Free Connecticut Arrest & Criminal Records: Search All Cities in CT

Free Connecticut Arrest Records & Criminal Records Search
Access Connecticut Records: background checks, warrants, probation and parole, court records, and all criminal and arrest records.

Search Connecticut arrest records and criminal records in every city throughout CT in a matter of minutes.

While finding Connecticut criminal records can prove difficult when unsure of where to begin or look; this resource makes the process quick and convenient. The following resource will show searchers the official agencies and processes to find:

  • Arrest logs, mugshots, and the reason for the arrest
  • Criminal records
  • Parole, probation, warrant information
  • State and federal prisoners
  • The process of running a personal or professional background check
  • The Connecticut national sex offender registries

Furthermore, details on how to contact someone in jail, initiate the bail process, “erase” a record by obtaining an absolute pardon or certificate of employability, as well as laws and statutes about criminal records and discrimination, are brought to light to make citizens aware of their rights and the protections that are in place.

Accessibility of Criminal Records & Arrest Records in Connecticut

Connecticut arrest records and criminal records are both viewable by any member of the public, but the process for accessing and obtaining these types of records varies, as does the record custodian. Therefore, a searcher trying to find recent arrests in Connecticut would follow a different process than an individual attempting to get criminal record copies.

Searchers should note that all juvenile records are exempt from public access, as are any records or information regarding a pending case or ongoing litigation. Records that have been sealed or expunged will be partially or fully confidential as well.

All record searches must adhere to Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act, as defined in Chapter 14 of Connecticut’s General Statutes. This act offers a provision for any interested party of the public to access records of Connecticut’s governmental bodies without stating their intention or purpose.1

In addition to criminal records, anyone can review the tutorial on accessing Connecticut public records, which shows searchers how to find vital records (such as divorce, marriage, birth and death records), court records, and prison inmate records as well.

Differences in Information Shown on Connecticut Criminal Records & Arrest Records

Connecticut arrest records differ from criminal records in that they are reports about a specific incident, whereas criminal records give an individual’s entire criminal history.

Another difference between the two types of records is that arrest records may not result in a conviction, while criminal records show incidents that resulted in guilty convictions.

Arrest records in Connecticut usually show the following information:

  • Age
  • Arrest Date
  • Charge
  • Court Date
  • Current Home Address
  • First & Last Name
  • Incident Description
  • Incident Number
  • Race/Ethnicity
A screenshot showing an arrest record sample provided in Connecticut with specific details about the arrested individual.
Source: Town of East Hartford, Connecticut41

 

Criminal records in Connecticut often hold the following information:

  • Arresting Agency
  • Arrest Date
  • Birth Year
  • Date of Sentencing
  • Docket Number
  • Fines & Fees
  • First & Last Name
  • Offense Date
  • Plea
  • Prior Convictions
  • Prior Incarcerations
  • Relevant Court
  • Representation
  • Sentencing Information
  • Type of Crime Committed
  • Verdict & Verdict Date
A screenshot showing a sample criminal record provided in Connecticut with specific details about the arrested individual.
Source: State of Connecticut Judicial Branch42

How To Check If Someone Was Arrested Recently or Is in a Connecticut Jail

When learning how to find recent arrests in Connecticut, individuals should be aware that Connecticut does not have independent county level governments, so the state’s 8 counties no longer have typical sheriffs or any county jails.

Instead, all inmates are either held in city jails operated by local police departments or state facilities run by the Connecticut Department of Corrections (DOC).2

Since 1960, county governments in Connecticut have been abolished, with the exception of county sheriffs and departments, which lasted until 2000, when they too were abolished. The responsibilities previously held by the sheriffs’ departments were taken on by the State Marshal Commission–which is overseen by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services–and the DOC.3

More recently, Connecticut advised the U.S. Census Bureau that the state would like its nine Regional Councils of Government (COGs) to replace the counties completely, and the Census Bureau deemed the COGs authority to operate as administrators of regions, similar to how other states have county administrators.4, 5 This transition from counties to official COGs will be fully implemented in 2024.

