Find Mercer County Arrest Records
Mercer County is in central Kentucky with Harrodsburg as the county seat. The county has about 23,515 residents. Sheriff Ernie Kelty and his deputies handle law enforcement across the county, while the Mercer County Jail processes all local bookings. Arrest records from both the sheriff's office and local police are public documents under Kentucky law. Interested parties can review booking logs, charges, and bond information through local agencies. This page covers the offices responsible for arrest records in Mercer County and explains how to access them.
Mercer County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Ernie Kelty runs the Mercer County Sheriff's Office at 207 West Lexington Street in Harrodsburg. The mailing address is PO Box 126, Harrodsburg, KY 40330. Phone inquiries go to (859) 734-4221. The sheriff's office handles patrol, warrant service, civil process, and courthouse security. Deputies generate arrest records when they take a suspect into custody. Each record documents the person's name, charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest.
The sheriff's website provides general information about the office and its services. You can also find contact details for reaching specific divisions within the department. Walk-in records requests are accepted at the Lexington Street office during business hours.
Mercer County Jail Records
The Mercer County Jail is located at 224 South Main Street in Harrodsburg. Staff can be reached at (859) 734-6336. All individuals arrested in the county are brought to this facility for booking. Staff collect personal information, take photographs, and enter charges into the system. Bond amounts are recorded once set by the court. The jail maintains a complete log of every booking processed at the facility.
Remote bond posting is available through JailATM.com. This service allows family members to pay bond online without visiting the facility in person. The system accepts payments for inmates currently held at the Mercer County Jail. Bond amounts and payment confirmation are handled electronically through the platform.
Families can call the jail to confirm whether someone is in custody. Staff provide basic booking information over the phone, including charges and bond amounts. For detailed records or copies of booking documents, an in-person or written request may be required.
Court and Clerk Records
The Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk handles court records at the Mercer County Judicial Center. You can reach that office at (859) 734-8452. Court records track every stage of a criminal case after the initial arrest. They include arraignment notes, pretrial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. These records complement arrest records by showing what happened after someone was booked into the jail.
The Mercer County Clerk is a separate office at 235 South Main Street. Phone inquiries go to (859) 734-6310. The county clerk handles property records, vital records, and other county-level documents. While the county clerk does not manage criminal arrest records directly, the office can point you toward the correct agency for your request.
Mercer County court information
Contact details and office hours for both the Circuit and District courts in Mercer County are listed on the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
Statewide Arrest Records
The Kentucky Department of Corrections runs the KOOL database for statewide offender information. KOOL covers individuals serving state sentences. It shows conviction details, sentence lengths, and facility locations for inmates across Kentucky. Mercer County cases that result in state prison time are included in this system. The database does not cover people held in local jails on pretrial detention or misdemeanor charges.
For local arrest records, the jail and sheriff's office remain the primary sources. KOOL serves a different purpose. It tracks convicted offenders after they leave county custody and enter the state system. Both resources are free to use and require no account or registration.
Requesting Arrest Records
Mercer County agencies follow Kentucky's Open Records Act when responding to public records requests. Under KRS 61.872, any person may submit a request to inspect records held by a public agency. The agency must respond within three business days. Most arrest records and booking logs qualify as open records. Limited exemptions apply to certain investigative files and personal information as outlined in KRS 61.878.
You can submit requests in person at any of the county offices listed on this page. Written requests by mail or email are also accepted. Include your name, contact information, and a specific description of the records you want. Agencies may charge copying fees for paper reproductions, but viewing records in person is free.
Certain arrest records can be expunged under Kentucky law. KRS 431.078 allows eligible individuals to petition for the sealing of specific records. Once granted, expunged records are removed from public access. The Circuit Court Clerk's office can provide details on eligibility and the petition process.
Mercer County Booking Details
A standard booking record from the Mercer County Jail includes several data points. The person's full name, date of birth, and physical description are recorded. Charges are listed with their corresponding statute numbers. The arresting officer and agency are identified. Bond amounts appear once set. Mugshots taken at intake are part of the booking file.
Booking records also note the date and time of intake, housing assignment within the facility, and any court dates already scheduled. Release information is added when the person posts bond or completes a sentence. These records stay on file at the jail even after the person leaves custody. They can be accessed through a public records request to the facility.
Keep in mind that an arrest does not equal a conviction. Charges may be dropped, reduced, or result in acquittal. Court records reflect the final outcome of each case and should be reviewed alongside arrest records for complete information.
Nearby Counties with Arrest Records
These counties neighbor Mercer County. Each maintains separate arrest records and detention facilities.