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Windham Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Windham, Vermont?

Arrest records are public documents in Windham, Vermont, pursuant to the Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Vermont Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in governmental operations is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability. Under this statute, arrest records maintained by the Windham County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies are considered public information accessible to any member of the public upon proper request.

The Vermont Public Records Act specifically states that all records produced or acquired by public agencies during the course of their official duties shall be available for inspection and copying. This includes arrest records, booking information, and related documentation generated by law enforcement agencies operating within Windham County. The statute provides that public agencies must respond to requests for records promptly and may only withhold information under specific exemptions outlined in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c).

How to Look Up Windham Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Windham County have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The Windham County Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction and provides several options for record retrieval:

Online Database Access: The Windham County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to arrest records through their official website. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number to locate specific records. This service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Windham County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with searches and provide copies of available documents.
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail or email. Requests should include the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any additional identifying information that may facilitate the search process.
Brattleboro Police Department Records: For arrests made within Brattleboro city limits, the Brattleboro Police Department maintains separate records that can be accessed through their records division.

Windham County Sheriff's Office
185 Old Ferry Road
Brattleboro, VT 05304-8126
Phone: 802-365-4942
Windham County Sheriff's Office

Brattleboro Police Department
230 Main Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: 802-257-7950
Brattleboro Police Department

Contents of a Windham Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Windham County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances of an arrest and the individual taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s) and corresponding Vermont statute violations
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint records collected during booking procedures
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest (e.g., Windham County Sheriff's Office, Vermont State Police, or municipal police department)
Case number assigned to the incident
Initial court appearance information
Bail or bond amount, if applicable

The Vermont State Police Westminster Barracks, which serves Windham County, maintains additional arrest records for cases under their jurisdiction. These records follow similar formatting and content guidelines as established by state protocols.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Windham County is governed by both state and federal regulations that balance public access rights with privacy considerations. The Vermont Public Records Act establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

Under 1 V.S.A. § 317(c), certain categories of information may be redacted from arrest records prior to public disclosure. These exemptions include:

Information that could interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution
Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Information related to juvenile offenders (governed by separate confidentiality provisions)
Medical information collected during booking or incarceration
Information that could compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel

The Windham County State's Attorney's Office plays a significant role in determining which arrest record information may be withheld from public disclosure based on these statutory exemptions. Decisions regarding redaction or withholding of arrest record information may be appealed through administrative channels or through judicial review in Vermont Superior Court.

Windham County State's Attorney's Office
100 Main Street
PO Box 785
Brattleboro, VT 05302
Phone: 802-257-2860
Windham County State's Attorney's Office

Expungement of Arrest Records in Windham

Vermont law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7601-7610, individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of criminal history records, including arrest documentation, when certain eligibility criteria are met.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Windham County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Arrests that did not result in charges being filed within the statute of limitations
Convictions for qualifying offenses after completion of sentence and waiting periods
Successful completion of diversion programs or deferred sentences

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Windham County Superior Court. Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access. Expunged records are treated as if they never occurred, and individuals may legally state they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense.

The Windham County Superior Court Criminal Division processes expungement petitions during regular business hours. Court staff cannot provide legal advice but can supply the necessary forms and procedural information for filing expungement requests.

Windham County Superior Court
30 Putney Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: 802-257-2800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Accessing Arrest Records Through Law Enforcement Bulletins

The Windham County Sheriff's Office News section and the Brattleboro Police Blotter provide regular updates on recent arrests within their respective jurisdictions. These public information resources include summaries of significant arrests, including the nature of the alleged offenses, general circumstances of the arrests, and court appearance information.

Law enforcement bulletins typically include a disclaimer noting that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. These bulletins serve as a public information tool and provide a simplified method for community members to stay informed about law enforcement activities in Windham County.

The Vermont State Police also maintains press releases regarding significant arrests made by troopers assigned to the Westminster Barracks, which covers Windham County. These releases are available through the Vermont State Police public information portal and are regularly distributed to local media outlets.