Westport Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Westport, Connecticut?
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:
- Information that would constitute an invasion of personal privacy
- Records of juvenile arrests
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations where disclosure would be prejudicial
- Information that might compromise public safety
How to Look Up Westport Arrest Records in 2025
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:
- Full name of the arrested individual (if known)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Nature of the incident (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
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:
- $0.50 per page for standard paper copies
- $5.00 for certified copies of records
- Additional fees may apply for specialized searches or extensive redaction requirements
Contents of a Westport Arrest Record
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:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Gender and race (for identification purposes only)
Arrest information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory charges filed, with reference to specific Connecticut General Statutes
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
- Presence of witnesses
- Evidence collected
Processing information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Medical screening results, if applicable
Case disposition:
- Court docket number
- Bail or bond amount set
- Conditions of release, if applicable
- Initial court appearance date
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
The Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification maintains a centralized repository of arrest reports and criminal records that may supplement local records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Westport
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:
- Cases resulting in dismissal of all charges
- Cases resulting in acquittal after trial
- Cases where nolle prosequi has been entered and at least 13 months have elapsed
- Certain convictions after completion of specified waiting periods:
- Misdemeanors: 3-5 years after completion of sentence
- Class D or E felonies or unclassified felonies with maximum sentences of 5 years: 5-7 years after completion of sentence
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:
- Family violence crimes
- Sexually violent offenses
- Crimes requiring sex offender registration
- Class A felonies and most Class B felonies
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