What are Hartford Public Records?
Hartford public records refer to publicly available government-generated documents. These include typewritten, handwritten, photographed, taped, and electronically-stored files collated and maintained by different departments in the city or with their county or state-run alternatives. Generally, a record is publicly available when it does not fall under any statutory exemption. According to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, non-public records may include:
- Preliminary drafts or notes
- Personnel or medical files
- Sensitive investigation files of law enforcement agencies
- Information concerning the negotiation and strategies on pending claims and litigation of a public agency
- Trade secrets and commercial or financial information
- Test questions, scoring keys, and other data relating to academic, employment, or licensing examination.
- Details concerning the real estate appraisals, evaluations, and engineering or feasibility estimate done regarding unfinished transactions or contracts
- Personal financial data or statements of personal worth
- Reports, statements, tax returns, and records exempted by communication privilege or general statute
- Illegally obtained information
- Adoption records
- Educational records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
- Other records that pose security risks
Hartford Crime Statistics
According to the 2017 Connecticut UCR statistics, law enforcement agencies in Hartford City recorded a total index of 7,310 arrests and 6,250 crimes, out of which 17.3% (1,080) were cleared. In ascending order, the indexed offenses for that year included 29 murders, 45 rapes, 87 arsons, 465 robberies, 679 MVTs, 734 burglaries, 804 aggravated, and 3,490 larcenies, the most frequent crime in 2017. Compared with the indexed arrests and crimes for the entire county, the statistics reveal that Hartford City had 25.9% of all the arrests and 26.8% of offenses in the county.
Are Hartford Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Hartford criminal records are mostly open to the public. The State Police Bureau of Identification serves as the central depository of statewide criminal records and processes requests for name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history checks. Fingerprint background check services are available in-person for $15 with an additional charge of $75 for the record search. Name checks cost $36. Individuals can request either type of check via mail by first downloading and filling the request form. Next, send the completed form, fingerprint card (when required), and money order or check of the appropriate amount to:
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
State Police Bureau of Identification
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8480
Fax: (860) 685-8361
Mailed fees should be payable to: “Treasurer-State of CT”. For foreign adoption, immigration, visas, and other official purposes, individuals may require the “Letter of Good Conduct.” Individuals may obtain letters by submitting the request form, fingerprint card, and check or money order of $75 to:
State of Connecticut
DESPP – Division of State Police
Attn: S.P.B.I.
1111 Country Club Road,
Middletown, CT 06457
For local background checks at $5 per search, contact the Records Division of the Hartford Police Department at:
Hartford Police Department
Attn: Records Division
253 High Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Note: The Connecticut Judicial Branch also provides information on statewide criminal cases and convictions.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Hartford Police Department (HPD) generates and maintains records on crimes and actions that happened under its jurisdiction. Individuals may obtain Hartford arrest records, incident reports, incident reports, accident reports, permits, and other police reports through the HPD Records Division by making requests in person, via mail, or online, depending on the record. Incident reports are public after about 15 business days. However, not all records are publicly available. The Crime Analysis Unit may redact some information, and some reports may be unavailable, except to individuals mentioned in the document.
Hartford crash reports are available online, while individuals can request towing information, case number, and report availability by calling (860) 757-4150. For Hartford arrest records, interested persons and other police records may download the arrest log on the HPD website or make mailed or in-person requests at:
Hartford Public Safety Complex
253 High Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Individuals will have to pay the cost of copies, provide case or incident number or other information like the date of the incident, location, requester name, requester address, contact details, and so on.
