What are Cleveland Public Records?
Per the Ohio Open Records Law, Cleveland public records are any information or data created, copied, utilized, stored, or re-produced by the city and government agencies - except for records deemed confidential by the law. Cleveland public records may consist of typewritten or hand-written documents, emails, statistical tables, maps, photographs, and emails. Custodian agencies may restrict access to public records if it satisfies the following criteria:
- It contains a patient's medical history and information.
- Relates to parole proceedings and probation.
- Contains information on juvenile abortion proceedings.
- Contains information about adoption proceedings and files.
- Trail preparation records.
- Reveals the identity of an uncharged suspect.
- Exposes a witness or an information source protected by a confidentiality agreement.
- Endangers the life of all stakeholders (law enforcement officers, witnesses, and crime victims).
Crime Statistics
The Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) provides the statistics for all reported crimes within the city. More so, the CDP generates annual crime statistics reports, which it tenders for inclusion into the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Unified Crime Report. The Unified Crime Report for Cleveland in 2018 shows a total number of 22,546 reported crimes within the city. This includes 5,576 violent crimes and 16,970 property crimes. The reported property crimes include 86 murder and non-negligence manslaughters, 461 rapes, 1,772 robberies, and 3,257 aggravated assaults. More so, the property crimes consist of 4,658 burglaries, 9,342 larcenies-thefts, 2,970 motor vehicle thefts, and 165 arsons. This report, when compared with the 2016 Crimes Report (a 3-year interval), shows a noticeable decline in reported crimes (-15%). The number of reported violent crimes dropped by 11 percent, while the number of reported property crimes dropped by 17 percent. The rate of murder cases dropped by 36 percent, while larcenies reduced by six percent.
Are Cleveland Criminal Records Public?
According to the Ohio Open Records Law, not all Cleveland criminal records are accessible to the public. The Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Investigation (BCI) maintains and processes criminal records checks for eligible requesters. Requesters can search for criminal records via the BCI's WebCheck centers situated in different regions in the state. The WebCheck station for Cleveland City is located at:
Corporate Screening Services (BCI & FBI)
16530 Commerce Court
Cleveland, OH 44130
(800) 229-8606
Criminal records search at the BCI WebCheck station costs $35. On the other hand, the Records Section of the Cuyahoga Sheriff's Department allows the public to access criminal records. Access to criminal records is via appointments only. To schedule an appointment, visit the online portal and select the "BCI Web-Check" option. Requesters may visit the Records/Warrant Section of the Sheriff's Department to obtain criminal records.
1215 West 3rd Street
Justice Center 3rd Floor
Sheriff’s Office
Cleveland, OH
How to Obtain Cleveland Police Reports and Arrest Records
Cleveland's police reports and arrests are maintained at the city, county, and state levels by various custodian agencies. Record seekers may obtain Cleveland police reports and arrest records via mail or in-person through the Record Section of the Cuyahoga Police Department. Requesters must first schedule an appointment on the online appointment portal. In addition to this, requesters may send a mail request or visit the Records Section of the Sheriff's Department to obtain arrest records.
1215 West 3rd Street
Justice Center 3rd Floor
Sheriff’s Office
Cleveland, OH
Alternatively, the Cleveland Division of Police grants public access to its arrest records. Requesters may request arrest records by registering an account on the Cleveland Public Records Center. By logging in or registering an account on the platform, requesters can order and track their arrest records requests. More so, requesters can view updates to their request via the Reference number. The Cleveland Division of Police also offers walk-in services and written requests. To obtain arrest records and reports via mail or in-person services, visit or send a written request detailing the record subject's personal information to the:
1300 Ontario Street
44113
Cleveland, OH
Attn: Public Records
For walk-in services, visit the Cleveland Division of Police on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Cleveland
The Cuyahoga County Sheriff Department via the Cleveland Sex Offender Registration & Notification (SORN) Unit maintains the Cleveland sex offenders list. The sex offenders list is updated regularly and contains the name, address, and personal information of all convicted and registered sex offenders residing within the city and county. Cleveland’s sex offenders list is classified into tiers or levels (Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III) which are based on the severity and type of sex-related offenses.
