What are Palatine City Public Records?
Illinois's Freedom of Information Act defines public records as recorded information prepared, used, or maintained by or in the custody of the city's public bodies. Public information remains so regardless of its physical form, characteristics, or storage method. Palatine city records can appear as reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, or electronic communications.
Nevertheless, some records in the custody of public bodies may be sealed by court orders or exempt from public access under public record laws. Examples of records exempt from public access under public record statutes include the following:
- Any information expressly prohibited from disclosure under state and federal laws or the rules and regulations implementing these laws.
- An individual's personal information contained in a public record the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
- Records maintained by any law enforcement or correctional agency the disclosure of which could prevent an individual from having a fair and impartial trial or hearing.
- Trade secrets and commercial or financial information the disclosure of which would cause competitive harm to a person or business.
- Any information or communications between a public body and its legal representatives that falls under the attorney-client privilege.
Alongside official sources, public county records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant.
Note: Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Palatine City Crime Statistics
The responsibility of gathering and organizing the crime data and statistics for the village falls to the Palatine Police Department. This data is forwarded to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) database. According to the UCR, between 2018 and 2019, cases of murder, property crime, larceny, and vehicle theft decreased by 100%, 13.9%, 16.1%. And 26.6% respectively. Conversely, cases of rape, robbery, assault, burglary, and arson increased by 18.2%, 28.6, 122.2%, 10.7%, and 200%, respectively. Between 2018 and 2019, overall violent crime in Palatine also increased by 50%.
Are Palatine City's Criminal Records Public?
Criminal records for offenders from Palatine can be obtained from either the Cook County Sheriff's Office or the Illinois State Police(ISP) Bureau of Identification. Individuals may request a background check from the ISP by contacting the Bureau of Identification. The bureau offers name-based and fingerprint-based record checks. Name-based checks are obtained using the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP). Requesters will be required to create a profile and obtain a Digital ID. After this is done, the individuals may log on to the database and follow instructions to request the name-based search. Fingerprint-based requests can be made by obtaining fingerprints either by paper card at the office or any Illinois livescan center. The request can be made in person or mailed to:
Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification
260 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 740-5160 ext 2
Name-based checks will cost $16 per search, while fingerprint-based checks will cost $20 minus fingerprinting. Paper fingerprint cards cost $20, while livescan electronic scans cost $15.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Copies of police reports and other records for the Palatine Police Department can be obtained from the records and communication department of the police department. To request the record, requesters must download and fill out the police department freedom of information request form. The completed form can be submitted or mailed to the police department freedom of information office at:
Freedom of Information Officer
Palatine Police Department
595 N. Hicks Rd. Palatine, IL 60067
Phone: (847) 359-9034
Fax: (847) 359-9096
E-mail: tmaher@palatine.il.us
Requesters will receive a response to their request within five working days of receipt. There is no charge for the first 50 pages of black and white copies of the record.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Palatine City
Sex offender information for Palatine can be obtained by visiting the online Illinois Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Illinois State Police. This is the statewide database for registered sex offenders in Illinois. It contains a search tool that allows visitors to search for sex offender information online using criteria such as name, city, zip code, county, status, and offender type.
The Palatine Police Department keeps a list of sex offenders registered with them at their Records and Communication Department. Residents interested in viewing this list may do so at the records department after showing valid government-issued photo identification.
How to Find Palatine City Inmate Records
Information and records for any inmates arrested in Palatine can be found by contacting the Palatine Police Department. Inmate information can also be obtained using the inmate locator found on the Cook County Sheriff's website. The search using this inmate locator will return information on inmates detained in any facility operated by the Cook County Department of Correction. Searches using the inmate locator can be made using parameters such as full names or their booking number.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Palatine City Jail?
Inmates arrested in Palatine will normally be detained in one of the Divisions of the facility operated by the Cook County Department of Correction ( CCDOC). The CCDOC offers both in-person visitation and offline video visitation. Prospective visitors are required to fill and submit a visitors application to CCDOC. These forms can be obtained from the county sheriff's office, the division where the inmate to be visited is housed, and any county courthouse. Applications can also be made online at the Cook County Sheriff's Website or by finding the inmate using the inmate locator and selecting "register online". Applications are usually processed within seven business days of application.