Note: The Connecticut State Police also issues incident reports, accident reports, and other records of crimes within its jurisdiction.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Hartford
Members of the public can get information on sex offenders in the City of Hartford by using the search tools available on the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry. Users can search for offenders according to city, area, name, phone number, internet names/email, and compliance status. Available details on each offender’s profile may include:
- Photograph
- Names and aliases
- Physical description
- Addresses
- Offense, conviction, and release details
How to Find Hartford Inmate Records
Individuals who wish to obtain information on inmates in the Hartford Correctional Center may visit the Hartford CC website or contact the facility at (959) 200-3000 or 177 Weston Street for general information on facility history, visitations, and inmate statistics. However, the easiest way to obtain inmate records is by using the inmate search tool provided by the Department of Correction to find inmates by their DOC inmate number, last name, first name, or date of birth. Search results will include a listing of possible matches in different state facilities, but clicking on an inmate's number on the result page may provide the following:
- Inmate number and name
- Date of birth
- Latest admission date, current location, and court disposition status
- Bond amount
- Controlling offense
- Sentence, release, and parole details (if available)
Note: Victims of crimes may register with Connecticut Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (CT SAVIN) for offender information.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Hartford County Jail?
Family, friends, and interested persons who are not already listed on the inmate’s approved visitation list cannot see the inmate without sending the visit request form to the Hartford Correctional Center and getting approved. Eligible persons must then set appointments for in-person or video sessions at least 72 hours beforehand with the jail staff according to the visitation procedure and schedule. All visitors must take along valid photo identification and be at the facility at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule for screening and check-in.
Court Records
Hartford City court records are the different documents and materials that are created, filed, and provided by courts in the city. These records contain information concerning the judicial proceedings and actions taken in the Superior and Probate Courts in Hartford or their divisions. Examples of these documents include dockets, decrees, orders, case files, etcetera. As a part of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, courts in the City of Hartford provide access to these various types of records.
Locations of Courts in Hartford
Superior Courts
Centralized Small Claims
80 Washington Street,
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 756-7800
Phone: (866) 383-5927
Fax: (860) 756-7805
Geographical Area 14 – Hartford
101 Lafayette Street,
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 566-1630
Fax: (860) 566-1983
Hartford Community Court
80 Washington Street,
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 756-7020
Fax: (860) 756-7025
Hartford Judicial District
95 Washington Street,
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 548-2700
Fax: (860) 548-2711
Housing Session – Hartford
80 Washington Street,
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 756-7920
Fax: (860) 756-7925
Juvenile Matters and Detention Center – Hartford
920 Broad Street,
Hartford, CT 08106
Phone: (860) 244-7900
Fax: (860) 566-1658
Probate Courts
Hartford Probate Court
Probate District 1
250 Constitution Plaza,
Third Floor,
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 757-9150
Fax: (860) 724-1503
Hartford Regional Children's Probate Court
Probate District 60
250 Constitution Plaza,
Third Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 757-9190
Fax: (860) 722-6017
Are Hartford Court Records Public?
According to state laws, members of the public can access, view, or obtain copies of Hartford court records, excluding files under court seal and information determined to be confidential by law. For instance, records concerning juvenile cases, privilege information, and the records erased after the acquittal or dismissal of cases are not open for public inspection or duplication.
Can You Look Up a Hartford Court Case Online?
Yes, interested persons may use the case look-up tool provided by the Connecticut Judicial Branch to search for information on cases that happened in courts located in Hartford and other parts of the state. Users may need to provide case details like docket number, case number, party names, dates, locations, and other descriptions to find Hartford court case information online. However, individuals should note that not all of these records are available online.
How to Obtain Hartford Civil Court Case Records
Online searches may provide case information, but getting copies of Hartford civil case records requires making orders or requests at the court where the proceedings took place via the appropriate channels. Requests may be via email, mail, fax, online, or in-person, depending on the court. However, forms are available online, and requesters have to provide case details like docket number, case number, party names, dates, locations, and other related descriptions. Requesters may also have to pay fees for the search, duplication, or notarizing of the required document.
