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Meriden Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Meriden, Connecticut?

Arrest records are public documents in Meriden, 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 to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations. The Meriden Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.

Public arrest records in Meriden typically contain information regarding:

The date and time of the arrest
Location where the arrest occurred
Identity of the arrested individual
Nature of charges filed
Booking information
Case disposition when available

Members of the public should note that certain information may be redacted from arrest records to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile information, or victim privacy in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b).

How to Look Up Meriden Arrest Records in 2025

The Meriden Police Department Records Division provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division at the Meriden Police Department to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours.

Meriden Police Department
50 West Main Street
Meriden, CT 06451
(203) 630-6201
Official Website

Written Requests: Submit a detailed written request via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Requests must include the name of the arrested individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Online Access: The Meriden Police Department offers interactive reports for certain public safety information. This platform provides access to selected arrest data and crime statistics.
Connecticut Judicial Branch Website: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the state's judicial system website, which maintains a searchable database of criminal cases.

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying services. As of 2025, the fee structure includes:

$20.00 base fee for accessing reports through electronic imaging
$0.50 per additional page for printed copies
Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive research

Processing times typically range from 3-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.

Contents of a Meriden Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Meriden Police Department contain standardized information as required by Connecticut state law. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any known aliases or identifiers
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Offense Information: Complete list of charges filed, including Connecticut General Statutes citation numbers and offense descriptions
Arresting Agency Data: Identification of the law enforcement agency and officer(s) involved in the arrest
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and processing details
Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release conditions, or bail/bond amounts set
Court Information: Initial appearance date, court location, and docket number when assigned

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, certain case disposition information may also be included in the arrest record if the case has been adjudicated. This may include information about convictions, dismissals, nolle prosequi decisions, or diversionary program participation.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Meriden, Connecticut law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to public access. The following restrictions apply to arrest record dissemination:

Sealed Records: Records that have been ordered sealed by a court are not accessible to the public.
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential and not subject to public disclosure except under limited circumstances.
Pending Investigations: Information that may compromise an active investigation may be temporarily withheld under FOIA exemptions.
Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and victim details may be redacted prior to release.
Erasure Provisions: Records subject to erasure under Connecticut's erasure statutes are not available for public inspection.

Law enforcement agencies and court officials are required to verify the identity of requestors seeking arrest records and may limit access to certain sensitive information in accordance with state and federal privacy laws.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Meriden

Connecticut law provides mechanisms for the expungement or erasure of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a. Individuals may be eligible for expungement if:

The case was dismissed
The individual was found not guilty of all charges
The case was nolled (not prosecuted) and at least 13 months have passed
The individual completed an accelerated rehabilitation program or other diversionary program
The conviction was for certain minor offenses and the designated waiting period has elapsed

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Superior Court where the case was handled. For Meriden residents, this is typically:

Superior Court, Judicial District of New Haven at Meriden
54 West Main Street
Meriden, CT 06451
(860) 349-2200

Upon successful expungement, the arrest record is physically destroyed or segregated from public records, and the individual may legally state they have never been arrested in relation to the expunged case. Law enforcement agencies, including the Meriden Police Department, are required to comply with court-ordered expungements by removing these records from public access.

Impact of Criminal Record Sealing in Meriden

Record sealing differs from expungement in Connecticut. When records are sealed rather than expunged, they continue to exist but are not accessible to the general public. The impact of record sealing for Meriden residents includes:

Employment Benefits: Sealed records will not appear in most standard background checks conducted by employers.
Housing Opportunities: Landlords conducting background screenings will not have access to sealed arrest records.
Educational Advancement: Sealed records generally do not need to be disclosed on college or professional school applications.
Professional Licensing: Many licensing boards will not consider sealed arrests when evaluating applications.

It is important to note that certain government agencies, law enforcement entities, and the court system may still have access to sealed records under specific circumstances as permitted by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a(e).

Individuals with questions about the sealing process should consult with a licensed attorney familiar with Connecticut record sealing procedures or contact the Court Service Center at the Meriden Superior Court for general information.