After approval is confirmed, the inmate must add the visitor to their visitor's list. The visitor will then be contacted by the jail staff to schedule a visit according to the CCDOC visiting schedules. Visits can also be scheduled online by the visitor at least 48 hours in advance using the online scheduling application form. Visitors may find further information on visitation at the department of corrections in the visitor's section of their website.
What are Palatine City Vital Records?
Palatine's vital records are records kept by the community's government authorities that document all the life events that have occurred in it. These include records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that have been registered in the community's jurisdiction. These vital records can be obtained from their custodians in Cook County, such as the Cook County Clerk and the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Where and How to Obtain Palatine City Divorce Records
Divorce records can be obtained from the domestic relations division of the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Records can be obtained by contacting the clerk of the circuit court in person or by mail. Records seekers must provide enough information to identify and locate the record, such as:
- Full names of the couple involved in the divorce
- The case number of the divorce case
- The location and date of the divorce
In addition, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Vital Records issues a form of divorce record called a Dissolution of Marriage Verification. This is a document verifying that a divorce was granted in Illinois. The document will provide information such as the names of the couple, the date, and the location of the divorce.
The record can be obtained by filling out a Dissolution of Marriage Record Request Form and returning it to the vital records division. Applicants can return the completed form in person or by mail to the division at:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
925 E. Ridgely Ave.
Springfield, IL 62702-2737
The form can also be faxed to the office. All requests should include a copy of valid government-issued identification either shown in person or mailed/faxed with the request. The verification document costs $5 per copy. Payment for mailed or in-person requests can be made in checks or money orders made payable to the Illinois Department of Health. Faxed requests should include a credit card number and expiration date to pay the $5 fee, a $12.95 credit card handling fee, and a $19.50 UPS charge.
Where and How to Get Marriage Records in Palatine City
Marriage records for Palatine can be obtained from the Cook County Clerk's Office, Bureau of Vital Records. The Clerk's Office offers two different types of marriage records: a standard certificate and a wallet-sized record. Marriage records can be obtained from the bureau in person or by mail. Requests by mail can be made by filling and submitting a filled copy of the Marriage/Civil Union Record Request Form to the vital records bureau at:
Cook County Clerk's Office
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 641070
Chicago, IL 60664-1070
Mailed requests must also include the payment for the record, a copy of acceptable identification, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for returning the record.
Marriage records can be obtained in person by visiting the main office or any of the five other County Clerk Locations in the county. The following information will be required in order to process the marriage record request:
- Names of the bride and groom at the time of the marriage, including any maiden names
- Date of the marriage
- Location of the marriage in Cook County
- Name and address of the requester
- Daytime phone number of the requester
Requesters can come into any of the locations during office hours, show identification, pay the fees, and receive the record. To find out opening times and directions for clerk's office locations requests may call the office at (312) 603-7790.
Marriage records from the clerk's office cost $15 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy that is ordered at the same time. Payment during in-person requests is acceptable in cash, debit or credit card while mailed requests must include a check or money order for the amount due. All checks and money orders should be made payable to the Cook County Clerk.
Marriage records can also be obtained by residents from any local Cook County Currency Exchange Office. To obtain currency exchange office locations and opening times, residents may call (847) 759-8905 or search online. In addition to the normal fees, there is an additional $5 surcharge to obtain the records from the currency exchange.
Where and How to Find Palatine City Birth Records
Birth Records for Palatine can be requested from the Cook County Clerk's Office, Bureau of Vital Records. According to Illinois laws, certified copies of birth records can only be issued to individuals who can show a direct and tangible need in it. Examples of such individuals include the following:
- The registrant named on the record(if they are now of legal age)
- The parents of the registrant (parents name must appear on the record)
- A court-appointed legal custodian or guardian of the registrant (must provide documentation showing appointment)
- The legal representative of the registrant, such as an attorney
Birth records in Illinois are not considered public records, and hence certified copies of the record will only be issued to the above-listed persons.
