What are Randolph County Public Records?
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act defines Randolph County public records as information recorded, prepared, used, or maintained by the county’s government agencies. These records are mainly documentary materials about the performance or transaction of government business, created and maintained by public agencies.
Randolph County public records are available to requestors regardless of physical form, characteristics, method of creation, or storage. Records may be reports, letters, memoranda, books, maps, photographs, microfilm, audio or video recordings, electronic communications, and electronic data records. However, some records in the custody of government bodies may be exempted from public access by law or sealed by court order. Examples of restricted information include the following:
- Any records maintained by law enforcement or correctional agencies that may hinder an individual from having an impartial or fair case.
- Any records or information specifically prohibited from disclosure under federal or state law, or the regulations and rules implementing these laws.
- Trade secrets and commercial or financial information if disclosure would cause competitive harm to an individual or business.
- Any records containing information or communications between a public body and its legal representatives, that fall under the attorney-client privilege.
- Personal information, the disclosure of which would be an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
In addition to government agencies, county public records can also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users can search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this record availability and results may vary.
Randolph County Crime Statistics
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office compiles county crime statistics and forwards the data to the Illinois State Police for publication in its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) database. According to the Annual Crime Report for 2020, Randolph County had a total of 56 index crime offenses, including 2 rape cases, 17 aggravated assault incidents, 9 burglary cases, 25 theft reports, 2 motor vehicle thefts, and 1 sex act offense. There were no reported criminal homicides, robberies, or arsons.
Recorded figures for 2019 also showed no criminal homicides, robberies, or arsons. Between 2019 and 2020, there were reductions in aggravated assault (15%), burglary (35.7%), theft (47.5), and servitude (100%). However, motor vehicle theft in Randolph County increased by 100%. Overall, the total number of index crime offenses dropped to 56 from 78, representing a 28.2% reduction.
Are Randolph County Criminal Records Public?
Randolph County criminal records are public records obtainable from the Illinois State Police’s Bureau of Identification. Interested requestors can use name-based or fingerprint-based options. Name-based checks are available online via the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP). Record seekers must create an online profile on the CHIRP website and obtain a Digital ID. Interested persons may then use the ID to request name-based record searches on the CHIRP database.
Fingerprint-based record searches are available via fingerprint cards obtained from the ISP or any approved center. Paper fingerprint cards cost $20.00 while livescan electronic scans cost $15.00. All persons should submit mail or in-person fingerprint-based requests for Randolph criminal records to:
Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification
260 N. Chicago St
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 740-5160 ext 2
Fingerprint-based checks cost $20.00 per search, while name-based checks cost $16.00 each. These fees are exclusive of charges for fingerprinting services.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Randolph County arrest records and police reports are obtainable from the Sheriff’s Office. Interested persons can reach out to the office to obtain these records by describing the desired documents. Requests should include names, dates, incident descriptions, and arrest information. Parties should also add case numbers if known.
All parties should note that the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office may charge fees before producing copies of desired records. Applicants should submit requests for Randolph arrest records and police reports using the following details:
Randolph County Sheriff
200 W Buena Vista St
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5484
Fax: (618) 826-4732
Email: rcso@randolphco.org
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Randolph County
Information on Randolph County sex offenders is available via the Illinois Sex Offender Registry operated by the Illinois State Police. Anyone can search the registry by providing the offender’s full name, city, zip code, county, status, and type. The Illinois Sex Offender Registry contains personal details, crime information, and photographs. Record seekers can also view a list of missing or non-compliant sex offenders who have vacated their last reported addresses and have not provided updated information as required by law.
How to Find Randolph County Inmate Records
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office posts a Current Inmate Listing on its website. Searchers may view a list of current inmates, including each person’s full name, charges, bond information, and booking photograph. Alternatively, interested parties may contact the Sheriff’s Office for Randolph County inmate records. Requests should contain the inmate’s name, booking, information, and charge description. Record seekers may submit requests to the Sheriff’s Office at the following address:
Randolph County Sheriff
200 W Buena Vista St
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5484
Fax: (618) 826-4732
Email: rcso@randolphco.org
Randolph County Court Records
Randolph County operates a unified court system and features a Circuit Court that exercises general jurisdiction over all court cases. The Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk is the county’s custodian of court records and provides public access to records of cases heard by the 20th Judicial Circuit Court. By contacting the Circuit Clerk, record seekers can inspect or obtain copies of various case records, including criminal, civil, and family court records.
Locations of Courts in Randolph County
Randolph County Circuit Court
Randolph County Courthouse
1 Taylor Street, Room 302
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5000 ext. 194
Fax: (618) 826-3761
Are Randolph County Court Records Public?
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, most Randolph County court records are considered public information. However, some records may be sealed by court order or exempted from public access by state or federal laws. Examples of exempt Randolph court records are juvenile court records, adoption cases, and other records that could pose a safety risk to any individual.
