What are South Bend Public Records?
According to the Indiana Public Records Law, South Bend public records include any writing, map, photograph, tape recording, or other materials created or maintained by a public agency. The following are exemptions to public records in Indiana:
- Juvenile court records
- Records made confidential by federal law
- Records containing trade secrets
- Records containing confidential financial information received upon request from a person
- Grade transcripts and license examination scores
- Records made confidential by rules adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court
- Patient medical records and charts created by a healthcare provider
- A photograph, a video recording, or an audio recording of an autopsy
- A social security number contained in the records of a public agency
- Investigatory records of law enforcement agencies
- Intra-agency or interagency advisory or deliberative materials
- The work product of an attorney employed by the state or a public agency who is representing a public agency
- Diaries, journals or other personal notes
- Certain information contained in the files of public employees and applicants for public employment
- Certain administrative or technical information that would jeopardize a record-keeping or security system
- Certain software owned by the public agency
- Records specifically prepared for discussion in executive sessions
- Personal information concerning a customer of a municipally-owned utility
South Bend Crime Statistics
Data presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) provides an overview of crime rates in South Bend. Data published in 2019 shows a total of 1,357 violent crimes in South Bend, compared to 1064 crimes in 2018. The number of murder and non-negligent manslaughter cases in 2019 was 14, there were nine cases in 2018. There were also 56 reported rape crime cases in 2019, while 67 cases were reported in 2018. Robbery cases in 2019 were 267, compared to 277 cases in 2018. Aggravated assault cases were 1020 in 2019, there were 711 cases in 2018. Property crime cases reported in 2019 were 4296, while there were 4,406 cases in 2018. Burglary cases reported in 2019 were 867, while there were 970 cases in 2018. The number of larceny-theft cases in 2019 was 2868, there were 2956 cases in 2018. Motor vehicle theft cases totaled 561 in 2019, compared to 480 cases in 2018. There were 75 reports of arson cases in 2019. There were 44 reported cases of arson in 2018.
Are South Bend Criminal Records Public?
The South Bend Police Department processes requests for criminal records. Individuals may verify their criminal history through the mail by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope. The envelope is required to contain a notarized letter stating the request for a background check, photocopy of a valid photo ID, and a $7 payment through money order. Requesters may include a fingerprint card for background checks. The fee for fingerprint cards is $15 per card. Mail requests are sent to:
The Records Bureau
701 West Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrests Records
Individuals may request police reports or accident reports at the South Bend Police Department. Suspects may not be provided with a case report. Prior to obtaining incident/offense reports, requestors will be required to provide the victim’s last name, report number, or report date. For accident reports, requestors will be required to provide the report number, report date, driver’s last name, or owner’s last name. To obtain reports in person, visit:
South Bend Police Department Records Bureau
701 West Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9201
How to Find Sex Offender Information in South Bend
Sex offender information is available at St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals may utilize the Offender Search to search for offenders by name or location. Requestors may otherwise view a list of all registered offenders. The information available regarding offenders include name, physical description, address, offense, mugshot. Individuals may register for email alerts to be notified whenever an offender registers within your area. For more information, contact:
St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office
401 West Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9569
How to Find South Bend Inmate Records?
A list of current and released inmates is available at the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office. Requestors may search for inmates online by name or view a complete list of inmates. The information available about inmates include name, charges, booking date, arresting officer, arrest date, inmate classification, status, court information, etc.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in South Bend Police Department Jail?
Individuals visiting the St. Joseph County jail must be approved by the Probation Department. Only approved legal guardians and grandparents may visit inmates. Inmates may be allowed to have two people visit at a time. Visitors must pre-register with Security to receive a visitor's badge 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled visitation time. Valid photo identification will be required.
Inmates are allowed regular visits on Tuesday or Thursday and may earn additional visits for good behavior. Visitation may be refused to persons who are improperly dressed or intoxicated. Individuals may review the Jail Visitation Schedule for detailed visitation time. For more information contact:
401 West Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 245-6501
Court Records
South Bend court records are available at the St. Joseph Circuit Court and St. Joseph Superior Court. The Superior Court shares responsibility for civil cases with the Circuit Court and also hears criminal cases. Cases assigned to the Circuit Court include civil disputes, such as contract, personal injury, collection, divorce, child support, protective orders, injunctions, estates, and administrative appeals. By local rule, the criminal jurisdiction of the Circuit Court is limited to criminal nonsupport and welfare fraud.
Locations of Courts in South Bend
St. Joseph County Circuit Courts
St. Joseph County Circuit Court
St. Joseph County Courthouse
101 S Main St,
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9635
Fax: (574) 235-9838
St. Joseph County Circuit Court
County Services Building
219 Lincolnway W,
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 256-6201
Fax: (574) 256-6225
St. Joseph County Superior Courts
St. Joseph County Superior Court - Civil Division
Courthouse 1
101 S Main St,
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9648
Fax: (574) 235-1863
St. Joseph County Superior Court - Criminal Division
Courthouse 3
129 S Main St,
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-5485
Phone: (574) 235-5484
Phone: (574) 235-9881
Fax: (574) 235-1816
St. Joseph County Superior Court - Mishawaka
County Services Building
219 Lincoln Way W,
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 256-6202
Phone: (574) 256-6215
Phone: (574) 256-6330
St. Joseph County Superior Court - Traffic, Misdemeanor, and Small Claims Divisions
112 S Lafayette Blvd,
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9794
Phone: (574) 235-9100
Fax: (574) 235-6603
Phone: (574) 256-6330
St. Joseph County City and Town Court
Walkerton Town Court
301 Michigan St,
Walkerton, IN 46574
Phone: (574) 586-2340
Fax: (574) 586-2086
St. Joseph County Probate Court
St. Joseph County Probate Court
Juvenile Justice Center
1000 S Michigan St,
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-5371
Fax: (574) 235-5501
Are South Bend Court Records Public?
