What are Porter County Public Records?
Porter County public records are records produced, received, or kept by a public agency. Under the law, public records include writings, maps, books, photographs, tape recordings, videos, and other materials on paper, paper substitutes, and all other media forms regardless of storage type, physical form, or characteristics.
The Indiana Access to Public Records Act requires public agencies to allow access to public records. However, the law also states that some records, including the following, should remain closed to public disclosure:
- Records considered confidential by state or federal law
- Trade secrets where economic value depends on nondisclosure
- Confidential financial information received from an individual who requests nondisclosure
- Research documents and related records conducted with the help or support of a state university or college
- A patient’s medical records or health charts unless the patient provides written consent
- Autopsy photographs, audio recordings, or video recordings
- Law enforcement investigatory records, except arrest or inmate information, crime logs, accidents reports, and complaints.
- Work products of an attorney representing a public agency
- Examination data, such as test questions and scoring keys, before the examinations, and until the records are no longer required for future examinations
- Current or prospective employee personnel files
Porter County Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publishes annual nationwide crime statistics as part of its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. According to the UCR figures published in 2019, Porter County had 38 violent crimes and 350 property crimes, totaling 388 offenses. The violent crimes were 2 murder and nonnegligent manslaughter incidents, 10 rape cases, 2 robberies, and 24 aggravated assaults. Reported violent crimes include 77 burglary offenses, 248 larceny-thefts, and 25 motor vehicle thefts. There was no reported arson.
The UCR’s 2019 crime total was higher than the 300 total reported in 2018. These figures show that between 2018 and 2019, crime frequency in Porter County increased by 28%.
Are Porter County Criminal Records Public?
According to Indiana Code 10-13-3-27, a limited amount of criminal history information is available only for certain purposes. For instance, agencies may request criminal history information on persons applying for licensure, employment, or public office positions. Requests are also permissible for current public officials or for law enforcement purposes related to plea bargains, probation, bond setting, or sentencing. Other applicable reasons include requests for persons volunteering in schools, persons placed under arrest or in the process of law enforcement arrests, or individuals convicted for sexual offenses. In addition, individuals may request and obtain comprehensive copies of personal criminal records.
Authorized requesters may obtain criminal history information from the Indiana State Police (ISP). Records only contain information on misdemeanor arrests and felonies that occur in Indiana. The ISP offers mail and online search options for access to records. The online service costs $16.32 per search for nonsubscribers and $15 for subscribers. Online fees are payable by credit cards and may incur additional processing fees.
Alternatively, users may request Porter criminal records by enclosing completed copies of the ISP’s application form with $7 certified checks payable to the State of Indiana. Eligible parties should mail requests to the:
Indiana State Police
Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188
How to Obtain Porter County Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Porter County Sheriff’s Office provides access to police reports and arrest records through its Records Division. Interested persons can submit requests for Porter County arrest records and police reports in person or by mail. Requesters must provide at least two of the following specifics:
- Case number
- Incident date and time
- Names and dates of birth of the involved persons
- Incident location
Residents may order desired records by sending written requests in the mail. Each mail request should be enclosed in an envelope clearly marked “Attention Records”. The request should also include the return address for when the mail is ready.
Alternatively, interested parties may visit the Sheriff’s Office in person. All requesters are advised to call before visiting or mailing the Sheriff’s Office as records may not be available until two business days after the officer files the report. Each request costs $5, payable by cash or money order only. Applicants may submit requests to the:
Porter County Sheriff’s Office
2755 State Road 49
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 477-3080 (Records Division)
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Porter County
The Porter County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public online sex offender registry. Anyone can use the registry to find offenders by name, area, city, phone number, internet name, and email. Users may enter an offender’s last name, first name, or alias on the name search. The registry will also display partial matches.
The area search requires the offender’s address, city, and zip code. Searchers may also add zip plus information and the offender’s address type. The registry also features a list that only contains records of non-compliant sex offenders. Information on the database includes the offender’s full name, aliases, classification, registration number, and photographs. Other details include registration information, physical description, addresses, and offense information.
How to Find Porter County Inmate Records
Records of persons incarcerated in Porter County are available via the Who’s In Jail page provided by the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone may search the registry by name to display an inmate’s full name, gender, race, age, current location, booking number, charges, and a booking photograph.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Porter County Jail?
