Find Warrant Records in Kent County
Kent County warrant records run through the Levy Court, the Superior Court in Dover, and Delaware State Police Troop 3. Active warrants and capiases move into DELJIS, the statewide lookup tool, and into the court docket system. You can also file a FOIA request with the county for certain records. This page lays out each option for a Kent County warrant records search, including court contact info, police troop details, and local FOIA steps.
Kent County Overview
Kent County Levy Court and FOIA
Kent County is run by a Levy Court instead of a traditional county council. The Levy Court handles county administration and responds to most record requests, including FOIA requests tied to Kent County warrant records. The County Administration office is at 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901. Main line: (302) 744-2305.
Many records questions don't need a formal FOIA at all. The Kent County site suggests a call to the department first. If the record you want is in a public file or posted online, a simple phone call can save weeks. For complex or voluminous requests, use the FOIA process. Requests go to Kelly Pitts, Public Information Officer, at the Levy Court address, or by email at PIO@kentcountyde.gov. You can also fax to 302-736-2279.
Delaware's FOIA law is at 29 Del. C. Chapter 100. Kent County answers within 15 business days. Extensions happen for large requests. Common warrant-related records that the county may release include service returns, civil writ records, and general activity reports. Investigatory files are usually exempt.
Below is the Kent County FOIA contact page, which outlines the request process and lists the Public Information Officer. Access at kentcountyde.gov/Contact-Us/FOIA.
Use the online form first. It routes to the right office faster than a mailed request.
Kent County Superior Court
The Kent County Superior Court is the felony court for the county. The court sits at 414 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901. Main line: (302) 735-1900. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Prothonotary's Office holds the official court record, including every felony warrant issued in Kent County.
Search warrant applications here need a sworn affidavit establishing probable cause. Under Delaware Code Title 11, the warrant must describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized. Officers have 10 days to execute. The return must include an inventory of seized items. Those returns become part of the court record and may be accessible unless sealed.
Arrest warrants in felony cases go into DELJIS once issued. An initial appearance usually follows within 24 hours of arrest, at which point bond is set. The court also handles Governor's warrants for extradition when a Kent County resident is arrested on an out-of-state warrant.
For a quick docket pull, use CourtConnect at courtconnect.courts.delaware.gov. Telephone docket checks at (302) 735-1900 are limited but can point you to the right record.
Kent County Court of Common Pleas
The Court of Common Pleas in Kent County handles misdemeanor cases, preliminary hearings, and civil matters up to $75,000. The court sits at 414 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901. Main line: (302) 735-3900. Hours run Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Common Pleas judges issue many bench warrants for failure to appear in Kent County.
If you are working on a restitution matter and need an address change, the court uses a dedicated email: CCP_VICADDRESSCHANGE@DELAWARE.GOV. Julie Brooks is the Kent County contact at 302-735-3925. Records of bench warrants issued by the Court of Common Pleas are in the court docket and flow into DELJIS for statewide access.
Delaware State Police Troop 3 for Kent County
DSP Troop 3 is the primary state police coverage for Kent County. The troop is at 3858 Bay Road, Camden, DE 19934. Main line: (302) 698-8421. Troop 3 maintains records of active warrants for Kent County and coordinates with municipal police for warrant service. The Criminal Investigations Unit handles felony investigations and applies for search warrants.
Troop 3 runs regular multi-agency warrant sweeps. A two-day blitz in November 2019 pulled in Milford Police, Camden Police, Smyrna Police, and Probation and Parole alongside Troop 3. The numbers tell the story:
- 23 wanted individuals located
- 18 warrants served covering 194 criminal charges
- 34 court capiases cleared by arrest
- Charges included burglary and theft of a firearm
These sweeps happen a few times a year. If you want to resolve a Kent County warrant record before one lands on your door, the DELJIS lookup is the first step. Visit pubsrv.deljis.delaware.gov and run a name search.
The DSP search warrant news archive at dsp.delaware.gov/category/search-warrant lists recent enforcement actions in Dover, Harrington, Milford, Camden, and other Kent County communities. Drug and firearm charges drive most felony warrant work.
How to Check a Kent County Warrant
A Kent County warrant records check can run through several official channels. Start with DELJIS, the statewide portal, then confirm with the issuing court. The DELJIS Wanted Persons Portal returns active warrants and capiases issued by Delaware courts, including Kent County cases.
Options for a warrant records verification:
- DELJIS Wanted Persons Portal online
- Kent County Superior Court Prothonotary at (302) 735-1900
- Kent County Court of Common Pleas at (302) 735-3900
- Delaware State Police Troop 3 at (302) 698-8421
- A licensed Delaware attorney with court record access
Active warrants may lead to immediate arrest on contact with any Delaware law enforcement officer. The Delaware Judiciary recommends handling outstanding matters through proper legal channels rather than walking into a station unannounced.
The Delaware State Police public notice at dsp.delaware.gov/2019/01/04/check-wanted-status-delaware encourages residents to check their own status before a traffic stop or other police contact turns into an arrest. A Kent County attorney can often arrange a surrender at the Dover courthouse on prepared terms, with a known bond and a ready-to-run hearing.
Cities in Kent County
Most of Kent County's warrant activity runs through the cities below. Each has its own police department. Milford straddles the Kent-Sussex line and files cases in both counties depending on where the offense occurred.
Smaller communities in Kent County like Camden and Smyrna fall under DSP Troop 3 or their own municipal police.
Other Delaware Counties
Delaware warrant records travel statewide through DELJIS. Check the other two counties if your search doesn't return a match in Kent County.