Arrest records are public documents in Haddam, Connecticut, accessible to all citizens under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 through § 1-242. This legislation establishes that records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities, are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Connecticut FOIA operates on the principle that government transparency is essential for an informed citizenry and accountable public institutions.
The public nature of arrest records serves multiple civic purposes. These records provide transparency in the criminal justice system, allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities. They enable community members to stay informed about public safety matters in their neighborhoods. Additionally, public access to arrest information helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process by subjecting it to public scrutiny.
Connecticut law does provide certain exemptions to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b), specific information may be redacted from arrest records, including:
Residents of Haddam should note that while arrest records are public, an arrest itself is not evidence of guilt, as all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Haddam, Connecticut. The Connecticut Public Records Administration oversees the maintenance and accessibility of these documents in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 11-8 and § 11-8a. Individuals may utilize the following methods to obtain arrest information:
Connecticut State Police Troop F 315 Spencer Plains Road Westbrook, CT 06498 Phone: (860) 399-2100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Connecticut State Police
The Troop F barracks serves Haddam and maintains records of arrests conducted by state troopers within town limits. Requestors must complete Form DPS-846-C and may be required to pay a processing fee as stipulated in Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212.
Middlesex County Superior Court 1 Court Street Middletown, CT 06457 Phone: (860) 343-6400 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Connecticut Judicial Branch
Court records related to arrests in Haddam are maintained at the Middlesex County Superior Court. Pursuant to Practice Book § 42-49A, these records are available for public inspection unless sealed by judicial order.
Connecticut State Library Public Records Administration 231 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: (860) 757-6500 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Connecticut State Library
The State Library maintains historical arrest records and provides guidance on accessing public safety documents throughout Connecticut.
Online Access Options The Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system that includes information on arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. Users should note that pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, records of dismissed cases or acquittals may have been erased and would not appear in search results.
Arrest records in Haddam, Connecticut contain standardized information as prescribed by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-36n and Connecticut Law Enforcement Standards and Procedures. These documents typically include comprehensive data about both the arrested individual and the circumstances of their apprehension. Standard components of an arrest record include:
Biographical information of the arrestee:
Arrest circumstance details:
Processing information:
Disposition information:
Law enforcement agencies in Haddam maintain these records in accordance with Connecticut records retention schedules established under Connecticut General Statutes § 11-8a. The Connecticut State Police and Middlesex County judicial offices follow standardized protocols for the organization and preservation of these documents to ensure their accuracy and accessibility.
Connecticut law provides mechanisms for the erasure of arrest records under specific circumstances, governed primarily by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a. Expungement removes arrest information from public access and, in some cases, from law enforcement databases entirely. Haddam residents may qualify for expungement under the following conditions:
Cases resulting in dismissal:
Cases resulting in not guilty findings:
Pardoned offenses:
Decriminalized offenses:
The Clean Slate Law, effective January 1, 2023, provides for automatic erasure of certain criminal records after specified waiting periods, ranging from 7 to 10 years depending on the severity of the offense. Individuals with questions about eligibility should consult with the Middlesex County Superior Court Clerk's Office or qualified legal counsel.
Expunged records are not disclosed in background checks for employment or housing, though certain exceptions exist for law enforcement and judicial purposes. Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142e prohibits discrimination against individuals whose records have been erased, and such persons may legally state they have never been arrested in relation to the erased charges.