Search Chesterfield County Police Records

Chesterfield County police records are handled by the Chesterfield County Police Department Records Unit. Unlike most Virginia counties that rely on a sheriff for policing, Chesterfield has its own police department. The Records Unit is at 10001 Iron Bridge Road and processes FOIA requests for arrest reports, incident files, and other police documents. This page covers how to request Chesterfield County police records, what fees to expect, free search alternatives, and how Virginia law protects your right to access these records.

Chesterfield County Police Department Records Unit

The Chesterfield County Police Department Records Unit is the place to go for police records in the county. It sits in the main lobby of the police department at 10001 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. The lobby is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You can call the Records Unit at (804) 748-1268 or email foia@chesterfieldpolice.org.

All FOIA requests must be in writing. That is a firm requirement in Chesterfield County. Your request needs to describe the records clearly enough for staff to find them. Include your full name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. The more detail you give about which records you want, the faster the process goes. A case number or incident number is very helpful if you have one.

The Records Unit has five business days to respond after receiving your request. If more time is needed, they can issue an extension notice that adds up to 10 additional business days. That is longer than the standard seven-day extension some other counties use. The extension must be in writing and explain why extra time is needed.

Chesterfield County Police Records Fees

Chesterfield County has a detailed fee policy for police records. The department charges based on the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the search. Copying costs and retrieval charges for on-site or off-site records may also apply. If the estimated cost of research and copying exceeds $50, the department requires a good-faith deposit of up to 50% of the final cost before work begins.

The Chesterfield County Police Department has a cost threshold of $20. If the total cost of your request comes in below $20, they waive the charges entirely. This is a generous policy that benefits people making simple, straightforward requests for a single report or arrest record. Charges for crime victims are waived completely, regardless of the cost.

The department updates its charging policy periodically. The most recent version took effect on July 1, 2021. An estimate is always provided before the department starts work on your request, so you know what to expect before committing. If the estimate exceeds $200, a deposit of half the estimated cost is required.

Note: Chesterfield County waives all police records fees for victims of crimes, and requests under $20 are also free.

Free Ways to Search Chesterfield County Police Records

You do not always have to file a FOIA request to find Chesterfield County police records. The county offers several free options. You can visit the courthouse and use the public access terminals to search case records at no charge. The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System is free and available around the clock from any computer. Public police blotters are open for review. You can attend public court proceedings to hear case details firsthand.

The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office at 9500 Courthouse Road also provides basic inmate information. Call them at (804) 748-1261 for jail-related questions. The sheriff's office handles court security and the county jail, while the police department handles patrol and investigations. Knowing which agency to contact saves you time.

Chesterfield County Mugshot and Arrest Records

Chesterfield County does not maintain an online mugshot database. If you want a booking photo, you need to submit a formal request to the Police Records Unit. There is a $5 fee per photograph. This is a specific charge on top of any other FOIA fees that might apply to your request.

Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, criminal records in Chesterfield County are generally public information. Adult arrest records are presumptively open. That means the default is disclosure, not withholding. Exceptions exist for active investigations, ongoing prosecutions, witness safety concerns, juvenile records, expunged or sealed records, and victim information. But for most adult arrests, the basic facts are available.

The Chesterfield County Circuit Court also dealt with an interesting FOIA case. In Minium v. Chesterfield County, the court ruled that the police department could redact the names of officers below the rank of lieutenant from salary spreadsheets because those officers might be used for undercover work. That case involved 521 officers. It shows how FOIA exemptions play out in practice in Chesterfield County.

Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office

The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office is at 9500 Courthouse Road and handles court security, civil process, and the county jail.

The image shows the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office website. For police records and arrest reports, contact the Police Department Records Unit rather than the Sheriff's Office, as they handle different functions in this county.

Chesterfield County Court Criminal Records

The Chesterfield County Circuit Court processes felony cases, civil cases over $25,000, and family law matters. General District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic offenses. After an arrest, the criminal case moves from the police department into the court system.

Search Chesterfield County court records online through the Virginia Courts Case Information portal. It is free and runs 24 hours a day. You can search by name, case number, or hearing date. For circuit court cases, the Circuit Court Online Case Information System has detailed data. Use the CR prefix for criminal cases. Results show real-time case status, charges, and upcoming hearings.

Sealing Chesterfield County Police Records

Virginia's new record sealing law takes effect July 1, 2026. It will make about 90% of misdemeanors and nearly two-thirds of Class 5 and 6 felonies eligible for sealing. Automatic sealing applies to certain categories like misdemeanor larceny, trespass, and disorderly conduct if the person has no convictions for seven years. Marijuana possession records get automatic sealing regardless of outcome.

Petition-based sealing will cover a broader range of offenses than the current system. No filing fees or fingerprint cards will be required after the law takes effect. Right now, expungement is available for dismissed cases and acquittals. File petitions with the Chesterfield County Circuit Court. The Justice Forward Virginia Foundation has comprehensive information about who qualifies under the new rules.

Nearby Counties

Chesterfield County is in central Virginia just south of Richmond, bordered by several counties and independent cities.