Obtaining Copies of Palatine City Birth Certificates
Birth records for Palatine can be obtained from the Cook County Clerk's Office, Bureau of Vital Records either by mail or in person. Applicants will be required to download and fill a copy of the Birth Record Request Form and submit it to the county clerk's main office at:
Cook County Clerk's Office
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 641070
Chicago, IL 60664-1070
Applicants requesting the birth record by mail will be required to mail the following items in their request:
- The completed application form(a daytime phone number must be filled in the form)
- The correct fees
- A copy of valid photo identification from the list of the acceptable identification
- A self-addressed and stamped envelope for returning the record to the requester
- Supporting documentation to prove eligibility if necessary
Applications can be submitted in person at the Clerk County main office in downtown Chicago or any of the other five suburban locations. The locations of all the Cook County Clerk Offices are:
Northwest Suburbs - Rolling Meadows
2121 Euclid Avenue, Room 238
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: (847) 818-2850
North Suburbs - Skokie
5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 149
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: (847) 470-7233
West Suburbs - Maywood
1311 Maybrook Square, Room 104
Maywood, IL 60153
Phone: (708) 865-6010
Southwest Suburbs - Bridgeview
10220 S. 76th Ave., Room 238
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Phone: (708) 974-6150
South Suburbs - Markham
16501 S. Kedzie, Room 238
Markham, IL 60426
Phone: (708) 232-4150
Downtown Chicago - Vital Records
118 N. Clark St., Room 120
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 603-7790
Information about opening times and directions to all locations can be obtained by calling the main office at (312) 603-7790. Applicants can submit their completed applications in person at any of the six locations. Fees, valid photo identification, and any other supporting documentation should also be presented to staff during the request.
Birth records from the Cook County Clerk cost an initial search fee of $15 which includes one copy of the record. Any extra copies ordered at the same time will cost $4 each. Payment is accepted in cash, credit, or debit cards during in-person requests, while checks and money orders are to be included in mailed requests. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Cook County Clerk.
The record will be printed on-demand after payment has been made while the requester waits during in-person requests. On the other hand, mailed requests are processed within 20 working days from receipt of the request.
Local Currency Exchanges in Cook County also issue birth records to residents. To find information on currency exchanges in Cook County, such as locations and office hours individuals may call (847) 759-8905. There is an additional surcharge of $5 added to the fees for the birth records from the currency exchange.
Where and How to Find Palatine City Death Records
Records for deaths that occurred in Palatine can be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Records, Cook County Clerk's Office. Death records for Illinois and by extension Palatine are not considered public records and certified copies of the record are only issued to authorized persons. These are persons who can show with documentation where necessary, a direct and tangible interest in the record and include the following:
- Parents of the deceased
- Spouse or domestic partner of the deceased
- Children of the deceased
- Siblings of the deceased
- Legal custodian and guardian of the deceased (with documentation)
- Any individual who can show they need the record to protect a personal or property interest (with documentation)
Requests for death records for palatine can be made from the Bureau of Vital Records in person or by mail. The request must fill out a Death Record Request Form and submit it to the main clerk's office in Downtown Chicago and its five suburban locations.
Downtown Chicago - Vital Records
118 N. Clark St., Room 120
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 603-7790
Northwest Suburbs - Rolling Meadows
2121 Euclid Avenue, Room 238
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: (847) 818-2850
North Suburbs - Skokie
5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 149
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: (847) 470-7233
West Suburbs - Maywood
1311 Maybrook Square, Room 104
Maywood, IL 60153
Phone: (708) 865-6010
Southwest Suburbs - Bridgeview
10220 S. 76th Ave., Room 238
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Phone: (708) 974-6150
South Suburbs - Markham
16501 S. Kedzie, Room 238
Markham, IL 60426
Phone: (708) 232-4150
The request can be submitted at any of the Cook County's Clerk Office locations. Applicants are required to show a valid photo identification from the acceptable identification list and pay the necessary fees for the record. Requests made at the clerk's office locations will usually be printed out after payment while the requester waits.
Eligible parties should send mailed requests containing the completed form, a copy of acceptable identification, the correct fees, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:
Cook County Clerk's Office
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 641070
Chicago, IL 60664-1070
Copies of any supporting documentation should also be included in any mailed requests where necessary. Mailed requests are usually processed in about 20 days from when the request was received.
Death certificates from the Cook County Clerk cost a $17 search fee. Additional copies ordered simultaneously cost $6 each. Payment can be made in checks or money orders made payable to the Cook County Clerk, and cash and credit or debit cards are also accepted during in-person requests.
Death certificates are also issued by Local Currency Exchanges within Cook County. Record seekers can find details about nearest locations and opening times by calling (847) 759-8905 or visiting their website. Requests ordering death records from their local currency exchange will be charged a $5 surcharge in addition to the standard fee for the record.