Not only do law enforcement agencies who operate the city jails often offer an online database of current arrests, but they often include mugshots of who’s in jail too.

Although it is often quite simple and straightforward, the process for finding arrest records in Connecticut can vary slightly from city to city. For instance, smaller cities may require a phone call or in-person visit, while larger cities often have an online search tool and, in many cases, even an accompanying mugshot database.

By using these online inmate search tools or calling the local city police department, searchers can gain access and insight into city arrest records in Connecticut.

Look Up Arrest Logs & Inmate Rosters Through Connecticut Police Departments or Municipal Jails

Connecticut arrest records can be checked by viewing the the police department’s online inmate rosters, calling them, or by visiting their office in-person.

Searchers who have trouble tracking down records can recruit the help of a bail bondsman who will not only be able to provide assistance with accessing or obtaining records but could even aid in the bail process if needed.

The tables and bullets below list every police department’s online arrest log, and if they don’t have one available, then their phone number and contact page are seen instead:

City Inmate Arrest Logs City Police Department Phone Number Shows Mugshots?
Glastonbury Police Department 860-652-4260 X
Hamden Police Department 203-230-4000 X
Hartford Police Department
(Arrest Log Available on Website as pdf)
860-757-4000 X
Middletown Police Department 860-638-4100 X
Naugatuck Police Department 203-729-5222 X
New Canaan Police Department 203-594-3500 X
Norwalk Police Department 203-854-3200 X
Portland Police Department 860-342-6780 X
Simsbury Police Department 860-658-3100 X
Southington Police Department 860-378-1600 X
Windsor Locks Police Department 860-627-1461 X

Connecticut Police Departments that do not have an inmate search tool feature on their website are listed below with a link to their contact page instead.

How To Initiate the Bail Process & Get Ahold of Someone in a Connecticut Jail

Inmates in correctional facilities operated by the Connecticut Department of Corrections are not given access to incoming calls through the DOC’s Securus option. Outbound calls may be placed to approved numbers on their calling list–up to 10 contacts.6

Friends and family members may also correspond with inmates by mail, with no limit on letters written or received unless as part of a disciplinary action. All incoming mail should include the inmate’s full name, DOC number, and the full address of the applicable facility where the inmate is currently located.

There are three options for posting bail on behalf of an inmate:

  • Posting the entire amount of bail set by police or the judicial department’s pretrial service staff
  • Paying 10% cash bail (allowed on bonds set at $20,000 or less)
    • Exceptions to this option include orders from a judge stating that the 10% cash option does not apply or if the total bond amount is altered to be higher than $20,000
  • Using a bail bondsman to post an inmate’s bail for a set fee (often 10% or greater)

All bail payments can be posted at the local police department, courthouse, or the DOC facility where the subject currently resides.

How To Look Up Criminal Records in the State of Connecticut (CT Criminal Records Search)

In most states, criminal records are hosted by county courts via the courthouse or clerk of the court, but Connecticut criminal records are found via different record custodians, given the lack of county courthouses.

Instead, several Connecticut agencies host an online directory with criminal records that the public may access–some for free and some for a fee.

Other than these agencies, third-party people finder sites can be very helpful in criminal history information or searches but are not always fully up to date as they are not operated by law enforcement or the government.

Obtain Criminal Records via the Connecticut State Police’s Bureau of Identification

To check if someone has a criminal record, searchers can start by utilizing the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI) request form for criminal records, which will give results statewide unless a federal criminal history check is requested.7

Every criminal history record request that does NOT require searching by fingerprints must follow this process:

  1. Fill out a Criminal History Record Request Form by following the instructions included on the form8
  2. Enclose both the completed Criminal History Request Form and the applicable fees listed on the form in an envelope addressed to:

    Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
    State Police Bureau of Identification
    1111 Country Club Road
    Middletown, CT 06457
    (860)685-8480

    Fingerprinting Fee–$15
    Federal Criminal History Check–$13.25
    Connecticut Criminal History Check–$75

    All fees must be sent in exact and separate amounts by cash, money order, or check, as change will not be given. All checks and money orders must be made payable to “Treasurer-State of CT”

  3. All requested records, if available, will be sent to requestors via email or USPS

*Note: No in-person requests will be fulfilled, with the exception of fingerprinting services, until further notice. All non-fingerprint-related requests and fees must be mailed.

