What are Strafford County Public Records?
According to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law, Strafford County public records are copies or writings maintained by the government or its entities. Strafford public records include maps, books, papers, letters, etc which have been typed up, written, or printed. These records must have been received, maintained, or made by any government agency. The New Hampshire Right to Know Law allows members of the public to these records except in cases where they may be restricted. Records that are restricted by law, or by court order would be inaccessible to the general public. Some of these restricted records include:
- Records of grand juries
- Records on parole and pardon boards
- Records pertaining to confidential, commercial, or financial information.
Strafford County Crime Statistics
The New Hampshire Division of state police provides access to online crime data for Strafford county. Crime within the county falls within violent crimes and property crimes. Since 1997, the agency has maintained state-wide crime statistics through a uniform crime reporting system. This system is based on reports gathered from local and county law enforcement agencies. In 2019, Strafford County recorded no reported murder incidents, 47 rape cases, and 93 aggravated assault cases. There were also 27 cases of robbery. Overall, Strafford County recorded a total of 167 violent crime incidence. The county also recorded 248 cases of burglary, 390 larcenies, and 103 motor vehicle thefts. There were a total of 741 property crimes within the same period. In comparison to the year 2018, Strafford County experienced a 21% increase in violent crimes and a 7% increase in property crimes.
Are Strafford County Criminal Records Public?
In compliance with the New Hampshire state law, Strafford County criminal records are open to the public. Residents may obtain access to Strafford criminal records except those restricted under law or by a court. The New Hampshire Department of Safety is tasked with maintaining criminal records for the county. Interested persons may complete an Application for a Criminal History Record form to obtain public criminal records or carry out criminal background checks. Applications must be attached with a payment of $25 through money order or check and a valid photo ID. The application should be made to:
New Hampshire Department of Safety
Division of State Police
Central Repository for Criminal Records
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 223-3867
How to Obtain Strafford County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Strafford County arrest records and police reports may be accessed at the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office. Members of the public may visit the offices in person on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or make contact over the phone at:
Strafford County, New Hampshire,
259 County Farm Road,
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-4960
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Strafford County
The New Hampshire Division of State Police maintains a statewide registry of Sex offenders within the state. Interested persons may access the registry to obtain sex offender information within an area. Users may search for offenders by providing full names or search for offenders within a particular area or city. Offenders may also be found by providing an internet name or email.
How to Find Strafford County Inmate Records?
Strafford County inmates are kept at the county jail. To obtain Strafford County inmate records members of the public may visit in person at:
266 County Farm Rd,
Dover, NH 03820
Alternatively, inmate records can be accessed by contacting the county jail by phone on
(603) 742-3310
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Strafford County Jail?
Inmates at the Strafford County jail are permitted to receive visitors either face to face or by video visitations. Face-to-face can either be with physical contact or non-physical contact. Visits that involve physical contact are only allowed for work release and inmate workers. Prior to each visit, visitors must have been scheduled by the inmate on the inmate’s visitation list. Visitors under the age of 16 must bring along a birth certificate or a social security card while those over 16 must present a currently valid government-issued photo ID. Each inmate is allowed one hour per week visit.
All video visits are subject to the same rules as face-to-face visits. Note that an inmate’s visitation rights may be restricted for disciplinary reasons. Qualified members of the public can visit the county jail at their scheduled time on Mondays - Fridays. Face-to-face visits with physical contacts can be done on weekends.
Court Records
Strafford County has a Superior Court, Probate Court, two Circuit Courts, and two Family Courts. These courts handle various cases like criminal trials, civil cases, juvenile, family, and probate disputes. The Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction and handles cases that are outside the jurisdiction of any of the other courts within the county. Probate Court cases are concerned with wills, administration of estates, guardianships, adoptions, etc. Offenses related to city laws and ordinances are dealt with by the Circuit Courts.
Location of Courts
Strafford County Superior Court
William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building
259 County Farm Rd
Suite 301,
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Strafford County 7th Circuit Court District Division - Dover
25 St. Thomas St,
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Strafford County 7th Circuit Court District Division - Rochester
76 N Main Street,
Rochester, NH 03867
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Strafford County 7th Circuit Court Probate Division
William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building
259 County Farm Rd,
Suite 203,
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Strafford County 7th Circuit Court Family Division - Dover
25 St. Thomas St,
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Strafford County 7th Circuit Court Family Division - Rochester
William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building
259 County Farm Rd,
Suite 302,
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Are Strafford County Court Records Public?