South Bend court records are public and available for inspection. However, certain records have been exempted from public viewing, examples are:
- Records relating to adoption
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
- Child abuse
- Drug tests
- Grand jury proceedings
- Paternity records
- Medical records
- Mental health records
- Tax records
- Account numbers or personal identification numbers (PINs)
- Expungement orders entered in criminal or juvenile proceedings
- Certain identifying information of people in juvenile proceedings
Can You Look Up a South Bend Court Case Online?
South Bend court records are available and open for inspection online. Interested parties may search for cases by name, attorney, case number, citation number, cross reference. Select “St. Joseph County” in the Courts drop-down menu.
How to Obtain South Bend Civil Court Case Records
Civil court records are available at the St. Joseph County courthouse. Individuals may search for civil cases online by name, or case/citation number. Select “Civil” to filter search results. Select “St. Joseph County” in the Courts drop-down menu.
Records may be obtained in person. Court records are available at
Clerk- South Bend
101 South Main Street
Basement of Courthouse
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9635
Fax: (574) 235-9838
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Individuals may also obtain records by mail. Complete the Record Request Form and mail to:
St. Joseph County Clerk
Record Request
101 South Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
For Probate Court records, please mail to:
St. Joseph County Clerk
Probate Record Request
1000 South Michigan Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Fax requests should be sent to (574) 235-9838
Email requests should be sent to pubrec@co.st-joseph.in.us.
How to Obtain South Bend Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court records are available at the St. Joseph County courthouse. Individuals may search for criminal cases online by name or case/citation number. Select “Criminal” to filter search results. Select “St. Joseph County” in the Courts drop-down menu.
Requests may be made in person by visiting:
Clerk- South Bend
101 S Main Street
Basement of Courthouse
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9635
Fax: (574) 235-9838
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Individuals may obtain records by mail. Complete the Record Request Form and mail to:
St. Joseph County Clerk
Record Request
101 South Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
For Probate Court records, please mail to:
St. Joseph County Clerk
Probate Record Request
1000 South Michigan Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Fax requests should be sent to (574) 235-9838
Email requests should be sent to pubrec@co.st-joseph.in.us
Fees
Copy Fee: $1 per page
Certification Fee: $1 per document
What Are South Bend Vital Records?
Vital records document life events that occur in the county such as birth records, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Birth and Death certificates are available at St. Joseph Health Department while Marriage Licenses and Divorce Decrees are available at the St. Joseph County website. Not all vital records are public information. Certified copies may be obtained by authorized individuals only. Vital records are available for purchase online, in person, or by mail.
Where and How to Get Divorce Records in South Bend?
Certified and Uncertified copies of South Bend divorce decrees are available at St. Joseph County. Divorce decrees may be requested online. Names of divorce participants and details about the divorce will be required
Records may also be obtained in person at the address below
Clerk-South Bend
101 South Main Street
Basement of Courthouse
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9635
Fax: (574) 235-9838
Fees
Divorce decree - Free
Additional copy - Free
Convenience fee for online payment - $10
Where and How to Get Public Marriage Records in South Bend?
Uncertified copies of South Bend marriage licenses are available at St. Joseph County. Uncertified marriage licenses may be requested online. Names of marriage participants and details about the marriage will be required
Individuals may also obtain an uncertified copy of a license in person at the address below:
Clerk- South Bend
101 South Main Street
Basement of Courthouse
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9635
Fax: (574) 235-9838
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in South Bend
Certified copies of South Bend marriage licenses are available at St. Joseph County. Certified marriage licenses may be requested online. Names of marriage participants and details about the marriage will be required. A certified copy of a license may also be obtained in person at the address below
Clerk- South Bend
101 S Main Street
Basement of Courthouse
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9635
Fax: (574) 235-9838
Where and How to Get Birth Records in Scottsdale?
Copies of birth certificates are available at the St. Joseph County Department of Health. A valid photo ID is required prior to receiving records. Requesters may perform an online search. A copy of the document will be sent to the requester’s email. Records may also be obtained by mail. Record seekers will need to download and submit a Birth Certificate Application form to:
St. Joseph County Department of Health
8th Floor County-City Building
227 West Jefferson Boulevard
South Bend, IN 46601-1870
Phone: (574) 235-9639
Fax: (574) 235-9960
Where and How to Get Death Records in Scottsdale?
Copies of death certificates are available at the St. Joseph County Department of Health. A valid photo ID or requester is required prior to receiving records. Requesters may perform an online search. A copy of the document will be sent to the requester’s email. Requestors may also obtain records by mail. Interested parties must download the Birth Certificate Application form and submit it to:
St. Joseph County Department of Health
8th Floor County-City Building
227 West Jefferson Boulevard
South Bend, IN 46601-1870
Phone: (574) 235-9639
Fax: (574) 235-9960