A screenshot showing a criminal history record request form that is required when one requests a criminal record that does not require searching by fingerprints.
Source: State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection8

For criminal record requests that DO require a fingerprint search, the process is more tedious:

  1. Schedule fingerprinting by selecting a 10-minute window at a certain time and date and print the appointment confirmation page (appointments available between 8:30 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday)9
  2. Complete the Connecticut Criminal History Request System’s fingerprinting pre-enrollment10
  3. Fill out a Criminal History Record Request Form by following the instructions included on the form8
  4. Visit the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI) at the address listed above with the following:
    1. A valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, Connecticut ID card or passport)
    2. A copy of the fingerprinting appointment booking confirmation page
    3. A copy of the fingerprinting pre-enrollment confirmation with both a barcode and tracking number
    4. $15 fingerprinting fee
    5. Applicable fees per type of criminal history search requested (current fees are shown on the Criminal History Record Request Form)
  5. Have fingerprints taken by an official at the scheduled time
  6. Receive records requested, if available

Any questions about this process or the current fees should be directed to the SPBI at 860-685-8480.

Find Criminal Records by Using the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Criminal Conviction Search Tool

Criminal records in Connecticut, as well as motor vehicle convictions can also be found through the judicial branch, which offers criminal history and inmate searches via two free to use options: either a Criminal Conviction Search by Defendant or, alternatively, a Criminal Conviction Search by Docket Number depending which the searcher has knowledge of.11, 12

A screenshot showing the Criminal/Motor Vehicle Convictions Search by Defendant tool provided by the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch requiring last name and other additional details to locate the defendant's record.
Source: State of Connecticut Judicial Branch11

After filling out the first letter of the subject’s last name and clicking “search,” the site will provide up-to-date and relevant search results for users to review. However, the more search criteria are entered, the more specific and accurate the search results will be.

Obtain Prison Records Through the Connecticut Department of Corrections

Yet another option for individuals seeking a form of Connecticut criminal records, commonly referred to as prison records, is via the Connecticut Department of Correction’s DOC Offender Information Search.13

This inmate search tool will only show prisoners in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities, which are overseen and operated by the DOC.14

A screenshot showing the map of Connecticut pointing to the locations of different Department of Correction Facilities of Connecticut.
Source: Connecticut State Department of Correction14

Inmates shown in the search results are not necessarily convicted of any crime, as the DOC holds both convicted offenders as well as those awaiting trial. Although the offender information search tool is online, questions can be directed to the Connecticut DOC at:

Connecticut Department of Correction
Public Information Office
24 Wolcott Hill Road
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: 860-692-7780

A screenshot showing an Offender Information Search tool provided by the Connecticut State Department of Correction requires at least the inmate number or the first few letters of the last name to locate the offender's name.
Source: Connecticut State Department of Correction13

To use the DOC offender lookup tool, users can simply input the subject’s Connecticut Department of Correction number–if known–or search subjects by first name, last name, or date of birth.

Connecticut criminal records can be found in several ways, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons offers yet another option for obtaining criminal history information in Connecticut–this time at the federal level.15

By utilizing the Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP) inmate locator, searchers can simply input an individual’s name or BOP number and any other known identifiers.16 Search results will come up, which can be clicked on and reviewed for the detainee’s location, release date, contact options, and any other relevant information.

