Arrest records are public documents in Naugatuck, 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 pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Connecticut FOIA mandates transparency in governmental operations, ensuring that citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Naugatuck Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public may request and review arrest records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information gathering. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions provided under Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b).
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Naugatuck. The following options are available to requestors:
Naugatuck Police Department
211 Spring Street
Naugatuck, CT 06770
(203) 729-5221
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
New Haven County Superior Court
235 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 503-6800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Access: The Naugatuck Police Department maintains an online database of arrest reports and press releases that is updated regularly. This resource allows for remote access to recent arrest information.
Town Clerk's Office: Certain historical records may be available through the Naugatuck Town Clerk's Office.
Naugatuck Town Clerk's Office
229 Church Street
Naugatuck, CT 06770
(203) 720-7055
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212, fees may apply for copies of arrest records. The standard fee structure includes $0.50 per page for photocopies and additional charges for certified copies.
Naugatuck arrest records contain standardized information as required by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142g. These official documents typically include the following elements:
It should be noted that juvenile arrest records (under 18 years of age) are subject to different regulations under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124 and may not be publicly accessible without a court order.
Connecticut law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a, individuals may petition for erasure of arrest records in Naugatuck when:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Superior Court that handled the original case. Applicants must complete form JD-CR-136, "Petition for Erasure of Record," available through the Connecticut Judicial Branch. The petition must be submitted to:
Superior Court Records Center
90 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 263-2750
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Upon successful petition approval, all police and court records pertaining to the arrest are physically destroyed or electronically deleted from public databases. Law enforcement agencies, including the Naugatuck Police Department, are required to comply with expungement orders within 90 days of issuance.
For arrests resulting in convictions, Connecticut's Clean Slate Law (Public Act No. 21-32) provides for automatic erasure of certain criminal records after specified waiting periods, ranging from 7-10 years depending on the offense classification. This legislation became effective January 1, 2023.
While arrest records are generally public in Naugatuck, certain statutory limitations exist regarding their accessibility and use. Connecticut General Statutes § 31-51i prohibits employers from requiring disclosure of erased criminal records during the hiring process. Additionally, Connecticut's "Ban the Box" legislation (Public Act No. 16-83) restricts employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial employment applications.
The following categories of arrest records maintain heightened confidentiality protections:
Law enforcement agencies, including the Naugatuck Police Department, must balance public disclosure requirements with privacy protections established under Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b)(3).
Naugatuck arrest records serve as valuable resources for background verification processes. Connecticut General Statutes § 29-17a governs the use of criminal history information for non-criminal justice purposes. Entities conducting background checks must adhere to the following protocols:
Employers, landlords, and volunteer organizations in Naugatuck commonly access arrest records to evaluate potential risks. However, Connecticut law prohibits blanket policies that automatically disqualify individuals based solely on arrest records without individualized assessment of relevance to the position or housing opportunity.