Groton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Groton, Connecticut?
Arrest records are public documents in Groton, Connecticut, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 et seq., commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Connecticut FOIA operates under the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Town of Groton maintains arrest records through its Police Department in accordance with state regulations. These records serve multiple public interest functions, including:
- Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enabling community awareness of public safety matters
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
- Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice issues
- Providing statistical data for policy analysis and development
Certain components of arrest records may be redacted or withheld under exemptions provided in Connecticut General Statutes § 1-210(b), particularly when disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or endanger an individual's safety. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124.
How to Look Up Groton Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Groton have several methods available to access this information. The Town of Groton has implemented multiple channels to accommodate various needs while maintaining compliance with Connecticut's public records laws.
Online Access Options
The Groton Police Department maintains digital records accessible through:
- The department's official records portal on the Town of Groton website
- Connecticut's Judicial Branch website for court case information related to arrests
- Third-party aggregator services that compile public records from multiple jurisdictions
Online requests typically require basic information about the record being sought, such as the name of the arrested individual, approximate date of arrest, or case number if available.
In-Person Requests
Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting:
Groton Police Department
68 Groton Long Point Road
Groton, CT 06340
Phone: (860) 441-6712
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
In-person requestors should be prepared to:
- Complete a records request form
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction
- Allow processing time as specified by department policy
Written Requests
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to:
Records Division
Groton Police Department
68 Groton Long Point Road
Groton, CT 06340
Written requests must include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Date range of records sought
- Purpose of the request (optional but may expedite processing)
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-212, the department may charge reasonable fees for copying records, not to exceed $0.50 per page for standard documents.
Contents of a Groton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Groton Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142g and departmental policies outlined in the Town Code. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and subsequent processing of individuals taken into custody.
Standard components of Groton arrest records include:
Biographical Information
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying features)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Identification numbers (state ID, driver's license)
Arrest Details
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting officer(s) and badge number(s)
- Agency case number and incident report reference
- Probable cause statement or circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant or on-site determination
Criminal Charges
- Specific statutory violations alleged
- Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Court docket number when assigned
- Initial appearance information
- Bail or bond amount set
Processing Information
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records and biometric identifiers
- Property inventory of items in possession at arrest
- Medical screening documentation
- Detention facility assignment
The Connecticut Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) maintains electronic versions of these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Records may be updated to reflect case disposition information as it becomes available from the judicial system.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Groton
Connecticut law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142a through § 54-142e, which establish criteria and procedures for erasure of criminal records.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals may qualify for expungement of Groton arrest records under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in dismissal of all charges
- Acquittal after trial on all charges
- Nolle prosequi (prosecutor's decision not to pursue charges) after 13 months
- Pardons granted by the Board of Pardons and Paroles
- Completion of accelerated rehabilitation or other diversionary programs
- Certain non-violent offenses after prescribed waiting periods
The waiting period for expungement eligibility varies based on the classification of the offense:
- Violations and infractions: 3 years after conviction
- Misdemeanors: 5-10 years after conviction, depending on severity
- Felonies: 5-10 years after conviction, depending on classification
Application Process
The expungement process requires submission of a formal petition to:
Superior Court - Judicial District of New London
70 Huntington Street
New London, CT 06320
Phone: (860) 443-5363
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Petitioners must:
- Complete Superior Court form JD-CR-136 (Petition for Erasure)
- Provide certified copies of disposition documents
- Pay filing fees (fee waivers available for indigent applicants)
- Attend scheduled hearing if required by the court
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all agencies, including the Groton Police Department, to physically or electronically seal the records pertaining to the arrest. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-142c, expunged records are not available for public inspection and are treated as if the arrest never occurred.
Effects of Expungement
When an arrest record is expunged in Groton:
- The record becomes unavailable through standard public records searches
- The individual may legally state they have never been arrested regarding the expunged matter
- Employment applications cannot inquire about expunged arrests
- Housing providers cannot discriminate based on expunged records
- The record remains accessible only to law enforcement under limited circumstances
The Town of Groton Police Department maintains compliance with expungement orders through regular audits of its records management system and training of records personnel on proper handling of sealed information.
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