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Windsor Locks Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Windsor Locks, Connecticut?

Arrest records are public in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, pursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 et seq. This legislation establishes that all records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Connecticut FOIA serves as the legal framework ensuring governmental transparency and accountability across all public agencies, including the Windsor Locks Police Department and related criminal justice entities.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as prescribed by Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b). The public disclosure of arrest records supports community awareness while maintaining appropriate privacy protections as mandated by state law.

How to Look Up Windsor Locks Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Windsor Locks. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act guarantees public access to these records through the following methods:

  • Windsor Locks Police Department: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records directly to the Windsor Locks Police Department located at 50 Church Street, Windsor Locks, CT 06096. The department maintains records of all arrests within municipal jurisdiction and processes requests during regular business hours (Monday-Wednesday 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Thursday 8:00 am-6:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am-1:00 pm). Contact: (860) 292-8696.

  • Hartford County Superior Court: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be obtained from the Hartford Judicial District courthouse at 95 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106. Phone: (860) 548-2700.

  • Connecticut Judicial Branch Website: The state's official judicial website provides searchable access to criminal case records that have been filed with the court.

  • Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification: For comprehensive criminal history information, requests may be submitted to the State Police at 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457. Phone: (860) 685-8480.

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, typically not exceeding $0.50 per page for standard documents.

Contents of a Windsor Locks Arrest Record

Windsor Locks arrest records contain standardized information as required by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142g. These official documents typically include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical description and booking photograph
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Detailed description of the alleged criminal offense(s)
  • Connecticut General Statutes citation for each charge
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Arresting agency information (Windsor Locks Police Department)
  • Case/incident number for administrative tracking
  • Custody status information
  • Court appearance date and location
  • Disposition information (if available)

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b)(3).

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Connecticut

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Windsor Locks operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by Connecticut state law. Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a through § 54-142e govern the retention, disclosure, and eventual erasure of criminal records. These statutes establish that:

  • Arrest records must be maintained by law enforcement agencies for specified periods based on case disposition
  • Records of arrests not followed by conviction must be erased after prescribed waiting periods
  • Conviction records remain public unless expunged through statutory procedures
  • Juvenile records receive enhanced confidentiality protections under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124

The Windsor Locks Police Department adheres to the Connecticut Records Retention Schedule M8 for law enforcement agencies, which mandates specific timeframes for maintaining various categories of arrest documentation. This schedule is administered by the Connecticut State Library's Office of the Public Records Administrator pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 11-8a.

The Town of Windsor Locks Charter and Ordinances may contain additional local provisions regarding public safety records management that supplement state requirements.

Restrictions on Access to Certain Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Windsor Locks, Connecticut law establishes important exceptions to protect privacy rights and the integrity of the justice system. The following categories of arrest records are subject to restricted access:

  • Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124, records pertaining to arrests of individuals under 18 years of age are confidential and not subject to public disclosure except under limited circumstances. The Windsor Locks Juvenile Review Board handles many juvenile matters with enhanced confidentiality protections.

  • Erased Records: Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a mandates that records of arrests not resulting in conviction must be erased after specified waiting periods. Once erased, these records cannot be disclosed to the public.

  • Sealed Records: Court orders may seal certain arrest records in cases involving youthful offenders, accelerated rehabilitation, or other diversion programs as provided in Connecticut General Statutes § 54-76o and § 54-56e.

  • Ongoing Investigations: Information that would prejudice a pending law enforcement investigation may be temporarily withheld under Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b)(3).

  • Family Violence Cases: Certain identifying information in domestic violence cases receives enhanced protection under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-86e.

Individuals seeking access to restricted records may need to demonstrate legal standing or obtain court authorization through appropriate judicial procedures.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Windsor Locks

Connecticut law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Windsor Locks follows procedures established in Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a through § 54-142e. Individuals may qualify for expungement in the following situations:

  • Cases resulting in dismissal are automatically eligible for erasure 13 months after the dismissal date
  • Cases resulting in not guilty findings are eligible for immediate erasure
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for erasure after 3-5 years, depending on the offense
  • Certain felony convictions may be eligible for erasure after 5-10 years, depending on the offense

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Superior Court that handled the original case. For Windsor Locks residents, this is typically the Hartford Judicial District courthouse at 95 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106. Phone: (860) 548-2700.

The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles administers the pardon process for convictions that do not qualify for automatic erasure. A successful pardon application results in the expungement of the corresponding arrest record.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that certain serious offenses, including sexual offenses requiring registration, are ineligible for erasure under Connecticut law.

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