Vermont Arrest Records

Is Vermont an Open Arrest Records State?

Vermont is an open arrest records state pursuant to the Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320). The state adheres to the principle that transparency is essential in fostering trust between law enforcement agencies and the public. Arrest records in Vermont are considered public records under this legislation, which ensures that members of the public have the right to access records concerning the conduct of the public's business, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies.

The availability of arrest records to the public supports the notion of accountability and transparency within the criminal justice system. It allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and ensures that justice is administered fairly. However, certain limitations may apply to the accessibility of these records as outlined in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c), particularly if an investigation is ongoing or if releasing the information may jeopardize someone's safety or privacy.

The Vermont Crime Information Center serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state and provides official access to arrest records and conviction data. Under state law, the center is authorized to disseminate criminal history information to qualified entities and individuals in accordance with established protocols.

How to Look Up Vermont Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Vermont arrest records, members of the public may explore several official avenues in 2025. While certain arrest records are available online through the Vermont Crime Information Center's Record Service, there are multiple methods to access these details:

Request records from the local police department where the arrest occurred. Each department maintains its own records and may have specific procedures for public access.
Contact the Vermont State Police for statewide arrest information at their headquarters:

Vermont State Police Headquarters
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1300
(802) 244-8727
Vermont State Police
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Visit county courthouse clerks for records not available online. The Vermont Judiciary maintains offices in each county.
Utilize the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service for online searches of conviction records.

Pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2056a, requestors seeking their own criminal history records must pay a $30 fee per copy and may submit requests online, by mail, or in person at the Vermont Crime Information Center.

Contents of a Vermont Arrest Record

A Vermont arrest record typically contains the following information as mandated by state record-keeping requirements:

Full Legal Name: The complete legal name of the individual arrested.
Date of Birth: Used to confirm the identity of the individual and distinguish between persons with similar names.
Arrest Date and Time: The specific date and time at which the arrest was made.
Charges: Detailed list of the charges against the individual, including the Vermont statute violated.
Arresting Agency: The law enforcement agency that made the arrest, including badge numbers of officers involved.
Booking Photos: Often included if available, commonly referred to as "mugshots."
Fingerprint Data: If collected during the booking process, as required by 20 V.S.A. § 2061.
Case Disposition: Information about how the case was resolved, if applicable.
Court Information: The court where the case was or will be heard.

The Vermont Department of Public Safety maintains these records in accordance with state record retention policies and federal reporting requirements.

Understanding the Vermont Open Records Act

The Vermont Open Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320) is a crucial piece of legislation that governs the accessibility of public records in Vermont. This law asserts that any record produced or acquired in the course of public agency duties is accessible to the public, with certain exceptions enumerated in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c). This includes arrest records, which are a fundamental component of law enforcement transparency.

The Act establishes that:

Public records shall be made available for inspection or copying during customary business hours.
Agencies must respond to requests promptly, and no later than within 3 business days.
If the record cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must certify this in writing and establish a date when the records will be available.
Fees may be charged for the actual cost of copying public records or for staff time associated with complying with a request.

The Vermont Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, noting in Caledonian-Record Publishing Co. v. Walton that "the Open Records Act reflects a strong policy favoring access to public documents and records."

Individuals seeking to access their own criminal history records may do so through the Vermont Crime Information Center, which provides detailed instructions for obtaining personal record information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Vermont

In Vermont, the expungement of arrest records can be pursued under specific conditions outlined in 13 V.S.A. § 7601-7610. The expungement process allows for the sealing or destruction of criminal records under certain circumstances:

Eligibility: Not all crimes are eligible for expungement; typically, non-violent offenses and misdemeanors may be considered. Certain serious offenses, including sexual offenses and crimes against children, are generally ineligible.
Time Period: A waiting period must elapse before expungement can be requested—typically 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for certain felonies, during which the individual must not have been convicted of any subsequent offense.
Application Process: Individuals must file a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated. Forms are available through the Vermont Judiciary website or at courthouse clerk offices.
Court Decision: A judge will decide whether the expungement can be granted based on the circumstances, rehabilitation evidence, and behavior post-arrest.

The Vermont Office of the Defender General provides resources for individuals seeking to navigate the expungement process, including eligibility information and petition assistance.

How to Find Local Arrests in Vermont?

Local arrests in Vermont can be tracked through several official resources. Interested parties may:

Visit their local police department, where arrest logs are typically maintained for public inspection. For example:

Burlington Police Department
1 North Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 658-2704
Burlington Police Department
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Review county courthouse records, which provide access to more detailed arrest and case information:

Chittenden County Superior Court
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1950
Vermont Judiciary
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Access the Vermont Department of Corrections inmate locator for information on individuals currently in custody:

Vermont Department of Corrections
NOB 2 South, 280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-2000
(802) 241-2442
Vermont Department of Corrections
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Monitor local newspaper police blotters and media outlets that report on arrests as part of their regular coverage.

Pursuant to Department of Corrections policies, certain information about individuals in custody is available to the public, including current facility location and release date information.

Search Arrest Records in Vermont

Counties

Bennington Caledonia Chittenden Essex Franklin Grand Isle Lamoille Orange Orleans Rutland Washington Windham Windsor