How to Obtain Hartford Criminal Court Records
Online searches may provide case information, but getting copies of Hartford criminal case records requires making orders or requests at the court where the proceedings took place via the appropriate channels. Requests may be via email, mail, fax, online, or in-person, depending on the court. However, forms are available online, and requesters have to provide case details like docket number, case number, party names, dates, locations, and other related descriptions. Requesters may also have to pay fees for the search, duplication, or notarizing of the required document.
What Are Hartford Vital Records?
Hartford vital records are documentation of life events like births, adoptions, divorces, marriages, and deaths that happen to individuals in the city. Like most Hartford public records, these also exempt sensitive information like social security numbers, private information, and certain medical details. Furthermore, Hartford birth records or confidential marriage records are publicly inaccessible. Different Hartford vital records have various depositories at the city, county, or state level.
Where and How to Obtain Hartford Divorce Records
Individuals can get copies of Hartford divorce decrees or judgment files from the Hartford Judicial District Clerk's Office. Make requests in person at the court where the divorce happened and provide the necessary case descriptions and fees, or mail request letters with these requirements to:
Hartford Judicial District
95 Washington Street,
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 548-2700
Fax: (860) 548-2711
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Hartford
Confidential marriage records with social security numbers in Hartford are only available to persons mentioned in the license, legal representatives, and other authorized persons. Interested parties may obtain copies of the Hartford marriage certificate since 1852 from the Hartford Bureau of Vital Records by submitting or mailing the completed application forms (downloadable) and $20 per copy to:
City of Hartford - Vital Records
550 Main Street,
First Floor, Room 103
Hartford, CT 06103
Fees should be in money orders made payable to the City of Hartford. Hartford marriage records are also available at the State Vital Records Office at the same price. Interested persons may mail the completed request forms and fees in money orders made payable to "Treasurer, State of CT" to:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
Customer Services, MS # 11 VRS
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Where and How to Get Public Hartford Marriage Records
Public Hartford marriage records with redacted sensitive information are available at the Hartford Bureau of Vital Records and issued at $20 per copy. Interested adults can obtain certified copies of these documents by submitting or mailing the completed application forms (downloadable) and fees to:
City of Hartford - Vital Records
550 Main Street,
First Floor, Room 103
Hartford, CT 06103
Fees should be in money orders made payable to the City of Hartford. Hartford marriage records are also available at the State Vital Records Office at the same price. Interested persons may mail the completed request forms and fees in money orders made payable to "Treasurer, State of CT" to:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
Customer Services, MS # 11 VRS
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Where and How to Find Hartford Birth Records
Hartford birth records are confidential until the 100th anniversary of the birth and available locally at the Hartford Bureau of Vital Records, which maintains vital records filled since 1852. Individuals may request copies of these documents in person by providing acceptable identification, fees, and necessary information such as:
- The subject’s name at birth
- Birthdate
- Parents full name and mother’s maiden name
- Requester’s information and phone number
For mailed applications, send completed request forms and other requirements to:
Hartford City Hall
550 Main Street,
1st Floor, Room 103
Hartford, CT 06103
The bureau charges $20 for the full-size copies and $15 for wallet-size copies. Fees should be in money orders made payable to the City of Hartford. Hartford birth certificates prior to 2003 are also available at the State Vital Records Office at $30 per copy. Interested persons may mail the completed request forms and fees in money orders made payable to "Treasurer, State of CT" to:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
Customer Services, MS # 11 VRS
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Where and How to Find Hartford Death Records
Hartford death records since 1852 are available at the Hartford Bureau of Vital Records and issued at $20 per copy. Interested adults can obtain certified copies of these documents by submitting or mailing the completed application forms (downloadable) and fees to:
City of Hartford - Vital Records
550 Main Street,
First Floor, Room 103
Hartford, CT 06103
Fees should be in money orders made payable to the City of Hartford. Hartford death certificates are also available at the State Vital Records Office at the same price. Interested persons may mail the completed request forms and fees in money orders made payable to "Treasurer, State of CT" to:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
Customer Services, MS # 11 VRS
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
