What are Canton Public Records?
Per the Ohio Public Records Act, Canton public records are documents generated, maintained, retained, or used by a public office while conducting government business. Canton public records may appear in different formats such as books, letters, tapes, microfilms, sound recordings, photostats, emails, maps, drawings, symbols, and more. Interested individuals can access public records in Canton without restriction and need to state the purpose of their request.
Nonetheless, the Ohio Public Records Act allows public bodies to refuse disclosure of certain records. Such documents are called exemptions. A document may be partially or entirely restricted from public view depending on the information it holds. Examples of documents that may be exempt from public records search include:
- Records that contain details of an adoption proceeding
- Records that contain information about an individual’s medical history
- Records that reveal details of classified law enforcement investigations
- Records that contain information about intellectual properties or trade secrets
- Records that reveal personal information such as social security number, driver’s license number, and more
- Records that can threaten the safety of parties involved
- Any record protected by state or federal law
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may either opt to 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
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Canton Crime Statistics
The Canton Police Department is in charge of collating all criminal activities within its jurisdiction. It also transfers these reports to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which, in turn, publishes an annual crime statistics report through the Uniform Crime Report (UCR). According to the 2019 crime statistics report for Canton, the city recorded a total of 981 violent crimes, 3,712 property crimes, and 24 cases of arson. The further analysis of this report includes six murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases, 135 rape cases, 188 robbery cases, and 652 aggravated assault cases. The property crimes consist of 962 burglary cases, 2,429 larceny-theft cases, 321 motor vehicle theft cases.
In comparison to the 2018 crime report, the city recorded a total number of 845 violent crimes, 3,790 property crimes, and 19 arsons. A breakdown of the report includes three murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases, 98 rape cases, 189 robbery cases, and 555 aggravated assault cases. Meanwhile, the property crimes include 970 burglary cases, 2,517 larceny-theft cases, and 303 motor vehicle theft cases.
Are Canton Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Canton criminal records are public and available upon request. Although certain documents may not be available to the general public. The Stark County Sheriff Office maintains and provides access to all criminal history information within the county. Interested persons who intend to obtain these records must submit a complete fingerprint background check form to
Stark County Safety Building
4500 Atlantic Blvd., N.E.,
Canton, OH 44705
Note, there is a $40 charge for each background check. Interested persons must schedule an appointment to use the service. Typically, background checks and fingerprinting are only available on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
How to Obtain Canton Police Reports and Arrest Records
Individuals interested in Canton police reports and arrest records should contact the Canton Police Department. The Records Bureau is responsible for maintaining records of the department's day-to-day operations. Also, the department issues copies of police reports and other documents upon request. Individuals interested in these reports and documents can contact the Records Bureau via (330) 489-3172, from Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
Canton Police Department
Record Room
221 3rd Street SW
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 489-3172
Fax: (330) 489-3264
Email: police.records@cantonohio.gov
As an alternative, requesters who wish to obtain copies of incident reports can use the incident report inquiry portal. The online portal allows interested persons to search for records using these search criteria: report number, report date, street name, and last name.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Canton
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) is responsible for maintaining and providing public access to registered sex offenders in the state. Individuals interested in Canton sex offender information can obtain them via the sex offender registry. The registry enables requesters to access these records using the various search options: in your area, name, city, non-compliant, internet name or email, and phone number.
For instance, phone number search options allow requesters to search an offender using a phone number, while the internet name or email enables users to search using an internet name or email. The city search option provides access to sex offender information in a chosen city. Meanwhile, interested persons can search for offenders by their compliance status. Requesters can use the name search option by providing the last name and first name of an offender. Lastly, the “In Your Area” search provides a robust option that allows users to obtain sex offender information in specific areas. Interested persons must fill out the address, city, zip, zip plus, and the type of offender address.
How to Find Canton Inmate Records
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) provides statewide access to inmate records via the offender search database. Interested persons can access Canton inmate records using any of the following search combinations: last name, first name, county of commitment, residential county, zip code, status, next parole board hearing date, and offender number.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Canton Jail?
The Stark County Sheriff Office maintains and operates the county jail facility for Canton and other cities within its jurisdiction. Family and friends who wish to visit an inmate must schedule a visit ahead of time. The Stark County Jail provides access to both onsite and offsite (remote) video visitations. Interested individuals must create an account and schedule an appointment at least 24 hours before their chosen date and time. Once the visit is confirmed, visitors must arrive at least ten (10) minutes early with valid photo identification. For onsite visits, the facility allows visitations from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday (excluding holidays). However, the visitation time for inmates in the IARP Program may vary. The IARP Program is a counseling program for inmates with substance abuse. Visitors can call (330) 451-1360 to confirm the availability of an inmate in the program.
