Pulaski County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pulaski County in 2026
PulaskiCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Pulaski County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal charges, and court case numbers. The completeness and currency of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the nature of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed at the Pulaski County Detention Center. The public may access current inmate rosters and recent booking information through the sheriff's official web presence. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, bond amount, and custody status. Roster data is updated on a regular basis, though real-time accuracy is not guaranteed.
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
100 N. Main Street, Suite 1
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-5145
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Somerset Police Department serves the county seat and publishes arrest-related press releases and public safety notices. Members of the public may contact the department directly to inquire about arrest logs or submit a formal open records request.
Somerset Police Department
520 E. Mt. Vernon St.
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-8152
Somerset Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case files linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated court case numbers, charge information, and hearing dates. The Kentucky Court of Justice notes that "the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk
100 N. Main Street, Suite 201
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-4761
Kentucky Court of Justice – Pulaski County
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public and authorized entities may submit an Open Records Request to the Kentucky State Police to obtain criminal history information. KSP states that "to make an Open Records Request to the Kentucky State Police, you must submit your request in writing." Fees apply for criminal history record checks; the standard fee for a name-based check is $20.00 for non-fingerprint requests submitted by the public.
Kentucky State Police – Criminal Records
1250 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police Open Records
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 100 N. Main Street, Suite 1, Somerset, KY 42501
- Records division is located within the main sheriff's office building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (606) 678-5145
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
- Fees for copies: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Somerset Police Department, 520 E. Mt. Vernon St., Somerset, KY 42501, (606) 678-8152
- Records requests are submitted in writing or in person at the records window
- Standard copy fee: $0.10 per page
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 100 N. Main Street, Suite 201, Somerset, KY 42501
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (606) 678-4761
- Case files are available for public inspection during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for paper copies; certification is an additional fee
By Mail:
- Mailing address: Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, 100 N. Main Street, Suite 1, Somerset, KY 42501
- Written requests must include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information
- Payment for copies must be included with the request
- Processing time: 3–5 business days for standard requests
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (606) 678-5145
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person
Through Legal Channels:
- Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
- Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access
- Records obtained through discovery in criminal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Somerset PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Pulaski County
Arrest records in Pulaski County are public records under Kentucky law. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870–61.884, the Kentucky Open Records Act establishes that public agency records are open to inspection by any person, subject to specific statutory exemptions. Arrest records are maintained by law enforcement agencies that qualify as public agencies under this framework, making booking information, charge data, and custody status accessible to the general public.
The public interest in arrest records is grounded in government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and the needs of legal proceedings. These interests are balanced against individual privacy rights through the exemptions enumerated in the statute.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not available to the general public
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Kentucky Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information, while due process principles require that individuals be informed of charges against them. The balance between transparency and privacy is maintained through the exemption structure of KRS § 61.878, which identifies categories of records that agencies may withhold.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
- Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA
- Kentucky does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal guidance
- Housing decisions based on arrest records without conviction may implicate fair housing considerations
- A distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt
What's in Pulaski County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race or ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Somerset Police Department, Kentucky State Police, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed
- Kentucky statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record releases
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (District or Circuit Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Pulaski County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Pulaski County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies may charge a fee for copies of public records, but the fee may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
| Record Type | Agency | Standard Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Paper copies | Sheriff's Office | $0.10 per page |
| Paper copies | Circuit Court Clerk | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies | Circuit Court Clerk | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic records | Sheriff's Office | Varies; may be provided at no charge |
| Criminal history check | Kentucky State Police | $20.00 (name-based, public request) |
| Inspection only | All agencies | No charge for inspection |
Members of the public may inspect public records at no cost during regular business hours. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court Clerk include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. The Kentucky State Police accepts payment by check or money order for criminal history requests submitted by mail.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency. Journalists and researchers may request a fee waiver by submitting a written explanation with their records request.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Pulaski County
Kentucky law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement is the more complete remedy and, when granted, requires the destruction or return of records and the removal of the arrest from public databases.
Under KRS § 431.073, individuals whose charges were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were not prosecuted may petition for expungement of misdemeanor and felony arrest records. Certain felony convictions are also eligible for expungement under KRS § 431.073 if the offense qualifies and the required waiting period has elapsed. Class D felony convictions may be expunged after five years from the completion of the sentence, provided the individual has not been convicted of another felony during that period and the offense is not among those specifically excluded by statute.
