Severn Criminal History Records
Severn criminal history records are managed by Anne Arundel County and by the state's CJIS Central Repository. Severn is an unincorporated community with no city government or local police department. Anne Arundel County Police handle all law enforcement for the area, but they are not authorized to release official criminal history record information (CHRI) to the general public. For that, you must go through CJIS. This page covers both county and state sources so you know exactly where to go.
Severn Overview
How Severn Criminal History Records Work
Severn is a census-designated place in Anne Arundel County. It has no incorporated government and no dedicated police force. Anne Arundel County Police cover the whole unincorporated area, including Severn. The Central Records Section handles public records requests for police reports and related documents.
There is a key restriction to know about. Anne Arundel County Police are not authorized to provide criminal history record information to non-criminal justice agencies or the general public. This is a state rule that applies to local police agencies throughout Maryland. If you want an official criminal history background check, you must contact CJIS directly. Local police can give you an incident report for a specific event, but they cannot give you a full background check.
Important: Anne Arundel County Police cannot provide official criminal history record information to the general public. Contact CJIS for background checks.
State Criminal History Checks Through CJIS
The Maryland CJIS Central Repository is where official criminal history checks are processed. This office is part of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) and holds the statewide database of criminal records. It is the only authorized source for official background checks in Maryland.
To request your own criminal history, you submit Form 015 along with a set of fingerprints and the required fee. A state-only check costs $18. If you need an FBI records check added, the fee goes up to $38 or more. Send your materials to: CJIS Central Repository, P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days. Call the CJIS Help Desk at 1-888-795-0011 or 410-764-4501 with questions.
Full instructions and Form 015 are on the DPSCS background check page. Approved fingerprinting locations near Severn and throughout Anne Arundel County are listed on the DPSCS fingerprinting page.
Fingerprinting is the first step in getting an official Severn criminal history background check through the state CJIS system.
Anne Arundel County Police Records
For police incident reports covering events in Severn, you contact the Anne Arundel County Police Central Records Section. Incident reports are different from criminal history background checks. They cover specific calls for service, arrests, or incidents and are subject to Maryland Public Information Act rules.
| Address | 8495 Veterans Highway, Millersville, MD 21108 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 410-222-8750 |
| Website | Anne Arundel Central Records Section |
You can submit a records request online at the Anne Arundel County Police Department website, or you can mail your request to the Central Records Section address above. Include as much detail as possible: names, dates, case numbers if known, and your contact information.
The fee schedule for Anne Arundel County Police records is as follows:
- Police report or CAD notes: $5.00
- Archived report retrieval: $35.00
- Color photo copy: $1.00 each
- Photo CD: $5.00
- 911 Audio CD: $25.00
- Audio, photo, or video record: $40.00
- Reports over 20 pages: $0.25 per page
Reports are typically available 7 to 10 days after an incident has been processed. Records involving active investigations or juvenile suspects are not released.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court
Criminal cases for Severn residents are heard in Anne Arundel County courts. The Circuit Court handles felony cases and serious criminal matters. The District Court handles minor offenses and traffic cases.
| Circuit Court Address | 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401 |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Phone | 410-222-1397 |
Court records for Severn cases are searchable for free at the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Select Anne Arundel County to filter results to this jurisdiction. The tool shows case status, charges, court dates, and outcomes. It is a good research tool, but it does not replace an official criminal history record from CJIS.
Sex Offender Registry
Maryland's public sex offender registry is maintained by DPSCS. It is free to search. You can look up registered offenders in the Severn area by name or by address. The DPSCS Sex Offender Registry is updated regularly and lists current addresses, photos, and offense information for registered individuals in Anne Arundel County and throughout the state.
Expungement in Anne Arundel County
Maryland allows expungement of certain criminal records. Eligibility depends on the type of charge, case outcome, and how much time has passed. Dismissed cases, acquittals, and some other outcomes often qualify. Convictions have stricter rules.
The Maryland People's Law Library expungement guide is a free resource that explains the process step by step. Severn residents file expungement petitions with the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court at 8 Church Circle, Annapolis. The clerk's office can provide forms and answer basic questions. Seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney is helpful if your situation is complex.
Nearby Maryland Cities
These communities near Severn also have criminal history record pages with local police and court information.
Anne Arundel County Records
Severn is part of Anne Arundel County. The county page has courthouse details, county agency contacts, and additional record sources.