BLOOMFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Records Unit
The Bloomfield Police Records Unit is the central repository of the vast amount of information collected on a daily basis. Records personnel are tasked with collating and storing the varied data in such a format that it is retrievable upon need.
Like all government agencies, the Bloomfield Police Department is required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to disclose certain records requested in writing by any person. Each state has its own public access laws that should be consulted for access to state and local records. You may find more information on this at The Connecticut Freedom of Information website.
Requesting Police Reports
Copies of reports may be requested in person or by mail. However, State Statutes govern which reports are permitted to be copied. The officers have as long as needed to complete reports. After a certain length of time your report may have been destroyed according to the schedule provided by the Public Records Administration. There are many variables which may come into play in whether your report is releasable.
• Accident Reports - There are no restrictions on release unless criminal charges were filed in relation to the accident. Public release must await final court disposition of any criminal charges, however persons actually involved in the accident may obtain the record subsequent to the issuance of a warrant or summons in the matter. Accident reports, with the exception of fatalities, may be destroyed after ten years.
• Active Investigations - In most cases these records are not accessible.
• Reports containing medical information - In most cases these are not available except to the person involved.
• Uncorroborated Allegations - Access to these is denied by law.
• Juvenile Information - All requests for information must be made to the Juvenile Court. The police are statutorily forbidden from releasing juvenile arrest information. The Superior Court Juvenile Matters has a venue system which differs from the adult courts.
• Certain Identities - The identities of certain persons are exempted from disclosure by statute:
Sexual Assault and Risk of Injury victims, certain witnesses (as well as signed statements from witnesses), and confidential sources.
Costs for Reports
According to State Statute the charge is 50 cents for each side copied. In addition to the cost, written requests must also include a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you lose an infraction or summons ticket we will also copy these for you. Requests that require special considerations may result in an increased cost, at times including labor cost.
Requests for Public Records should be submitted to our Records Unit.
Requesting a Personal Records Check
Anticipating new employment, adoption, Visas for foreign travel? Appear at the Records Window with a photo ID and we will be happy to do a records check for you. Only Bloomfield records will be searched. For a Statewide criminal history check, you may visit the State Bureau of Identification.
Requesting Reports of Criminal Activity or Accidents at a Specific Location
Moving to a new location? Looking for safer streets? We will gladly do a report of a specific type of activity at a specific location for a specific time period. Please submit a Bloomfield Police Department Request for Public Records to our Records Unit.
Violations of Town Codes
Town Codes govern a multitude of specific areas of legislation such as parking, blighted buildings, zoning, and alarms.
Citations may be issued for violations of these town codes. Rules for paying these citations are spelled out in the codes. If one feels that these citations were issued in error or that there are mitigating factors, the Town affords you an opportunity to appeal, through a Local Citation Appeals Board, made up of Local citizens.
Do you have an alarm system?
Please keep in mind that false alarms are counted for each location in town, and for more than three in a one year period there will be a charge. This period runs from July 1 through June 30 annually.
Requests for Permits
Do you need a raffle permit or a peddling or soliciting license? Please file your applications in the Records Department.
Miscellaneous Services
• Motor Vehicle bill of sales and Registration paper work
• Firearm Permits
• Requests for Private Duty Officers are made through the Communications Unit by calling (860) 242-5501 ext. 0.
• Requests to be fingerprinted are made through the Communications Unit. We are unable to provide fingerprint services for non-residents unless they are employed in Bloomfield. Hours of Finger Printing are: M-F 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Fees are $10.00 for residents and $20.00 for non-residents working in Town.
Comments and Questions can be directed to the Records Unit Supervisor.