There are three different search methods for obtaining sex offender information - geographic search, proximity search, and photo search. Geographic search enables record seekers to get a list of sex offenders within a mile radius from the specified address. To obtain a sex offenders list via geographic search, visit the search portal.
In addition to this, visit the proximity search portal to obtain the list of sex offenders using the street address, city, and zip code.
How to Find Cleveland Inmate Information
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections maintains and regularly updates the list of all current inmates incarcerated in different correctional facilities across Ohio.
Record seekers may obtain Cleveland inmate information by using the Department's online platform. For a successful inmate records search, requesters may search using the inmate's first and last name and incarceration status.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Cleveland Jail?
Visitors to any of Cleveland Jail locations must get pre-approved by the inmates before scheduling a visit. Cleveland Correctional Facilities provide remote video services, on-site video services, and in-person services. Visitors using the remote video visitation system must create a Securus Account. Remote visits cost $5 for a 25 - minute visitation. The Correctional facilities mandate appropriate dressings and proper conduct from families and friends of inmates during on-site video visitations and in-person visitations.
Court Records
As part of the Ohio 8th Judicial District, the Cleveland Municipal Court provides the public's members with access to different Cleveland Court records. The publicly-accessible court records include traffic records, administrative records, civil records, criminal records, and probate records.
Locations of Courts in Cleveland
Cleveland City and Cuyahoga County is home to four Courts of Common Pleas, 13 Municipal Courts, and 27 Mayor's Courts. The courts' location and contact details are listed below:
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas - Domestic Relations Division
Cuyahoga County Courthouse
1 West Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 443-8800
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas - General Division
Cuyahoga County Justice Center
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 443-7951 (Civil)
Phone: (216) 443-7999 (Criminal)
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division
Juvenile Justice Center
9300 Quincy Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone: (216) 443-8400
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division
Cuyahoga County Courthouse
1 West Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 443-8785
Bedford Municipal Court
165 Center Road
Bedford, OH 44146
Phone: (440) 232-3420
Fax: (440) 232-2510
Berea Municipal Court
11 Berea Commons
Berea, OH 44017
Phone: (440) 826-5860
Cleveland Heights Municipal Court
40 Severance Circle
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Phone: (216) 291-4901
Fax: (216) 291-2459
Cleveland Municipal Court
Cleveland Justice Center
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 664-4870
East Cleveland Municipal Court
14340 Euclid Avenue
East Cleveland, OH 44112
Phone: (216) 451-5900
Fax: (216) 681-2829
Euclid Municipal Court
555 East 222nd Street
Euclid, OH 44123
Phone: (216) 289-2888
Fax: (216) 289-8254
Garfield Heights Municipal Court
5555 Turney Road
Garfield Heights, OH 44125
Phone: (216) 475-1900
Fax: (216) 475-3087
Lakewood Municipal Court
Lakewood City Hall
12650 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107
Phone: (216) 529-6700
Fax: (216) 529-7687
Lyndhurst Municipal Court
5301 Mayfield Road
Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Phone: (440) 461-6500
Parma Municipal Court
Parma Justice Center
5555 Powers Boulevard
Parma, OH 44129
Phone: (440) 887-7400
Fax: (440) 887-7481
Rocky River Municipal Court
21012 Hilliard Boulevard
Rocky River, OH 44116
Phone: (440) 333-0066
Fax: (440) 356-5613
Shaker Heights Municipal Court
3355 Lee Road
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
Phone: (216) 491-1300
Fax: (216) 491-1314