Family and friends of inmates at the Porter County Jail must schedule visits via the jail’s visitation vendor or the kiosk in the lobby. All interested persons must register and create accounts and should schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance.
The jail allows on-site and remote video visits. The visitation schedule is as follows:
On-site visits - Mondays through Thursdays (excluding holidays)
- 9:00 am to 11:30 pm
- 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm
Remote - Everyday
- 9:00 am to 11:30 am
- 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Each inmate's availability may vary depending on their housing unit and classification. The inmate is responsible for informing prospective visitors of their availability and allocated times.
On-site visits require a valid driver's license for registration. Persons under the age of 18 may only visit in the company of an adult. Although the Porter County Jail does not forbid cell phones during visits, visitors must not display devices or use them to take pictures of the inmate. All violations of facility rules may result in the suspension of visitation privileges.
Court Records
The Porter County court system features Circuit and Superior Courts with varying jurisdictions over county cases. While the Circuit Court exercises original jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases, the Superior Court's jurisdiction is limited. Nonetheless, the Superior and Circuit Courts share jurisdiction over some mental health, probate, and juvenile cases.
Locations of Courts in Porter County
Porter County Circuit Court
16 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3450
Fax: (219) 465-3847
Phone: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Porter County Superior Court 1, 2, 4, and 5
Porter County Courthouse
16 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3410 (Superior Court 1)
Phone: (219) 465-3411 (Superior Court 2)
Phone: (219) 465-3412 (Superior Court 4)
Phone: (219) 465-3425 (Superior Court 5)
Porter County Superior Court 3 and 6
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8231 (Superior Court 3)
Phone: (219) 759-8205 (Superior Court 6)
Are Porter County Court Records Public?
Most Porter County court records are public records. The Clerk of Court’s Office must allow the inspection or copying of court records in compliance with the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records. However, some court records must remain closed from public access. Records considered confidential by statute or court rule, sealed records, and mental health cases are not open to public disclosure.
Can You Look up a Porter County Court Case Online?
Porter court records are available online. Interested parties may find records on the Indiana Courts’ Case Search function by case, name, or attorney. There are also advanced search options where record seekers can specify other details such as the case’s current status and file date range.
How to Obtain Porter County Civil Court Case Records
Persons interested in Porter County civil court case records may submit official requests to the Porter County Clerk’s Office. Requestors may provide all known details of the record in person or by mail. Submitted information should include names, dates, locations, charge details, and conviction information where available. Persons seeking physical copies may be charged request fees depending on the record volume. All parties should send mail requests or visit one of the following addresses:
Porter County Clerk’s Office - Valparaiso
16 Lincolnway
Suite 211
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3450
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Porter County Clerk’s Office - Portage North County Annex
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8212
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
How to Obtain Porter County Criminal Court Case Records
The Porter County Clerk’s Office maintains records of criminal court cases and provides interested requesters with copies. The requester must provide all available information, including the names of litigants, incident or criminal charge descriptions, and the court’s disposition. Requesters should submit mail or in-person requests using the information listed below:
Porter County Clerk’s Office - Valparaiso
16 Lincolnway
Suite 211
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3450
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Porter County Clerk’s Office - Portage North County Annex
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8212
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
What are Porter County Vital Records?
Porter County vital records are government-generated records containing details of county life events. County government agencies create and maintain records of marriages, divorces, births, and deaths, and issue copies to interested requesters. However, some Porter vital records are not open to public disclosure.
Where and How to Obtain Porter County Divorce Records
Porter County divorce records are requestable from the Clerk of the Superior Court. Interested residents may visit the court to obtain copies or send mail requests. To obtain a Porter County divorce decree, the record seeker must provide the names of both parties and the date of divorce. Request fees may apply. All persons should submit requests to the:
Porter County Clerk’s Office - Valparaiso
16 Lincolnway
Suite 211
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3450
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Porter County Clerk’s Office - Portage North County Annex
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8212
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Where and How to Get Public Porter County Marriage Records
Anyone seeking Porter County marriage records should submit requests to the Clerk of the Superior Court. Under Indiana law, all persons may inspect marriage records or obtain copies. To request a Porter County marriage certificate, the requester should provide the full names of both married parties, the marriage date, and the marriage location. Requests are processed at the following addresses:
Porter County Clerk’s Office - Valparaiso
16 Lincolnway
Suite 211
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3450
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Porter County Clerk’s Office - Portage North County Annex
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8212
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Porter County
Indiana law provides public access to marriage records. Unless sealed by a court, all interested persons may obtain copies of Porter County marriage records.
