What are Gaithersburg City Public Records?
According to the Maryland Public Information Act, Gaithersburg City public records are records received, generated, maintained, or used by a public agency to conduct official business. The act specifies that these records should be available to members of the general public regardless of physical form or characteristics. Gaithersburg public records may be documents, audio or video recordings, books, documents, maps, and all other records regardless of storage method.
If unfairly denied access to desired Gaithersburg public records, requesters can file an action in court. Record seekers may also petition the court if the custodian agency charges an exorbitant request fee. While most records are public, state law prevents public access to certain information. Examples include the following:
- All records under the attorney-client privilege
- Student records containing personal information
- Records that contain an individual's medical and psychological information
- Trade secrets and confidential financial, geophysical, or geological information
- Occupational or professional licensing records, except the licensee's name, business contact details, professional qualifications, and occupational background
- A public employee's phone number and home address, except with the employee's permission, or where the employer considers decides that the information protects the public interest
- Retirement records
- An individual's financial information, such as bank balances, creditworthiness, net worth, liabilities, income, or financial history
- Adoption records
- An agency's personnel records, such as performance ratings or applications
- Welfare records
Some discretionary exemptions also apply in Gaithersburg City. According to Maryland law, record custodians may deny access to records if disclosure does not serve the public interest. The following are a few discretionary exemptions:
- Real estate appraisals
- Examination records, including scoring keys and test questions
- Records that contain specific details of research projects conducted by political subdivisions or state institutions
- State-owned information
- Law enforcement investigatory information
- Any other record where the custodian believes disclosure would cause substantial injury to the public interest
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible 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. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Gaithersburg City Crime Statistics
The Gaithersburg Police Department publishes annual reports that contain city crime statistics. According to the 2020 report, there were a total of 2,852 crimes. The report specified 586 crimes against persons, including 529 assault offenses, 1 homicide, 1 kidnapping or abduction, and 55 sex offenses. The report also includes 1,885 crimes against property, with examples such as 2 arson cases, 105 burglary incidents, 26 forgeries, 250 vandalism offenses, 7 cases of embezzlement, 264 fraud offenses, and 1,104 larceny offenses. Furthermore, there were 381 crimes against society, including 343 narcotic violations, 5 prostitution offenses, and 33 weapon law violations.
Compared to the previous year, there were reductions in crimes against person (-3%), crimes against property (-0.4%), and crimes against society (-38.3%). Overall, Gaithersburg City crime reports fell by 8.4% between 2019 and 2020.
Are Gaithersburg City Criminal Records Public?
Maryland law permits the disclosure of criminal history information to the person named on the record. Criminal records can also be obtained by authorized employers and government agencies. Qualified persons may obtain desired records by submitting requests to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Requestors resident in Maryland must visit a DPSCS authorized location to obtain fingerprinting services. Applicants living outside Maryland may contact the Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository. Parties may write to the Central Repository or call (410) 764-4501 or (888) 795-0011 (toll-free).
Each record costs $19 with an official Gold Seal or $18 for a plain copy. Requests are payable by checks made out to "CJIS Central Repository". Interested persons should send requests as follows:
Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
Overnight Requests
Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository
6776 Reisterstown Road
Suite 102
Baltimore, MD 21205 - 2346
How to Obtain Gaithersburg City Police Reports and Arrest Records
Record seekers should contact the Gaithersburg Police Department for access to arrest records and police reports. Requestors must provide record details, including the names of involved persons, case numbers, incident dates, and incident descriptions. Interested persons should note that Gaithersburg City arrest records and police reports may cost copy fees depending on record volume. All parties should contact the Police Department for desired records using the following details:
Gaithersburg Police Department
Phone: (301) 258-6400
Email: police@gaithersburgmd.gov
14 Fulks Corner Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Gaithersburg City
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) maintains a searchable public registry that contains information on sex offenders registered in the state. Anyone can find records using the "City" search option by entering "Gaithersburg" in the provided box to view a list of all registered sex offenders in the city. The registry also provides name, area, and non-compliance search options. From the search results, record seekers can view each offender's name, aliases, photograph, physical description, address information, offense details, vehicle information, and sex offender level.
How to Find Gaithersburg City Inmate Records
Inmate records are obtainable from the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. However, the department does not provide a public online registry containing details of currently incarcerated persons. Anyone looking for Gaithersburg inmate records may call the Montgomery County Detention Center's inmate records section during business hours at (240) 777-9730. Record seekers seeking records on Fridays and Saturdays between 11:00 pm and 6:30 am should call (240) 777-9810. Parties can also visit or send mail requests to the Detention Center using the details below:
Montgomery County Detention Center
Attention: Inmate Records
1307 Seven Locks Road
Rockville, MD 20854
Alternatively, requestors can also use a third-party Inmate Locator provided by the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Gaithersburg City Jail?
