Criminal History Records in New Haven County
Finding criminal history records in New Haven County requires knowing where to look. New Haven County is home to over 864,000 residents. Major cities include New Haven and Waterbury. Each town keeps its own police records. State agencies hold wider records. This guide shows how to search for criminal history records in New Haven County.
New Haven County Quick Facts
New Haven County Police Departments and Criminal History Records
New Haven County has no county sheriff. The office was abolished in 2000 under Public Act 00-01. Each town now runs its own police force. This means you must contact the right town to get police records. Major departments include New Haven, Waterbury, Hamden, Meriden, West Haven, Milford, Wallingford, Naugatuck, Cheshire, and East Haven.
The New Haven Police Department serves the largest city in the county. You can request records online through a LexisNexis FOIA form. Phone requests go to (203) 946-6312. Fees are $0.50 per page. Small requests of 10 pages or less are free by email. Accident reconstruction reports cost $525. Visit the New Haven Police Department records page to start your request.
Waterbury Police also maintains detailed criminal history records for its city. The department handles requests for incident reports and arrest records. Call their records division for current fees and hours. Many smaller towns in New Haven County use similar systems. Each has its own forms and fees for public records.
State Police Bureau of Identification for New Haven County Criminal History
The State Police Bureau of Identification handles criminal history checks for all of Connecticut. This includes New Haven County. They maintain the central repository for criminal records. You can request a name-based search or a fingerprint-based check. Name searches are faster but less exact. Fingerprint checks are more accurate but take longer.
Visit the State Police Bureau of Identification page for forms and fees. You can also use the CCHRS Name Search portal for online name-based searches. This system charges a fee per search. Results show convictions and pending cases from across Connecticut.
For fingerprint-based checks, you must visit an approved location. IdentoGO handles fingerprinting for the state. You can schedule online or call their hotline. Fingerprint checks are often required for jobs and professional licenses. The State Police Bureau will send results directly to the address you provide.
New Haven County Court Records and Criminal Cases
Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains court records for all criminal cases. New Haven County falls under two judicial districts. The New Haven Judicial District covers most of the county. The Waterbury Judicial District serves the northwest towns. You can search criminal case records online through the Judicial Branch website.
The Judicial Criminal Case Lookup lets you search by name or case number. This free tool shows pending and closed criminal cases. You can see charges, court dates, and case status. Full case files require a visit to the courthouse. Some records may be sealed or restricted from public view.
For certified copies of court records, use the Court Records Request system. There is a fee for copies. You can request by mail or in person. The court clerk in New Haven or Waterbury can help with local cases. Bring valid ID when visiting in person.
Note: Juvenile records and some domestic violence cases have special privacy rules under Connecticut law.
Connecticut Department of Correction Inmate Lookup
The Department of Correction runs the Inmate Information Search. This tool shows current and recent inmates from New Haven County. You can search by name or inmate number. Results show the facility, sentence, and release date. The system updates daily.
This search helps find where an inmate is held. It also shows past incarceration records. The DOC manages all state prisons and jails. New Haven County residents may be held in facilities across Connecticut. Use the inmate search to locate someone in the system.
How to Request Criminal History Records in New Haven County
Getting criminal history records in New Haven County takes planning. First, decide what type of record you need. Police reports come from local departments. Court records come from the Judicial Branch. Statewide criminal history comes from the State Police Bureau. Each source has its own process.
For local police records, contact the department where the incident occurred. Most have online forms or phone lines. Expect to wait a few days for processing. Some small towns may require written requests by mail. Fees vary by department. Always ask about the cost before submitting your request.
For statewide criminal history, use the Criminal History Record Request Form. Mail the form with payment to the address listed. Include a copy of your photo ID. Processing takes several weeks. For faster results, use the online name search portal.
When requesting records, include as much detail as possible. Names, dates, and locations help staff find the right file. Case numbers speed up the search. Incomplete requests may be delayed or denied. Always keep copies of your request for your records.
Fees for Criminal History Records in New Haven County
Costs for criminal history records vary by source. Local police departments set their own fees. New Haven charges $0.50 per page for reports. Small requests under 10 pages are free by email. Waterbury and other towns have similar fee schedules. Call ahead to confirm current rates.
State Police Bureau charges for name-based and fingerprint checks. Name searches through the online portal cost less than mailed requests. Fingerprint checks have additional fees for the fingerprinting service. Court records also have copy fees. The Judicial Branch charges per page for certified copies.
Some records are free to view online. The criminal case lookup and inmate search have no charge. You only pay if you need certified copies or physical documents. Budget for these costs when planning your record request in New Haven County.
Types of Criminal History Records in New Haven County
Criminal history records in New Haven County come in several forms. Each serves a different purpose. Knowing which type you need saves time and money.
Police reports document arrests and incidents. They include the officer's notes, witness statements, and charges filed. These come from local departments. Court records show the legal process. They include filings, motions, and final judgments. The Judicial Branch maintains these files.
State criminal history records show all convictions in Connecticut. The State Police Bureau compiles these. They include felonies and misdemeanors from all counties. This is the most complete record type. It is often required for employment and licensing.
Inmate records show current and past incarceration. The Department of Correction keeps these. They include prison sentences, parole dates, and facility transfers. Use these to find where someone is held or when they will be released.
Major Cities in New Haven County for Criminal History Searches
New Haven County has 27 towns and cities. The largest are New Haven and Waterbury. Each maintains its own police records. Here are the major cities for criminal history record requests:
- New Haven: Largest city, records through LexisNexis FOIA portal
- Waterbury: Northwest hub, contact police records division
- Hamden: Suburban town, phone requests accepted
- Meriden: Central location, in-person and mail requests
- West Haven: Coastal city, online form available
- Milford: Shoreline town, records by appointment
- Wallingford: Historic town, written requests preferred
Smaller towns like Cheshire, East Haven, and Naugatuck also keep local records. Contact the police department in the town where the incident occurred. They will guide you through their specific process.
Nearby Counties for Criminal History Records
These counties border New Haven County. If your search spans multiple areas, check records in each county. Statewide searches through the State Police Bureau cover all Connecticut counties.