Connecticut Police Records Directory
Connecticut police records and incident reports are maintained by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) for state police matters. Each city and town in Connecticut keeps its own municipal police records. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act guarantees public access to these documents with some exceptions for active investigations. You can request accident reports, incident summaries, and other police documents through official channels. This guide explains where to find Connecticut police records and how to submit requests for the information you need.
Connecticut Police Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Connecticut Police Records
The path to obtaining Connecticut police records depends on which agency handled the incident. Connecticut State Police maintain records for accidents and incidents that occur in areas without municipal police coverage. They also handle major cases on state highways and at state facilities. The Reports and Records Division at DESPP processes these requests from their office in Middletown. You can reach them at (860) 685-8480 for questions about state police records.
Municipal police departments keep records for incidents within their city or town limits. Each department in Connecticut has its own records division or unit. Large cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford have dedicated records staff. Smaller towns may share records duties with other administrative functions. Contact the specific department where the incident occurred to request local police records.
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to inspect and copy public records. This law was enacted in 1975 and applies to all government agencies in Connecticut. Under C.G.S. §1-210, most police records are public unless they fall under specific exemptions. These exemptions include active investigations, informant identities, and certain victim information.
Note: You must request records from the agency that created them. State Police do not keep municipal records, and local departments cannot provide state police reports.
Connecticut State Police Records
The Connecticut State Police operate twelve troops across the state. Each troop covers specific geographic areas. Troop A serves Southbury and surrounding towns. Troop B covers Canaan and the northwest corner. Troop C is based in Tolland. Troop D serves Danielson and northeastern Connecticut. Troop E operates from Montville. Troop F covers Westbrook and the shoreline. Troop G is in Bridgeport. Troop H serves Hartford and the capital region. Troop I is in Bethany. Troop K operates from Colchester. Troop L serves Litchfield. State Police records come from these troop locations.
The State Police Bureau of Identification handles fingerprinting and criminal history checks. They operate from 1111 Country Club Road in Middletown. Fingerprinting services cost $15 and require an appointment. State criminal history checks cost $75. Federal criminal history checks cost $13.25. These fees must be paid separately with exact change, check, or money order. The Bureau of Identification does not handle incident reports or accident records. Those requests go through the Reports and Records Division instead.
Connecticut State Police maintain three districts with headquarters in Litchfield, Hartford, and Colchester. The Western District covers troops B and L. The Central District covers troops A, C, H, and I. The Eastern District covers troops D, E, F, and K. Each district has a Major Crime Unit for serious investigations. Understanding which troop or district handled an incident helps direct your records request to the right office.
Accident Reports and Motor Vehicle Records
Motor vehicle accident reports in Connecticut follow different procedures depending on severity and location. Simple accidents with minor damage may be available online through BuyCrash.com. These reports typically appear within thirty business days. You can purchase and download them immediately after payment. This service works for many basic motor vehicle accidents across Connecticut.
Accident Information Summaries provide preliminary details about crashes. These summaries include party information, vehicle data, insurance details, and a brief accident description. They are available for thirty days from the accident date at accidents.despp.ct.gov. You need at least three search parameters to use this system. Required fields include either the incident number or operator license number.
Serious accidents with injuries or fatalities require direct requests to the Reports and Records Division. These cases need more time to complete investigation. The same process applies to accidents not available online within thirty days. Submit your request through the GovQA portal for these records. Include as much detail as possible to help locate the correct report.
Most municipal police departments also handle accident reports for incidents within their jurisdiction. Many cities use BuyCrash.com for online access. Others require in-person visits or mail requests. Check with the specific department where your accident occurred. Processing times and fees vary by department across Connecticut.
Freedom of Information Requests
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act establishes your right to access public records. The Freedom of Information Commission oversees this process from their office at 165 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. They can be reached at (860) 566-5682 or toll-free at (866) 374-3617. The Commission provides guidance on filing requests and handles appeals when agencies deny access.
