What are Hancock County Public Records?
According to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, Hancock public records are documents produced, kept, or filed by or with a public office regardless of form or characteristics. Some of these documents may include (but are not limited to) writings, reports, maps, tapes, cards, or photographs. The law also states that the public may inspect or request copies of public records during the record keeper's regular working hours unless otherwise stated.
Although most records maintained by a public body fall under this category, there are certain exceptions. Some of these include confidential records under Indiana statutes or federal law, sensitive financial documents, grade transcripts generated to obtain licenses, patient medical records, and an individual's Social Security Number included on a public agency's record.
Hancock County Crime Statistics
Indiana does not provide crime statistics for its counties. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation publishes annual crime data for various counties, under its Uniform Crime Reporting program. The UCR data reflects crime statistics as reported by the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
The latest report shows that there were 293 index crimes committed in Hancock County in 2019. This data represents a 4.7% increase in crime count when compared to the previous year. Hancock County recorded 60 violent crimes and 233 property crimes. The crime data for each category include zero murders, two rape incidents, five robberies, 53 aggravated assaults, 50 burglaries, 145 larceny thefts, 38 motor vehicle thefts, and one arson. Hancock County's crime rate was 374.8 crimes per 100,000 persons, a 2.7% increase from the previous year.
Are Hancock County Criminal Records Public?
Hancock County criminal records are open to the public under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act. A person may query the Indiana State Police for a name-based search to access limited criminal information about an individual. On the other hand, fingerprint-based searches will display full details about a person's criminal history.
Hancock criminal records do not include driving offenses unless the violation led to a crime. Also, the Indiana State Police will not release records of juvenile delinquencies and expunged crimes. Interested parties can obtain a name-based or fingerprint-based search online or by sending a complete Request Form to:
Indiana State Police
Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188
How to Obtain Hancock County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Hancock County Sheriff's Department provides crash and incident reports for Hancock County. Interested individuals may obtain Hancock County arrest records by sending mail requests to the Sheriff’s Office or visiting in person at:
123 E Main Street
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1147
Fax: (317) 477-1347
Municipal Police Departments also have Hancock arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. Interested parties can contact any of the following police departments:
Fortville Police Department
714 E Broadway Street
Fortville, IN 46040
Phone: (317) 485-6328
Greenfield Police Department
116 S State Street
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-4400
Mc Cordsville Police Department
5759 W Pendleton Pike
Mc Cordsville, IN 46055
Phone: (317) 335-2812
New Palestine Police Department
15 W Larrabee Street
New Palestine, IN 46163
Phone: (317) 861-4225
Shirley Police Department
409 S Main Street
Shirley, IN 47384
Phone: (765) 738-6547
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Hancock County
Hancock County sex offender information is available on the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. The Indiana State Police maintains the registry and allows the public to make inquiries. Interested individuals can lookup sex offenders by the offender's name, address, or phone number. The record seeker can also subscribe to Sex Offender Notifications by registering a valid email address. These alerts help residents track offenders living around them.
How to Find Hancock County Inmate Records
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster of all inmates detained in the Hancock County Jail. To locate an inmate, record seekers can provide the inmate’s details and receive information such as the inmate's full name, age, booking date, mugshot, and demographic information. The researcher will also find the inmate’s indictment and bond information, current status, address, arrest date, and arresting agency.
How Do I Visit an inmate in Hancock County Jail?
Inmates housed in the Hancock County Jail can receive visitors via video monitors. Intending visitors will need to schedule a visit at least 24 hours in advance by calling (866) 340-7879. The duration for each visiting session is 20 minutes, and inmates can have up to two sessions or one 50-minute visit.
Visitors ought to arrive at the facility at least 10 minutes in advance. Latecomers will need to reschedule as the county jail does not have a flexible visiting schedule. All visitors are subject to search. Adult visitors will need to provide a valid I.D., and children can only enter the facility if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Visitors should endeavor to dress appropriately, avoid being intoxicated, and maintain decorum throughout the visiting period. The county jail is at:
123 E Main Street
Greenfield, IN 46140
Court Records
Hancock County’s trial court system consists of Circuit and Superior Courts. There are three court locations in Hancock County.
Hancock County Circuit Court
9 E Main Street
#213
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1109
Fax: (317) 477-1163
Hancock County Superior Court No. 1
9 E Main Street
#213, Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1109
Fax: (317) 477-1163
Hancock County Superior Court No. 2
9 E Main Street
#213
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1109
Fax: (317) 477-1163
Are Hancock County Court Records Public?
