Crime Statistics
The Delaware Statistical Analysis Center collates and publishes annual crime statistical data of the statewide law enforcement agencies. According to the 2017 publication, the Kent County crime rate declined 12.2% over a 5-year span with 2,222 fewer crimes reported in 2017 than 2013. Property crimes were recorded to be the most frequently occurring crime subset, accounting for 28.9% of the total index crimes reported. This includes larceny, property vandalism, and burglary, all of which showed a distinct downward trend even between 2016 and 2017.
Similarly, property and social offenses, as well as violent offenses, accounted for 27.8% and 25.7% of the total reported crimes respectively. However, while violent offenses and crimes against persons recorded a decline, drug and narcotic offenses accounted for 18.1% of the total crimes increased by approximately 5% between 2013-2017 and 9% within the last year alone. This put the 2017 crime rate per 1000 people at 88.93 with a 64.2% clearance rate.
Criminal Records
The Kent County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency of Kent. It services the county by performing numerous legal functions for the State of Delaware Courts. However, the Delaware State Police Department is the central repository of criminal history information for the state and is tasked with issuing criminal records and conducting background checks on state residents.
How to get Criminal Records
The Delaware State Police Department processes requests for Kent County criminal history records and background checks. The records maintained and issued by the department include arrest records, records of felony offenses, and any non-confidential state-wide conviction information. In order to obtain these records, interested persons may make in-person requests to the Police Department. The subject of the check will be required to provide a full set of fingerprints, photo identification as well as a non-refundable fee of $52 (for the state of Delaware criminal check) or $65 (for Federal criminal check). Kent County applications may be made to:
655 South Bay Road,
Suite 1B, Blue Hen Corporate Center
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-5871
Similarly, the State Bureau of Identification responds to criminal record check requests from Delaware Private Schools. The requesting school is required to complete a Delaware Private School Background Check Form, which should be submitted via mail to the fax number or email address indicated on the application.
How to find Sex Offender Information
The Delaware State Police Department maintains a registry of registered sex offenders residing within state limits. Information regarding Kent County offenders is provided via the Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry. Interested members of the public may conduct offender searches remotely by the last or first name of the offender, address, zip code or their online IDs (if known). The registry also houses information on offenders currently residing in DOC facilities. Interested Kent County residents may also subscribe to the Delaware Information Subscription Service to receive sex offender related notification emails.
How to get Inmate/Jail Information
All information relating to inmates taken into custody by the Kent County Sheriff's Office is maintained by the Delaware State Police Department. Interested persons may find incarcerated persons using the department's locate an inmate tool, which also provides information about the custody status and criminal cases of inmates within the state. Interested persons may also opt to register to receive phone, text or email notifications of any changes in an inmate's custody status.
Court Records
Where and How to get Court Records
Records of court cases filed and heard in Kent County are maintained in the Kent County Courthouse by the office of the Clerk of Courts. The office provides public access to non-confidential court records to requestors with reasonable intent. To obtain these records, interested persons may make in-person or mail requests to the Kent County Courthouse at:
Kent County Courthouse
Superior Court, 38 The Green
414 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 735-1900
The requesting party will be required to provide details of the record of interest, including the names of the plaintiff/defendant, case file number and the date of filing/judgment. Search and copy fees may apply.
Location of all Courts in County
Listed below are the addresses and contact information of courts in Kent County, Delaware.
