Stratford Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Stratford, Connecticut?
Arrest records in Stratford, Connecticut are classified as public documents pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 et seq., commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The statute establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including the Stratford Police Department, are accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exceptions. This legal framework ensures transparency in governmental operations while balancing privacy considerations in specific circumstances.
The Connecticut FOIA mandates that arrest records be made available for public inspection during normal business hours. These records document the actions of law enforcement agencies and provide accountability regarding the exercise of police powers within the municipality. Individuals seeking access to arrest records are not required to state a reason for their request, as the law presumes public access to government-held information.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b), which outlines specific exemptions to disclosure. These exemptions include information that would constitute an invasion of personal privacy, information related to ongoing investigations, or information that might compromise public safety if released.
How to Look Up Stratford Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Stratford. The Stratford Police Department serves as the primary custodian of these records and provides several methods for retrieval:
- In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Records Division of the Stratford Police Department. Standard identification is required, and applicable fees may be assessed for document reproduction.
Stratford Police Department
900 Longbrook Avenue
Stratford, CT 06614
(203) 385-4100
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific information sought. Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 1-206(a).
Online Portal Access: The Stratford Police Department maintains a digital records management system through which certain arrest information may be accessed. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures.
Judicial Branch Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, the Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains records that may be accessed through:
Connecticut Judicial Branch - Fairfield Judicial District
1061 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 579-6527
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contents of a Stratford Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Stratford Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142g. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and other identifying information as collected at the time of booking.
Incident Details: Comprehensive information regarding the circumstances of the arrest, including:
- Date, time, and location of the alleged offense
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Narrative description of the incident leading to arrest
Charge Information: Specific statutory violations alleged, including:
- Connecticut General Statutes citation numbers
- Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Degree of charges where applicable
Procedural Information: Documentation of post-arrest processing, including:
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory
- Bond amount and type
- Court appearance date
Disposition Information: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, which may include:
- Pending court proceedings
- Case dismissal
- Conviction information
- Sentence details if applicable
The Town Clerk's office maintains certain public records that may contain references to arrests in official town documents, though primary arrest documentation remains with law enforcement agencies.
Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Access
While arrest records are generally public, Connecticut law establishes specific limitations on access. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, records pertaining to arrests that did not result in conviction may be subject to erasure after specified time periods. Additionally, records related to juvenile arrests are governed by Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124, which provides heightened confidentiality protections.
The Stratford Police Department is required to withhold certain categories of information from public disclosure, including:
- Information that would identify confidential informants
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
- Medical information of arrested individuals
- Information regarding juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age)
- Information specifically exempted by court order
Requestors seeking arrest records should be aware that Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212 permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules are available from the Records Division of the Stratford Police Department.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Stratford
Connecticut law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged or erased from public access. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, individuals may petition for the erasure of records under specific circumstances:
- Cases resulting in dismissal: Records become eligible for erasure 13 months after the date of dismissal.
- Cases resulting in nolle prosequi: Records become eligible for erasure 13 months after the entry of nolle prosequi.
- Cases resulting in not guilty findings: Records become eligible for immediate erasure upon final judgment.
The expungement process requires the submission of a formal petition to the Superior Court that handled the original case. Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all agencies in possession of related records to physically destroy such documentation. This includes records maintained by:
- Stratford Police Department
- Connecticut State Police
- Court system
- Prosecutorial offices
- Any other state agencies maintaining such records
Individuals seeking expungement may file petitions without legal representation, though consultation with an attorney is advisable due to the technical nature of the process. The Superior Court Clerk's Office provides standardized forms for expungement petitions.
Superior Court - Fairfield Judicial District
1061 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 579-6527
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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