What are Howard County Public Records?
The Indiana APRA describes Howard County public records as any physical or digital document that a public agency has created, received, retained, or filed while doing public business. In Howard County, these typically refer to arrest, criminal, court, and vital records. Interested persons may obtain these documents except those containing sensitive information like trade secrets and social security numbers.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Howard County Crime Statistics
Howard County's 2019 UCR report provided by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) shows 7 violent crimes took place. This includes 3 rapes, 1 robbery, and 3 aggravated assaults. There were no records of murder and non-negligent manslaughter. Also, there was a total record of six property crimes, including 5 larceny thefts and 1 burglary in the reported year. The county did not report arson or motor vehicle theft in 2019.
Meanwhile, the 2016 UCR report shows 72 total violent crimes in Howard County, including 1murder, 4 rape offenses, 7 robberies, and 60 aggravated assaults. A three-year comparison shows a 90.3% decrease in violent crimes. In 2016, property crimes were a total of 277. This included 108 burglaries, 149 larceny thefts, and 20 motor vehicle thefts. The reports show a 97.8% decrease in property crimes between 2016 and 2019.
Are Howard County Criminal Records Public?
Howard County criminal records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and are accessible to the public. Interested persons may obtain copies of a criminal record by submitting a Request for Public Access Records Form to the Sheriff's Office during business hours.
Mail, fax, or email requests sent to the Sheriff's Office are also acceptable but take longer to process. Generally, the Sheriff's Department charges $5.00 for a criminal record check. Record checkers can send the request by mail or visit the office using the contact information below:
1800 West Markland Avenue
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2020
Fax: (765) 456-2145
Alternatively, interested parties can use the Limited Criminal History Search offered by the Indiana State Police to find criminal records. Search parameters on this portal include the name, gender, race, and date of birth of the person of interest. Mail requestors must complete a request form and mail it to the office along with a $7.00 fee. Acceptable modes of payment include a certified check or a money order. Mail the fee and form to:
Indiana State Police
Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188
How to Obtain Howard County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested parties can obtain police reports and arrest records by visiting the Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible by mailing a request with a description of the desired record. Irrespective of the method used to send a request: email, mail, or in-person, the requestor should send a complete Request for Public Access Records Form. According to the Sheriff Department's fee schedule, case reports cost $5.00 for the first page and $3.00 for every additional page. For more information, contact the Sheriff's Department on (765) 456-2020.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Howard County
Concerned persons may obtain information on registered sex offenders in Howard County by searching the local Sex Offender Registry. Searchers must provide the necessary details like the offender's name, city, internet name, email address, phone number, address, and zip code. Alternatively, interested persons may visit the Sheriff's office in person during regular business hours to obtain sex offender information.
How to Find Howard County Inmate Records
Members of the public can find Howard County inmate records on the county jail inmate tracker. This online service is under the purview of Howard County's Sheriff's Department. The database contains a list of all incarcerated individuals in the county. Some information on the inmates available on the site includes their name, race, sex, age, date of arrest, bond type, bond amount, type of offense, and mugshot.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Howard County Jail?
Prospective visitors can register for visits online or in-person at the lobby of the Howard County criminal justice center. Generally, visitors must have a valid government-issued photo I.D. and comply with facility visitation rules at all times. For instance, cellphones or recording devices are prohibited during visits, and visitors must arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled visit. Furthermore, all visitors must dress appropriately for all visitations, whether in-person or remote.
Howard County Court Records
Howard County court records are documents filed from cases held at all the residential courts in the county. The courts include a Circuit Court, Superior Court I, Superior Court II, Superior Court III, and Superior Court IV. Each court conducts a variety of cases that take place in the county. The cases include criminal cases, civil cases, estate cases, trust cases, small claims, child support cases, juvenile cases, misdemeanors, and driving offenses. Residents can visit the following Howard County courts at:
Howard County Circuit Court
Howard County Courthouse
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 310
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2202
Fax: (765) 456-2016
Howard Superior Court I
Howard County Courthouse
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 216
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2200
Fax: (765) 456-2327
Howard County Superior Court II
Howard County Courthouse
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 304
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2201
Fax: (765) 456-2936
Howard County Superior Court III
Howard County Courthouse
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 216
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2220
Howard County Superior Court IV
Howard County Courthouse
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 300
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2900
Fax: (765) 456-2901
Are Howard Court Records Public?
