In Kentucky, criminal records are accessible by the public. Criminal records document any illegal actions an individual takes in which he or she is arrested, charged and/or convicted of the crime. This file will remain with the individual for his or her entire life. Most people do not have this type of file unless they have committed a crime. The information within the file includes information about all arrests, cases, misdemeanors and felonies, including instances in which the case is overturned or the individual is found innocent. This information is maintained by the state but it comes from local jurisdictions and agencies. It is considered to be accurate in most instances.
 

For those that need Kentucky criminal records, individuals will need to gather this information through the proper authority. For those who wish to gather their own record or those of other locals, it is possible to visit a local law enforcement office, county clerk's office or one of the area courts to request this information. It is also possible to access the computerized database that is maintained by the state. The Department of Correctional Services of Kentucky is charged with maintaining this database. It works as a repository for the information contained there. All files related to in-state individuals or in-state criminal actions are maintained through this agency. In addition, the Department of Criminal Justice Training as well as the Department of Juvenile Justice also is able to access this information, as are local courts, local law enforcement and other agencies.
 

To access Kentucky criminal records, then, individuals can visit any of these agencies in person or by mail. However, the most common option is to contact the Kentucky State Police for information at the following address:
 

Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet

125 Holmes Street

Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
 

The agency does require that individuals provide as much information as possible about the individual, including a full, legal name, information about the individual’s physical description, date of birth and Social Security number if possible. This is all done for a name search. Another option is to use the state's fingerprinting system. Individuals can submit a fingerprint in person at one of the agencies listed above. Another option is to request a fingerprint kit from the State Police Department by calling 502 564-3251. This allows the individual to submit the report for analysis.
 

Through most records in Kansas re available to the public, not all are. Rather, any records having to do with juveniles under the age of 18 are limited. To access these, an individual must make an appeal through a county clerk and a judge will make a determination on whether or not to open those records. It is rare that this will occur.

Kentucky criminal records may also be limited to third parties. Though individuals and attorneys can access this information, some may not be able to do so due to for employment checks without a written waiver from the individual. However, most criminal records are accessible to the public as a whole.

• Kentucky Crime Reports & Statistics

• Kentucky Sex Offender Registry Search