Most Hancock County court records are available for public inspection. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, any document created or maintained by and with a government agency is open to the public unless otherwise stated. Since the Hancock County Clerk maintains court records, members of the public can inspect them. However, some Hancock court records are unavailable to the public because they contain private or sensitive information. Some of these include portions of court records containing medical reports, information on crime still under investigation, and data involving juvenile delinquencies.
How to Obtain Hancock County Civil Court Case Records
The Indiana Court Case search tool has most Hancock County civil court case records. This searchable repository provides search options like Case, Party Name, and Attorney. Interested parties can also conduct advanced searches by providing more unique details about the record.
The Hancock County Clerk of Courts is the custodian of court records. Interested parties can write to the Clerk to search and obtain copies of a court file. The requester must ensure to provide information about the record:
9 East Main Street - Room 213
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1109,
Phone 2: (317) 477-1143
Fax: (317) 477-1163
How to Obtain Hancock County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records for Hancock County are available on the Indiana Court Case search tool. Members of the public can access this tool at any given time. Record seekers will need to provide certain information about the criminal court record, like the names of the parties involved, hearing dates, and the case number. Criminal court records are also available at the Hancock County Clerk's office at:
9 East Main Street - Room 213
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1109,
Phone 2: (317) 477-1143
Fax: (317) 477-1163
What are Hancock County Vital Records?
Hancock County vital records include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. These documents provide information on life events. Not all Hancock vital records are open to the public.
At the county level, the Hancock County Clerk provides copies of vital records, while the Indiana State Department of Health does the same at the state level.
Where and How to Obtain Hancock County Divorce Records
The Hancock County Clerk keeps divorce records. Divorce records are open to the public, although confidential portions of the document may be unavailable. The requesting party should write to the County Clerk's office by mail or in-person to apply for copies. The Clerk will ask for the names of the divorced parties (before and when the court granted the divorce), the female party’s maiden name, and the event’s date.
The Clerk's office is at:
9 East Main Street - Room 213
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1109,
Phone 2: (317) 477-1143
Fax: (317) 477-1163
Where and How to Get Public Hancock County Marriage Records
The Hancock County Clerk is the custodian of marriage records within the county's jurisdiction. Hancock County marriage records are open under Indiana law. The requesting party can obtain copies of a marriage certificate by querying the Clerk's Office at the courthouse in Greenfield. The Clerk will require information such as the married couple's names and date of the event.
9 East Main Street - Room 213
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1109,
Phone 2: (317) 477-1143
Fax: (317) 477-1163
Also, record seekers that are not sure if the event occurred in Hancock County can use the Indiana Marriage License Public Lookup, Indiana Marriages Database through 1850, or Indiana Marriages Database: 1958-2018.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Hancock County
Hancock County marriage records are public records and are available at the office of the Hancock County Clerk. The address to write to is:
9 East Main Street - Room 213
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1109,
Phone 2: (317) 477-1143
Fax: (317) 477-1163
Other useful resources include; Indiana Marriage License Public Lookup, Indiana Marriages Database through 1850, or Indiana Marriages Database: 1958-2018.
Where and How to Find Hancock County Birth Records
The Indiana State Department of Health can provide birth records for events that occurred in Hancock County. Under state law, Hancock County birth records are confidential information and only open to people with a direct interest, and valid identification to prove such interests. Access may be available to:
- The individual identified in the record;
- The record holder’s parents, whose names appear on the certificate;
- The record holder’s spouse. However, the claimant must provide proof of marriage to the record’s subject;
- The record holder’s adult grandchildren or children. The claimant must provide a birth certificate as proof of the relationship;
- The record holder’s extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. Family members must provide proof of relationship;
- The record holder’s Court Appointed Guardian, who must provide a stamped copy of the guardianship records.
- A solicitor who represents the individual identified in the record. The representative must establish a clear interest as set out in the legal records or a letter-headed business letter;
- Employees of Federal and State Departments. However, they must present their work I.D. and express direct interest as set out in legal records, agency letterheads, or authorization documents given by the client.
- Employees of the social service. However, they must present a work I.D. and an expression of direct interest set out in legal records or a signed authorization document provided by the client.
- The record holder’s step-parent must provide evidence of marriage to the record holder’s parent.
- Anyone seeking to establish the individual’s genealogy as long as the subject of the record is over 75 years old or deceased. The claimant must have sufficient evidence of death.
Requesters must have one (1) type of suitable Primary Picture Documentation which can be
- A front and back copy of a United States Military I.D.
