Hamilton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hamilton, New Jersey?
Arrest records are public in Hamilton, New Jersey, pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the state, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies in Hamilton Township. The Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability to the citizenry by ensuring that records of official actions, including arrests, are accessible for public inspection.
Under OPRA, government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of New Jersey, with certain exceptions for confidentiality, privacy, and security concerns as enumerated in the statute. The Hamilton Township Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations and makes non-exempt portions available to members of the public upon proper request.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as specified in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1 and related statutes.
How to Look Up Hamilton Arrest Records in 2025
The Township of Hamilton provides multiple avenues for members of the public to access arrest records. Pursuant to established procedures, individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records directly at the Hamilton Township Police Department Records Bureau. Requestors must complete an OPRA request form and provide proper identification. The Records Bureau processes these requests during regular business hours.
Online Portal Access: The Hamilton Township Police Department maintains an electronic records management system through which certain arrest information may be accessed. The Hamilton Township Police Records Division oversees this system and provides guidance on its use.
Municipal Court Inquiries: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Municipal Court system. The Hamilton Township Municipal Court maintains records of cases within its jurisdiction.
New Jersey Courts Electronic Filing System: For cases that have progressed to court proceedings, the Municipal Court Case Search portal allows for electronic searches of case information.
Written Correspondence: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Bureau by mail, with appropriate identification documentation and specific information regarding the records sought.
Hamilton Township Police Department
1270 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road
Hamilton, NJ 08690
(609) 581-4000
Hamilton Township Police
Hamilton Township Municipal Court
1270 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road
Hamilton, NJ 08690
(609) 581-4060
Municipal Court Self-Help Resources
Contents of a Hamilton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Hamilton Township Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records are structured in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:74, which governs records management for law enforcement agencies. Standard arrest records include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, social security number (partially redacted in public copies), current address, and contact information.
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye and hair color, distinguishing features such as scars or tattoos, and race/ethnicity as observed by the arresting officer.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; circumstances leading to the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency involved.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to the relevant sections of the New Jersey Criminal Code (N.J.S.A. 2C) or municipal ordinances.
Booking Information: Fingerprints, mugshot photographs, property inventory, and processing details.
Case Processing Data: Assigned case number, court appearance dates, bail or detention determinations, and preliminary hearing information.
Disposition Information: For completed cases, the outcome of the charges, including dismissals, diversions, plea agreements, or convictions.
It should be noted that pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information that would compromise the safety of any person or an investigation in progress.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hamilton
The State of New Jersey provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq. Expungement is the legal process by which records of criminal arrests, charges, adjudications of delinquency, convictions, and related proceedings are extracted and isolated from public access. The Hamilton Township Police Department and Municipal Court comply with court-ordered expungements in accordance with state law.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Hamilton Township are established by state statute and include:
Time Requirements: Specific waiting periods must elapse before expungement may be granted, varying by offense type. For example, indictable offenses generally require a 5-year waiting period under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-2, while disorderly persons offenses require 3 years under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-3.
Criminal History Limitations: Individuals with multiple convictions or certain serious offenses may be ineligible for expungement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-14.
Case Disposition: Cases resulting in dismissal, acquittal, or discharge without conviction may be eligible for immediate expungement under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6.
The expungement process requires the filing of a petition with the Superior Court in the county where the arrest or prosecution occurred. Upon receipt of a properly executed expungement order from the court, the Hamilton Township Police Department and all other agencies named in the order must remove the specified records from public access and respond to inquiries as if the arrest or conviction did not occur.
Mercer County Superior Court
400 South Warren Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 571-4200
New Jersey Courts
Pursuant to recent legislative reforms, including the "Clean Slate" law (P.L.2019, c.269), certain eligible records may be subject to automatic expungement after specified time periods without requiring individual petition. The implementation of these provisions is ongoing and subject to technological capabilities of the relevant agencies.
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