The GovQA portal serves as the online system for submitting FOI requests to Connecticut State Police. Create an account at desppct.govqa.us to start your request. The system allows you to track status and receive electronic responses. Notifications come from email addresses ending in @govqa.us. Check your spam folder if you do not see responses.
C.G.S. §29-10b requires a $16 non-refundable search fee for State Police reports. Payment must be received before any search begins. This fee applies whether or not a report is found. You can pay online through the GovQA portal using debit or credit cards. The Reports and Records Division processes requests in the order received. Current backlogs may extend processing times significantly.
Note: The Legal Affairs Unit handles requests for audio and video recordings. These requests require different processing than written reports. Contact them at despp.legal@ct.gov or fax to 860-685-8611 for these materials.
Local Police Departments in Connecticut
Connecticut has over one hundred municipal police departments. Each department maintains its own records system. Large cities employ full-time records staff. Smaller towns may have part-time records officers. All must comply with state FOI laws when handling public requests. Most departments charge fees for copies, typically fifty cents per page.
Major cities like Bridgeport, Stamford, and New Haven process thousands of records requests annually. Bridgeport charges fifty cents per page with cash payment required for in-person requests. Their Records Division operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. New Haven charges fifty cents per page but emails reports of ten pages or less at no cost. Hartford requires in-person visits or mail requests for their records.
Many departments place restrictions on certain record types. Arrest reports usually remain unavailable until court adjudication ends. Juvenile records require court approval for release. Medical information and witness statements may be redacted. Active investigation materials stay exempt from disclosure. Sexual assault reports need special approval from command staff.
To request local police records, contact the department where the incident occurred. Have ready information including date, time, location, and names of involved parties. Case numbers speed up the search process. Call ahead to confirm availability and current fees. Some departments accept email requests while others require written forms or in-person visits.
Fees and Costs for Police Records
Connecticut law allows agencies to charge fees for copying and searching records. These fees must reflect actual costs and cannot be excessive. Understanding the fee structure helps you budget for your records request. Costs vary between state and municipal agencies across Connecticut.
Connecticut State Police charge a $16 non-refundable search fee per C.G.S. §29-10b. This applies to all report requests whether or not records are found. Uncertified reports cost $16. Certified reports cost $17. Additional fees apply for photographs on CD or DVD. The Bureau of Identification charges separate fees for fingerprinting and criminal history requests.
Municipal departments set their own copy fees within state guidelines. Most charge fifty cents per page for standard reports. Danbury charges two dollars for CDs and ten dollars for thumb drives. Their body camera footage costs fifty-four dollars per hour for redaction work. New Britain charges five dollars for certified reports and ten dollars for photo CDs. West Hartford adds one dollar for mailed copies.
Note: Fee waivers may be available for requests that serve the public interest. Contact the specific agency to inquire about waiver policies.
Processing Times for Connecticut Police Records
Waiting periods for police records vary based on agency workload and request complexity. Simple accident reports may be ready in days. Complex investigations can take months or longer. Understanding typical timeframes helps set proper expectations for your request.
Accident Information Summaries appear online within days of the crash. They remain available for thirty days only. BuyCrash.com reports typically post within thirty business days for eligible accidents. These online options provide the fastest access to motor vehicle accident information.
State Police reports submitted through GovQA face significant delays. Reports of twelve to sixteen month backlogs have been noted. All requests are processed in the order received. There is no expedited service available. Municipal departments generally respond faster, often within seven to fifteen business days.
Reports involving active investigations stay exempt until cases close. Arrest records require court adjudication before release. These factors extend wait times beyond normal processing periods. Contact the agency if your request takes longer than expected.
Browse Connecticut Police Records by County
Connecticut has eight counties with police records held by municipal departments and State Police troops. Select a county below to find local resources for obtaining incident reports and accident records.
Police Records in Major Connecticut Cities
Connecticut's largest cities maintain dedicated records divisions. These departments handle high volumes of incident reports, accident records, and public information requests. Select a city below for specific contact information and procedures.