Hartford Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hartford, Connecticut?
Arrest records are public documents in Hartford, Connecticut, accessible to all members of the public pursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 et seq. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Connecticut residents to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Hartford Police Department maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities and make such information available for public inspection.
The Connecticut FOIA specifically addresses arrest records in § 1-215, which requires disclosure of basic arrest information within 24 hours of an arrest. This provision ensures timely public access to information regarding police activities and promotes transparency in the criminal justice system. Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims as permitted under § 1-210(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes, including:
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Providing transparency in the criminal justice process
- Enabling community awareness of public safety matters
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
How to Look Up Hartford Arrest Records in 2025
Hartford arrest records may be accessed through multiple official channels as established by municipal and state regulations. The Connecticut Public Records Administrator, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 11-8a, oversees the retention and accessibility of these public documents. Individuals seeking arrest records in Hartford may utilize the following authorized methods:
Hartford Police Department Records Division: Members of the public may request arrest records in person at the Records Division located at 253 High Street, Hartford, CT 06103. The division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors must complete a formal records request form and may be required to present identification.
Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may contact the bureau at 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457. The bureau processes requests Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Connecticut Judicial Branch Website: The Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system that provides information on criminal cases, including arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. This resource is available 24 hours per day pursuant to Practice Book § 42-49A.
Freedom of Information Requests: Written FOIA requests may be submitted to the Hartford Police Department's Records Division. Such requests must reasonably describe the records sought and comply with departmental procedures established under Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212.
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying as authorized by Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212. Current fee schedules are available from the respective agencies and are subject to periodic revision by administrative action.
Contents of a Hartford Arrest Record
Hartford arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142g and departmental policies established by the Hartford Police Department. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information including age, gender, and race
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted in public copies)
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including Connecticut General Statutes citations
- Case number and incident report identifiers
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") as permitted under departmental policy
- Fingerprint classification information
- Custody status and bail information
- Court appearance date and location
The Hartford Police Department maintains these records in accordance with retention schedules established by the Connecticut State Library's Public Records Administrator pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 11-8a. Standard retention periods for arrest records extend for a minimum of 75 years from the date of arrest, though this period may be modified for certain categories of offenses.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hartford
The State of Connecticut provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a. Individuals seeking expungement in Hartford must navigate a formal legal process administered by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. Expungement eligibility is determined by statutory criteria and judicial discretion.
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, arrest records may be eligible for erasure under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in a not guilty finding or dismissal of all charges
- Cases dismissed after successful completion of accelerated rehabilitation (§ 54-56e)
- Cases dismissed after completion of alcohol education program (§ 54-56g)
- Cases dismissed after completion of drug education program (§ 54-56i)
- Certain convictions after prescribed waiting periods have elapsed
The expungement process requires petitioners to file appropriate documentation with the Superior Court where the case was adjudicated. The Court Support Services Division, located at 80 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106, processes these applications and provides necessary forms. Upon judicial approval of expungement, the court issues an order directing all agencies holding records to physically destroy or permanently seal the specified records.
Following expungement, Connecticut law permits individuals to lawfully state they have not been arrested with respect to the erased charges when completing applications for employment, licensure, or other civil matters. However, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in § 54-142k.
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility for expungement may consult with the Court Service Center at Hartford Superior Court, 95 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Search Arrest Records in Hartford