A screenshot showing an Inmate Locator tool provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons with a list of sample results using the name John Smith.
Source: Federal Bureau of Prisons16

How To Get a Copy of Criminal Records in Connecticut via the State Police Bureau of Identification

  1. The State Police Bureau of Identification offers criminal records to applicants who fill out a Criminal History Record Request Form and submit the applicable fees:7, 8
    • Fingerprinting Fee–$15
      Federal Criminal History Check–$13.25
      Connecticut Criminal History Check–$75
  2. The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch provides two free options regarding criminal records:17
    1. Criminal Conviction Search by Defendant11
    2. Criminal Conviction Search by Docket Number12
  3. The Connecticut Department of Corrections’ DOC Offender Information Search is a free resource for obtaining criminal history or inmate information on subjects held in state facilities.13
  4. Local police departments can also be called or visited for inmate information; many departments will also have online resources for requesting criminal records for convenience.

How To See if Someone Is on Probation or Parole Through Connecticut’s Division of Parole & Community Services

Individuals wondering how to find Connecticut parolee details should know that parole usually means a release from prison. A probation search, on the other hand, will give results for former inmates who have been released from jail. Unfortunately, lookup tools for either of these are rare.

Concerned loved ones or members of the public may contact the state’s Parole & Community Services headquarters for general inquiries or assistance.18

Parole & Community Services
24 Wolcott Hill Road
Wethersfield, CT 06109
860-692-6901

To illustrate just how many people are on probation and parole, the following image shows the combined total of probationers and parolees in Connecticut, along with their ethnicities:

An image showing a map displaying the combined total population of adult probationers and parolees in Connecticut and a bar graph showing the number of adult probationers and parolees by ethnicity.
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics

Regional offices throughout Connecticut can also be reached for guidance on finding information about a parolee.

Hartford Parole & Community Services
300 Sheldon Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
860-297-4400

New Haven Parole & Community Services
620 Grand Avenue
New Haven, Connecticut 06515
203-937-2400

Bridgeport Parole & Community Services
1052 North Avenue
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
203-212-5935

Waterbury Parole & Community Services
2200 Thomaston Avenue
Waterbury, Connecticut 06702
203-346-7800

Norwich Parole & Community Services
2-6 Cliff Street
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
860-885-2020

Additionally, search results from the Bureau of Prisons inmate lookup can offer insight into historical information at the federal level, state and federal sex offender registries can be reviewed, or interested parties could run a personal background check to seek further details.16

Citizens are also welcome to view probationer details by following the steps for searching CT probation records. Connecticut’s Adult Probation Offices can also be contacted directly for further inquiries.19

How To Request an Absolute Pardon or Certificate of Employability in Connecticut (Erasure of CT Criminal Records)

In Connecticut, record expungements are called “absolute pardons” and erase an individual’s entire Connecticut adult criminal record. Erasure of criminal records may be allowed when a case is dismissed or the subject is acquitted, and when a defendant is pardoned, the erasure will happen immediately.

The erasure of a record does not always mean it will be physically destroyed; instead, it may simply be withheld from the public and only accessed by the defendant or certain prosecuting and defense attorneys.

Alternatively, some records are physically destroyed–including criminal records erased due to decriminalization and some other records if the defendant asks for them to be destroyed. Offenders must wait 3 years after the date of their most recent misdemeanor conviction disposition or 5 years after the most recent felony conviction to apply for an absolute pardon.

Pending charges or any other open cases–even if in other states or at the federal level–will automatically disqualify a pardon, as will a nolle within 13 months preceding the application. Applicants also must not currently be on either probation or parole.

Alternately, prior offenders seeking certain employment or licensure may apply for a Certificate of Employability (COE), which does not expunge any prior convictions but–if granted–will officially state that despite an individual’s criminal history, it is illegal for employers and other agencies to deny the prior offender based on this history. This makes it easier for former offenders to find employment and get a license.

Individuals seeking a COE will not be approved if they are currently incarcerated, had a case rolled within the preceding 13 months, or are currently on probation with over 90 days of supervision remaining.

