Search Sussex County Police Records

Sussex County police records are kept by the Sussex County Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk in Sussex. Publicly available police reports can be obtained in person from the Administrative Division. Incident reports and crash reports cost $5.00 each. This page covers how to find Sussex County police records from local and state sources.

Sussex County Sheriff's Office

The Sussex County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to the protection of people and property. The mission is to provide the highest possible degree of protection for county residents, guests, and their properties through a partnership with citizens. The office uses problem-solving strategies, crime analysis, crime suppression, crime prevention, and a business, community, and law enforcement alliance.

Office hours for records: Mondays 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. It is advisable to call before you come in. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act at Virginia Code Section 2.2-3700 et seq., citizens and media representatives have the right to access public records. You may request records by U.S. Mail, fax, email, in person, or over the phone. FOIA does not require your request to be in writing, and you do not need to specifically state that you are requesting records under FOIA.

You have the right to request to inspect or receive copies of public records, or both. You also have the right to request that any charges be estimated in advance. If you believe your FOIA rights have been violated, you may file a petition in district or circuit court to compel compliance. Or contact the FOIA Council for a nonbinding advisory opinion. The office must respond within five working days of receiving the request. Day One is the day after your request is received. The five day period does not include weekends or holidays.

Records and Fees

The Sheriff's Office offers Copies of Incident Reports at $5.00 and Copies of Crash Reports at $5.00. Accident reports may also be obtained from crashdocs.org. Allow 5-7 business days from the date of the crash for the report to be uploaded and processed on the website.

A public body may make reasonable charges not to exceed its actual cost incurred in accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for the requested records. If the cost is estimated to exceed $200.00, the office may require a deposit, not to exceed the amount of the estimate, before proceeding with your request. Past due bills over 30 days must be paid first.

Note: Crash reports also go through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Form FR-300 is filed by law enforcement within 24 hours. DMV charges $8 per copy.

Sussex County Police Records Exemptions

The following documents are exempt from release under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3705.1 and § 2.2-3706: Personnel records; legal memoranda and written advice from legal counsel; tests or examinations; confidential administrative investigations; background investigations of applicants; complaints, memos, correspondence, case files, statements, and evidence; and cell phone, pager, and mobile device numbers of personnel.

The Sheriff's Office may choose to withhold the identity of victims, witnesses, undercover officers, and anonymous sources. The office may also withhold investigative techniques. The Sheriff's Office may temporarily withhold information that would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, jeopardize the safety of an individual, cause a suspect to flee, or result in destruction of evidence. Appeal denials to the Sussex County Circuit Court or contact the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810.

Sussex County Circuit Court Records

The Sussex County Circuit Court is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk's Office files all felony cases, civil cases over $25,000, and family law matters. Records include indictments, plea deals, sentencing orders, and case dispositions.

You can search court records online for free. The Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System covers Sussex and other circuit courts statewide. Search by name, case number, or hearing date. The General District Court Online Case Information System handles misdemeanors and traffic cases.

Court copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies add $2.00.

State Police Criminal History

For a statewide check, submit Form SP-167 to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange. The fee is $15 per name search. The form must be notarized. Mail it to Virginia State Police, CARE, P.O. Box 85076, Richmond, VA 23285. Processing takes 12 to 15 business days.

Form SP-266 is for the Sex Offender Registry at $15. A combined check is $20. The free Sex Offender Registry lets the public search violent offenders. Under Virginia Code Section 19.2-389, criminal history sharing is limited to certain users.

Sussex County Arrest Records

Arrest records from Sussex County are public under Virginia FOIA. Adult mugshots are public. Felony incident details must be released. Contact Jessica Kessinger at the Sheriff's Office with the person's name and any case number. The Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator shows current inmate data statewide.

For expungement, petition the Sussex County Circuit Court under Virginia Code Section 19.2-392.2. This applies if you were acquitted or had charges dropped. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services provides victim services and law enforcement training info.

The screenshot below shows the Sussex County Sheriff's Office records and FOIA page, which lists fees, hours, and request procedures.

The site is the starting point for FOIA requests and records services.

Nearby Counties

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