Arrest records are public documents in Westport, Connecticut, pursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access records maintained by government agencies, including those pertaining to arrests. The Connecticut FOIA operates under the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Westport Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records become public information once they are filed with the court clerk or otherwise entered into the official record. Members of the public may inspect these documents during normal business hours at designated government facilities.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b), which provides exemptions for:
The Town of Westport provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. As of 2025, the following methods are available for obtaining this information:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Westport Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to complete a formal records request form and provide identification.
Westport Police Department
50 Jesup Road
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 341-6000
Westport Police Department Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. All written requests should include:
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Town of Westport's online portal. The system allows users to specify the type of record sought and provide necessary identifying information.
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212, fees may be assessed for the reproduction of public records. The current fee schedule includes:
Arrest records maintained by the Westport Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Standard arrest records include the following categories of information:
Demographic data of the arrested individual:
Arrest information:
Processing information:
Case disposition:
The Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification maintains a centralized repository of arrest reports and criminal records that may supplement local records.
Connecticut law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged or erased from public access. The process is governed by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a through § 54-142e, which establish eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Superior Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitions must be submitted on form JD-CR-136, "Petition for Erasure of Record," available from:
Connecticut Judicial Branch
Superior Court Operations
90 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 263-2700
Connecticut Judicial Branch Official Website
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The State's Attorney's Office receives notification and may contest the petition. If the court grants the petition, all records of the arrest are physically destroyed or sealed, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
It should be noted that certain records remain ineligible for expungement, including: