Farmington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Farmington, Connecticut?
Arrest records are public documents in Farmington, 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 government records, including those created and maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Farmington Police Department, as a governmental entity, is required to make arrest records available for public inspection with certain statutory exceptions.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes. It enables community oversight of law enforcement activities, promotes transparency in the criminal justice system, and allows citizens to remain informed about public safety matters in their community. Connecticut courts have consistently upheld the presumption that government records, including arrest documentation, should be accessible unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission enforces compliance with public records laws and adjudicates disputes regarding record access. Individuals seeking arrest records may file complaints with the Commission if they believe records have been improperly withheld.
How to Look Up Farmington Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Farmington. Requestors may utilize any of the following methods to obtain this information:
Submit a records request in person at the Farmington Police Department Records Division, located at 319 New Britain Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032. The Records Division maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Proper identification may be required when requesting records in person.
File a written request via U.S. mail addressed to the Records Division at the above address. Written requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific information sought, and applicable time periods.
Contact the Records Division by telephone at (860) 675-2400 to inquire about record availability and request procedures.
Access the Connecticut Judicial Branch website to review court records related to arrests that have resulted in criminal cases. The Judicial Branch maintains electronic records for cases filed in the New Britain Judicial District, which serves Farmington.
Utilize the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification's criminal history record request process for comprehensive background information. The Bureau is located at 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457 and can be reached at (860) 685-8480.
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on record age, complexity, and departmental workload. Fees may apply pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212, which permits agencies to charge reasonable costs for record reproduction.
Contents of a Farmington Arrest Record
Farmington arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142g and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
- Unique identifiers such as case numbers, incident report numbers, and booking identification
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including Connecticut General Statutes citation numbers and offense descriptions
- Arresting officer's name, badge number, and departmental affiliation
- Narrative description of the incident leading to arrest, including probable cause determination
- Property inventory of items seized during the arrest process
- Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint classification information
- Detention status, including bail amount if applicable
- Court appearance information, including scheduled date, time, and judicial location
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b), which establishes exemptions for information that would constitute an invasion of privacy or compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Farmington
Connecticut law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The erasure of arrest information is governed primarily by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a. Individuals may qualify for record expungement in the following situations:
- Cases resulting in not guilty verdicts or dismissals of all charges
- Arrests that did not lead to prosecution within the statutory time limits
- Successful completion of accelerated rehabilitation programs pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-56e
- Successful completion of pretrial drug education programs under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-56i
- Successful completion of alcohol education programs as outlined in Connecticut General Statutes § 54-56g
- Pardons granted by the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Superior Court that handled the original case. For Farmington residents, this is typically the New Britain Judicial District Court located at 20 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051. Court staff can be reached at (860) 515-5180 for procedural guidance.
Upon court approval of an expungement petition, all records of the arrest are physically destroyed or sealed by all agencies possessing such records, including the Farmington Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Judicial Branch. Following expungement, individuals may legally state they have never been arrested in relation to the expunged matter when completing employment applications or other formal documentation.
Expungement does not occur automatically; eligible individuals must initiate the process through proper legal channels. The Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice recommends consulting with an attorney to navigate the expungement process effectively.
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