Steps to Petition for Expungement in Pulaski County:
- Determine eligibility by reviewing the charge type and disposition against the criteria in KRS § 431.073
- Obtain a certified copy of the court record from the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available from the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Pulaski County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $100.00 for eligible felonies; misdemeanor expungements carry a $50.00 fee, or may be filed at no cost if charges were dismissed)
- Serve the petition on the Commonwealth's Attorney and any other required parties
- Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk
100 N. Main Street, Suite 201
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-4761
Kentucky Court of Justice – Pulaski County
Pulaski County Commonwealth's Attorney
100 N. Main Street
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-4391
Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may contact the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy for assistance with expungement petitions.
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy – Somerset Office
110 N. Main Street
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 677-4050
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
What Happens After Arrest in Pulaski County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Pulaski County, the arrested individual is transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before departure.
Pulaski County Detention Center
3095 S. Highway 27
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 679-8145
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, issuing a jail uniform, and completing medical and mental health screenings. A housing classification determination is made based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Kentucky law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and, if the individual is indigent, initiates the process for appointment of a public defender. Initial appearances in Pulaski County may be conducted via video conference from the detention center.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the detention center or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the individual appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The individual or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Kentucky law at ten percent of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. The court considers community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk in making this determination.
No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond. This applies in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug or alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision by the Pulaski County Pretrial Services office.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. The application is completed at the initial appearance or at the detention center.
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy – Somerset Office
110 N. Main Street
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 677-4050
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking representation.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Pulaski County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled at that time.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The Commonwealth's Attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial.
Case Resolution Options include dismissal of charges, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or a jury or bench trial. Kentucky maintains specialized dockets including drug court and veterans court in the 28th Judicial Circuit, which serves Pulaski County.
Sentencing options following conviction include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: resolved within several months to over a year
- Kentucky's constitutional speedy trial provision requires that cases proceed without unreasonable delay
Important Contacts:
Pulaski County Detention Center
3095 S. Highway 27
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 679-8145
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk
100 N. Main Street, Suite 201
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-4761
Kentucky Court of Justice – Pulaski County
Pulaski County Commonwealth's Attorney
100 N. Main Street
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-4391
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy – Somerset Office
110 N. Main Street
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 677-4050
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than a retained or appointed attorney
- Contact family members or trusted individuals who may assist with bail
- Appear at all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pulaski County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Pulaski County is governed by Kentucky state law and the records retention schedules established by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA). Under Kentucky administrative regulations, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and the Kentucky State Police criminal history repository
- Records are also transmitted to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III), where they are retained at the federal level
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum period consistent with KDLA schedules
- The Kentucky State Police repository retains misdemeanor conviction records indefinitely
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
- The subject may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three to five years at the local level
- These records are among the most eligible for expungement under current Kentucky law
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to KDLA schedules
- Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
- Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense type
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Records management system entries are retained for the duration of the applicable schedule, which for felony arrests is permanent
- Court electronic records are retained permanently for felony cases
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement against non-compliant third-party sites requires individual action
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: minimum five years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for felony convictions
- Arrest reports: minimum five years
- Investigative files: varies by offense classification
- Contact: (606) 678-5145
Somerset Police Department:
- Arrest records: minimum five years for non-conviction; permanent for felony conviction
- Incident reports: minimum three years
- Contact: (606) 678-8152
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk:
- Felony case files: permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: minimum five years
- Electronic records: permanent for all case types
Kentucky State Police Repository:
- The Kentucky State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository and retains arrest and conviction records in accordance with state administrative regulations
- Records from all Kentucky jurisdictions are included
FBI Database:
- The NCIC and III retain records transmitted by Kentucky agencies
- Federal retention is permanent for most criminal history entries
- These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal may allow the record to remain in databases unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs local agencies to destroy or seal records and requires the Kentucky State Police to update the state repository; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement rather than fully removing the entry. Records for which no charges were filed have the shortest standard retention period and may be eligible for the most expedited removal process.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records beyond the FCRA framework. Arrests without conviction are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions that have adopted fair chance hiring policies.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Pulaski County Sheriff's Records Division at (606) 678-5145
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by date, booking number, or name
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records