Connecticut Arrest Records

Connecticut Public Records /Connecticut Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Connecticut?

Yes, arrest records in Connecticut are generally considered public information under the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Connecticut follows the principle that government records, including arrest records, should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency in the criminal justice system.

However, public access to arrest records in Connecticut is not unlimited. Certain restrictions apply based on the nature of the case, the status of the investigation, and the privacy rights of individuals involved. For example, records related to juvenile arrests, ongoing investigations, or cases that have been erased through legal processes may have limited public accessibility.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Connecticut?

Access to arrest records in Connecticut is primarily governed by the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Connecticut General Statutes §§ 1-200 through 1-259. This law establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest records, with certain exceptions.

Additional laws that impact access to arrest records include:

Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, which governs the erasure of criminal records
Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124, which restricts access to juvenile records
Connecticut General Statutes § 54-86e, which protects the identity of sexual assault victims

The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) oversees the implementation of these laws and adjudicates disputes regarding access to public records. The commission provides guidance on what information can be disclosed and what must be withheld under statutory exemptions.

Law enforcement agencies must balance the public's right to information with privacy protections and the integrity of ongoing investigations when responding to requests for arrest records.

What Information Is Included in a Connecticut Arrest Record?

A typical Connecticut arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records generally include:

Personal identification information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Charges filed (including statute numbers)
- Circumstances of the arrest
- Incident report number
Case processing information:
- Court docket number
- Arraignment date
- Bail or bond information
- Court appearance dates
- Case disposition (if available)
Criminal history information:
- Prior arrests and convictions (may be referenced)
- Probation or parole status at time of arrest

The level of detail may vary depending on the agency providing the record and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records from the initial arrest may contain preliminary information, while court records may include more comprehensive details about case proceedings and outcomes.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Connecticut in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Connecticut involves several methods depending on the specific information needed and the agency that maintains the records. Here are the primary ways to access arrest records in 2025:

Direct Request to Law Enforcement Agencies

You can request arrest records directly from the police department or law enforcement agency that made the arrest. This typically requires submitting a formal request form, providing identification, and paying applicable fees.

Connecticut State Police
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8000
Connecticut State Police
Judicial Branch Records

The Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. These records can be accessed through the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case was processed.

Connecticut Judicial Branch
231 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 757-2100
Connecticut Judicial Branch
State Police Bureau of Identification

For official criminal history records, you can submit a request to the State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI).

State Police Bureau of Identification
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8480
State Police Bureau of Identification
Freedom of Information Requests

You can file a Freedom of Information request with the relevant agency. Connecticut law requires agencies to respond to these requests promptly, typically within four business days.

Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission
165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1100
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 566-5682
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission

When requesting records, be prepared to provide specific information about the arrest, including the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate the search process.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Connecticut

Connecticut offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally, making the process more convenient for residents and researchers. Here are the primary online methods for finding arrest records in Connecticut:

Connecticut Judicial Branch Website

The Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system that provides access to court cases, including criminal matters resulting from arrests.

Connecticut Judicial Branch Case Look-up

This system allows searches by name, docket number, or attorney juris number. While it doesn't provide the complete arrest record, it offers information about court proceedings related to arrests.
Connecticut State Police Sex Offender Registry

For sex offense-related arrests and convictions, the public can access the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry online.

Connecticut Sex Offender Registry
Local Police Department Websites

Many local police departments in Connecticut maintain online arrest logs or blotters that provide recent arrest information. These typically include basic details about arrests made within their jurisdiction.

For example:
Connecticut Background Check Portal

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Safety offers an online portal for conducting criminal history record checks, which include arrest information.

Connecticut Criminal History Record Checks

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Connecticut?

Access to arrest records in Connecticut varies depending on the requester's identity and purpose. The following categories outline who can access these records:

General Public

Under Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act, members of the general public can access basic arrest records. However, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
The Arrested Individual

Persons who have been arrested have the right to access their own arrest records. They may need these records for various purposes, including employment background checks, housing applications, or legal proceedings.
Law Enforcement Agencies

Police departments, the Connecticut State Police, and other law enforcement agencies have comprehensive access to arrest records for investigative purposes, background checks, and criminal history reviews.
Court Officials and Prosecutors

Judges, court clerks, prosecutors, and other judicial officials have access to arrest records for case processing, sentencing decisions, and other official functions.
Defense Attorneys

Attorneys representing individuals who have been arrested can access their clients' arrest records as part of legal representation.
Government Agencies

Various government agencies may access arrest records for licensing, employment screening, and regulatory purposes. These include:
- Department of Children and Families for child protection investigations
- Department of Consumer Protection for professional licensing
- Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for firearms permits
Employers (Limited Access)

Certain employers, particularly those in sensitive industries like education, healthcare, and financial services, may have limited access to arrest records for background check purposes, subject to restrictions under Connecticut's employment laws.
Researchers and Media

Researchers conducting criminal justice studies and media organizations reporting on public safety matters can access arrest records, though personal identifying information may be redacted.