How to Obtain Randolph County Civil Court Case Records
Randolph County civil court records are available at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Record seekers must provide enough information for staff at the office to identify and find the record. Required information may include a case number, names of parties to the case, and relevant dates. While record inspection is free of charge, obtaining copies may incur request fees. Requestors can inspect desired records using public computer terminals at the courthouse. Parties should visit or submit requests using the following details:
Randolph County Circuit Clerk
1 Taylor Street, Room 302
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5000 ext 194
Fax: (618) 826-3761
How to Obtain Randolph County Criminal Court Records
Copies of Randolph County Criminal court records are obtainable from the Randolph County Circuit Clerk. Record seekers should contact the Clerk’s Office with record information, including names, dates, and charge details. The courthouse also allows interested parties to physically inspect desired records through provided self-help terminals. Record inspection is free of charge. Applicants should submit requests to:
Randolph County Circuit Clerk
1 Taylor Street, Room 302
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5000 ext 194
Fax: (618) 826-3761
What are Randolph County Vital Records?
Randolph County Vital records are records documenting life events in the county. These records include birth records, death records, marriage records, and divorce records. Randolph County vital records are obtainable from the Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk or the Randolph County Clerk. While vital records in Illinois are public information, certified copies of these records will only be issued to eligible persons who show valid identification. Individuals interested in these records must submit official requests and pay applicable fees.
Divorce Records
Randolph County divorce records can be obtained from the Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk. The records can be obtained by providing staff at the Clerk's Office with enough information to locate the record. This includes information such as:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- The case number of the divorce
- The date and location of the divorce case(city and county)
Any requests in person or by mail should be directed to the Randolph County Clerk’s Office at:
Randolph County Circuit Clerk
1 Taylor Street, Room 302
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5000 ext 194
Fax: (618) 826-3761
For further assistance or questions about acquiring divorce records, seekers should contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office by calling (618) 826-5000 ext.194 or emailing circuitclerk@randolphco.org.
Marriage Records
Interested persons should obtain copies of Randolph County Marriage Records from the Randolph County Clerk’s Office. Marriage records are available for marriages in the county from 1916 to date. As vital records in Illinois are considered restricted records, certified copies of Randolph County marriage records will only be issued to certain individuals. These persons include:
- The bride or groom registered on the certificate
- A department of the State or Federal government performing official business
- Any individual authorized by a court order (must provide the court order with the request)
Records seekers may visit the Clerk’s Office or mail the Marriage Record Request form using the details below:
Randolph County Clerk
1 Taylor Street, Room 202
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5000 ext 191
Requestors must provide a valid government-issued identification with every request. In-person requestors must present original copies, while mail requestors may submit photocopies. Randolph County marriage certificates cost $14.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for every additional copy ordered at the same time. Requestors can also pay an additional $1.00 per copy to receive requested records by mail. Payment is accepted via checks or money orders for the correct amount made payable to the Randolph County Clerk. Cash is also allowed for in-person requests.
Birth Records
Randolph County birth records since 1916 are obtainable from the Randolph County Clerk. Only the following persons can obtain certified copies:
- The person named on the birth certificate if at least 18 years old
- Parent listed on the certificate as mother or father
- A legal custodian or guardian bearing a court order stating guardianship
- The registrant’s legal representative
- An agency of the federal or state government performing official business
- Any individual with a court order granting access
Randolph County birth certificates are available in person during office hours or by mailing a Birth Record Request to the Clerk's Office. All parties should send requests to:
Randolph County Clerk
1 Taylor Street, Room 202
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5000 ext 191
Requestors must show valid government-issued identification in person or add a copy of the identification to mailed requests. Birth records from the Randolph County Clerk cost $14.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for every extra copy ordered at the same time. Records to be delivered by mail will incur a $1.00 per-copy mailing. The office accepts checks and money orders made out to the Randolph County Clerk for mail requests, and cash for in-person orders.
Death Records
Randolph County death records are available for request at the Randolph County Clerk’s Office. Only the following persons may access these records:
- An immediate family of the deceased (including parents, current spouse, siblings, and children)
- A person, or duly authorized agent, having personal or property right interest in the record (with documentation)
- Any person authorized by a court order to obtain the record (with a copy of the court order)
- A department of the state or federal government performing official business
Requests are possible in person at the county clerk’s office or by mailing a completed Death Record Request form to the office. All applications and inquiries should be directed to the Randolph County Clerk’s Office at:
Randolph County Clerk
1 Taylor Street, Room 202
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5000 ext 191
Applicants must pay the appropriate fees for the record and provide valid government-issued picture identification during requests. Randolph County death records cost $18.00 for the first copy and $9.00 for each extra copy requested at the same time. Parties should send money orders or checks made out to the Randolph County Clerk for mail requests, or use cash for in-person requests. Mail deliveries cost $1.00 per copy.
