Free Delaware Probation Search (Find Anyone’s Details)

Conduct a free Delaware probation search today to reveal whether an individual has a criminal history.

First, it’s important to note the distinction between probation and parole. Probation is reserved for less serious offenses; probationers are supervised by an officer instead of serving time in jail.

On the other hand, people on parole have been released from prison prior to completing their entire sentence, but they remain under supervision to ensure they follow the terms of their release. Knowing who is under community supervision can be a useful tool, and some information about parole and probation can be found online — often at no cost.

This resource explains how to search for information about probation and parole in Delaware, including information about how to report violations to supervising officers.

How To Complete a Delaware Probation Search for Free

Every state has some statute reflective of the federal Freedom of Information Act, but the exact records available depend on local jurisdiction. According to the Delaware Freedom of Information Act, enacted in 1977, people have the right to request public records.¹

Some public records may include arrests or custody status. These may be kept by governmental departments or by third parties and are generally accessible, though some require fees for access.

All government entities in Delaware are required to have a FOIA coordinator, who can help you find the records you are requesting. This can be done by submitting an online FOIA request via fax, email, mail or by submitting a FOIA request form at the department holding the records. Fees may be charged to access the records.

There are certain exemptions as to which records can be requested during a probation search in Delaware. Some records are protected because they pose an invasion of privacy. In Delaware, obtaining someone else’s detailed criminal records requires that individual’s consent, as the records are considered private.

When criminal records are obtained, the reporting agency must delete privileged and confidential information, such as the names of witnesses or the intelligence personnel who worked on the case. While it is difficult to access other people’s records, you may request your own at any time.

Delaware offers no unified online state resources for obtaining certified criminal records, including those for probation and parole. Further, criminal records and files are deemed closed in Delaware. You may request them from the state, but there is no guarantee access will be granted. To seek certified criminal records, contact:

Delaware State Bureau of Identification
600 Bay Road
Dover, Delaware 19901

302.739.5871

A personal certified criminal history can be requested online via IdentoGO with the service code 27RVGT, but it requires fingerprints to be submitted first.² This can be done via mail or an appointment at the State Bureau of Identification.

Individuals requesting these records must bring one document to prove legal identification, such as a driver’s license, state identification or a passport. The only way to get access to someone else’s records via this method is with the person’s written consent and verification of their identity with fingerprints.

The state of Delaware allows inmates, including those in supervised custody (probation or parole), to be searched online via VINELink. This online database includes information about the status of offenders and allows concerned citizens to register to be notified if an offender’s status changes, such as if they are released from custody.

To use VINELink, select the state of Delaware.⁴ Then, select name, ID Number or Case Number to look up the individual.

It’s acceptable to use a partial name if you are unsure of the person’s full name. Results will vary based on whether a case is open or closed.

When a person you have searched is on probation or parole, you will see details noting the start date of custody, the scheduled release date, the location of their parole office and the reporting agency overseeing them. However, the records won’t show you details of the crime committed. While this won’t yield the most detailed results, it does allow people under probation to be identified.

Locate Delaware Probation Information via County & Municipal Agencies

As Delaware only has three counties across the whole state, there are three probation and parole intake offices within its boundaries that may have information you seek. However, typically, these offices don’t provide records to the public, as their primary role is to manage probationers. The contact information for these offices is as follows:

New Castle County Intake
500 N. King St., Lower Lvl.
Wilmington, Delaware 19801

(302).255.0833

Courthouse of Kent County
414 Federal Street
Dover, Delaware 19901

(302).739.5330

Intake Office of Sussex County
22883 Dupont Boulevard
Georgetown, Delaware 19947

(302).856.5795

Information can also be requested via FOIA request through the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC). This can be done with an online FOIA request form that requires you to include your name, address, phone number, email address and a description of the records requested.⁵

It’s also possible to complete a PDF version of the FOIA Request form, which can be emailed to: [email protected]. The form can also be printed and filled out to be mailed to or dropped off in person at the following address:

Department of Correction
Attn: Legal Services Administrator
245 McKee Road
Dover, DE 19904

It can take up to 15 days to receive a response about a probation search request; the response may provide access to the records, deny the request or acknowledge that the department requires additional time to process the request.

How To Contact Someone’s Probation Officer & Look Up Violations in Delaware

If someone you’ve discovered during a probation search violates the conditions of their supervision, it may become necessary to contact the supervising officer overseeing their case, especially in cases where safety becomes a concern.

It’s not always safe to confront someone if they are acting in ways that violate the terms of their probation, so knowing whom to contact can be important.

A VINELink search for the individual on probation or parole should provide information on the supervising department. However, if that does not work, the next best option is often to contact the state’s central probation department directly so the information can be given to the correct officer.

In Delaware, the Bureau of Community Corrections oversees probation and parole.⁶

Delaware Department of Correction
245 McKee Road
Dover, Delaware – (19904)

302.739.5601

The above address and phone number are for the central administrative office in the state. This office should be able to help you reach the appropriate probation officer or department to make your report.

Across the state, six locations oversee probation. If you know the location the person you are concerned about reports to, you can try contacting these departments directly via phone:

How To Search for Individuals on Parole in Delaware

Because criminal records in Delaware are not considered public records due to invading the individual’s privacy, there is no statewide database that the public can access to identify who may be on parole. However, through other means, such as VINELink with the aforementioned instructions, it is possible to identify people under community supervision.

A criminal record search may also be requested via mail or in person at the State Bureau of Identification (SBI), though there is no guarantee the requested records will be provided.⁷ The three locations for the SBI in Delaware are:

Kent County Office
Blue Hen Corporate Center
655 South Bay Road Ste. 1B
Dover, Delaware 19901

(302).739.5871

Sussex County Office
Thurman Adams State Service Center
546 S Bedford St., Room 202
Georgetown, Delaware 19947

302.739.2528

New Castle County Office
Delaware State Police Troop 2
100 LaGrange Ave.
Newark, Delaware 19702

302.739.2528

To receive these records, requesters must have valid photo ID and present fingerprints. Those under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present.

It costs $52 per certified copy or $65 for both state and federal records.

The above resources all assist with the process of locating information about probationers and their supervising officers. A Delaware probation search is possible if you know the right avenues to locate people under community supervision; this resource provides all you need to track down desired details.