Bristol Police Records Search
Bristol Police Records are kept at the Bristol Police Department on North Main Street. The department serves residents of this central Connecticut city in Hartford County. You can request incident reports, accident reports, and local criminal record checks through the Records Division. The staff compile and maintain all department records. They process requests in person and by mail. Some records are available online.
Bristol Police Quick Facts
Where to Request Bristol Police Records
The Bristol Police Department Records Division is at 131 North Main Street. This is the main police building in Bristol. The Records Division is staffed by administrative workers. They compile, update, and maintain all department records. You can visit them during business hours. You can also call or email with questions.
| Department | Bristol Police Department Records Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 131 North Main Street Bristol, CT 06010 |
| Main Phone | (860) 584-3011 |
| Records Phone | (860) 584-3061 |
| bpdrecords@bristolct.gov | |
| Anonymous Tips | (860) 585-TIPS (8477) |
| Hours | Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM Friday: 8:00 AM to 1:15 PM Closed weekends and holidays |
The Records Division maintains parking tickets and alarm registrations. They also keep motor vehicle and criminal statistics. The staff work hard to keep records accurate. They follow all state laws about record keeping. Call before you visit. This saves you time.
How to Request Bristol Police Records
You can get Bristol Police Records in two ways. You can visit the Records Division in person. You can also send a request by mail. Each method has its own steps. Pick the one that works for you.
In-person requests are the fastest way to get records. Visit the Records Division during open hours. Bring valid photo ID. Know the date and location of the incident. Staff will help you find your report. Reports are ready in about three working days. Call first to make sure your report is available.
Mail requests work well if you cannot visit. Send a letter to the Records Division. Include these details:
- Your full name and mailing address
- Date and location of the incident
- Report number if you have it
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
Include prepayment with mail requests. Send a check or money order. Make it payable to the City of Bristol. Do not send cash. The Records Division does not accept fax requests. They also do not give report details over the phone.
Note: You must call the Records Division before picking up reports. This confirms your records are ready.
Bristol Police Records for Accidents
Accident reports are one of the most requested Bristol Police Records. These reports document vehicle crashes. They show who was involved. They note road and weather conditions. Insurance companies need these reports. Drivers need them for claims.
You have two ways to get accident reports. The first is through the Records Division. Follow the same steps as other reports. Wait three working days after the crash. Then call to check if the report is ready. Visit in person or send a mail request.
The second way is online at buycrash.com. This website sells accident reports. Wait two business days after the accident. Then search for your report. You will need the date and location. You may also need names of drivers. The site charges a fee for this service.
Online reports are fast. You can get them any time. You do not wait for office hours. The reports are in PDF format. You can print them at home. This is great when you need a report quickly.
Bristol Police Records Processing Time
Police reports are not ready right away. Officers must write the report first. Then a supervisor reviews it. This takes time. The Records Division needs about three working days. This is the normal wait time.
Some reports take longer. Complex cases need more review. Arrest reports have special rules. They are not ready until charges are done in court. This protects the rights of the accused. Wait until the case closes. Then request the report.
Call the Records Division to check status. Have the date and location ready. Staff can look up your report. They will tell you if it is ready. This saves you a trip. It also helps you plan.
Mail requests take extra time. First the mail must arrive. Then staff process your request. Then they mail the records back. This can take two weeks or more. Plan ahead if you have a deadline.
Bristol Police Records Fees
The city charges fees for copies of Bristol Police Records. These fees cover paper and staff time. Fees follow state guidelines. They may change over time. Call to check current rates.
The cost is $0.50 per page. This applies to each side of a page. A short report may cost only a few dollars. Long reports cost more. You pay only for the pages you get. Staff tell you the total before copying.
Video records have different fees. These follow CGS 1-212(b)(1). This is state law. Prepayment is required for fees over $50. This applies to both in-person and mail requests.
Local criminal record checks cost $10.00. These are different from regular reports. They show your record with Bristol Police. You must request these in person. Bring valid photo ID. Credit cards have an extra 2.95% fee.
Bristol Police Records That Cannot Be Released
Not all Bristol Police Records are public. State law limits what the department can share. Some records stay private. Others need special approval. Know these rules before you request.
Arrest reports are not released until charges are done. The case must close first. This rule protects rights. It keeps the process fair. Do not request arrest reports for open cases.
Juvenile records have strict rules. These protect young people. Medical records are also private. Sexual assault records need special care. Uncorroborated allegations are not released. These rules follow state law.
The Records Division staff know these laws. They will tell you if a record is not public. They will explain why. Some requests may need a court order. This is rare for basic reports. Call (860) 584-3061 with questions.
Bristol Local Criminal Record Checks
The Records Division offers local criminal record checks. These are not state or federal checks. They only show records from Bristol Police. Many employers request these. You may also need one for housing.
You must request this service in person. Go to the Records Division during open hours. Bring valid photo ID. The fee is $10.00. Credit cards add a 2.95% fee. Cash and checks are also accepted.
The staff search their local database. They look for arrests and incidents in Bristol. They give you a letter with the results. This process is usually quick. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Report Crime to Bristol Police
You can help keep Bristol safe. The Police Department accepts anonymous tips. Call (860) 585-TIPS. This line is for non-emergency information. Use it to report suspicious activity. You can also report crimes you witness.
The tip line is anonymous. You do not give your name. Police use the tips to solve crimes. They also use tips to prevent crime. This service helps the whole community.
For emergencies, always call 911. The tip line is not for active crimes in progress. It is not for medical emergencies. Use 911 when you need help right away.
Note: Anonymous tips are not part of public records. They are kept confidential.
Hartford County Police Records
Bristol is in Hartford County. The city has its own police department. Other towns in the county have their own departments too. Each keeps its own police records. For records from other towns, contact those departments.
Hartford County has many police departments. The largest is in Hartford. Other cities include New Britain and West Hartford. Smaller towns have their own police too. State Police cover some rural areas.
Records from one department are not at another. You must go to the right place. The Bristol Records Division only has Bristol records. They cannot get records from other towns. Visit the county page for more links.