Find Mansfield Public Records

Mansfield public records are kept by Richland County offices and by city departments. Mansfield is the county seat of Richland County in north-central Ohio. Court filings go through the county Clerk of Courts. Property deeds are kept by the county Recorder. Vital records are handled by the health department. The city also has its own Law Department and Police Department that maintain their own sets of records. Ohio's public records law under R.C. 149.43 guarantees your right to inspect and copy government records. Most online searches cost nothing, though certified copies come with fees that vary by office and document type.

Mansfield City Public Records

The City of Mansfield has a Law Department headed by Law Director Roeliff E. Harper. The Law Director is an elected position under the City Charter. The department handles civil, criminal, and administrative law matters for the city. The Civil Division prepares contracts, leases, and other legal documents. It also gives opinions to elected officials, department heads, and city boards.

The Criminal Division prosecutes all misdemeanor criminal and traffic offenses that happen within Mansfield city limits and the unincorporated areas covered by the Mansfield Municipal Court. The Victims Services Program runs through the Law Department and helps victims of misdemeanor violent crimes. An investigator on staff does case prep work for the Criminal Division.

Contact the Civil Division at 419-755-9662. The Criminal Division phone is 419-755-9651. The Victim Advocate can be reached at 419-755-9765. Fax is 419-755-9491. The city offices are at the Mansfield City Building, 30 N. Diamond Street, Mansfield, OH 44902.

Mansfield Police Public Records

The Mansfield Division of Police maintains its own records division. The Records Division phone is 419-755-9770. Hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch. The department is at 30 N. Diamond Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902. For emergencies, dial 911. The non-emergency dispatch number is 419-522-1234.

Effective December 1, 2025, the department put a new fee schedule in place for public records requests under Ohio House Bill 315. The updated fee information is available at the Records Section. You can also check the department's website for the current structure. The police department's Citizen Portal lets you stay informed about community crime reports. Annual reports from the last five years are available for download.

The City of Mansfield website provides access to government departments, public records policies, and city services.

Crime tips can be sent by email or by calling 419-522-7463. The tip line is open 24 hours a day and is strictly confidential. The METRICH Enforcement Unit, which started in 1986, works to reduce illegal drug activity in Richland County.

Richland County Court Records

The Richland County Clerk of Courts handles all Common Pleas Court records for Mansfield. The Common Pleas Court covers felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, domestic relations matters, and probate issues. Court records can be searched online through the county's case search portal.

The Richland County Recorder's Office keeps all property records for Mansfield, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The county auditor maintains property tax assessments and ownership data. For vital records, the Richland County Health Department handles birth and death certificates. Marriage licenses come from the Probate Court.

How to Get Mansfield Public Records

Ohio law gives you broad access to government records. Under R.C. 149.43, you can ask for records in person, by phone, email, or mail. No form is needed. You don't have to say who you are. Just describe what you need. The office must respond promptly.

For city records like police reports, building permits, and code enforcement files, contact Mansfield city departments. The police department has its own public records policy. For county records like court filings, property deeds, and vital records, go through Richland County offices. Standard copies are about $0.05 per page. Certified copies cost more depending on the office.

If a request is denied, the office must explain why in writing and cite the specific law. You can appeal to the Ohio Court of Claims for $25 or call the Attorney General's mediation line at 800-282-0515. Sealed records, juvenile files, and active investigations are exempt from disclosure.

City Council Public Records

Mansfield City Council meetings are public. They are held at the Mansfield City Building, 30 N. Diamond Street. The Clerk of Council is Delaine Weiner. The assistant is LaConia James-Ross. Call 419-755-9680 or email citycouncil@mansfieldohio.gov for questions about council records. Meeting minutes, agendas, and legislation are public records you can request.

All city meetings are open under Ohio's Sunshine Laws. If you want to attend in person, park in the lower lot off Adams and 3rd Streets. Enter through the 1st floor Police entrance door. Council adopted the ICC International Property Maintenance Code, which is available to view online.

Nearby Cities

These cities near Mansfield also have public records pages.