Tolland County Arrest Records

Tolland County arrests happen when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe a person has committed an offense (Connecticut General Statutes § 54-1f). Offenses leading to arrests can range from felonies and misdemeanors to infractions, each with distinct legal repercussions.

Arrestees are usually taken to the nearest police station or State Trooper's office for booking, depending on the law enforcement agency involved. Booking involves filing the suspect's personal information, taking fingerprints, mugshots, and documenting the charges. If a local municipal police department made the arrest, the booking occurs at the department. For areas without a dedicated municipal police department, the Connecticut State Police’s resident troopers handle the booking.

Arresting law enforcement agencies with jurisdictional legitimacy generate county arrest records and are part of government bodies that maintain them. These records are crucial as they file the circumstances of the arrest, such as the date, time, charges, and other relevant details. These documents are part of the broader Tolland County court records and are a significant public resource that includes details from criminal cases.

Are Arrest Records Public in Tolland County?

Yes. Per the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), government records, including Tolland County arrest records, are generally open to public inspection. However, FOIA Chapter 14, Section 1-210 outlines several exemptions where the disclosure of specific records may be restricted. County arrest records are generally restricted when disclosure of the document(s) of interest reveals the following information:

• Informant or witness identities
• Minor witness identities
• Security plans and manuals
• Information on future law enforcement actions
• Ongoing investigations
• Juvenile arrest records
• Sexual assault victim identities
• Inmate or staff movement logs
• Inmate law enforcement contacts
• Whistleblower details
• Security personnel movement logs
• Emergency plans
• Privileged communications
• Personnel or medical files
• Trade secrets.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

A Tolland County arrest record usually reveals the following information:

• Arrestee's name, age, gender, and date of birth
• Charges filed
• Date and time of the arrest
• Location of the arrest
• Arresting agency
• Case number associated with the arrest
• Bond amount set (if applicable)
• Scheduled court date.

Tolland County Crime Rate

The Connecticut Uniform Crime Reporting Program releases yearly crime statistics for Tolland County. Per the 2022 report, the total number of offenses was 826. The most common crimes were property crimes, 588 (71.2% of total county crimes), followed by other forms of larceny, 216 (26.2%), and violent crimes, 22 (2.7%).

Tolland County Arrest Statistics

The UCR also releases yearly Tolland County arrest figures. Per the 2022 arrest statistics, the total number of arrests carried out by law enforcement was 1,026. All other offenses (except traffic): 394 arrests (38.4% of total county arrests), disorderly conduct: 173 arrests (16.9%), followed by simple assault: 103 arrests (10.0%), driving under the influence: 145 arrests (14.1%), larceny-theft: 89 arrests (8.7%), and offenses against the family and children: 52 arrests (5.1%).

Find Tolland County Arrest Records

Tolland County law enforcement operations happen at the municipal(town) level and through the Connecticut State Police. Consequently, the process for looking up arrestee information depends on which agency made the arrest. For arrests made by municipal police departments, such as the Vernon Police Department, inquiries can be made in person at the department or via phone. Required information may include:

• The arrestee’s full name
• Date of birth (if known)
• Arrest date and location
• The requester's contact information
• A valid government-issued ID (for nonpublic arrest records).

When the Connecticut State Police's Resident State Troopers make an arrest in county areas without municipal policing, inquiries should be directed to the area's respective State Troopers' office. For example, if the arrest occurred in Tolland Town by the Resident State Troopers, contact the office at:

Tolland County Town Hall
21 Tolland Green
First floor
Tolland, CT 06084
Phone: (860) 875-8911

For federal arrests, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) usually holds suspects in federal custody until arraignment. To find an inmate's location, use the Federal Inmate Locator, which is searchable by name or number. After identifying the holding facility, contact the facility for further information.

If the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the arrest, the Online Detainee Locator System can be used to find the detainee. Contact the local ICE field office or the specific detention facility if the information is unavailable online.

Free Arrest Record Search in Tolland County

To access Tolland County arrest records held by municipal police departments or the Connecticut State Troopers for free, individuals must contact the agency responsible for the arrest. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the public can inspect records without obtaining copies, although copies can be requested. While agencies may suggest that requests be made in writing, this is only necessary if copies are needed.

The county does not have a standardized form for records requests. Requesters should contact the appropriate agency directly and clearly state the specific records needed. For instance, the Vernon Police Department or a local state trooper's office may request a written request even if the records are only being inspected.

Requesters should note that fees are applicable when obtaining or printing documents; municipal police departments can charge up to $.50 per page, while the local state trooper's office may charge up to $.25 per page. Extra fees for certified copies, transcriptions, or electronic arrest records may apply. Note that local police departments usually release only adult arrest records and may only retain these records for a limited period based on their retention policies.

An alternative option for accessing arrest records is through third-party public records databases. These private companies compile public data from various government sources, including law enforcement agencies. While initial searches are often free, obtaining a full report on an individual's arrests will require a fee. These third-party sites are a great resource, especially when direct access to public agency records is difficult.