South Euclid Municipal Court
1349 South Green Road
Euclid, OH 44121
Phone: (216) 381-2880
Fax: (216) 381-1195
Beachwood Mayor's Court
2700 Richmond Road
Beachwood, OH 44122
Phone: (216) 464-2343
Bratenahl Mayor's Court
411 Bratenahl Road
Bratenahl, OH 44108
Phone: (216) 681-3086
Fax: (216) 681-3078
Brecksville Mayor's Court
9069 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
Phone: (440) 526-2620
Broadview Heights Mayor's Court
9543 Broadview Road
Broadview Heights, OH 44147
Phone: (440) 526-4895 ext. 4
Fax: (440) 717-4002
Brook Park Mayor's Court
6161 Engle Road
Brook Park, OH 44142
Phone: (216) 433-7061
Fax: (216) 433-4183
Brooklyn Heights Mayor's Court
345 Tuxedo Avenue
Brooklyn Heights, OH 44131
Phone: (216) 749-4300
Fax: (216) 741-3753
Brooklyn Mayor's Court
7619 Memphis Avenue
Brooklyn, OH 44144
Phone: (216) 635-4255
Fax: (216) 635-4287
Chagrin Falls Mayor's Court
21 West Washington Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Phone: (440) 247-7321
Fax: (440) 247-1037
Cuyahoga Heights Mayor's Court
4863 East 71st Street
Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Phone: (216) 641-7020
Fax: (216) 641-6744
Glenwillow Mayor's Court
29555 Pettibone Road
Glenwillow, OH 44139
Phone: (440) 232-8788
Fax: (440) 735-9298
Highland Hills Mayor's Court
3700 Northfield Road
Highland Hills, OH 44122
Phone: (216) 283-3000 ext. 233
Fax: (216) 283-3005
Independence Mayor's Court
6800 Brecksville Road
Independence, OH 44131
Phone: (216) 524-7719
Fax: (216) 524-3878
Maple Heights Mayor's Court
5353 Lee Road
Maple Heights, OH 44137
Phone: (216) 587-9006
Fax: (216) 587-9047
Middleburg Heights Mayor's Court
Middleburg Heights City Hall
15700 East Bagley Road
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Phone: (440) 234-6907
Fax: (440) 234-7095
Newburgh Heights Mayor's Court
4000 Washington Park Boulevard
Newburgh Heights, OH 44105
Phone: (216) 641-4650
Fax: (216) 641-2712
North Olmsted Mayor's Court
5200 Dover Center Road
North Olmsted, OH 44070
Phone: (440) 716-4156
Fax: (440) 777-8007
North Randall Mayor's Court
North Randall Village Hall
21937 Miles Road
North Randall, OH 44128
Phone: (215) 518-3130
Fax: (216) 662-8749
North Royalton Mayor's Court
14000 Bennett Road
North Royalton, OH 44133
Phone: (440) 582-6224
Fax: (440) 582-1914
Oakwood Mayor's Court
24800 Broadway Avenue
Oakwood Village, OH 44146
Phone: (440) 232-4151
Fax: (440) 232-6728
Olmstead Falls Mayor's Court
26100 Bagley Road
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
Phone: (440) 235-5552
Fax: (440) 235-8900
Orange Mayor's Court
4600 Lander Road
Orange, OH 44022
Phone: (440) 498-4401
Fax: (440) 498-4412
Parma Heights Mayor's Court
6281 Pearl Road
Parma Heights, OH 44130
Phone: (440) 884-9603
Seven Hills Mayor's Court
7325 Summitview Drive
Seven Hills, OH 44131
Phone: (216) 524-4421
Fax: (216) 524-0523
Strongsville Mayor's Court
18688 Royalton Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
Phone: (440) 580-3155
Fax: (440) 238-8458
Valley View Mayor's Court
6899 Hathaway Road
Valley View, OH 44125
Phone: (216) 524-9687
Walton Hills Mayor's Court
7595 Walton Road
Walton Hills, OH 44146
Phone: (440) 786-2963
Are Cleveland Court Records Public?
A majority of Cleveland court records are open to the public. Under the Ohio Open Records Law, court records devoid of confidentiality clauses are open records and accessible to any interested person. However, some court records are sealed and restricted from public view under the Ohio Reserved Code (ORC).
Can You Look Up a Cleveland Court Case Online?
The Cleveland Municipal Court is the primary custodian for all court records generated in the city of Cleveland. It provides online access to Cleveland court records via the CourtView online search portal. Requesters can search for court records using the name (first and last name) of the concerned parties, the ticket/citation number, the case number, and type of case.
Alternatively, the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts also hosts an online repository for court records. Requesters may obtain court records on this platform by searching via the court case type, the case number, and the concerned parties’ names.
