Lookup Criminal History Records in New London County
New London County sits in the southeast corner of Connecticut. The county seat is New London. The largest city is Norwich. About 268,000 people live here. Finding criminal history records means working with local police, state agencies, and the courts. This guide explains how to access these records.
New London County Quick Facts
New London County Police Departments and Criminal History
New London County has no county sheriff. Like all Connecticut counties, the sheriff system ended in 2000. Each town now runs its own police department. Major departments include Norwich, New London, Groton, Waterford, East Lyme, Montville, and Stonington. Each keeps its own arrest and incident records.
Norwich Police serves the largest city in the county. The department maintains records of all arrests and incidents within city limits. You can request reports in person or by mail. Some records may be available online. Contact their records division for current fees and hours.
New London Police covers the county seat. The department handles records requests for incidents in the city. Groton Police serves both the town and the submarine base area. Waterford, East Lyme, and Stonington departments cover the shoreline towns. Each has its own process for public records.
When requesting police records, contact the department where the incident happened. Provide the date, location, and names involved. This helps staff find the right report. Most departments charge a small fee per page.
Statewide Criminal History Checks for New London County
The State Police Bureau of Identification maintains criminal records for all of Connecticut. This includes New London County. They offer name-based and fingerprint-based searches. Name searches are faster. Fingerprint checks are more thorough.
Visit the State Police Bureau of Identification for request forms. The CCHRS Name Search portal allows online name-based searches. This system covers convictions across the state. Fees apply for each search.
Fingerprint-based checks require a visit to an IdentoGO location. These checks are often needed for jobs and professional licenses. Results go directly to the address you provide. Processing takes longer than name searches.
Note: Statewide searches show all Connecticut convictions, not just New London County.
New London Judicial District Court Records
The New London Judicial District handles all criminal cases in the county. Court records show charges, hearings, and outcomes. You can search these records online through the Judicial Branch website. The Criminal Case Lookup is free to use.
Search by name or case number to find records. The system shows pending and closed cases. You can see court dates and case status. Full files require a courthouse visit. Some cases may be sealed from public view.
For certified copies, use the Court Records Request page. There is a fee for copies. You can request by mail or in person at the New London courthouse. Bring photo ID for in-person requests.
Department of Correction Inmate Search for New London County
The Connecticut Department of Correction runs state prisons and jails. Their Inmate Information Search shows current and recent inmates. This includes people from New London County. Search by name or inmate number.
Results show the facility name, sentence details, and release date. The system updates daily. New London County residents may be held in prisons across the state. Use this tool to find where someone is incarcerated.
How to Request Criminal History Records in New London County
Getting records in New London County starts with knowing what 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 steps.
For local police records, call the department first. Ask about their request process and fees. Some take phone requests. Others need written forms. Small towns may require mail-in requests. Most departments respond within a few days.
For statewide criminal history, use the official request form. Mail it with payment and a copy of your ID. The Criminal History Record Request Form is available online. Processing takes several weeks.
Include all known details in your request. Names, dates, and case numbers help staff find records faster. Incomplete requests may be delayed. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Types of Criminal History Records Available in New London County
Criminal history records in New London County come in several types. Each serves a different need. Understanding the differences helps you request the right document.
Police reports detail arrests and incidents. They include officer observations and witness accounts. These come from the town police department. Court records track the legal process from arraignment to sentencing. The Judicial Branch maintains these files.
State criminal history records compile all convictions. The State Police Bureau keeps this database. It includes felonies and misdemeanors statewide. This is the most complete record for official verification.
Inmate records show incarceration history. The Department of Correction maintains these. They include current housing, sentences, and release dates. Use these to track someone through the prison system.
Fees for Criminal History Records in New London County
Costs vary by record type and source. Local police departments set their own fees. Most charge per page for copies. Call ahead to learn current rates. Some offer free email delivery for small requests.
State Police Bureau charges for both name and fingerprint searches. Online searches cost less than mailed requests. Fingerprinting services add extra fees. Court records have per-page copy fees. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.
Free options exist. The criminal case lookup and inmate search have no charge. You only pay for certified copies or paper documents. Plan your budget before submitting requests in New London County.
Major Towns in New London County for Criminal History Requests
New London County has 21 towns. Each maintains its own police records. Major towns include:
- Norwich: Largest city, central records office
- New London: County seat, historic port city
- Groton: Home to submarine base and casino area
- Waterford: Suburban shoreline community
- East Lyme: Coastal town with beach areas
- Montville: Home to Mohegan Sun casino
- Stonington: Historic coastal borough
Contact the police department in the town where the incident occurred. They handle all local record requests. State and federal records require different sources.
Nearby Counties for Criminal History Records
These counties border New London County. If your search covers multiple areas, check each county. Statewide searches through the State Police Bureau include all Connecticut counties.