Howard County court records are publicly accessible online through the Indiana Judiciary Case Search Portal. Interested persons may also obtain these records in person at the Office of the County Clerk or send a mail request to the Clerk's office.
Howard County Clerk's Office
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 202
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2000
Fax: (765) 456-2267
How to Obtain Howard County Civil Court Case Records
Record checkers can obtain Howard County civil court case records in person from the court where the case took place or the county clerk. Individuals can also mail a record request to the court's physical address. Usually, requestors must submit a formal request form, provide a valid I.D., and a check or money order for the applicable fees. These materials are enclosed in a self-addressed stamped envelope and mailed to the Clerk's Office.
Howard County Clerk's Office
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 202
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2000
Fax: (765) 456-2267
How to Obtain Howard County Criminal Court Records
The Circuit Court and the Superior Courts handle criminal cases in the county. Interested parties can obtain these criminal court records by making a request in person at the particular court that handled the case. Generally, requests for copies of criminal court records go to the Clerk's Office. These court records are also available online through Case Search.
Howard County Clerk's Office
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 202
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2000
Fax: (765) 456-2267
What are Howard County Vital Records?
Howard County vital records are documents containing information about life events in Howard County, including all births, marriages, divorces, and deaths.
Copies of these records are maintained at the Howard County Health Department and the County Clerk's Office. While requests for birth records and death records go to the Health Department, the Clerk's Office processes requests for divorce and marriage records.
Generally, only eligible requestors may obtain certified copies of vital records. These typically include the persons named on the record, immediate family members, and legal representatives of these persons. These individuals must provide a valid photo I.D. and pay the applicable fees.
Howard County Health Department
Attn: Vital Records
120 East Mulberry Street
Room 209
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2400
Fax: (765) 456-2292
Howard County Clerk's Office
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 202
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2000
Fax: (765) 456-2267
Where and How to Obtain Howard County Divorce Records
The Office of the County Clerk is responsible for filing the county's divorce records. Interested parties should contact the County Clerk regarding requirements needed for obtaining the records. Generally, the requirements include a payment of a statutory fee, submitting proof of identity, and a formal application for a public record request.
Howard County Clerk's Office
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 202
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2000
Fax: (765) 456-2267
Where and How to Get Public Howard County Marriage Records
Residents can obtain a copy of a marriage license from the County Clerk provided they submit a complete marriage record request form, present a valid photo I.D., and pay the applicable fees. Mail and in-person requests go to:
Howard County Clerk's Office
104 North Buckeye Street
Room 202
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2000
Fax: (765) 456-2267
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Howard County
Howard County does not recognize confidential marriages. All records in the county are available to the public upon request to persons who can provide the necessary details to facilitate a search.
Where and How to Find Howard County Birth Records
Record checkers can obtain a Howard County birth record from the Health Department. Requirements for obtaining a birth record include the submission of a complete Application for a Birth Certificate, the payment of the statutory fee, and the presentation of a valid I.D. (copy of a driver's license or a state-issued I.D.). The birth record costs $10.00 for a certified copy and $3.00 for a clear plastic cover. The office will accept cash payment for a record request made in person. The fees for mail-in requests are payable to the Howard County Health Department by money order or cashier's check).
Howard County Health Department
Attn: Vital Records
120 East Mulberry Street
Room 209
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2400
Fax: (765) 456-2292
Where and How to Find Howard County Death Records
The Health Department in Howard County handles requests for death records in the county. To obtain a Howard County death record, interested parties should send a complete Application for a Death Certificate to the Health Department. The death record costs $10.00 for each certified copy. Payment in cash is only accepted if the application is delivered in person, but mail requests require payment in cashier's check or money order. Obtaining a Howard County death record also requires submitting a copy of a driver's license or a state-issued I.D.
Howard County Health Department
Attn: Vital Records
120 East Mulberry Street
Room 209
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2400
Fax: (765) 456-2292
