Criminal Histories in the State of Delaware

Criminal Record Searches in Delaware Begin at the Central Repository Managed through the State Police
To run a criminal background check in Delaware, you have to begin with the Delaware State Police, which manages the central repository for the State Bureau of Identification or SBI. The State Bureau of Identification also maintains the state's sex offender registry.

Guidelines for Obtaining Criminal Records in Delaware
To request criminal records for yourself, you'll need to obtain your fingerprints at one of the state police locations, or the Kent County, New Castle County or Sussex County office. While you can walk in to the Kent County location for fingerprints, you'll need to make appointments at one of the other two state police offices in order to obtain the prints. A state-issued photo I.D. will be required as well. A fee of $52.50 is charged for accessing the information.

Criminal Records are Made Available to Individuals and, in certain cases, to Employers
Individuals who follow the above requirements can search the records and view their histories. Data included in the records contains such items as arrests, dispositions, and convictions as well as any pending matters that were dismissed. Officers from law enforcement agencies and employers may also view criminal histories as long as the reason for the search involves a criminal justice matter.

Records under the jurisdiction of the Delaware State Police include arrest reports and criminal court proceedings.

Other Services Provided by the Delaware SBI
The record repository at the Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) is a central database that the Delaware State Police use in order to conduct ongoing investigations and review the files of offenders who are connected with those cases. Besides providing criminal history searches, the SBI also offers services connected with firearm approval, fingerprint testing and professional licensing.

The Delaware Department of Correction - The Overseer of Inmate Files
For retrieving inmate records in Delaware, you have to go through the Delaware Department of Correction, which unifies the processing of inmates by running a corrections system that does not make use of individual entities, such as county jails or separate probation programs. Under the jurisdiction of the DOC, inmates are required to become involved in programs that will assist them in transitioning back into the mainstream.

Such programs include the Young Criminal Offenders Program (YCOP) for juveniles age 16 to 18, substance abuse classes for adults in the system, and prison art curriculums, which feature music, art, and dance education.

Searching Inmate Records
Inmate searches are conducted via the VINELink database (VINE standing for Victim Information and Notification Everyday), which is available on the Department of Correction's website. To search for information, you'll need the inmate ID or the subject's date of birth and name.

If you are looking for the status of an offender awaiting trial, then you'll need to look up the information by the case number. The public is able to view any inmate histories -- records that contain the location where the offender is housed and whether he or she is incarcerated or awaiting trial.