What are LaPorte County Public Records?
LaPorte County public records are records created, received, or maintained by public agencies regardless of physical form or characteristics. Interested parties can inspect or obtain physical or digital copies as maintained by the applicable agency. For instance, residents can reach out to the LaPorte County Sheriff for arrest reports and inmate records. The Circuit Court Clerk's office grants public access to court records. Record seekers can also visit the state archives to access LaPorte County public records that are not maintained by local record custodians. However, records considered confidential by a court, or state and federal laws, are restricted from public view.
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.
LaPorte County Crime Statistics
The FBI Uniform Crime Reporting publishes crime statistics for Laporte County and other parts of Indiana. According to the 2019 UCR report, law enforcement agencies in the county reported 473 index crimes, including 57 violent crimes and 416 property crimes. The report showed that larceny theft (233 cases), burglary (130 cases), motor vehicle theft (53 cases), and aggravated assault (44 cases) were the county's most common crimes. The report also revealed 1 murder, 1 arson, 2 rape offenses, and 10 robberies. In the 2018 UCR report, law enforcement reported 419 index crimes in LaPorte County. This represents an 11% increase in crime between 2018 and 2019.
Are LaPorte County Criminal Records Public?
According to Indiana's APRA, LaPorte County criminal records are open to public view. The Records Division of the county's Sheriff's Office grants public access to local criminal history information. LaPorte county criminal records provide the following details:
- Crime details
- Name, residence, and other personal information.
- Records showing the search warrants issued
- Biometrics, complexion, and other related details
- Applicable jail location, booking date, information on the bail/bond published, and the scheduled release date for inmates.
- Court documents carrying information on the parole, probationary measures, and sentencing.
How to Get LaPorte County Police Reports and Arrest Records
LaPorte County arrest records and police reports are obtainable from the county Sheriff's Office or other police departments in the county. Nonetheless, the public cannot view information on an active investigation by the police or any law enforcement agency. Applicants can obtain copies of police reports and arrest records by sending completed copies of the Access to Public Records request form to:
Records Division
La Porte County Sheriff's Office
809 State Street
Suite 201A
La Porte, IN 46350
Alternatively, record seekers can visit the LaPorte County police department with jurisdiction over the incident. The following are the addresses of local police departments in the county:
Kingsford Heights Police Department
504 Grayton Road
La Porte, IN
La Porte Police Department
1206 Michigan Avenue
La Porte, IN
Long Beach Police Department
2400 Oriole Trail
Long Beach, IN
Michigan City Police Department
102 West 2nd Street
Michigan, IN
Pottawattamie Park Police
4073 S Franklin Street
Michigan, IN
Purdue University - North Central Campus Police
1401 U.s. 421
Westville, IN
Trail Creek Police Department
209 Rainbow Trail
Trail Creek, IN
Westville Police Department
100 Setser Drive
Westville, IN
Interested parties should note that local record custodians might ask for some personal details before granting full access to the records. Required details may include contact information, full name, and case number.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in LaPorte County
Requestors can use the Sheriff's Office's OffenderWatch to find sex offender information in LaPorte County. Users can search by area, name, city, phone number, email, and internet name. The platform also compiles a list of non-compliant sex offenders. Alternatively, record seekers can use Indiana's Sex and Violent Offender Registry to obtain details on registered sex offenders in the state.
How to Find LaPorte County Inmate Records
Interested parties can find inmate information via the Sheriff's Office's third-party search vendor by entering the inmate's first or last name. Published details include book date, release date, charge information, physical description, arrest information, and cell number. Alternatively, record seekers can make in-person requests at the following address:
LaPorte County Sheriff
809 State Street
Suite 202A
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-7700
How Do I Visit an Inmate in LaPorte County Jail?
Residents can schedule visits to the LaPorte County Jail by contacting the jail administrator on (219) 326-6439 or filling the online jail inquiry form. Interested parties should note that the administrator's line is available from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M on Mondays through Wednesdays. Prospective visitors may also schedule video visits.
Persons younger than 15 years old can only visit the facility on the first Wednesday of every month, and should be accompanied by parents or guardians. All visitors require valid identification.
LaPorte County Court Records
LaPorte County court records are documents that contain information on court proceedings and judgments in the county. Interested persons can obtain these records by reaching out to the Circuit Court Clerk using the following details:
LaPorte County Clerk
813 Lincolnway
Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (LaPorte City): (219) 326-6808 ext. 2250
Phone: (Michigan City): (219) 874-5611 ext. 2250
Generally, requestors must provide details such as the name of the plaintiff/defendant, attorney, and case number to acquire these records. Each plain copy costs $1.00 per page, while certified copies cost $2.00 per document. Record seekers can also use the online Case Search website to access court records that are not in the custody of local authorities in the county.
Locations of Courts in LaPorte County
LaPorte County Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway
3rd Floor
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 326-6808 (LaPorte)
Phone: (219) 874-5611 ext. 2385 (Michigan City)
Fax: (219) 326-6626 (LaPorte)
LaPorte County Superior Court No. 1
300 Washington Street
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 874-5611
Fax: (219) 326-6626
LaPorte County Superior Court No. 2
County Complex Building (Basement)
809 State Street
Suite 104A
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 874-5611 ext. 7734
Fax: (219) 326-6626
LaPorte County Superior Court No. 3
813 Lincolnway
Suite 105
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 326-6808
Fax: (219) 326-6626
LaPorte County Superior Court No. 4
300 Washington Street
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 874-5611
Fax: (219) 326-6626
Are LaPorte County Court Records Public?
