Enacted in 1970, Maryland's Public Information Act, PIA, grants the public a broad right of access to public records. Certain records are exempt from disclosure and must be withheld. Examples include, but are not limited to, records containing attorney client advice, inmate case records, medical records, personnel records or financial information. Other records that may be withheld include, but are not limited to, investigatory records. There are 24 counties and county equivalents in the state of Maryland. For much of Maryland, local government typically is county government. 23 counties and Baltimore City make up the twenty-four main local jurisdictions found in Maryland. There are 8,558 populated places in Maryland. Municipalities in Maryland can be cities, towns, or villages. Incorporated places are self-governing municipalities chartered as cities, towns, or villages of which there are 157. Criminal history searches may be requested in Maryland through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. These include individual background checks for employment purposes and individual state background checks. Examine Maryland public records using a multitude of databases online. Look up census facts and figures about Maryland residents. Imagine what it would be like to live in Maryland by researching data on housing, real estate values and the local economy. Learn about the income, earnings and employment data for the people of Maryland. Find information on firms and companies doing business in the state. Check with county websites to get a feel for the local governments and services. You can also find community information and attractions by linking to the individual city sites. Get an overview of the Maryland Court System where you can find information for citizens and legal professionals and search for court records. Find out about criminal background checks, victims services and other public safety issues. Read about up to date news stories and crime reports occurring in Maryland. Return to this site frequently as updated sources are added on a regular basis.
Where can I find access to a copy of my criminal record in Maryland?
To access and obtain a copy of your criminal record in Maryland, you can request a fingerprint-based criminal history search through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services provides background checks for various purposes, including personal review, employment, and visa applications. To initiate the process, you must visit a fingerprinting service center, which you can find listed on the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website. Additionally, local police departments may offer fingerprinting services. Once you have your fingerprints, you can submit them to the CJIS for processing, and you may choose to expedite the results by using overnight delivery. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website.
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Where can I find arrest reports from the entire state of Maryland?
In Maryland, arrest reports can typically be obtained from the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Each agency maintains its own records, so you will need to contact them directly for specific reports. Arrest reports provide detailed information about the circumstances of the arrest, while arrest records may include basic details such as the date, name, description of the individual, and the reason for custody. It's important to note that an arrest does not imply a conviction, and arrest records differ from criminal records. For more information, you can visit the Maryland State Police website or the Maryland Judiciary's online resources.
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Where can I find the new owner of my foreclosed rental home in Maryland?
You can find the new owner of your foreclosed rental home in Maryland by using the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation's free online property search tool. This tool allows you to search by parcel number, property ID, street address, or sales date. It provides transfer information, including details about the seller, buyer, sale type, and recorded price, all in one place. You can access this information for properties across all counties in the state without needing to visit multiple county assessor websites. For more details, visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website at https://dat.maryland.gov.
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Where can I find my boyfriend's criminal record in Maryland?
To find your boyfriend's criminal record in Maryland, you can start by gathering as much information as possible, including his full name (including middle initial), date of birth, and any known addresses. In Maryland, criminal records can be accessed through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website, which provides information on court cases, including criminal matters. You can visit the site at https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/ to search for public records. Additionally, you may contact the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for more comprehensive background checks. Keep in mind that accessing certain records may require consent from the individual in question.
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Where can I find access to a 1970s arrest record in Maryland?
To access a 1970s arrest record in Maryland, you will need to contact the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, which could be a county sheriff's department or a local police department. Each of Maryland's 24 counties has its own records unit, and larger departments may offer more comprehensive online services. You may also need to reach out to the Maryland State Police for archived records. For more information, you can visit the Maryland State Archives website or the Maryland State Police website.
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Where can I find birth records in Maryland for my great-grandfather, who was born in 1828?
In Maryland, birth records for individuals born before 1865, such as your great grandfather born in 1828, are not available as public records since the state did not mandate the recording of births until 1865. During that time, local churches were responsible for documenting births. To find your great grandfather's birth record, you may need to search church records or genealogical resources. The Maryland State Archives serves as the central repository for these church records. You can visit their website for more information on accessing historical records: https://msa.maryland.gov.
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Where can I find a copy of the marriage certificate in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate from the Maryland Department of Health's Vital Statistics Administration. You can request a certified copy online, by mail, or in person at the local health department where the marriage license was issued. There is a fee for obtaining a certified copy. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Health's website at https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/marriage.aspx.
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Where can I find the history of Maryland's flooding problems?
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) provides resources detailing the state's flooding history, including a report from the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative at Salisbury University that covers flooding events from May 1860 to July 2004. Additionally, MDE offers an assessment of Maryland's vulnerability to flood damage. For more information on floods and droughts in Maryland, you can visit the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) page titled "Maryland and the District of Columbia: Floods and Droughts." For further details, you can access the MDE website at https://mde.maryland.gov.
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How can I find someone who is in custody in Maryland?
To find someone in custody in Maryland, you can utilize two primary resources. First, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) offers a "Find an Inmate" feature on their website, which allows you to search for individuals in short-term custody, including those in pretrial detention. You can access this by visiting the DPSCS website and navigating to the "Division of Pretrial Detention and Services" section.
For individuals committed to long-term custody, you can use the same DPSCS website to search for inmates under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Correction. This database provides information on inmates serving longer sentences.
For more detailed information, visit the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website at https://www.dpscs.state.md.us.
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Maryland Latest Crime Records (Updated 05/23/2026)