How to Obtain Cleveland Civil Court Case Records
Cleveland court records are available to the public through various online databases that are maintained by different custodian agencies. To request Cleveland civil court case records, visit the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts' online search portal. Requesters may opt to search for civil court records by name. Searching for civil court records by name requires the following details - the first, middle, and last name of the record subject, aliases, the party’s role, case year, case category, and type of search (phonetic or alpha). Additionally, requesters may search civil court records by case. By case, searching civil court records requires the following details - case type, case year, and case number.
How to Obtain Cleveland Criminal Court Case Records
The Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts maintains an online repository for all Cleveland criminal court case records. Hence, record seekers may request and obtain Cleveland criminal court case records from the online search portal
Requesters may search for criminal court records by case. Searching criminal court records by name requires the following details - case type, case year, and case number. Conversely, requesters may search for criminal court records by name. Searching for criminal records by name requires the following data - the first, middle, and last name of the record subject, aliases, the party’s role, case year, case category, and type of search (phonetic or alpha).
What are Cleveland Vital Records?
Vital records are government-verified files that contain information on the occurrence of life events within the city of Cleveland. Vital records include - but not limited to - birth records, death records, divorce records, and marriage records. Cleveland’s vital records are maintained at the city, county, and state levels by different custodian agencies-and-offices. To access any of the vital records, record seekers must fulfill the custodian agencies’ requirements.
Where and How to Obtain Cleveland Divorce Records
Interested persons may obtain Cleveland divorce records online from the Cuyahoga County Probate Court Web Docket. Requesters may opt to search for divorce records by case or by the party. To search for divorce records by case, requesters must provide the following data - the case year, the case category, and the case number. On the other hand, to search for divorce records by party, requesters must provide the party's name (first, middle, and last names) suffix, case year, and case category.
Where and How to Obtain Cleveland Marriage Records
The Cuyahoga County Probate Court, via the Web Docket, maintains and provides access to Cleveland marriage records copies. Record seekers may choose to search for divorce records by case or by party. To search for divorce records by case, provide the following information - the case year, the case category, and the case number. On the other hand, to search for divorce records by party, requesters must provide the party's name (first, middle, and last names) suffix, case year, and case category.
In addition to this, the Cuyahoga County Probate Court also provides mail-in services. Requesters can obtain certified copies of marriage licenses by sending a written request in a self-addressed envelope and a money order or check to the:
Cuyahoga County Probate Court
1 Lakeside Avenue West
Cleveland, OH 44113
To access marriage records, requesters must provide the following information:
- The first and last name of the groom.
- The first name and maiden name of the bride.
- The date of marriage.
Certified copies of marriage licenses cost $2 per copy.
Where and How to Obtain Cleveland Birth Records
Cleveland birth records are open records and are maintained by the Cleveland Department of Public Health via the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Certified copies of birth records are available to interested persons through mail, telephone, and in-person requests. Each copy of birth records cost $25, and an additional fee for credit card processing. To get birth certificates via mail, requesters may either download and fill out the Application for a Certified Copy of Birth Record or send a written request detailing the following data:
- Full name of the record bearer.
- Date of birth
- The parent's full name.
- The return mailing address
- The contact phone number.
- The hospital where the birth was recorded.
Requesters must include a money order or check payable to the City of Cleveland. Mail the request in a self-addressed envelope to the:
Office of Vital Records
601 Lakeside Avenue
Room 122
Cleveland, OH 44114
Visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics to obtain birth records in-person. More so, download and complete the Application for Birth Records and submit at the:
Office of Vital Records
601 Lakeside Avenue
Room 122
Cleveland, OH 44114
Where and How to Obtain Cleveland Death Records
The CDPH via the Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains records of all death events within the city. Interested persons may obtain certified copies of Cleveland death certificates via mail or in-person services. To obtain death records via mail, download and fill out the Request For Death Certificate form.
Provide the following data - the name of the record subject, date of death, and place of death, and send a money order or check payable to the City of Cleveland to the:
Office of Vital Records
601 Lakeside Avenue
Room 122
Cleveland, OH 44114
Certified copies of death records cost $25, and an additional fee for credit card processing.
The CDPH also provides walk-in services to requesters who want to obtain death records in-person. The CDPH is located at:
601 Lakeside Ave. Room 122
Cleveland, OH 44114
Requesters may pay the death record fee in cash. The CDPH is open to record seekers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
