East Hartford Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in East Hartford, Connecticut?
Arrest records are public documents in East Hartford, Connecticut, pursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 et seq. This legislation establishes that records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the East Hartford Police Department, are generally accessible to members of the public. The Connecticut FOIA operates under the presumption that government records should be available for public inspection to ensure transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials.
The public nature of arrest records serves several important functions within the criminal justice system. These records document the actions of law enforcement agencies, provide statistical data for analysis of crime patterns, and inform community members about potential public safety concerns. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or the privacy rights of victims.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, access may be subject to administrative procedures established by the East Hartford Police Department or other custodial agencies. These procedures typically include submission of formal requests and payment of reasonable reproduction fees as permitted under Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212.
How to Look Up East Hartford Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in East Hartford, Connecticut in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following officially sanctioned channels:
• In-person requests may be submitted at the East Hartford Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Requesters should be prepared to complete a records request form and provide identification.
• The Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system that provides information about criminal cases, including arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. This system is accessible 24 hours per day.
• Written requests may be submitted via U.S. mail to the Records Division of the East Hartford Police Department. Such requests should include the requester's contact information, specific details about the records being sought, and the preferred method of delivery.
• The State of Connecticut's Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) provides certain arrest information through its public portal, though some information may be restricted to authorized users.
When requesting arrest records, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. This information assists records custodians in locating the correct documents and expedites the fulfillment process.
The East Hartford Police Department processes requests in the order received, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(a), which requires that public agencies make records promptly available during regular office hours.
East Hartford Police Department Records Division
31 School Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
(860) 528-4401
East Hartford Police Department
Contents of an East Hartford Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the East Hartford Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement authorities. Standard components of these records include:
• Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest.
• Incident details, including the date, time, and location of the alleged offense and subsequent arrest.
• Statutory citations referencing the Connecticut General Statutes allegedly violated by the individual.
• Narrative reports prepared by arresting officers describing the circumstances leading to the arrest and any evidence collected.
• Booking information, including the processing date and time, assigned case numbers, and custody status.
• Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as "mugshots," capturing frontal and profile images of the arrested individual.
• Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal identification databases.
• Preliminary charging information, though it should be noted that formal charges may be modified by prosecutorial authorities following arrest.
• Documentation of property seized during the arrest process, including potential evidence or personal effects taken for safekeeping.
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the alleged offense, investigative requirements, and departmental protocols. Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124 and may not be accessible through standard public records requests.
Law enforcement agencies in East Hartford adhere to standardized record-keeping practices established by the Connecticut Records Retention Schedule for Municipal Agencies, which mandates the preservation of arrest records for specified periods based on offense classification and case disposition.
Expungement of Arrest Records in East Hartford
Connecticut law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the erasure of arrest records maintained by East Hartford law enforcement agencies. This process, governed primarily by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, allows for the removal of arrest information from public access under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in East Hartford include:
• Cases resulting in dismissal become eligible for automatic erasure 13 months after the entry of such judgment.
• Cases resulting in nolle prosequi (prosecutor's decision not to pursue charges) become eligible for erasure 13 months after the entry of such disposition.
• Cases resulting in not guilty findings become eligible for immediate erasure upon judgment.
• Certain convictions may become eligible for erasure after specified waiting periods, contingent upon offense classification and subsequent criminal history.
The expungement process requires the submission of a formal petition to the Superior Court that maintained jurisdiction over the case. Petitioners must complete standardized forms available through the Connecticut Judicial Branch and may be required to appear at a hearing where a judge will evaluate the merits of the request.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the East Hartford Police Department, to physically or electronically remove the specified records from their publicly accessible files. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142c, agencies receiving such orders must comply within a reasonable timeframe.
Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from consultation with legal counsel familiar with Connecticut's record erasure provisions. The Connecticut Bar Association maintains referral services for individuals requiring legal assistance with expungement matters.
Superior Court, Judicial District of Hartford
95 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 548-2700
Connecticut Judicial Branch
Search Arrest Records in East Hartford