Kent County Superior Court
Kent County Courthouse
414 Federal Street,
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 735-1900
Fax: (302) 739-6717
Kent County Court of Chancery
Kent County Courthouse
414 Federal Street,
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 735-1930
Fax: (302) 736-2155
Kent County Court of Common Pleas
Kent County Courthouse
414 Federal Street,
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 735-3900
Kent County Family Court
Family Court Building
400 Court Street,
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 672-1000
Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 6
35 Cams Fortune Way,
Harrington, DE 19952
Phone: (302) 422-5922
Fax: (302) 422-1527
Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7
480 Bank Lane,
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 739-4554
Fax: (302) 739-6797
Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 8
100 Monrovia Avenue,
Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone: (302) 653-7083
Fax: (302) 653-2888
Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 16
Kent County Courthouse
414 Federal Street,
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 739-4316
Fax: (302) 674-7111
Where to Get Property Records
The Kent County Recorder of Deeds Office indexes maintains and disseminates records pertaining to real property ownership, land, mortgages, etc. Interested persons may obtain copies of property records by querying the office via mail or in person. All requests require sufficient information regarding the property including the owner's name, recording number and the date of the recording. All requests may be made to:
Kent County Recorder of Deeds Office
555 Bay Rd
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-2314
Fax: (302) 736-2035
Vital Records
The Delaware Division of Public Health is the primary custodian of statewide birth, death and marriage records. The Division processes requests for copies of these records provided the event occurred and/or was licensed within state limits. Requests for vital records may be directed to the Division. However, divorce records may either be obtained from the county family court or the Prothonotary.
Where and how to Get Divorce Records
Records of divorces granted in Kent County are maintained and issued by the Kent County Family Court and the Kent County Prothonotary. Interested persons may obtain copies of these records by querying either office in person or via mail. To make in-person requests, the requesting party may stop by either location during business hours. The requestor will be required to provide information regarding the divorce and pay a fee of $1 or $4 depending on the copy requested.
Mail requests may be made by sending a written request stating the name of the requestor, the names of divorcees, the date of the divorce or annulment and the notarized signature of the requesting party as well as any applicable fees.
Requests may be made at/to:
Kent County Family Court
Records Section
400 Court Street
Dover, DE 19901
Or
Kent County Prothonotary
Kent County CourtHouse
38 The Green
Dover, DE 19901
Where and How to Get Marriage Records, Birth Records and Death Records
All Kent County birth, death and marriage records are maintained by the Delaware Division of Public Health. Requests for any of these records are processed by the Office of Vital Statistics of the Division. Interested persons may obtain these records by making in-person requests to the Kent County location of the Division or by sending a written request to the office.
In-person requests require that the requesting party provide sufficient information regarding the registrant(s) or decedent, and provide proof of relationship (if requesting a birth or marriage certificate).
Mail requests may be made by printing and completing a Delaware Birth Certificate Application, Delaware Death Certificate Application, Delaware Marriage Certificate Application or Delaware Same-Gender Certificate Application. Completed and notarized forms should be sent along with the indicated fees and ID requirements to:
Jesse S. Cooper Bldg.
417 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 744-4549
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Kent County?
Property documents recorded in Kent County are open to the public. Anyone can view and order copies of property records by submitting a request to the Kent County Recorder of Deed in person at the office of the County Recorder, by mail, or online.
Where and How to Find Property Records in Kent County
The Kent County Recorder of Deeds office indexes and maintains copies of all legal documents of property transactions in the county. The Deeds office also responds to requests for property information, collects and accounts for the fees and taxes paid on property-related matters. People requesting property records in person can visit the office of the Recorder of Deeds at Bay Road Dover, DE 19901. Requesters can also send an email to recorder@co.kent.de.us or fax to (302) 736-2035 to order copies of Kent County property records. Copies of property records cost $1 per page.
Mailed copies cost $2 per page, while fax copies cost $1 for the first page and 50 cents for each subsequent page. People may have to pay an additional $7 per page for certification. The office of the Recorder of Deeds is open to the public every Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Anyone can call (302) 744-2314 for more information on obtaining Kent County property records.
How to Look Up Kent County Property Records
Kent County maintains a searchable online property database that allows users to access property documents using a location ID, Map number, property owner’s name, property reference number, property address, subdivision, and tax account number. Requesters can also visit the online Service of the Kent County Recorder of Deeds to access homeowners’ information.To access the portal, requesters may have to contact the office of the Kent County Recorder of Deeds for a login. Searches are available using the last name of the property owner, the instrument number or volume, and the page number. People can contact the office of the Recorder of Deeds for copies of property documents between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays at:
555 Bay Road
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-2314
Fax: (302) 736-2035
Email: recorder@co.kent.de.us
Location of Kent County Township Property Assessor
555 Bay Road
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-2401
Fax: (302) 736-2271
Email: assessment@co.kent.de.us