Yes, LaPorte County court records are open to the public, provided they are not sealed or expunged by a court order. All requestors can view or make copies of court records maintained by the Court Clerk. Nonetheless, court records are restricted from public view if they contain confidential information. The following are examples of restricted information:
- Court cases concerning minors
- Medical-related records
- SSNs (Social security numbers)
- Court cases concerning paternity disputes and adoption
- Domestic abuse
- Statements from psychologists
How to Obtain LaPorte County Civil Court Case Records
Requesting parties can obtain LaPorte County civil court records by contacting the County Clerk's Office. Requestors must provide court case information and pay fees where applicable. The County Clerk's Office address is situated at:
LaPorte County Clerk
813 Lincolnway
Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (LaPorte City): (219) 326-6808 ext. 2250
Phone: (Michigan City): (219) 874-5611 ext. 2250
On the other hand, record seekers can visit the Indiana Case Search website designated by the Supreme Court to access these records. The website has court records that are not deemed sensitive in LaPorte County and across other regions in Indiana. However, requestors should note that access fees may apply.
How to Obtain LaPorte County Criminal Court Records
The County Clerk's Office generates LaPorte County criminal court records. Interested persons may obtain copies of non-confidential court records by visiting the County Clerk's Office or submitting mail applications. Also, parties should note that request fees apply. For instance, transcript copies from the court reporter cost $1.00 per page. Applicants should send requests to:
LaPorte County Clerk
813 Lincolnway
Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (LaPorte City): (219) 326-6808 ext. 2250
Phone: (Michigan City): (219) 874-5611 ext. 2250
What are LaPorte County Vital Records?
LaPorte County vital records contain information about births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that happened in the county. At the state level, record seekers can submit requests for vital records to the Indiana Department of Health. Parties can also obtain desired records from the court clerk, or the LaPorte County Health Department at the following addresses:
La Porte Vital Records Office
809 State Street
Suite 401A
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 326-6808 Ext. 2200
Fax: (219) 325-8628
Michigan City Vital Records Office
302 West 8th Street
Suite 4
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 874-5611 Ext. 7780
Fax: (219) 873-3018
Nevertheless, not all county residents can access these records. Eligible persons include the record holder, friends, relatives of the record holder, and the attorney of the record holder. Other applicants without clear ties with the subject of the record will have to get a subpoena from a relevant court before the record custodians can grant access to the vital record. The following information will be required from interested parties before full access:
- An active ID like a state ID or driver's license.
- Proof of a direct relationship with the record subject
- Intentions for viewing the record
- Personal data of the record holder
- The residence of the applicant or details revealing the mode of dispatching the record
Where and How to Obtain Divorce Records in LaPorte County
Eligible applicants can request LaPorte County divorce records from the County's Superior Court. Record seekers can acquire these divorce records by filling the details in the request form and forwarding to the office of the County Clerk situated at:
LaPorte County Clerk
813 Lincolnway
Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (LaPorte City): (219) 326-6808 ext. 2250
Phone: (Michigan City): (219) 874-5611 ext. 2250
Eligible parties can also visit the Indiana State Archives for divorce records from 1850.
Where and How to Get Public LaPorte County Marriage Records
The LaPorte County Clerk issues copies of marriage certificates to the general public. Record seekers should provide the names of both parties, the location of the event, and the date of the wedding. The Clerk's Office will charge a request fee for each copy of a LaPorte County marriage record. Interested parties should submit in-person or mail requests to the address below:
LaPorte County Clerk
813 Lincolnway
Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (LaPorte City): (219) 326-6808 ext. 2250
Phone: (Michigan City): (219) 874-5611 ext. 2250
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in LaPorte County
All LaPorte County marriage records are considered public according to Indiana law. The Clerk's Office does not restrict access to these records.
Where and How to Find LaPorte County Birth Records
The Vital Records Section of the County's Health Department maintains LaPorte County birth records. Per Indiana's Public Record Act, access to birth records is restricted to the subject of the record, relatives, and lawyers. Other eligible applicants will have to be named on the record for easy accessibility. Other persons may only obtain these records after receiving a court order granting access. Interested persons should complete Birth Certificate Forms and submit them via mail to either of the following addresses:
La Porte Office
809 State Street
Suite 401A
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 326-6808 Ext. 2200
Fax: (219) 325-8628
Michigan City Office
302 West 8th Street
Suite 4
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 874-5611 Ext. 7780
Fax: (219) 873-3018
Applicants must provide a $10.00 payment along with a valid form of identification. Requestors should note that birth certificates before 1882 are not available.
Where and How to Find LaPorte County Death Records
Only persons with direct ties to the decedent can access LaPorte County death records. Qualified parties must show valid government-issued identification, such as driver's license or state ID. Alternatively, a requestor may also provide a valid passport, student ID, or military ID. Qualified persons should download the Death Certificate Forms, fill in the details and mail them to the following locations:
La Porte Vital Records Office
809 State Street
Suite 401A
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 326-6808 Ext. 2200
Fax: (219) 325-8628
Michigan City Vital Records Office
302 West 8th Street
Suite 4
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 874-5611 Ext. 7780
Fax: (219) 873-3018
The first copy of a LaPorte County death certificate costs $10.00, while each extra copy costs $8.00. Parties should note that records are not available for births before 1882.