Where and How to Find Porter County Birth Records
The Porter County Vital Records Division is responsible for the maintenance and issuance of birth records in the county. Indiana law restricts access to persons with a direct interest in the record. Authorized requesters include:
- The person named on the record
- The person’s parents, grandparents, stepparents, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, or aunt
- The person’s current spouse, attorney, legal guardian
If eligible, a requester must complete the birth record request. Each certified Porter County birth certificate costs $8, payable by an official check, money order, or cash. However, the cash option is restricted to in-person requesters. All orders require a copy of the requester’s state photo ID or current driver’s license. Persons sending applications via mail should include a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Requests for Porter County birth records are processed at the following addresses:
Porter County Vital Records Division - Valparaiso
155 Indiana Avenue
Suite 104
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3525
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Requesters should arrive latest by 4:15 pm)
Porter County Vital Records Division - Portage
3590 Willowcreek Road
Suite C
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8239
Fax: (219) 759-3901
Hours: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1”00 pm to 4:30 pm
Where and How to Find Porter County Death Records
Interested persons may submit requests for Porter County death records to the Vital Records Division. However, access is restricted to persons with a direct or legal interest in the record. Eligible requesters include:
- The decedent’s spouse, parent, child, grandchild, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew
- A requester with proof of a legal relationship with the decedent, such as agreements, contracts, or court orders
- A funeral director with proof of direct interest in the record
Requesters should complete the death record application with the decedent's full name, place of death, date of death, parents' names, and relationship with the deceased. Each Porter County death certificate costs $10, payable with cash, official checks, or money orders. Mail requesters must not send cash.
Interested applicants must provide a copy of a state photo ID or driver’s license. Anyone requesting via mail must enclose a self-addressed and stamped envelope with the request. The Vital Records Division entertains mail and in-person requests at the following locations:
Porter County Vital Records Division - Valparaiso
155 Indiana Avenue
Suite 104
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3525
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Requesters should arrive latest by 4:15 pm)
Porter County Vital Records Division - Portage
3590 Willowcreek Road
Suite C
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8239
Fax: (219) 759-3901
Hours: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1”00 pm to 4:30 pm
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Porter County?
Property records in Porter County are open to the public. Requesters can inspect and copy records of property records by submitting a request to the custodian's office, Porter County Recorder's office.
Where and How to Find Property Records in Porter County
The office of the Porter County Recorder maintains public records of real estate legal instruments, like deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, plats, military discharges, and personal bonds. These documents, which serve as legal proof of ownership, are stored in paper, microfilm, and digital forms for easy retrieval. Requesters may access these property records online, by mail, or by visiting the office of the Porter County Recorder in person. The office of the County Recorder is accessible to the public Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at:
155 Indiana Avenue
Suite 210
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3465
Email: recorder@porterco.org
People requesting copies of recorded documents by mail may have to include the prescribed fees for the copies of the requested documents alongside their requests. They may also have to provide the recording number or the book and page number of the requested documents. Copies of property records sized 11" x 17" or smaller cost $1 per page, while copies larger than 11" x 17" cost $5 per page. Certification of Document cost $5.
People are encouraged to sign up for the Property Fraud Alert. This internet-based system automatically alerts subscribers via email or phone whenever a document that includes their name is recorded in the Porter County Recorder's Office. However, documents NOT filed in the Porter County Recorder's Office, like Court judgments, state tax liens, bankruptcies, are NOT monitored by Property Fraud Alert.
How to Look Up Porter County Property Records
The office of the Porter County Recorder grants online access to requesters to search for property records within the county. The county's above-stated online property database contains data and document images dating from September 1, 1979, to the present. The office of the Porter County Recorder also has several computer terminals available to requesters to search and review property records. It also offers in-person assistance as well at:
155 Indiana Avenue
Suite 210
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3465
Email: recorder@porterco.org
Location of Porter County Township Property Assessors
Porter County Main Assessor
155 Indiana Avenue
Suite 211
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3460
Fax: (219) 465-7064
Portage Township Assessor
3590 Willowcreek Road
Room C
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8221
Fax: (219) 759-1541
