What are Jefferson County Public Records?
Jefferson county public records are the documents that contain information created and maintained by any government official. In Jefferson County, a public record is regarded as the people's property. The Indiana APRA defines public records as all documents or any material created or kept in the custody of a public agency. These include everything from criminal records to arrest records, court records, police reports, and inmate records.
Based on the APRA definition, the public may inspect or obtain copies of publicly available records unless restricted by law or court order. The process generally involves visiting the record custodian's office and submitting an official request. Also, the requestor may need to pay search and copying fees and provide some form of identification before administrative staff processes their request.
Indiana Crime Statistics
The crime statistics in Indiana are compiled by local law enforcement and published by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. According to the 2019 UCR report, there were 171,957 index crimes in Indiana in 2019, including 25,009 violent crimes and 146,948 property crimes. Meanwhile, the 2015 UCR report shows 197,500 index crimes reported in the state in 2015. These included 25,653 violent crimes and 171,847 property crimes. Analysis shows that crime in Indiana has decreased by about 25% in the five-year period.
Are Jefferson County Criminal Records Public?
Jefferson County criminal records are public. Requestors may obtain copies at the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours. Alternatively, request a Limited Criminal History Search from the Indiana State Police online. The search is name-based and requires that the requestor creates an account online.
How to Obtain Jefferson County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Police reports and arrest records are documents generated by law enforcement following an incident or arrest, respectively. Generally, these records are public unless restricted as part of an active criminal investigation.
Requestors may obtain copies of police reports and arrest records at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office during business hours or send a mail request. The formal request must describe the record sought with details like the arrestee's name, incident date and location, and other details as applicable.
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
317 Walnut Street
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 274-3774
Fax: (812) 265-4716
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Jefferson County
Concerned persons may access sex offender information by searching the Jefferson County Sex Offender Registry. The online database supports name-based searches for information on registered sex offenders in Jefferson County. Alternatively, search the Indiana Sex Offender Registry using the name of the known or suspected sex offender. Either way, persons who search for sex offender information can expect to see the offender's biodata, offense information, compliance status, and recent mugshot.
How to Find Jefferson County Inmate Records
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that interested members of the public may search for inmate records. Administrative staff updates this roster every weekday. Another way to obtain inmate records is to schedule a visit to the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. In any way, persons who obtain inmate records can expect to see the inmate's personal information (full name and physical description), arrest charges, and sentencing information.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Jefferson County Jail?
Friends and families of inmates may schedule in-person visitations to the County Jail by contacting the Sheriff's Office or schedule online jail visitations. Generally, all intending visitors must be on the inmate's visitation list. Visits are scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, and visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes early on the visitation day. Furthermore, all visitors must dress formally and carry a valid photo I.D. to enter the facility.
Jefferson County Jail
317 Walnut Street
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 274-3774
Fax: (812) 265-4716
Jefferson County Court Records
Jefferson County court records are documents containing information on all activities recorded in a civil or criminal case in Jefferson County. The county court system comprises the Jefferson County Superior County and the Jefferson County Circuit Court. The addresses and contact information of these courts are listed below:
Jefferson County Superior Court
300 East Main Street
Room 205
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8914
Fax: (812) 265-8951
Jefferson County Circuit Court
300 East Main Street
Room 300
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8930
Fax: (812) 265-8946
Are Jefferson County Court Records Public?
Yes, Jefferson County Court Records are public records. Requestors may obtain copies at the Clerk's Office by scheduling an in-person visit and submitting the necessary details to facilitate a record search. Furthermore, the requestor must pay the necessary search fees and copying fees before the court administrative staff will process the request. Requests and inquiries about obtaining Jefferson County court records go to:
Jefferson County Clerk's Office
300 East Main Street
Room 203
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Fax: (812) 273-5428
How to Obtain Jefferson County Civil Court Case Records
Record seekers may visit the Clerk's Office at the Jefferson County Courthouse to request physical copies of desired civil court records or use the self-service terminals to view case information. Generally, the requestor must submit the necessary details to facilitate a search, including the litigants' names and the case number.