Both absolute pardons and COEs are granted (or denied) by the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles (BOPP).20

The BOPP can be reached at:

55 W. Main St.
Waterbury, CT 06702
Pardons Phone: 203-805-6643
Email: ct.bpp@ct.gov
Monday-Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm

To apply for an absolute pardon, individuals should:

  1. Ensure they meet all eligibility criteria (Absolute Pardon Eligibility Requirements)21
  2. Gather all Required Documents for Absolute Pardons and pay applicable fees22
  3. Attach proof of employment or source(s) of income to application
  4. Include a Military Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
  5. Attach any further documentation for the BOPP to consider
  6. Make a note for the BOPP to notify them of any state, federal, and other convictions that are not listed on the criminal history report
  7. Confirm that all documents ready for submission are in either .jpeg, .pdf, or .png formats
  8. Visit the BOPP’s ePardon Portal to create an account, complete and submit the Absolute Pardon Application, and upload all accompanying documentation23, 24
  9. If deemed eligible for an absolute pardon, the applicant will be contacted to set up a phone interview

*Note: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are not accepted in person.

To apply for a Certificate of Employability, individuals should:

  1. Ensure they meet all eligibility criteria (COE Eligibility Requirements)25
  2. Gather all Required Documents for COE and any additional documents for the BOPP to review26
  3. Disclose all convictions
  4. Ensure that all documents accompanying the Application for COE are in either .jpeg, .pdf, or .png formats
  5. Visit the BOPP’s ePardon Portal to create an account, complete and submit the Application for Certification of Employability, and upload all accompanying documentation23, 27

*Note: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are not accepted in person. All questions must be answered truthfully, as the BOPP will do a criminal background check on all COE applicants and will contact each applicant’s Probation/Parole Officer

All juvenile records are automatically sealed, then automatically expunged once they’ve reached age 21 if they have completed all required supervision and have not accrued any additional felonies.

How To Find a Prisoner in a Connecticut State Prison or Federal Penitentiary

Prisoners held in federal facilities are convicted of federal crimes such as piracy, treason, or drug trafficking, while state prisoners are often those accused or convicted of more violent state-level crimes, including sex crimes, assault, armed robbery, and murder.

Searchers looking for federal inmates can do so through the felony registry maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.15 On their website, detainees can be found via the BOP inmate locator by typing the subject’s name or BOP number.16

This search will bring up relevant former and current inmates. From there, users can click on any name to view personal details and criminal history, as well as if/where the individual is currently being held.

Concerned parties seeking to locate records on state prisoners throughout Connecticut should utilize the state’s Department of Correction’s DOC Offender Information Search to find inmates held in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities.13, 14

How To Check Who’s Wanted in Connecticut Through the Judicial Branch (Run a CT Warrant Search)

Residents of Connecticut can go through the State of Connecticut’s Judicial Branch to check whether or not they have a warrant out for their arrest. The judicial branch offers a statewide Arrest Warrant Search where interested parties can look up CT warrants by name, town, or court location.28

A screenshot of an arrest warrant search tool provided by the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch requiring either the last name, the town, or the court location to find an arrest warrant record.
Source: State of Connecticut Judicial Branch28

Search results will show an individual’s:

  • Birth Year
  • Court
  • Docket Number
  • Full Name
  • Issue Date of Warrant
  • Last Known Address
  • Record Type
  • Town
A screenshot showing a sample result from searching through the arrest warrant search tool provided by the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch.
Source: State of Connecticut Judicial Branch43

Federal warrants, on the other hand, are issued by the U.S. Marshals and are compiled in their WIN system, but unfortunately, this is not available to the public.

Instead, members of the public can use PACER–Public Access to Court Electronic Records–to search their national database of federal court cases or search by a particular court. Searchers must create an account to use this system; although creating an account is free, PACER charges users a nominal fee per search.29

Overview of Connecticut Background Checks (How To Get One Done & What They Entail)

Background checks are used for a wide array of professional purposes, from employment and licensing to purchasing firearms and, in some cases, even residency.

To perform a personal background check on oneself in Connecticut, interested parties should submit a Criminal History Record Request Form offered by the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Investigation (SPBI).8 It costs $36 to simply confirm or deny whether a specific record exists (searched by name or date of birth), or $75 for the actual record without submitting fingerprints.

