Find Jail Mugshots in Kent County

Kent County Jail Mugshots are held by the state, not the county. Delaware runs a single system, so each person booked into custody in Kent County goes through a state facility. The main jail for Kent County men is the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna. You can search Kent County Jail Mugshots through the state inmate locator, the Kent County Sheriff's inmate search platform, and the court dockets. Local police departments also hold arrest files for cases made within their own city limits.

Kent County Sheriff's Office

The Kent County Sheriff's Office works with the local police forces in Dover, Smyrna, Harrington, and Milford. The Sheriff does not run a jail. The office handles civil process, court security, and records requests tied to its own work. Kent County inmate records are kept in step with the state police and the DOC.

The Sheriff's Office is at 2 The Circle, Dover, DE 19901. Written record requests must be sent to the Sheriff. Due to privacy concerns, the office may ask for proof of ID. A Criminal Investigation Report runs $5. An Incident Report runs $5. A Traffic Accident Report runs $5.

See the Sheriff's Office page for contact info and service hours.

The page links to forms for civil process and sheriff sale data.

James T. Vaughn Correctional Center

The James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is at 1181 Paddock Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. Phone: (302) 653-9261. It is the main jail for Kent County men. The site holds pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders. Booking at the center includes prints, mugshots, and a full intake of personal and case data.

Records held on each person cover the booking photo, prints, current charges, case numbers, the name of the arresting agency, bond data, court dates, release date, disciplinary history, and program notes. You can run an inmate locator search through the DOC portal to find a current inmate at the center.

Visits need advance setup. A valid photo ID is a must. Minors must come with a pre-approved adult. Written records requests go to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, Records Department, 1181 Paddock Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. The DOC FOIA Coordinator at 245 McKee Road, Dover, DE 19904 also routes requests for files tied to the site.

Kent County FOIA Process

Kent County takes FOIA requests in three ways. You can mail a form to Kent County Levy Court, Attn: Kelly Pitts, Public Information Officer, 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901. You can fax it to 302-736-2279. You can email PIO@kentcountyde.gov. For questions, call 302-744-2305.

Most routine asks do not need a formal FOIA form. The county notes that you should check the website first or call the office in question. For more detailed Kent County Jail Mugshots or arrest record needs, a formal FOIA may be called for. One submission covers requests that span many departments.

View the Kent County FOIA page for the form and rules.

The page also covers fees, exemptions, and how to appeal a denial to the state Attorney General.

Kent County Government Records

Kent County keeps records under Policy 25-2, adopted June 22, 2004. Original documents used by the public are held on site during normal business hours. At least one duplicate copy of any recorded property deed, mortgage, will, or estate doc is stored off site within one year of creation. Microfilm or imaged copies of originals may be made in place of the originals, as set by the County Administrator.

See the Kent County government site for department pages, meeting agendas, and record rules.

The site also lists Levy Court meeting times and contacts for each office.

For the full county resource portal with news and alerts, visit the main Kent County page.

The portal covers links to all main department pages.

Kent County Courthouse

The Kent County Courthouse is at 38 The Green, Dover, DE 19901. The site holds the Superior Court for felony cases, the Court of Common Pleas for misdemeanors and traffic, and the Family Court. You can search court cases on CourtConnect or use the public access terminals on site.

Court records cover case dockets, arrest warrants, arraignment files, trial notes, sentencing orders, and bond records. Mugshots may be held with case files when the court has them. The court keeps misdemeanor files for 7 to 10 years after case close and felony files for 25 years to long-term based on case severity.

Dover Police Department

The Dover Police Department is the main law enforcement office for the state capital. The department holds arrest records for all cases within Dover city limits. Reports are ready for release within 7 to 10 days of the event. Call the Records Unit at 736-7105, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Victim copies of crime reports are free. You must show a photo ID in person. Not released to anyone other than the victim unless a court-issued subpoena orders it. Insurance requests must be in writing with a $25 fee. Arrests in Dover are processed through the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center nearby. The Delaware Capitol Police also run a detention site for arrests on state property.

To make a police report about a crime, call the non-emergency number (302) 736-7111 or stop by the department, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Dover Police Department takes seriously the release of any personal info. Info is only released after proof of ID has been shown. The Dover Police site has the full form set and policy page.

Other Kent County Police Forces

Kent County has other city and town police forces that also keep arrest data. The Smyrna Police Department serves the town of Smyrna. Arrests there are processed through the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, which sits within the town limits. The Milford Police Department serves the city of Milford, which spans both Kent and Sussex Counties. Harrington Police Department, at 10 Mechanic Street, Harrington, DE 19952, has its phone line at (302) 398-4495.

Each of these departments works in tandem with the Kent County Sheriff's Office and Delaware State Police on major cases. Requests for arrest records should go to the department where the arrest took place, or to the State Police for broader cases.

Delaware State Police Troop 3

Delaware State Police Troop 3 covers Kent County. The Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit runs major felony cases across the county. Duties include traffic work on state highways, criminal cases, patrol in unincorporated areas, and arrest record upkeep.

Troop 3 posts arrests to the State Police arrest archive. Recent posts cover John Allen arrested for reckless endangering after a shooting, Dionne Warner arrested for aggravated menacing and weapons charges, and a set of arrests at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington.

Cities in Kent County

Kent County has several cities with their own police forces and records offices. Each city handles local arrest data for cases made in its own limits.