Inmates are only allowed one visit per week, with each visit lasting up to 30 minutes. Only two visitors are allowed per visit. Visitors may consist of two adults or an adult with a minor. The jail facility prohibits cell phones, food items, or beverages in the visiting room. Visitors are to dress appropriately and arrive early as visitation stations are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Stark County Jail
4500 Atlantic Blvd N.E
Canton, OH 44705
Phone: (330) 430-3800
On the other hand, offsite visits are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Family and friends can visit an inmate by registering and scheduling an appointment within the allocated time. Note, offside video visitations do not count towards an inmate's one visit per week.
What are Canton Vital Records?
Canton vital records provide information about life events such as birth records, death records, marriage records, and divorce records. Per the Ohio Public Records Act, government bodies generate and maintain all vital records. Individuals interested in Canton vital records must contact the appropriate record custodian and submit a record request. In addition, requesters must present valid photo identification and required record fees. However, not all Canton vital records are accessible by the general public. Such records or documents are only available to eligible or authorized individuals.
Where and How to Obtain Canton Divorce Records
Requesters can find copies of Canton divorce records at the Domestic Relations Division of the Stark County Clerk of Courts. The Division is responsible for maintaining and providing access to all divorces cases for Canton and other cities in its jurisdiction. Individuals interested in Canton divorce records must provide clear descriptions of the records to aid the search. Also, such persons must present valid photo identification (government-issued).
Interested persons can visit the Domestic Relations Division from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the office location:
Stark County Office Building
110 Central Plaza South
Suite 690
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7796
Where and How to Get Public Canton Marriage Records
The Stark County Probate Court is in charge of keeping and issuing copies of all marriage records in the county. Individuals interested in Canton marriage records can obtain them in person or online. To obtain marriage records in Canton, requesters must provide relevant information about the record as well as valid photo identification. The marriage records are accessible at the court location:
Stark County Office Building
110 Central Plaza South
Suite 501
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7755
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Also, interested persons can obtain Canton marriage records online through the case search portal. The portal enables requesters to access court records using the first name, last name, and case number.
Where and How to Find Canton Birth Records
Individuals interested in Canton birth records can get copies at the Canton City Public Health. The health department maintains and provides access to all records of births within the city. Requesters can obtain these records in person, by mail, or online. Each copy of Canton birth records costs $25. Interested persons must submit a completed birth records request application and present valid photo identification. Note, all requests via the certificate online ordering website may attract additional fees aside from the regular records fees.
Requesters who intend to obtain Canton birth records by mail must complete and send the birth record request application and required fees. The health department only allows personal checks and money orders for mail requests. Also, requesters are required to include their telephone numbers on the checks. Interested persons can address their mail to:
Canton City Public Health
Attn: Vital Statistics
420 Market Avenue North
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 489-3231
For in-person requests, the health department lobby is open to requesters from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Interested persons must provide the necessary records fees, valid photo identification, and may fill the birth records request application in advance. Acceptable payment methods for in-person requests include money orders, cash, debit cards, credit cards, and checks. Requesters can walk into the office location to obtain Canton birth records:
Canton City Public Health
420 Market Avenue, North
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 489-3231
Fax: (330) 489-3335
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (Excluding holidays)
Where and How to Find Canton Death Records
Canton death records are available at the Canton City Public Health office. The public health office serves as the record custodian for all deaths recorded within the city. Individuals interested in Canton death records can obtain them in person, by mail, or online. The social security number of a decedent is only available to authorized persons within the first five years of the event. Examples of authorized persons include the decedent’s spouse, child, grandchild, legal representative, law enforcement agent, funeral director, and more. Note, death records in Canton cost $25 per copy.
Individuals interested in Canton death records must submit a complete death records request application. In addition, requesters are to present valid photo identification and the required record fees. The health department provides online access to death records through the certificate online ordering website. Note, requesters may pay additional fees for records processing. For mail requests, aside from completing the death records request form, requesters must provide valid means of payment for the records. Acceptable payment methods include personal checks and money orders. The health department advises requesters to include their phone numbers on all checks. Typically, it takes two business days to process the request after receiving payments. All mail requests should be addressed to:
Canton City Public Health
Attn: Vital Statistics
420 Market Avenue North
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 489-3231
Interested individuals who choose to obtain Canton death records in person may visit the health department lobby with a complete death records request application. The lobby is open to requesters from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Acceptable payment methods include cash, credit cards, debit cards, money orders, and checks.
Canton City Public Health
420 Market Avenue, North
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 489-3231
Fax: (330) 489-3335
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (Excluding holidays)