Personal background checks on others can be conducted very affordably through third-party providers–which can check many counties at once and save the requester time and frustration by doing the work for them for a nominal fee–or through local or state agencies.

These personal background checks do not have to adhere to the same stipulations laid out in state and federal laws that professional checks do–as long as the information garnered is not used to harass or stalk the subject of the background check. For instance, professional background checks may only be done with consent from the individual being investigated, while personal checks do not need consent.

Professional background checks fall into two categories: Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 background checks are name-based searches performed on a smaller scale, such as by city or state. For example, the Newtown Police Department’s Records Division offers interested parties local checks limited to Newtown.29 Residents must complete a Newtown Criminal History Record Request and pay a $10 fee.30

In contrast, Level 2 background checks are more comprehensive, give results at the national level, and require fingerprinting via the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). These are much more accurate due to the fingerprint verification and will return information on the subject’s criminal history, previous arrests and employment, marital status, credit history, sex crimes, detainment records, and even pending cases.

Level 2 checks are required for employment of those working in the healthcare system or with children or the elderly; for example, the Connecticut State Department of Children & Families requires DCF Background Checks for each person working with children and families.31

The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services also requires pre-employment background checks for applicants to work with individuals with disabilities.32

Level 2 background checks can be obtained through the SPBI by submitting the same Criminal History Record Request Form as in Level 1 checks, but requesters must indicate that they want the fingerprint-based search, pay the $75 fee, and complete fingerprinting at a Connecticut State Police Station for an additional $15.8

Laws including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and those outlined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must be followed by employers, landlords, and any others completing checks for professional purposes.33, 34

The statute of limitations must also be adhered to, meaning that employers and others may not review criminal histories beyond 7 years into the past–unless for employment in which the individual would be making over $75,000 per year, in which case this rule does not apply.

How To Perform a Search for Sexual Predators Through the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry

Sex offenders in Connecticut can be searched via either the statewide or national registry. The State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety manages the CT Sex Offender Registry, where individuals can search for offenders by name, radius, city, phone number, and even internet names.35, 36

A screenshot showing a Sex Offender Search tool the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection provided.
Source: Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection36

Search results will show information on each sex offender, including:

  • Conviction Details (Date/Description/State)
  • Eye Color
  • Full Name
  • Hair Type/Color
  • Height
  • Information on Probation (if applicable)
  • Known Addresses
  • Known Aliases
  • Mugshot
  • Offenses
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Release Date
  • Scars/Tattoos
  • Sex
  • Sex Offender Registration Number
  • Weight

Individuals may sign up for email alerts to track each offender if desired.

A screenshot showing a sample result found through a Sex Offender Search tool provided by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Source: Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection44

The National Sex Offender Registry can also be searched by any concerned members of the public. Searches can be performed by name, zip code, or a radius around a specific address. The more information entered in the search bars, the more accurate and narrow the search results will be, especially when seeking a specific offender.37

A screenshot showing a statewide or national sex offender search that can be searched by name and zip code or by searching through address radius.
Source: National Sex Offender Registry37

Background check laws like the FCRA and those set by the EEOC protect individuals against discrimination when records are being requested or obtained for professional reasons, but personal background checks are not subject to these rules–but the information within cannot be used for hate crimes, stalking, or otherwise harassing the subject.

Connecticut’s State Laws on Criminal Records & Arrest Records

Employers, licensing agencies, and other professional entities in Connecticut must adhere to all relevant state and federal laws when seeking criminal records. The public must also adhere to certain rules regarding searches for a criminal or arrest report.

