Find Middlesex County Police Records

Middlesex County police records are held by the Sheriff's Office in Saluda and the Circuit Court Clerk. These records cover arrests, criminal charges, incident reports, and booking data from this rural county on Virginia's Middle Peninsula between the Rappahannock and Piankatank rivers. The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office handles FOIA requests for law enforcement files. The Circuit Court maintains case records for felony and misdemeanor proceedings. You can request records by mail, email, phone, fax, or in person. Virginia law does not require written requests. This page explains how to search for and get Middlesex County police records through local and state channels.

Middlesex County Sheriff's Office Records

The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office is the primary source for police records in the county. Diane Baird handles FOIA requests for the Sheriff's Office. You can send requests to the Sheriff's Office by mail, email, fax, or in person. Phone requests are also accepted. The office responds within five business days.

Under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3700 et seq., all public records are presumed open unless a specific statutory exemption applies. A public record means any writing or recording held by a public body. This includes paper documents, electronic files, audio, and video. The Sheriff's Office must cite the specific exemption if it withholds any records you have requested.

For county administrative FOIA requests (not law enforcement), contact Susan Traner at 877 General Puller Hwy, P.O. Box 428, Saluda, VA 23149, or call (804) 758-0500. The county also accepts requests by fax at (804) 758-0061. Police records specifically go through Diane Baird at the Sheriff's Office.

How to Request Middlesex County Police Records

Getting police records from Middlesex County starts with a FOIA request. You can file one by email, in person, U.S. Mail, phone, or fax. The law does not require written requests. Just describe what you need clearly enough that staff can locate the records. Provide names, dates, and the type of record whenever you can.

The office must respond within five working days. Day one starts the day after your request arrives. For criminal investigative files, the Sheriff's Office gets an extra 60 working days under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3706.1, for a total of 65 working days. This extended period applies to files related to ongoing or closed criminal investigations.

You can inspect records in person during regular business hours for free. Copying fees apply if you need copies. The county charges based on actual costs for search time, duplication, and any redacting needed. If the estimated cost is high, a deposit may be required before the office starts work.

Middlesex County Police Records Exemptions

Not all police records are open to the public. Virginia law provides specific exemptions. These include records from active criminal investigations, personnel files, attorney-client privileged documents, and juvenile records. Informant identities and internal affairs materials are also exempt.

If the Sheriff's Office denies any part of your request, it must cite the specific exemption and explain why. You have the right to appeal. Contact the Virginia FOIA Council at 1-866-448-4100 for guidance on your rights. You can also file a petition with the circuit court.

Note: Accident reports from state roads are not handled by the Sheriff's Office. Contact the Virginia State Police for those records.

Middlesex County Circuit Court Records

The Middlesex County Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil cases over $25,000, and family law matters. Clerk of Circuit Court Rachel Hartenbach maintains records at 73 Bowden Street, P.O. Box 169, Saluda, VA 23149. Her office can be reached at (804) 758-5317. For criminal case records from the circuit court, this is where to look. You can get indictments, plea records, sentencing orders, and case dispositions.

The Commonwealth's Attorney for Middlesex County is Mike Hurd. His office is at 73 Bowden Street, P.O. Box 457, Saluda, VA 23149. Phone: (804) 758-4506. For questions about criminal case status or prosecution records, contact his office.

Search court records online through the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System. This free tool covers all Virginia circuit courts. For misdemeanor cases and traffic matters, use the General District Court Online Case Information System. Both are free and require no account.

Virginia State Police Criminal History

For a statewide criminal history check covering Middlesex County and all of Virginia, use the Virginia State Police. Submit Form SP-167 to the Central Criminal Records Exchange. The fee is $15. The form must be notarized before mailing to Virginia State Police, CARE, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235.

The Virginia State Police FOIA portal handles electronic records requests. Processing time for SP-167 requests is about 15 business days. Results include arrests and convictions from across Virginia.

Search Middlesex County Police Records Online

Several free tools let you search for Middlesex County police records. The Virginia Courts Case Information system covers both circuit and district courts statewide. Search by name to find criminal cases and view hearing dates. The Virginia Judicial System website links to both search tools.

The Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry covers all of Virginia and is searchable by name or location. For formal criminal history reports, visit the VSP criminal background check page.

Note: Online records may not include every detail found in the full case file at the clerk's office. Visit the courthouse for complete records.

Below is a screenshot of the Middlesex County government website, which provides information about county services and departments.

Use the official website to find the latest contact information for records requests.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Middlesex County. Each has its own Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court for police records.