Get Tolland County Criminal Records

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) manages Tolland County criminal records. To start the process, schedule an appointment and bring the following:

• The confirmation page from the fingerprint appointment booking and the pre-enrollment confirmation page with a tracking number and barcode.
• An authentic government-issued photo ID (such as a Driver's License, Connecticut ID Card, or Passport).
• $15 for fingerprinting.
• $75 for the criminal history check.
• $13.25 for a federal criminal history check (only available under specific state statutes or federal acts).

Payments must be made separately by check, money order, or exact cash, as no change will be provided at the service window. SPBI can be contacted at (860) 685-8480 for any questions about fees. After the appointment, complete and mail the DPS-0846-C form to:

Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
State Police Bureau of Identification
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457.

Tolland County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Criminal records are extensive documents that cover all matters involving an individual and the law. These files reveal charges, trials, convictions, and sentencing, revealing all details of prosecuted cases. These files are maintained by the court and police, providing a complete profile of the offender’s criminal activity.

In contrast, arrest records are mainly restricted to police information. These files comprise details such as the date of arrest, place of arrest, charges pressed, and the law enforcement agency involved. Arrest records are not an indication of guilt, nor do they document the complete legal process. Criminal records, however, show the entire judicial process, from arrest to verdict. Arrest records are considered part of criminal records; they highlight the arrests and charges against the accused but do not cover the entire legal proceedings that follow an arrest, as a criminal record does.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Forever. Tolland County arrest records may remain indefinitely unless expunged. Without expungement, the arrest will remain on record indefinitely, accessible to law enforcement, potential employers, and other authorized entities.

Expunge Tolland County Arrest Records

Under Section 54-142a, any criminal offense in Tolland County can be expunged if sufficient time has passed. The following cases qualify for automatic expungement:

• The defendant was acquitted at trial
• The court dismissed the case.
• The prosecutor dropped the charges, and 13 months have passed.
• The case has been on hold and remains inactive for at least 13 months.

In the above instances, the records will be automatically erased without requiring any action from the defendant. Additionally, per Section 54-142u, records for certain cannabis possession convictions are automatically erased. If the records are electronic, they will be erased; if they are not electronic, they will be deemed erased by law.

Ineligible cases for automatic expungement require the individual to pursue an absolute or provisional pardon. Expungement is possible for any criminal offense, including felonies, violent crimes, unclassified felonies, and other offenses. To apply for a full pardon, the following criteria must be met according to the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Eligibility for an Absolute Pardon requires a minimum of three years since the disposition of the most recent misdemeanor conviction and five years since the disposition of the most recent felony conviction. A " nolled " case must have been inactive for 13 months before a pardon application can be submitted. Additionally, applicants must not be under supervision, have pending charges, or have open cases in any jurisdiction.

Next, prepare all required documents:

• Obtain a copy of criminal history and police reports from the last 10 years.
• A Notarized Background Investigation Authorization (BIA)
• Print at least three Absolute Pardon Reference Questionnaire Forms (only one can be filled by a family member related by blood).
  • The individual providing the character reference must complete the forms affirming support for the pardon petition and listing all the petitioner's convictions.
  • References may include a dated and signed letter with the Questionnaire, provided it acknowledges the absolute pardon application.
  • The forms must be signed and dated within one year of the online application submission.
• Police reports for any arrests within the last 10 years resulting in convictions.
• A letter from Adult Probation, if applicable.
• A copy of an authentic Driver's License or State ID (.jpeg,. pdf, or. png format. If the address on the ID differs from what's listed in the application, explain the discrepancy within the application).
• Proof of income (provide documentation of current employment or income sources, such as the recent pay stub, W-2 form, unemployment verification letter, disability benefits statement, or letters from financial supporters).

Note: Petitioners have six months to complete the application electronically after starting it. Also, if any conviction is not listed on the criminal history report, it must be disclosed in the application. Failure to do so may result in revocation of the pardon and potential prosecution for perjury.

Submit the application electronically through the Board’s ePardons Portal. Applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants eligible for review will be contacted for a phone interview. For additional questions, check the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Tolland County Arrest Warrants

Tolland County arrest warrants are legal documents that authorize law enforcement to arrest a suspect. These documents are usually issued by a judge or magistrate and are grounded in probable cause, which means there must be reasonable belief that the suspect committed a crime (Connecticut General Statutes § 54-2a). Arrest warrants are commonly issued in cases involving serious offenses, ongoing investigations, or when an individual fails to appear in court as required.

A county arrest warrant contains information such as the individual’s name, a description of the offense, and the legal grounds for the arrest. It must also include the name of the judge who authorized the warrant, the date it was issued, and any specific instructions or conditions that must be followed during the arrest.

Tolland County Arrest Warrant Search

To find active warrants in Tolland County, the Connecticut Judicial Branch offers an online resource where specific case details, including warrants, may be accessible through the active warrant lookup tool. For more specific or detailed warrant information, individuals may also contact the police department of the town where the warrant was issued.

Do Tolland County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Tolland County arrest warrants stay active until executed or recalled by the court, with no expiration. However, factors like time since issuance can affect their enforceability, especially if circumstances or evidence change. The court might recall or modify the warrant if the suspect cannot be found or new evidence emerges. Jurisdictional issues, such as the suspect's location, may also impact the warrant's execution, requiring coordination between law enforcement agencies.