Strafford County court records are public records and may be obtained by any member of the public subject to restrictions. Access to certain Strafford court records may be restricted by law, or by a court order. Public court records can be obtained either in person or by mail from the court clerk or from the court where the trial may have been conducted. In-person and mail requests may be made to:
Strafford County Superior Court Clerk
William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building
259 County Farm Rd,
Suite 301,
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
How to Obtain Strafford County Civil Court Case Records?
Strafford County civil court case records may be accessed by visiting the court where the case was tried or contacting the clerk of the court. Interested persons may search for civil case records by providing the names of the plaintiff, litigant, and defendant as well as the case file number of the record, and the date on which the case was filed. Each search is to be conducted for a fee. To obtain circuit court civil case records, requesters may visit the court clerk on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
How to Obtain Strafford County Criminal Court Records?
Strafford County criminal court records may be obtained at the court of trial. Members of the public may visit the courts during business hours on weekdays, to obtain court records. Requesters will be required to provide sufficient information to access the record. Criminal case records from trial courts within the county may be found by providing the name of the parties or the case number.
What are Strafford County Vital Records?
Strafford County vital records are the official documentation of significant life events like births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that occurred within the county. Public access to Strafford County is restricted. Only eligible individuals can access confidential vital records. New Hampshire law restricts access of others to certain specified persons. Requesters must provide information including the name of the person(s) on the record, the date, and the place of the event.
Where and How to Obtain Strafford County Divorce Records?
Qualified members of the public may obtain Strafford County divorce records for a fee if adequate information on the records can be provided. To access a Strafford County divorce decree, interested persons may contact the Strafford Superior Court Clerk or pay a visit during its business hours. Divorce decrees are court records and may be accessed in the same manner as any other court records. Requesters will be required to provide information such as the names of the spouses, the date of the divorce, and the case number of the record. Requests may be made in-person or by mail to;
Strafford County Superior Court Clerk
William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building
259 County Farm Rd,
Suite 301,
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Alternatively, an interested person may request a Strafford County divorce certificate from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. Records dating from 1950 till the present may be accessed through the NDVA. Requesters would be expected to provide the name of the parties, date of divorce, the county where the divorce was finalized, and an address for delivery of the certificate. Requests cost $10 for an initial copy of the record and $6 for additional copies. A completed application form may be submitted to the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The completed form and the appropriate fee may also be sent by mail to:
Nh Department Of State
Division Of Vital Records Administration
Registration / Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2410
Non-certified records of divorce can also be accessed through the platform provided by the department.
Where and How to Get Public Strafford County Marriage Records?
Strafford County marriage records are maintained by the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. Interested individuals may request a Strafford County marriage certificate from the office in person or through the mail. In-person requests should be made between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Interested persons must complete an application form and present it with a valid photo ID at the office. Requests may also be sent by mail. Attach a money order of $10 ($6 for each additional copy), the full names of the parties, a copy of a valid photo ID, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope and send it to:
Nh Department Of State
Division Of Vital Records Administration
Registration / Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2410
Where and How to Find Strafford County Birth Records?
The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration provides access to Strafford County birth records. Only eligible individuals under the law may obtain access to birth records. Eligible persons include:
- The registrant
- Parents or legal guardian of the registrant
- Spouse of the registrant
- Children of the registrant
- Siblings of the registrant
- A legal representative of any of the authorized persons above.
Any of the above persons may obtain a Strafford County birth certificate from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records in person or by mail. Requesters should complete an application form to the Strafford County Health Department along with a valid photo ID.
The completed application form should be sent by mail to the division accompanied by a valid photo ID and a money order or check for the payment of $10 ($6 for each additional copy) at:
Nh Department Of State
Division Of Vital Records Administration
Registration / Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2410
Where and How to Find Strafford County Death Records?
Certified copies of Strafford County death records are available only to persons eligible under the law. These person include
- An ex-spouse
- Current spouse
- Parent
- Stepparent
- Children
- Grandparents
- Inlaws, uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces
- Siblings or half-siblings
- Opposing counsel
- Probate researchers
- Creditors
- Insurance companies
- Beneficiaries
- Funeral directors
Eligible persons may be required to provide evidence of proof of eligibility or direct interest. Qualified persons may request a certificate for a fee of $ 10 ($6 for each additional copy). Requesters should complete an application form that can be delivered by mail or in-person to:
Nh Department Of State
Division Of Vital Records Administration
Registration / Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2410
