The freedom of information in the USA allows people to discover valuable information about the government and the people. If you are unfamiliar with the term, it is important that you know what such files can provide you, and how to search for them. Here we will explain what are public records, and you can perform a pro people search online.
What are public records?
Public records are files that contain information about agencies, governments, or people. So, in public files, you can find information about official authorities, as well as private individuals. A public records search will provide, in part, the following information:
- Age (via birth records/vital records)
- Contact information
- Residence history
- Arrest records
- Mugshots
- Criminal records
- Court records
- Marriage records
- Real estate records
- Driving records
- And more
Where are public records held?
As mentioned, public records are maintained in special files. These are physical files that are maintained by the agencies that have collected them. For instance, court records are kept by courts, arrest records are kept by law enforcement agencies, etc.
Also, many agencies in the country keep digitized versions of public records. These files are kept in special directories that you can access at all times, and perform a public records search online.
How to perform a public records search?
There are several methods you can use to find public records:
1. Agency search
You can contact the agency that holds the files that you are looking for. For instance, if you want to find arrest records in a particular county in Alabama, you can contact the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. To find the contact information, search for the agency’s website or contact info online. Each agency offers several methods for a public records search. You can contact the necessary agency via phone, fax, email, US post, or in person. Then, you will need to fill out and file a request form for the records that you are searching. After you pay a search fee, the agency will provide you with a copy of the records (service times vary).
2. Online agency/state search
As we said, official agencies in the country maintain digitized copies of public records. To search these records, all you have to do is search the website of the agency in question. Then, scroll through the website and search for the area where there is access to public records. Enter the name of the person in question, and find their records.
3. Professional public records directory
The two previous methods are helpful when you need access to one type of record, like a criminal record. However, if you want to get a detailed report about someone, you should use a professional public records search directory, like propeoplesearch.com. To use the service, all you have to do is provide the full name of the person in question, as well as his/her state of residence. propeoplesearch.com will begin to scan billions of public records in search of relevant data. At the end of the scan, which lasts mere minutes, you will receive a complete public records report that will tell you everything you need to know about the person that you are looking for.
