Search Baltimore Criminal History Records
Baltimore criminal history records come from two main sources: the Baltimore Police Department and the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). Baltimore is an independent city, not part of any county, which makes it unique among Maryland jurisdictions. If you need an official criminal history background check, you must go through the state's CJIS Central Repository, not the local police. This page covers where to look, what you can access, and how the process works for Baltimore City.
Baltimore City Overview
Baltimore City: An Independent Jurisdiction
Most people don't realize Baltimore City is separate from Baltimore County. The two share a name but are completely different jurisdictions with different courts, police departments, and record systems. Baltimore City has been an independent city since 1851. It has its own circuit court, district court, and state's attorney. If you are looking for records from the city, you search Baltimore City courts and agencies. Records from areas like Towson or Dundalk belong to Baltimore County, not the city.
This distinction matters when you search. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search lets you filter by jurisdiction. Always select "Baltimore City" rather than "Baltimore County" if the case or incident happened within city limits. The city covers 80 square miles, so it's worth double-checking the address before you search.
Note: Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate jurisdictions with separate courts and police departments.
Official Criminal History Background Checks
Official criminal history background checks for Baltimore City residents go through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), specifically the CJIS Central Repository. The Baltimore Police Department does not issue official criminal history reports to the general public. That job belongs to CJIS.
To get your own criminal history record, you submit fingerprints along with Form 015 and a $18 fee (state check only) to the CJIS Central Repository. The mailing address is P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708. If you also want an FBI check, the combined fee is $38 or more. Processing takes about 10 to 15 business days. You can reach the CJIS Help Desk at 1-888-795-0011 or 410-764-4501 with questions about the process.
The DPSCS background check page has current forms, fee schedules, and submission instructions. If you need fingerprinting services, the DPSCS fingerprinting page lists approved locations across the state, including sites in Baltimore City.
The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office also addresses criminal history questions in its FAQ. According to that office, individuals who want to check their own record should go to a local police barracks or sheriff's office to have fingerprints taken, then submit those prints to CJIS. The cost is $18 plus whatever the fingerprinting location charges for the actual fingerprint card.
Baltimore Police Department Records
The Baltimore Police Department is located at 242 W. 29th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211. You can reach the Public Information Act representative, Wayne Brooks, by phone at 410-396-2495 or by email at dcu@baltimorepolice.org.
| Address | 242 W. 29th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211 |
|---|---|
| PIA Contact | Wayne Brooks |
| Phone | 410-396-2495 |
| dcu@baltimorepolice.org | |
| Non-Emergency | 311 |
Police records that the public can request include incident reports, case file records from closed investigations, body-worn camera footage, CCTV footage, CAD logs, 911 dispatch audio, evidence chain-of-custody documents, and scene photos. General incident reports and records from other requests go to the Community Correspondence Unit at ccu@baltimorepolice.org. You can also mail requests to the address above, attention: Community Correspondence Unit.
Vehicle accident reports from January 1, 2011, forward are available through LexisNexis Police Reports. You'll need the report number, or the full name of a party plus the date and location of the crash. Older accident reports (before 2011) go through the email address above. Processing for most requests takes up to 30 days. Some complex records may take longer. The department charges fees based on the scope of the request rather than a set flat rate.
Maryland Judiciary Case Search
The free Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool lets you look up court records across the state. For Baltimore City, you can search criminal, civil, and traffic cases filed in both the Circuit Court and the District Court. This tool is useful for finding case numbers, court dates, charges, and dispositions.
Keep in mind that this tool is not an official criminal history report. It shows public court records, but it may not reflect all charges, expunged cases, or sealed records. For a legally valid criminal history check, you still need to go through CJIS. But for a quick look at court filings in Baltimore City, the case search tool is free and updated regularly.
Important: The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is not a substitute for an official CJIS criminal history background check.
Sex Offender Registry
The Maryland Sex Offender Registry is maintained by DPSCS. You can search it at the DPSCS sex offender search page or through the direct registry site at socem.info. The registry shows registrants by name, zip code, or map area. It covers all of Maryland, including Baltimore City.
Expungement in Baltimore City
If you have a criminal record in Baltimore City that you want to clear, expungement may be an option. Maryland allows expungement for certain charges, including cases that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in a not-guilty verdict. Some convictions also qualify after a waiting period.
The Maryland Courts website has a record cleanup help page with step-by-step guidance. People's Law Library also has a detailed guide at peoples-law.org that covers who qualifies, what forms to file, and what fees apply. Filing for expungement in Baltimore City goes through Baltimore City Circuit Court.
Baltimore Police and Criminal History: What to Know
The Baltimore Police Department handles incident reports, police calls, and investigation files. It does not produce official criminal history records for background purposes. Those come from the state level only. This split often confuses people. A police report shows what officers documented at the time. A criminal history shows what charges were filed, how cases resolved, and what is in the state's central database.
Baltimore Police released this image showing their records and public information resources.
The police department's public records process follows Maryland's Public Information Act. Requests that involve ongoing investigations or protected personal information may be partially or fully denied.
Nearby Cities
Look up criminal history records in cities near Baltimore.
County Records
Baltimore City is an independent city. For records in the surrounding area, see Baltimore County.