Hartford Criminal History Records Search Guide
Hartford criminal history records document arrests, police incidents, and criminal proceedings in Connecticut's capital city. The Hartford Police Department maintains these records at their High Street facility. Residents and authorized requesters can obtain copies by visiting in person or submitting written requests. The Records Division handles all inquiries following established state protocols for document release.
Hartford Police Department Records Division
The Hartford Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Connecticut's capital. Their headquarters is at 253 High Street. The department covers a diverse urban area. They respond to thousands of incidents each year.
The Records Division manages all document requests. They maintain arrest records and incident reports. They also process accident documentation. These records serve many needs. Attorneys use them for cases. Individuals need them for personal reasons.
The Records Division does not accept email requests. You must call or visit in person. The phone number is (860) 757-4150. Staff can explain the process. They will tell you what to bring.
Visit the Hartford Police Department website for general information. The site lists department divisions. It also provides contact details. Check for updates before visiting.
Hartford Records Request Process and Timeframes
Requesting records from Hartford requires patience. Processing takes seven to fifteen business days. This timeframe varies by request volume. Complex searches need more time. The division works through requests sequentially.
You cannot expedite requests. Everyone waits their turn. Plan accordingly for deadlines. Submit requests well in advance. Rush processing is not available.
Visit the Police Records page for detailed instructions. The page explains request procedures. It also lists required identification. Read this before submitting your request.
Bring proper ID when visiting. Government-issued photo identification is required. This verifies your identity. Some records need proof of relationship. This applies to requests about minors or deceased persons.
Note: Active investigation records remain confidential. You cannot access these until cases close. Juvenile records have additional protections. The department follows state law carefully.
Fees for Hartford Criminal History Documents
Hartford charges standard copy fees. The rate is fifty cents per page. This applies to most records. Fees cover processing costs. They also fund records maintenance.
Payment is due when you receive records. Bring exact change when possible. The office accepts checks and money orders. Make them payable to the City of Hartford. Credit cards may not be accepted.
Large requests can become expensive. Many pages mean higher costs. Ask for an estimate first. Staff can predict page counts. This helps you plan your budget.
Some records may be free. This depends on the request type. Victims of crimes often receive free copies. The department has policies for fee waivers. Ask about these when you visit.
Hartford Police Records Office Hours
The Records Division has limited hours. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Thursday hours extend to 5:00 PM. This gives extra time one day a week. Plan your visit accordingly.
The office closes weekends and holidays. These follow the city calendar. Check holiday schedules before visiting. Arrive early in the day. This ensures time to complete requests.
Lines may form during busy periods. Be prepared to wait. Bring something to occupy your time. The staff works efficiently. They want to help everyone.
For questions about hours, call (860) 757-4150. Staff can confirm current schedules. Hours may change for special circumstances. The phone line is your best source.
Hartford Criminal History and Statewide Systems
Hartford records show only city arrests. Complete criminal history needs state records. The Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification maintains these. Their database includes all state arrests and convictions.
Visit the State Police Bureau of Identification for comprehensive checks. They offer fingerprint-based searches. These match against state and FBI databases. Results are highly accurate.
The Judicial Branch provides court records. Their criminal case lookup is free online. It shows convictions and pending cases. Search by name or case number. Results appear instantly.
For inmate records, use the DOC search tool. This covers state prison inmates. It includes current and past prisoners. Each record shows sentence details.
Name-based searches are also available. Try the CCHRS Name/DOB portal. This costs less than fingerprints. However, results may miss records. Spelling variations cause problems.
Hartford County Criminal History Resources
Hartford is the county seat of Hartford County. The Superior Court hears criminal cases here. Court records are separate from police records. Request them through the Judicial Branch Records Center.
Other Hartford County cities include New Britain and West Hartford. Each has its own police department. Records do not transfer between departments. Complete searches need multiple requests. Check each jurisdiction separately.
See the Hartford County criminal history page for more resources. The page lists all county departments. It also links to court locations. This helps thorough searches.
State Police Troop H covers Hartford. They patrol highways and assist local police. Their records are at the Bureau of Identification. This office is in Middletown. They accept mail and in-person requests.