Access privileges do not necessarily mean unrestricted access to all information contained in arrest records. Various laws and regulations limit what information can be disclosed to different categories of requesters.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Connecticut?

Yes, Connecticut agencies typically charge fees for providing arrest records. These fees vary depending on the type of record requested, the agency providing the record, and the method of delivery. Here's a breakdown of common fees as of 2025:

State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI)

Criminal History Record Check: $75.00
Fingerprint-based Criminal History Check: $75.00 (plus fingerprinting fees if applicable)
Expedited Service: Additional $25.00

Connecticut Judicial Branch

Court Case Lookup (online): Free
Certified Court Records: $25.00 per document
Copies of Court Documents: $1.00 per page

Local Police Departments

Incident/Arrest Reports: $0.50-$1.00 per page (varies by department)
Complete Arrest Record: $5.00-$25.00 (varies by department)

Freedom of Information Requests

Search and Retrieval Fees: Agencies may charge for staff time if the search exceeds one hour
Copying Fees: $0.50-$1.00 per page
Electronic Records: May include costs for media (CD/DVD) or electronic transfer

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances:

Indigent individuals may qualify for fee waivers
Public interest requests from media or researchers may receive reduced fees
Individuals seeking their own records for employment or housing purposes may qualify for reduced fees

Payment methods typically include:

Credit/debit cards (for online requests)
Money orders
Certified checks
Cash (for in-person requests only)

It's advisable to contact the specific agency before submitting a request to confirm current fee schedules, as these may change over time. Additionally, expedited processing often incurs additional charges beyond the standard fees listed above.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Connecticut

Connecticut maintains arrest records for varying periods depending on the nature of the offense, case outcome, and applicable retention laws. The state follows specific schedules for record retention and potential destruction:

For Arrests Resulting in Convictions:

Felony convictions: Records are generally maintained permanently
Misdemeanor convictions: Records are typically kept for at least 10 years after the completion of the sentence
Capital felonies and Class A felonies: Records are permanently maintained

For Arrests Not Resulting in Convictions:

Cases dismissed: Records may be eligible for erasure after 13 months from the date of dismissal
Nolle prosequi (prosecution declined): Records may be eligible for erasure after 13 months from the date of nolle
Not guilty verdicts: Records may be eligible for erasure immediately upon the finding of not guilty

Juvenile Records:

Generally sealed when the individual reaches age 18
May be destroyed when the individual reaches age 25 if no subsequent adult criminal record exists
Serious juvenile offenses may be maintained longer

The Connecticut State Library's Records Retention Schedules provide detailed guidelines for law enforcement agencies regarding the maintenance of arrest records. These schedules are developed in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 11-8a.

When physical records are destroyed or erased pursuant to statutory requirements, digital traces or index references may remain in various databases. Additionally, records that have been published in newspapers, court dockets, or other public forums may continue to exist even after official records have been erased.

The Connecticut Judicial Branch and law enforcement agencies are required to follow these retention schedules, but implementation may vary slightly between jurisdictions.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Connecticut Arrest Records?

Connecticut law requires certain information to be redacted or restricted from public arrest records to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable individuals. The following categories of information are typically redacted or restricted:

Personal Identifying Information:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Medical information and health records
Home addresses and telephone numbers of law enforcement personnel
Biometric data (other than basic descriptive information)

Victim Information:

Names and identifying information of sexual assault victims under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-86e
Information that could identify domestic violence victims
Personal information of minor victims
Victim statements and medical reports

Sensitive Case Information:

Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Confidential informant identities and information
Undercover officer identities
Grand jury proceedings under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-47e
Details that could jeopardize public safety if disclosed

Juvenile Information:

Records related to juvenile arrests (under 18 years of age) are generally confidential under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124
Youthful offender records (ages 15-17 for certain offenses)

Other Protected Information:

Mental health evaluations and records
Substance abuse treatment information
Information protected by federal laws such as HIPAA
Records sealed by court order
Information related to pardoned offenses

The redaction process is typically conducted by the custodian agency before records are released to the public. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission provides guidance to agencies on proper redaction procedures to ensure that protected information is not disclosed while maintaining the public's right to access government records.

Requesters seeking unredacted information may need to demonstrate a legal right to access such information or obtain a court order authorizing disclosure.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Connecticut

Connecticut law provides several mechanisms for sealing or destroying arrest records under specific circumstances. The process varies depending on the case outcome and the time elapsed since the arrest:

Automatic Erasure:

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, certain records qualify for automatic erasure:

Cases resulting in not guilty verdicts: Records are erased immediately
Dismissed cases: Records are erased 13 months after dismissal
Nolle prosequi cases: Records are erased 13 months after the nolle

For automatic erasure, no application is required, but individuals may need to confirm that erasure has occurred by contacting the court clerk or the State Police Bureau of Identification.

