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Winooski Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Winooski, Vermont?

Arrest records in Winooski, Vermont are classified as public information pursuant to the Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320). This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring transparency in government operations and upholds citizens' right to access public information. The Act specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest documentation, as materials that must be made available for public inspection, with certain statutory exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and matters of public safety.

The Winooski Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain details such as:

Name of the arrested individual
Date and location of arrest
Nature of charges filed
Booking information
Case disposition status

Pursuant to Vermont statute, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations as outlined in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c).

How to Look Up Winooski Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Winooski as of 2025. The Vermont Criminal Justice Information System has implemented digital modernization initiatives that have expanded public access options while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations under 20 V.S.A. § 2056a.

In-Person Requests

Citizens may submit in-person requests at:

Winooski Police Department
27 West Allen Street
Winooski, VT 05404
(802) 655-0221
Official Website

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays.

Requestors must complete a standard public records request form and present valid government-issued identification. Processing fees may apply in accordance with 1 V.S.A. § 316(b).

Online Access Options

The Vermont Crime Information Center provides a centralized portal for criminal history information. Users may access:

Basic arrest record information
Case status updates
Court disposition records

The system requires registration and adherence to user agreements regarding appropriate use of information obtained through the portal.

Written Requests

Written requests may be submitted via certified mail to the Records Division at the Winooski Police Department address listed above. Requests must include:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest
Requestor's contact information
Notarized signature (for third-party requests)

The department is required to respond within 3 business days pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 318.

Contents of a Winooski Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Winooski Police Department contain comprehensive documentation as mandated by Vermont Criminal Procedure statutes and departmental policies. These records typically include:

Demographic Information

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth
Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Residential address
Identifying marks or characteristics

Arrest Details

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting officer(s) identification
Statutory violations cited
Incident report number
Booking photographs
Fingerprint classification data

Case Processing Information

Booking date and time
Detention facility information
Bail or bond amounts
Court appearance dates
Case disposition status

Pursuant to the Winooski Municipal Code, all arrest documentation must adhere to standardized formatting requirements and retention schedules established by state archival regulations.

Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public, Vermont law establishes specific limitations on access. The following restrictions apply to Winooski arrest records:

Protected Categories

Records may be partially or fully restricted when they involve:

Juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) as protected by 33 V.S.A. § 5117
Ongoing investigations where disclosure could impede law enforcement activities
Cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order
Matters involving domestic violence victims whose safety might be compromised

Privacy Protections

The Vermont Department of Public Safety enforces redaction protocols for:

Social Security numbers
Medical or mental health information
Information about confidential informants
Victim identifying information in sensitive cases
Personal identifying information of minors

Law enforcement agencies must balance public disclosure requirements with privacy protections established under both state and federal regulations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Winooski

Vermont law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7602, individuals may petition for expungement if their case meets statutory criteria.

Eligibility Requirements

Expungement may be available when:

Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The individual has completed a court-approved diversion program
The statutory waiting period has elapsed (typically 2-5 years depending on offense category)
The offense is eligible under Vermont's expungement statutes
The petitioner has no subsequent criminal convictions

Petition Process

The expungement process requires:

Filing a petition with the court where the case was adjudicated
Payment of applicable filing fees (may be waived for indigent petitioners)
Notification to the Winooski Police Department and State's Attorney
Judicial review of the petition
Court order directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge records

When expungement is granted, all public access to the arrest record is terminated, and the individual may legally state that the arrest never occurred in most circumstances.

Legal Consequences of Arrest Record Disclosure

Improper disclosure or use of arrest records may result in legal penalties under Vermont law. The following regulations govern the handling of arrest information:

Unauthorized access to criminal history records may constitute a violation of 20 V.S.A. § 2056c
Using arrest records for employment decisions may be restricted under 21 V.S.A. § 495j
Commercial dissemination of arrest data must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Law enforcement agencies may face liability for improper disclosure of protected information

Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly accessed or disclosed may file complaints with the Vermont Attorney General's Office or pursue civil remedies through the court system.