court.
- Drug/substance abuse records
- Parenting Coordinator reports
- Custody evaluation reports
- Juvenile court records
- Documents showing sexual misconduct.
How to Obtain Blackford County Civil Court Case Records
In Blackford County, the circuit or superior court is responsible for handling civil cases. On the other hand, the court clerk creates, maintains, and disseminates all civil court records. Requesters can contact the local court clerk to gain access to the civil court records. The court clerk office is at:
110 West Washington Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-1130
An alternative way to obtain civil court records is to visit the Indiana Case Search system maintained by the Supreme Court. The online platform contains non-confidential court records in Blackford County and other parts of Indiana. Note that the court clerk often charges requesters for copies of civil court records.
How to Obtain Blackford Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in Blackford County are available at the county clerk's office. Generally, requesters are required to pay a small fee for copies of the criminal records requested. Blackford County criminal court records are also accessible online if they are not confidential. The price for a copy of the transcript from a court reporter can be up to $1 per page. Keep in mind that not all criminal court records will be available online.
What are Blackford County Vital Records?
Blackford County vital records contain life events such as marriage, divorce, birth, and death that happened within the county. All vital records in Blackford and other counties in the state are accessible via the Indiana Department of Health. According to Indiana's APRA, the public has access to most Indiana vital records. However, certified vital documents can only be viewed by people who have a direct, family, or legal stake in the certificate or documentation. Those interested must submit requests to the local authorities in Blackford County. Requesters can only obtain vital records in the state by presenting any of the documents below:
- Completed biometric aspect of the application, which serves as proof of identity.
- A legitimate driver's license which is required for all requests.
- Purpose for seeking the document
- Proof to show the relationship with the record holder
- Full name, date of birth, city of birth, and other pertinent information about the individuals identified on the certificate.
- Record seekers' addresses.
Where and How to Obtain Blackford County Divorce Records
According to Indiana public records laws, divorce records should be made accessible to residents in Blackford County. As a result, the records are prepared and held in Blackford County's superior court. Parties can obtain divorce records by completing and submitting a request form to the clerk's office in Blackford County at:
110 West Washington Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-1130
Note that only the individuals involved in the divorce can obtain divorce records in Blackford County. Historical divorce records from 1850 are found at the Indiana State Archives.
Where and How to Get Public Blackford County Marriage Records
In Blackford County, the court clerk is in charge of granting marriage licenses and generating records. As such, interested parties can get Blackford County marriage records by going to the clerk's office or sending a letter. The court clerk may request information about the record subjects before granting access to a Blackford County marriage certificate. As such, requesters should know the names of married couples, the place where the marriage occurred, and the date of the occasion. Requests should be made to:
Blackford County Clerk
110 West Washington Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-1130
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Blackford County
Marriage records are generally open to the public. Record seekers can get marriage certificates by going to the Blackford County clerk's office or sending a letter. The identities of the spouses, the place, and the day of the marriage must all be provided by the requesters.
Where and How to Find Blackford County Birth Records
The local health department provides access to Blackford County birth records. According to Indiana's public records laws, birth records in Blackford County are only accessible by record holders, close relatives of record holders, and legal representatives of record holders. Other applicants that will meet the requirements must be named on the record. Without that, the requester must obtain a court subpoena to gain access to these records. Requesting parties must complete a Blackford County birth certificate request form and submit it to:
Blackford County Health Department
506 E Van Cleve Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
Where and How to Find Blackford County Death Records
Blackford County death records are only open to close relatives of the deceased persons. Eligible requesters must provide any of the valid IDs below to gain access to the documents.
- A verified driver's license (within Indiana or out of state)
- State-issued Identification card (from Indiana or other parts of the USA)
- Military Identification card
- Valid Passport
- DOC-issued ID
- Student ID with signature and photo
To gain access to death records, complete the death certificate request form and send it to:
Blackford County Health Department
506 E Van Cleve Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
