General Information

Accessing police certification about your criminal history, or lack thereof, is governed by strict laws and regulations to maintain your privacy: typically, you can obtain this information only about yourself. Click here to read Virginia Code regarding the release of criminal history information (Section 19.2-389).

Additionally, multiple agencies may maintain the records you seek.

Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE), managed by the Virginia Department of State Police, serves as the official custodian of records for most criminal violations and receives criminal records from across the state. These records typically include:

• Treason
• All felony offense
• All Class I or Class II misdemeanors (excluding trespassing, driving while intoxicated, and disorderly conducts)

The police or sheriff's agency that made the original arrest or charge maintains records concerning lesser criminal violations. This means you may have to make requests from multiple agencies to obtain a complete criminal history record.

Criminal Arrest Records Maintained by the City of Fairfax Police Department

The Fairfax City Police Records Section maintains criminal arrest records of the City of Fairfax Police Department.  Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays (excluding holidays).

Please speak directly with a records specialist to confirm we can provide the records you seek and what paperwork and identification are needed to obtain these records. Information: 703-385-7950

You must complete a Request for Criminal History Information Form in-person when you arrive at the records section, and you may only request criminal history information about yourself. To process your request you must:

• Make your request in-person
• Complete the Request for Criminal History Information Form
  • You may request only your own information
• Present two forms of personal ID, one of which must have your photograph:
  • Driver's license
  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Government ID issued in your name
• Pay $10 for each individual record check.

A records specialist will check the department's records while you wait. You will receive a copy of the Criminal History Request Form documenting the search results. 

If the records specialist finds your criminal history involves an offense reported to CCRE, you will have to make a request directly CCRE. Click here for information regarding CCRE.

The complexity of records management can be confusing, so please contact our records specialists for assistance and information: 703-385-7950