RECORDS DIVISION
Records Division
The Records Division handles local criminal history checks, accident and police reports, public records requests, and local processing for Indiana handgun permit applications.
Criminal History Checks
Request Your Own Criminal History
Visit the Sheriff’s Office front desk Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff will provide a request form and make every effort to complete your criminal history check while you wait.
The Sheriff’s Office checks La Porte County criminal history only.
If you are outside the La Porte County area, contact the Records Division for instructions.
Employment and Organization Requests
If you are waiting for employment screening results, contact your employer’s human resources department. Human resources staff may call the Records Division or email a request with the applicant’s signed release.
The Records Division also provides criminal history checks for local companies, nonprofit agencies, and organizations. These requests require a signed authorization form.
Email is the preferred method for these requests. Send them to records@lcso.in.gov.
Court Records and Statewide Searches
Accident Reports
You may pick up an accident report at the Sheriff’s Office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You may also purchase an accident report through BuyCrash.
Incident, Case, and Arrest Reports
Incident, case, and arrest reports are not available online.
Request a Report
To request a report about yourself or another person, complete the Access to Public Records Request Form.
You may also visit the Sheriff’s Office front desk Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can provide the request form.
If you have retained an attorney, your attorney should submit the appropriate legal paperwork to the Records Division.
Report Release Restrictions
Only closed reports will be released. The Sheriff’s Office will not release a case report involving an active investigation. Some reports require a subpoena before release.
If you are the victim or the person arrested, you are entitled to a copy of the closed report.
Contact the Records Division with questions about a particular report.
Response and Processing Time
Some records requests cannot be completed while you wait.
The Sheriff’s Office will acknowledge receipt of all requests within 24 – 48 hours, either in person, online, or by telephone.
A specific completion date or time cannot be guaranteed. Processing depends on the information provided, the age of the records, and the office’s current workload. Staff will make every effort to provide the requested records promptly using the quickest available delivery method.
Records Fees
View the Records Fee Schedule for charges associated with records requests.
Handgun Permits
For information about Indiana handgun permits, visit the Handgun Permits page.
Contact the Records Division
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Criminal history checks: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 219-326-7700, ext. 2282
Email: records@lcso.in.gov
Fax: 219-324-6205
Mailing address:
La Porte County Sheriff’s Office
Records Division
809 State Street, Suite 202A
La Porte, IN 46350