In the state of Vermont, criminal records are one of the most important tools for law enforcement. These records provide a detailed accounting of a person's criminal activity, including instances in which the person was charged with, arrested for or convicted of any illegal action in the state. It is possible for individuals to gain access to some of this information. It is also possible to gain information regarding divorces, lawsuits, lien filings and judgments through the same measures.

The state's criminal records are maintained through a computerized system. Though each individual jurisdiction, such as a city or county will report the information of individuals violating crimes locally into this database, the Vermont Department of Public Safety maintains the database. Individuals who wish to gain access to any type of file from this agency will need to do so by using the resources available through this agency. The best access to this agency's criminal records is through the following address:

Department of Public Safety

Criminal Justice Services

103 South Main Street

Waterbury, Vermont 05671

It is possible to contact the agency by phone as well. To do so, for a records request, call 802 241-5488. In the last 30 years, the agency has worked to make virtually all Vermont criminal records accessible through a computerized database. This information allows individuals to search for the person by name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and/or additional information. The data is collected and stored for easy access, but not all information is provided through a public search. For example, Social Security numbers are not accessible to the public.

For those who wish to use this database as a tool for learning about Vermont criminal records, contact the Criminal Convictions Record, a service that is a part of the Department of Public Safety through the Vermont Criminal Information Center. This tool does cost $30 for each search. This administrative fee helps ensure only those with a vested interesting in obtaining these records do request them. It is necessary to have a full name and date of birth of the individual to gain access to this information.

Once requested, the Vermont criminal record will contain information about the individual, including all records of convictions. Motor vehicle offenses are also a part of this record. Records will contain the date of convictions, the type of conviction, the county in which it occurred, the offense charged and the sentencing given to the individual. This information is very thorough and well documented in an effort to help police and law enforcement to better understand a person's history.

There are many reasons to access Vermont criminal records. The most common reason to do so is for a background check related to employment, business agreements or leasing information. The public will find these records to be within reach in nearly all situations, but juvenile records and other sealed records are no longer available to the public. The courts can determine if records should be withheld for any reason.

• Vermont Crime Reports & Statistics

• Vermont Sex Offender Registry Search