Anyone can visit a Gaithersburg inmate at the Montgomery County Detention Center (MCDC) or the Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) by calling the visiting desks at either facility. Prospective visitors can call the MCCF at (240) 773-9701 or the MCDC at (240) 777-9899.
Visitation at the MCDC takes place from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For the MCCF, interested persons can visit every day, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
All visitors to both facilities should be with a parent or guardian if younger than 18 years old. Adult visitors must present a valid state photo ID, such as a driver's license. Parties can also use other photo IDs that clearly list the visitor's address. Interested persons should note that a passport is only acceptable if presented with another ID that lists the person's residential address.
Neither facility allows inmates to receive more than 2 persons at each visit, with a maximum of one minor child each time. In addition, each visit cannot last more than one hour and visitors are restricted to two visits in a week. Nonetheless, prospective visitors should note that either facility may reduce visit duration whenever required.
Both facilities enforce a strict dress code that all visitors must adhere to. For instance, visitors cannot wear halter tops, tube tops, skirts above the mid-thigh, see-through materials, or other revealing clothing.
What are Gaithersburg City Vital Records?
Gaithersburg City vital records are government-generated records of major life events in the state. Depending on the desired record, parties may submit requests for records of divorces, marriages, births, and deaths, to several city and county agencies. Nonetheless, not all Gaithersburg vital records are open to the general public.
Where and How to Obtain Gaithersburg City Divorce Records
Residents can request Gaithersburg City divorce records from the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Interested parties can access these records by submitting in-person requests to the Clerk of Court's Office or sending mail requests. Each mail request should describe the desired record with the names of both parties, the divorce date, and the divorce location. Parties should note that the Clerk's Office may charge request fees before producing copies of Gaithersburg City divorce decrees. All parties should forward requests to:
Montgomery County Circuit Court
50 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (240) 777-9400
Phone: (888) 287-0593 (Maryland Toll-free)
Phone: Maryland Relay 711 (TTY)
Record seekers may also use the Case Search provided by the Maryland Judiciary for unofficial divorce information. Alternatively, divorce records are also available from the Maryland Department of Health.
However, Maryland law restricts access to the following persons:
- A spouse named on the record
- An attorney with proof of representation
- A representative with a notarized letter of permission that carries either spouse's signature
If eligible, requesters can submit completed copies of the Application for Verification of Divorce Record. Each requestor should submit the application by mail with a current and valid government-issued photo ID with dates of issuance and expiration. Parties may also submit two alternative documents as described on the application.
Each requestor should also include $12 checks or money orders payable to the Division of Vital Records. Parties should note that this fee is non-refundable. A mail request should include the application, payment, and ID, submitted to the address below:
Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Where and How to Get Public Gaithersburg City Marriage Records
The Montgomery County Circuit Court maintains Gaithersburg City marriage records and issues copies to interested persons. Residents can contact the court with record details such as names, the marriage date, and other known specifics. Requestors may visit the Circuit Court to obtain records in person or send mail requests that describe the desired record. Interested requestors should contact the Circuit Court at:
Montgomery County Circuit Court
50 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (240) 777-9400
Phone: (888) 287-0593 (Maryland Toll-free)
Phone: Maryland Relay 711 (TTY)
Where and How to Find Gaithersburg City Birth Records
Interested persons can contact the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services for Gaithersburg City birth records. The department maintains records of all births since 1939 and issues copies to the following persons:
- The subject of the record
- A parent named on the record
- A surviving spouse
- A legal guardian appointed by the court with proof of guardianship
- A party representing any of the above persons with a signed and notarized letter of permission
A Gaithersburg City birth certificate costs $25, payable by check, money order, credit card, or cash. However, mail requestors may only use checks or money orders. In addition, a mail request requires a completed birth certificate application, a photocopy of a valid photo ID, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Parties requesting in person should also submit a completed application along with other requirements to the department. Record seekers should submit all requests to the following addresses:
Mail Requests
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Dennis Avenue Health Center
2000 Dennis Avenue
Suite 27
Silver Spring, MD 20902
Hours: 8:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where and How to Find Gaithersburg City Death Records
Gaithersburg City death records are available at the Montgomery Department of Health and Human Services. According to Maryland law, only persons that can provide proof of a tangible interest in the death record are eligible to request copies.
If requested in person, the first copy of a Gaithersburg City death certificate costs $18, while additional copies cost $20 each. On the other hand, the first copy of a mail request costs $10, while each extra copy costs $12. All mail requestors should submit the Death Certificate Application completed with the decedent's full name, date of death, place of death, sex, and age at death. To request in person, parties should visit the Department of Health and Human Services.
Each mail requestor should submit a completed application with a check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records. The request should also include a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and a valid government-issued ID or two alternatives described on the application form. All parties should submit mail and in-person requests to the following address:
Mail Requests
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Dennis Avenue Health Center
2000 Dennis Avenue
Suite 27
Silver Spring, MD 20902
Hours: 8:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