- A copy of a Veterans I.D.
- A Data Page copy of a United States or Foreign Passport
- A copy of a green Mexico Consular I.D.
- A front and back copy of a Government-Issued Driver’s License or State I.D.
Requesters who are unable to submit any Primary Picture Documentation may instead submit two (2) forms of suitable Secondary Documentation which can be:
- A copy of a Department of Corrections I.D. Card
- A copy of a Signed Social Security Card
- A print out of a College School I.D. attached to the proof of current enrollment, which could be an official transcript or letter from school administration
- A copy of a Work I.D. with proof of current employment - a computerized paycheck stub or a letter from the employer will suffice.
- A copy of a Voter Registration Card, which includes the requester’s current address and name
- A copy of a Current Vehicle Registration (not a Title of Ownership), which includes the requester’s current address and name
- A copy of a Military Discharge Letter (DD214)
- A copy of a Home Rental / Lease Agreement or Warranty Deed, which includes the requester’s current address, name, and signature (s)
A copy of a Hancock birth certificate costs $10, while extra copies requested together cost $4 each. The fee is payable to the Indiana State Department of Health and must be paid by check or money order.
To apply for copies, the requester can contact the office on the phone or submit a completed Birth Records Application form through mail to:
Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records
2, North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (866) 601-0891
Greenfield is home to the Hancock County Health Department. Interested persons may also query this office for birth certificates. Records obtained from this county office cost $15 each. Applicants should submit a completed Birth Certificate Application, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and cash or money order to:
Hancock County Health Department
111 American Legion Place
Room 150
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1125
Where and How to Find Hancock County Death Records
Copies of Hancock County death records are obtainable from the Vital Records Office, Indiana Department of Health. In Indiana, death records are not open to the public and are only available to a few eligible people. Eligible requesters must be at least 18 years old and one of the following people:
- The deceased’s spouse;
- The deceased’s ex-spouse: this person must present documentation to prove direct interest;
- The deceased’s parent or step-parent: a step-parent must present a marriage record to establish their relationship to the subject of the Hancock County death certificate.
- The deceased’s brother, sister, half-brother, or half-sister;
- The deceased’s children or grandchildren;
- The deceased’s step-children: they must present their parent's marriage record to establish the relationship;
- The deceased’s great-grandparents or grandparents;
- Anyone given Power of Attorney by the deceased before they passed
- Any legal representative or solicitor of the decedent's estate. They must provide proof of legal relationship;
- Any agent of the decedent's estate. They must present documentation to establish direct interest;
- Any individual who can establish a direct financial interest to the deceased;
- Any government office that assumes administration of the decedent’s estate: The office must file a letter signed by one of their officials indicating the objective of acquiring the record, and identify the estate involved;
Requesters must have one (1) type of suitable Primary Picture Documentation which can be
- A front and back copy of a United States Military I.D.;
- A copy of a Veterans I.D.;
- A Data Page copy of a United States Passport or Foreign Passport;
- A copy of a green Mexico Consular I.D.;
- A front and back copy of a Government-Issued Driver’s License or State I.D.
Requesters who are unable to submit any Primary Picture Documentation may instead submit two (2) forms of suitable Secondary Documentation which can be:
- A copy of a Department of Corrections I.D. Card or
- A copy of a Signed Social Security Card
- A print out of a College School I.D. attached to the proof of current enrollment, which could be an official transcript or letter from school administration
- A copy of a Work I.D. Badge attached with proof of current employment, which could be a computerized paycheck stub or a letter from the employer.
- A copy of a Voter Registration Card, which includes the requester’s current address and name
- A copy of a Current Vehicle Registration (not a Title of Ownership), which includes the requester’s current address and name
- A copy of a Military Discharge Letter (DD214)
- A copy of a Home Rental / Lease Agreement or Warranty Deed, which includes the requester’s current address, name, and signature(s)
The state office will charge $8 for the first copy and $4 for subsequent copies purchased at the same time. Interested parties can make orders online by contacting the office on the phone or sending a mail request. A mail application must include a Death Records Application form issued by the state office, a copy of a valid I.D., and the required fee. Send to the:
Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records
2, North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (866) 601-0891
Copies of death records are also available at the Hancock County Health Department for $15 each. To obtain copies, the requesting party will need to query the office via phone or submit a Death Certificate Application to:
Hancock County Health Department
111 American Legion Place
Room 150
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 477-1125
Note: All mail orders should include checks or money orders enclosed in a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