Access to the public terminals is free of charge, but requestors must pay to obtain physical copies of court records. Additional fees will apply if the individual wants the record certified. Fees are payable in case, money order, and certified checks. For inquiries and record requests, visit or contact:
Jefferson County Clerk's Office
300 East Main Street
Room 203
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Fax: (812) 273-5428
How to Obtain Jefferson County Criminal Court Case Records
Record seekers may visit the Clerk's Office at the Jefferson County Courthouse to request physical copies of criminal court records of interest. Alternatively, they may use the self-service terminals at the Clerk's Office to view case information.
Generally, the requestor must submit the necessary details to facilitate a search, including the litigants' names and the case number. Additional details like the case filing date and the name of the representing attorney can help expedite the search.
Access to the public terminals is free of charge, but requestors must pay to obtain physical copies of court records. Additional fees will apply if the individual wants the record certified. Fees are payable in case, money order, and certified checks. For inquiries and record requests, visit or contact:
Jefferson County Clerk's Office
300 East Main Street
Room 203
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Fax: (812) 273-5428
What are Jefferson County Vital Records?
Jefferson County vital records are official documents that detail life events happening in the county. These records contain information on county marriages, divorces, births, and deaths and are issued to persons who submit official requests. Jefferson vital records are created and maintained by the Health Department and the Clerk's Office. However, not all vital records are considered public.
Where and How to Obtain Jefferson County Divorce Records?
The Jefferson County Clerk's Office is the custodian of divorce records. The record custodian will only provide certified copies of divorce records to the persons named on the divorce record and their immediate family members. Authorized parties with supporting documentation may obtain copies of divorce records too.
In any way, persons who wish to obtain Jefferson County divorce certificates must prepare a written request describing the record. The Clerk's Office needs details like the names of the divorcees, divorce date, and divorce case number to process requests for divorce records.
Furthermore, the requestor must submit a check or money order for the estimated cost of the record requested, as provided by the Clerk's Office. Mail requests for divorce records must include the request letter, a copy of an identity document, and payment enclosed in a manila envelope. Address requests and inquiries to:
Jefferson County Clerk's Office
300 East Main Street
Room 203
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Fax: (812) 273-5428
Where and How to Get Jefferson County Marriage Records
The Jefferson County Clerk's Office is the custodian of marriage records. The record custodian will only provide certified copies of marriage records to the persons named on the document and their immediate family members. Authorized parties with supporting documentation may obtain copies of marriage records.
In any way, persons who wish to obtain Jefferson County marriage certificates must prepare a written request describing the record. The Clerk's Office needs details like the names of the spouse, marriage date, and marriage license number to process requests for marriage records.
Furthermore, the requestor must submit a check or money order for the estimated cost of the record requested, as provided by the Clerk's Office. Mail requests for marriage records must include the request letter, a copy of an identity document, and payment enclosed in a manila envelope. Address requests and inquiries to:
Jefferson County Clerk's Office
300 East Main Street
Room 203
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922
Fax: (812) 273-5428
Where and How to Find Jefferson County Birth Records
The Jefferson County Department of Health is the record custodian for birth records. Persons who wish to obtain copies of this record must complete the birth record application form and submit it in person or by mail to the Department.
Note that only eligible persons may obtain Jefferson County birth certificates. These include the record subject, their kin, and persons authorized by law or court order. Persons requesting birth records must know and provide details like the subject's name, the birth date, and place of birth to process the request for birth records.
Furthermore, the requestor must submit a check or money order for the $10.00 fee per copy requested. Mail requests for birth records must include the request form, a copy of an identity document, and payment enclosed in a manila envelope. Address requests and inquiries to:
Jefferson County Health Department
715 Green Road
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 273-1942
Fax: (812) 273-1955
Where and How to Find Jefferson County Death Records
The Jefferson County Department of Health is the record custodian for death records. Persons who wish to obtain copies of this record must complete the death record application form and submit it in person or by mail to the Department.
Note that only eligible persons may obtain Jefferson County death certificates. These include the deceased's kin and persons authorized by law or court order. Persons requesting death records must know and provide details like the subject's name, their date of death, and place of death to process the request for death records.
Furthermore, the requestor must submit a check or money order for the $12.00 fee per copy requested. Mail requests for death records must include the request form, a copy of an identity document, and payment enclosed in a manila envelope. Address requests and inquiries to:
Jefferson County Health Department
715 Green Road
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 273-1942
Fax: (812) 273-1955
