What are Baltimore City Public Records?
As described by the Maryland Public Information Act, Baltimore City public records refer to any information which city officials or employees create, use, or store - unless exempted by the statutes. Baltimore City public records can take the form of handwritten or typed documents, audio recordings, photographs, or video files. Information transmitted by government emails is also public. Some government-generated records are exempt from public view. These include:
- Adoption and Welfare Records
- Library Circulation Records
- Letters of Reference
- Personnel Records
- Retirement Records
- Student Records
- Police Report sought for Marketing Legal Services
- Arrest Warrants
- Motor Vehicle Administration Records
- RBC Records Filed with Insurance Commissioner
Baltimore City Crime Statistics
In Baltimore City, the police department generates statistics on crime trends and arrests and shares them through weekly and annual summaries published online. Data released in 2017 showed that local law enforcement made 12,430 violent crimes and 30,220 property crime arrests throughout the year. Among the property arrests were 17,008 reports of larceny-theft, 8,041 burglaries, and 261 cases of arson. Reported violent arrests include 5,879 robberies, 342 murders, and 5,827 cases of aggravated assault.
These Baltimore City crime numbers decreased over the next year. In a 2018 report, law enforcement agents reported 11,100 violent crimes and 27,217 property crimes - an 11% total reduction in crimes and arrests that year. Larceny-theft cases reduced 1.6%, while robberies dropped by 13.9%.
Are Baltimore City Criminal Records Public?
Although the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) grants the people of Baltimore City access to public records, not all Baltimore City criminal records are public. For instance, from the Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository in Baltimore City, criminal background checks are only available to the individual on the record, potential employers, and some other eligible parties. However, interested persons can obtain some Baltimore City criminal records by looking through other public records. For instance, sex offender information is publicly available, and interested parties can also find criminal case records online.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Baltimore City Police Department provides residents with public Baltimore City records through its community correspondence unit. Interested persons can obtain Baltimore City police reports using a mail-in form. Requesters must complete the Report Request Form and include a check or money order for $10 and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The completed package will go to:
Baltimore Police Department
Attention: Community Correspondence Unit
242 W. 29th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
Similarly, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police Central Records Unit is the statewide repository for police reports.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Baltimore City
Through its comprehensive Sex Offender Search website, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services provides the public with information on convicted sex offenders who live and work in Baltimore City and other parts of Maryland. Interested persons can search the registry for the names of Baltimore City sex offenders. The registry also provides additional information about sex offenders, such as mugshots, physical descriptions, and their last known addresses. Users can also search by zip codes or use the mapping feature to search for sex offenders within proximity of schools or parks.
How to Find Baltimore City Inmate Records
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS) provides the public with information on convicted offenders serving time at Division of Correction facilities, Patuxent Institution, and offenders at Division of Pretrial and Detention Services facilities. Individuals interested in obtaining Baltimore City inmate records may find general details using the MDPSCS Inmate Locator Tool. The tool allows users to search by the inmate’s first and last names and provides feedback on the facility where the inmate is.
How Do I Visit an inmate in Baltimore City Jail?
The Baltimore City Correctional Center allows family and friends of inmates to visit them twice a week, according to the following schedule:
Thursday and Friday: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Visiting days are organized by the even and odd system, matching the last digit of the inmates’ Doc number with the date. Inmates can receive a maximum of three visitors at a time, excluding infants and small children. All visitors must present legitimate, government-issued ID before entering the facility, and minors must present valid birth certificates as identification. All visitors must dress conservatively, wearing clothing that covers from the neck to below the kneecaps. The following list includes (but is not limited to) clothing that visitors must not wear to the Correctional Center:
- Tube tops, tank tops, or halter tops
- Transparent clothing
- Mini-skirts, mini-dresses, shorts, skirts, or culottes
- Leotards, spandex, leggings, and other form-fitting clothes
- Clothes that expose a person's midriff, side, or back
- Tops or dresses that have revealing necklines
Visitors are not permitted to use the bathroom during a visit. If a visitor uses the restroom, administrators will terminate the visit immediately.
Court Records
The Baltimore City Circuit and District Courts oversee legal matters in Baltimore City. They provide access to various Baltimore City court records, including criminal records, civil records, family, and juvenile records.
Location of All Courts in Baltimore City
Baltimore City Circuit Court - Civil Division
Courthouse East
111 N Calvert St,
#462, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 333-3722
Baltimore City Circuit Court - Criminal Division
Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse
100 N Calvert St,
#200, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 333-3750
Baltimore City Circuit Court - Family Division
Courthouse East
111 N Calvert St, #109,
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 333-3709
Baltimore City Circuit Court - Juvenile Division
Juvenile Justice Center
300 N Gay St,
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (443) 263-6359
Baltimore City District Court - Civil Division
501 E Fayette St,
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 878-8900
Baltimore City District Court - Criminal and Traffic Division
Borgerding District Court Building
5800 Wabash Ave,
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 878-8000
Baltimore City District Court - Criminal and Traffic Division
Eastside District Court Building
1400 E North Ave,
Baltimore, MD 21213
Phone: (410) 878-8500
Baltimore City District Court - Criminal and Traffic Division
John R. Hargrove Sr. District Court Building
700 E Patapsco Ave,
Baltimore, MD 21225
Phone: (410) 878-8300
Baltimore City Orphans' Court
Courthouse East
111 N Calvert St,
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 752-5131
Fax: (410) 752-3494
Are Baltimore City Court Records Public?