For employers specifically, it is illegal to disqualify any applicant or potential employee from being hired solely on the basis of a prior criminal conviction, per Report 2021-R-0049 on felony convictions and employment.38

Similarly, Connecticut’s Ban the Box Laws (BTB HRS 378-2.5) disallow any and all potential employers from including questions on job applications that question applicants about their criminal history.39

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and rules set forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission must be followed at all times when accessing public records.33, 34 Specifically, guidelines for Employers Regarding Arrest & Conviction Records are laid out by the EEOC that give an overview of anti-discrimination laws.40

The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is not a single law but rather a series of laws that ensure the general public can access both public records and meetings of Connecticut’s government.1

Searchers should also be aware that personal criminal records searches can be done via background checks without the subject’s knowledge or permission, but any such checks done for professional purposes must follow all local, state, and federal laws.

Interested members of the public can most easily access Connecticut arrest records via local police departments.

Connecticut criminal records can also be obtained but must be requested online through the State Police Bureau of Investigations, State of Connecticut Judicial Department, or the Connecticut Department of Correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Connecticut Have a Statewide Drug Registry?

Connecticut does not have a drug registry that is accessible to the public, but the Connecticut Prescription Drug Reporting System (PDRS) was created by the Office of Health Strategy as a web-based app. PDRS is open only to authorized entities including dispensers, prescribers, and law enforcement.

Law enforcement may only access the portal if they have completed training on how to use the app and even then, only when there is a relevant active investigation, court order, or subpoena.


References

1Connecticut Official State Government website. (2022). THE CONNECTICUT FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. Connecticut Government. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from <https://portal.ct.gov/FOI/Regulations/The-FOI-Act/2022-FOI-Act>

2Connecticut’s Official State Website. (2023). Connecticut Department of Correction. Connecticut’s Official State Website. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://portal.ct.gov/DOC>

3Connecticut’s Official State Website. (2023). Marshal Commission, State. Connecticut State Department of Administrative Services. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://portal.ct.gov/das/communications/connecticut-state-marshal-commission>

4United States Census Bureau. (2023). U.S. Census Bureau. Census.gov. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://www.census.gov>

5State of Connecticut Official Website. (2023). REGIONAL COUNCILS OF GOVERNMENTS. Connecticut Secretary of State. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Register-Manual/Section-VII/Regional-Councils-of-Governments>

6Securus Technologies. (2015). SECURUS. Connecticut Department of Correction. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DOC/Pdf/SecurusPhonepdf.pdf>

7Connecticut’s Official State Website. (2023). State Police Bureau of Identification. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from <https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Division-of-Emergency-Service-and-Public-Protection/Reports-and-Records/State-Police-Bureau-of-Identification>

8STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION. (2017, December 1). STATE OF CONNECTICUT CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD REQUEST FORM [Web]. Division of State Police State Police Bureau of Identification. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DESPP/reports_and_records/DPS0846CCriminalHistoryRecordRequestFormRev120117pdf.pdf?la=en&hash=EA50398A227AA13333672A334F53FB6B>

9Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. (2023). Fingerprint Scheduling. Connecticut State Police. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/DepartmentofEmergencyServicesandPublicProtectionCopy@ct.gov/bookings/>

10Connecticut State Police. (2023). Connecticut Criminal History Request System PreEnrollment. Connecticut State Police. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://ct.flexcheck.us.idemia.io/CCHRSPreEnroll/>

11State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. (2023). Criminal/Motor Vehicle Convictions Search By Defendant. CT Judicial Branch. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://www.jud2.ct.gov/crdockets/SearchByDefDisp.aspx>

12State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. (2023). Criminal/Motor Vehicle Convictions – Search By Docket Number. CT Judicial Branch. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://www.jud2.ct.gov/crdockets/DocketNoEntry.aspx?source=Disp>

13State of Connecticut Official Website. (2023). DOC Offender Information Search. Connecticut Department of Correction. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <http://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us>

14State of Connecticut Official Website. (2023). DOC Facilities. Connecticut Department of Correction. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://portal.ct.gov/DOC/Miscellaneous/Facilities>

15Federal Bureau of Prisons. (2023). Bureau of Prisons. BOP. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://www.bop.gov>

16Federal Bureau of Prisons. (2023). BOP Inmate Locator. BOP. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/>

17State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. (2022). Connecticut Judicial Branch. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from <https://jud.ct.gov>

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