Rock Hill Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rock Hill, South Carolina?
Arrest records are public documents in Rock Hill, South Carolina, pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. These records are maintained as public information because they constitute official documentation of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. The South Carolina FOIA establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. This legal framework ensures transparency in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies operating within Rock Hill and throughout York County.
The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes, including:
- Maintaining accountability of law enforcement agencies to the communities they serve
- Providing factual information about criminal activity within the jurisdiction
- Supporting public safety through awareness of local law enforcement actions
- Enabling statistical analysis of arrest patterns for policy development
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
The York County Sheriff's Office and Rock Hill Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90.
How to Look Up Rock Hill Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The following methods are authorized pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, which establishes procedures for obtaining public records:
In-Person Requests:
- Rock Hill Police Department maintains public terminals for record searches at their headquarters located at 120 East Black Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must present valid identification and may be required to complete a standard request form.
Online Access:
- The York County Sheriff's Office provides a digital portal for accessing certain arrest information through their Detention Center inmate search function. This resource is updated daily and includes current custody status.
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains a statewide criminal history database accessible at their headquarters: 4400 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Phone: (803) 737-9000.
Written Requests:
- Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Rock Hill Police Department. Requests must specify the information sought with reasonable particularity as required by S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(b).
- Standard processing time is 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time as permitted under state law.
Certified Copies:
- Certified copies of arrest records may be obtained from the York County Clerk of Court, located at 1070 Heckle Boulevard, Suite 105, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Phone: (803) 628-3000.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(b) and may include reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and copying of records. Current fee schedules are posted at each agency's public counter.
Contents of a Rock Hill Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Rock Hill law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Records Improvement Plan and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) guidelines. Standard arrest records include the following categories of information:
Demographic Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address at time of processing
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification numbers
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Incident report number and cross-reference information
- Booking number and processing location
Case Processing Information:
- Fingerprint classification data
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing
- Property inventory from time of arrest
- Detention status and bond information
- Court docket numbers for associated cases
Judicial Information:
- Initial appearance date and presiding judicial officer
- Bond or bail determination
- Preliminary hearing scheduling
- Case disposition if available
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-430, additional registration requirements apply to certain offenses, and this information may be noted in the arrest record with appropriate cross-references to the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry maintained by SLED.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Rock Hill
The expungement process in Rock Hill operates under the authority of S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-910 through § 17-22-950, which establishes procedures for removing eligible arrest records from public access. Expungement constitutes the destruction of criminal records relating to an arrest, charge, or conviction under specified circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in not guilty verdicts may qualify for expungement under S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1-40.
- First-offense convictions for certain misdemeanors may be eligible after completion of sentence and a waiting period as specified in S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-910.
- Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), Alcohol Education Program (AEP), or other diversion programs may create eligibility pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 17-22-150.
Application Process:
- Expungement applications must be filed with the Solicitor's Office of the 16th Judicial Circuit, located at 1070 Heckle Boulevard, Suite 105, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Phone: (803) 909-7540.
- Standard application fees apply: $310.00 for general expungements, with different fee structures for drug offenses ($510.00) and other specialized categories.
- Verification of eligibility requires fingerprint comparison conducted by SLED.
Effect of Expungement:
- Upon issuance of an expungement order by the Circuit Court, all records related to the arrest or charge are removed from public access.
- Expunged records are segregated and sealed, accessible only by court order for specified purposes.
- Individuals may legally deny the existence of expunged arrests or convictions except in certain circumstances outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1-40(C).
The York County Clerk of Court processes expungement orders and coordinates with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with court directives regarding record destruction or sequestration.
Search Arrest Records in Rock Hill
