Darien Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Darien, Connecticut?
Arrest records are public documents in Darien, Connecticut, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 et seq., commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Connecticut FOIA operates under the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Darien Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records serve multiple public interest functions:
- Promoting transparency in police operations and judicial proceedings
- Enabling community awareness of public safety concerns
- Supporting accountability in the criminal justice system
- Providing factual information about arrests that may otherwise be subject to rumor or misinformation
- Facilitating research and statistical analysis of crime patterns
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as provided by Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available for public inspection.
How to Look Up Darien Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Darien have several official channels through which such information may be obtained. The Darien Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides multiple methods for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests for arrest records directly at the Darien Police Department headquarters. A formal request form must be completed, and proper identification is required.
Darien Police Department
25 Hecker Avenue
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 662-5300
Darien Police Department Official Website
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Darien Police Department. Requests must include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized authorization (if requesting records of another individual)
Online Access: The Darien Police Department provides limited online access to police reports and arrest information through its official website. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures.
Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may also be accessed through:
Connecticut Judicial Branch - Stamford Superior Court
123 Hoyt Street
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 965-5308
Connecticut Judicial Branch Website
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212, fees may apply for copying or certification of records. The standard fee structure includes $0.50 per page for photocopies and additional charges for certified copies.
Contents of a Darien Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Darien Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding both the arrested individual and the circumstances of the arrest. These records are standardized in accordance with Connecticut law enforcement protocols and generally include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Residential address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprint classification
- Photograph/mugshot
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting officer(s) identification
- Agency case number
- Booking number
- Charges filed (including Connecticut General Statutes citation)
- Arrest warrant information (if applicable)
- Probable cause statement
- Property seized during arrest
Procedural Information:
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Bail or bond amount
- Court appearance date
- Detention facility information
- Disposition of the case (if available)
It should be noted that pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, records pertaining to arrests that did not result in conviction or were otherwise dismissed may be subject to erasure after specified time periods. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical information
- Information regarding confidential informants
- Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
- Information regarding juveniles as protected under § 46b-124
Expungement of Arrest Records in Darien
The expungement of arrest records in Darien follows procedures established under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a. This process, formally known as "erasure," provides a mechanism through which qualifying individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access. The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles administers the expungement program in conjunction with the Judicial Branch.
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in dismissal (eligible for erasure 13 months after dismissal)
- Cases resulting in nolle prosequi (eligible for erasure 13 months after the nolle)
- Cases resulting in acquittal (eligible for immediate erasure)
- Certain non-violent offenses after specified waiting periods
- Pardoned offenses
Application Process: The expungement procedure requires submission of formal documentation to the court of jurisdiction. Applicants must:
- Complete the Application for Erasure of Criminal Record (JD-CR-136)
- Provide certified copies of disposition documents
- Submit the application to the court clerk where the case was adjudicated
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
Superior Court of Connecticut - Stamford Judicial District
123 Hoyt Street
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 965-5308
Upon approval of an expungement petition, all records of the arrest are physically destroyed or sealed from public access. Law enforcement agencies, including the Darien Police Department, are required to comply with court-ordered expungements by removing such records from public databases and physical archives.
It should be noted that certain records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes even after expungement. Additionally, federal agencies may maintain separate records that are not subject to state expungement orders.
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