Per the Maryland Public Information Act, most Baltimore City court records are public. However, legal exemptions restrict public access to certain records. Baltimore City court records that are legally confidential include:
- Adoption records
- Guardianship terminating parental rights
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Child in need of assistance cases (CINA)
- Certain marriage license information
- Emergency mental health evaluations
- Income tax returns
- Financial statements filed in a case about spousal or child support.
- Reports filed by a physician regarding an alleged disabled adult’s medical condition
- Reports filed by a guardian regarding an alleged disabled adult’s property
Can you look up a Baltimore City court case online?
Individuals interested in obtaining Baltimore City court records can find them on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website. Users can search for court records from the Baltimore City Circuit and District Courts using the names on the cases and filtering by party type, case type, the court system, and approximate dates. Users can also search the repository using the specific case number.
How to Obtain Baltimore City Civil Court Case Records
Interested individuals can obtain Baltimore City Civil court case records online or in-person. Online access is provided by the Maryland Judiciary. For in-person requests, interested individuals can visit the Civil Records Department of the Baltimore City Circuit Court’s Civil Division, anytime between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Copies of civil court case records cost 50 cents per page, while certification costs $5.
Baltimore City Circuit Court - Civil Division
Courthouse East
111 N Calvert St,
#462, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 333-3722
How to Obtain Baltimore City Criminal Court Case Records
Interested individuals can obtain Baltimore City criminal court case records online or in-person. The Maryland Judiciary provides online access to Baltimore City criminal court case records. In-person requests are possible by visiting the Circuit Court Criminal Division’s Record Section from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Copies of civil court case records cost 50 cents per page, while certification costs $5.
Baltimore City Circuit Court - Criminal Division
Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse
100 N Calvert St,
#200, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 333-3750
What are Baltimore City Vital Records?
Baltimore City vital records are government-generated documents containing the details of important life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and marriage dissolutions. Baltimore City vital records are confidential records and are only accessible by eligible parties. Individuals can obtain these records by applying to the local custodian agency or department.
Where and How to Obtain Baltimore City Divorce Records
The Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Maryland Department of Health provides Baltimore City divorce records - verification letters specifically - to eligible persons, including:
- Either spouse named on the record
- A representative of either spouse named on the record
- An attorney representing either spouse named on the record
Eligible requesters may obtain divorce verification letters by applying online (through a third party) or by mail. To send an application by mail, the requester must download and complete a divorce verification request form, include photocopies of a valid ID and proof of eligibility, and a check or money order for $12, made payable to the Division of Vital Records. The requester must also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and send the complete package to:
Division of Vital Records,
P.O. Box 68760,
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Eligible parties can also request certified copies of divorce decrees from the Baltimore City Circuit Court Clerk’s office. The Clerk’s office is open between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except for legal holidays.
Where and How to Obtain Baltimore City Marriage Records
In Baltimore City, marriage records are confidential. The Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Maryland Department of Health provides Baltimore City marriage records to eligible persons, including:
- Either spouse named on the record
- A representative of either spouse named on the record
- An attorney representing either spouse named on the record
Eligible requesters may obtain marriage certificates by applying online (through a third party) or by mail. To send an application by mail, the requester must download and complete a marriage certificate request form, include photocopies of a valid ID and proof of eligibility, and a check or money order for $12, made payable to the Division of Vital Records. The requester must also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and send the complete package to:
Division of Vital Records,
P.O. Box 68760,
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Eligible parties can also request certified copies of marriage certificates from the Baltimore City Circuit Court Clerk’s office. The Clerk’s office is open between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except for legal holidays.
Where and How to Find Baltimore City Birth Records
In Baltimore City, birth certificates are confidential. The Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Maryland Department of Health only provides Baltimore City birth certificates to eligible persons, including:
- The individual named on the record
- A parent named on the certificate
- A court-appointed guardian of the person on the certificate
- A spouse of the person named on the certificate
- An attorney representing the person named on the record
Eligible requesters may obtain birth certificates by applying online (through a third party) or by mail. To send an application by mail, the requester must download and complete a birth certificate request form, include photocopies of a valid ID and proof of eligibility, and a check or money order for $10, made payable to the Division of Vital Records. The requester must also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and send the complete package to:
Division of Vital Records,
P.O. Box 68760,
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Eligible parties can also request certified copies of birth certificates from the Baltimore City Circuit Court Clerk’s office. The Clerk’s office is open between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except for legal holidays.
Where and How to Find Baltimore City Death Records
In Baltimore City, death certificates are confidential. The Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Maryland Department of Health restricts access to the following persons:
- A surviving relative or an authorized representative of the deceased
- The funeral director who was in charge of the final disposition of the deceased’s body.
Eligible requesters may obtain death certificates by applying online, through a third-party service, or by mail. Each mail application requires a completed death certificate request form, including photocopies of a valid ID, proof of eligibility, and a $10 check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records. The requester must also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and send the complete package to:
Division of Vital Records,
P.O. Box 68760,
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Eligible persons can also visit the Clerk’s Office between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays.