Petition-Based Erasure:

For cases not eligible for automatic erasure, individuals may petition for erasure through:

Absolute Pardon

An absolute pardon erases all records of conviction and can be applied for through the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles
55 West Main Street, Suite 520
Waterbury, CT 06702
Phone: (203) 805-6643
Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles
Clean Slate Provision

Connecticut's "Clean Slate" law, which took effect in 2023, provides for automatic erasure of certain criminal records after a waiting period (7-10 years depending on the offense) if the person has not been convicted of any other crimes.
Youthful Offender Records

Records for individuals granted youthful offender status may be eligible for erasure two years after the completion of their sentence if they have not been convicted of any subsequent crimes.
Decriminalized Offenses

Arrests for offenses that have since been decriminalized (such as possession of small amounts of marijuana) may be eligible for erasure by petition.

Process for Petition-Based Erasure:

Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from the Connecticut Judicial Branch website
File the petition with the court where the case was handled
Pay any required filing fees (approximately $75-$125)
Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
If granted, ensure that all agencies (courts, police departments, state police) comply with the erasure order

When records are erased from official Connecticut databases, they may still exist in private databases, news reports, or federal records. Additionally, certain employers and agencies with statutory authority may still have access to erased records for specific purposes.

Legal assistance is recommended for navigating the erasure process, particularly for complex cases or when seeking discretionary erasure.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Connecticut?

Connecticut law imposes several important limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These restrictions aim to balance public safety with fair treatment of individuals with criminal histories:

Employment Limitations:

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 31-51i and related laws:

Employers cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to conviction
Applications for employment cannot inquire about erased criminal records
"Ban the Box" provisions prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications
Employers must provide specific notices when conducting background checks
Employers must consider factors such as the nature of the crime, time elapsed, and rehabilitation before making adverse decisions

Housing Limitations:

Housing providers are restricted in how they can use arrest records that did not result in conviction
Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines regarding the consideration of arrest records
Landlords may face discrimination claims if arrest record policies disproportionately impact protected classes

Licensing Limitations:

Professional licensing boards must consider whether a conviction is directly related to the occupation
Blanket bans on licensing based solely on criminal history are generally prohibited
Many occupational licenses require consideration of rehabilitation and time elapsed

Educational Limitations:

Educational institutions have restrictions on considering arrest records in admissions decisions
Financial aid eligibility may be affected by certain convictions but not by arrests alone

Credit and Financial Limitations:

Credit reporting agencies must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act when reporting arrest information
Arrest records older than seven years generally cannot be included in consumer reports

Publication and Commercial Use:

Commercial use of arrest records must comply with data privacy laws
Publishing arrest information with reckless disregard for its accuracy may lead to defamation claims
Mugshot websites that charge for removal of photos face restrictions under Connecticut law

Violations of these limitations can result in civil penalties, administrative actions, and in some cases, private lawsuits. The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities enforces many of these protections, particularly in employment and housing contexts.

Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly used can file complaints with relevant state agencies or seek legal counsel to understand their rights and remedies.

Lookup Arrest Records in Connecticut

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI)
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8480
Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification

State Department of Public Safety

Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8000
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection

State Police

Connecticut State Police Headquarters
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8000
Connecticut State Police

State Department of Corrections

Connecticut Department of Correction
24 Wolcott Hill Road
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: (860) 692-7480
Connecticut Department of Correction

State Court System

Connecticut Judicial Branch
231 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 757-2100
Connecticut Judicial Branch

Attorney General's Office

Connecticut Attorney General's Office
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 808-5318
Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Municipal Police Departments

Hartford Police Department
253 High Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 757-4000
Hartford Police Department

New Haven Police Department
1 Union Avenue
New Haven, CT 06519
Phone: (203) 946-6316
New Haven Police Department

Bridgeport Police Department
300 Congress Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (203) 576-7671
Bridgeport Police Department

Stamford Police Department
725 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06901
Phone: (203) 977-4444
Stamford Police Department

Waterbury Police Department
255 East Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
Phone: (203) 574-6911
Waterbury Police Department

State Archives

Connecticut State Library and Archives
231 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 757-6500
Connecticut State Library and Archives

Federal Agencies Operating in Connecticut

FBI New Haven Field Office
600 State Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: (203) 777-6311
FBI New Haven

U.S. Marshals Service - New Haven - District Headquarters
Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse 141 Church Street, Suite Mezzanine New Haven, CT 06510-2030
Phone: (203) 773-2107
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Connecticut

U.S. District Court - District of Connecticut
141 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: (203) 773-2140
U.S. District Court - District of Connecticut