Crime Numbers
In 2019, the total number of crimes reported in Wood County was 594, including 105 violent crimes and 489 property crimes. The violent crimes reported included 10 rapes. four robberies, and 88 aggravated assaults. The property crimes reported included 146 burglaries, 292 larcenies, 51 motor vehicle thefts, and 4 arsons. An examination of these figures, compared with the numbers reported in 2011, shows a 26% decline in total crimes reported over six years. There were declines particularly in burglaries (-9%), larcenies (-15%), and arson (-87%). Rape and motor vehicle thefts increased by 38% and 31% respectively. The number of robberies reported remained the same.
How to Obtain Wood County Criminal Records
The Criminal Identification Bureau of the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) maintains and provides statewide access to criminal records for all counties in the state. It allows third-party individuals and organizations, other than law enforcement or governmental agencies, to access the criminal history information of a person. This is provided the written authorization of the person whose records is being requested is obtained.
To obtain criminal records, interested parties first have to visit the IdentoGO website or call the toll free number (855) 766-7746 to schedule a fingerprint scan appointment. All criminal and background checks go through IdentoGO services. For more information, call (304) 746-2498.
The WSVP administers a central sex offender registry on behalf of all counties in the state. This database is online and available to the public. To locate sex offenders in Wood County, interested parties should use the search portal. The search can be based on last name, street name, city, or county.
Wood County has one jail facility. It is located at 300 2nd St, Parkersburg, WV 26101. The contact number is (304) 420-2443. It is a 12-hour holding center providing service to all police agencies in the county and regional jails, to hold inmates for court and to transport inmates to the North Central Regional Jail. The North Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility serve 9 counties in West Virginia, including Wood County. It is located at 1 Lois Lane, Greenwood, WV 26415. The contact details are: (304) 873-1384 (Phone); (304) 873-2960 (Phone); (304) 873-1381 (Fax).
A regularly updated list of inmates in the jail facility is kept by the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority. Interested parties can check the daily incarceration portal or inmate search portal to obtain information about inmates currently in the facility. Friends and family can also deposit money to the trust fund account of inmates.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for extensive searches. Record seekers may opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
How to Find Wood County Court Records
Wood County has three circuit courts, two family courts, and four magistrate courts. Below are the addresses, and phone numbers of the Court Divisions of Wood County:
Circuit Court 1
Wood County Judicial Building
2 Government Square, Room 421
Parkersburg, WV 26101-5353
Phone: (304) 424-1756
Fax: (304) 424-1846
Circuit Court 2
Wood County Judicial Building
2 Government Square, Room 321
Parkersburg, WV 26101-5353
Phone: (304) 424-1746
Fax: (304) 424-1747
Circuit Court 3
Wood County Judicial Building
2 Government Square, Room 221
Parkersburg, WV 26101-5353
Phone: (304) 424-1721
Fax: (304) 424-1726
Family Court 1
313 Market Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 420-4880
Fax: (304) 420-4887
Fax: (800) 550-8069
Family Court 2
Donald F. Black Courthouse Annex
315 Market Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 420-4876
Fax: (304) 420-4887
Magistrate Court 1
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 422-4258
Fax: (304) 422-7871
Magistrate Court 2
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 422-4250
Fax: (304) 422-7871
Magistrate Court 3
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 422-3822
Fax: (304) 422-7871
Paulina Yearego Clerk
401 Second Street, Suite 12
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 422-0831
Fax: (304) 422-7871
Most Wood County court records are public records that are available for inspection and copying by the public. To obtain court records, visit the court where the case was tried.
How to Find Wood County Vital Records
All vital records of Wood County are maintained by the County Clerk. This includes divorce, marriage, birth, and death records. These records are open only to the owner of the record or immediate family members. To obtain certified copies of Divorce Records in Wood County, a request should be made to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Wood County. Fees for copies of the record will be determined by the Circuit Court. To obtain marriage, birth, and death records, a requester should complete the Wood County Application for Certified Copies of Vital Records form. This form can be submitted in person or via mail to:
Wood County Clerk
1 Court Square
P.O. Box 1474
Parkersburg, WV 26102
(304) 424-1845
Monday - Friday; between 8:30a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Certified copies of marriage, birth, and death records cost $5 each. Payment can be made by money order or certified checks for mail-in payments. Personal checks are not accepted.
