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Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington, New Jersey?

Arrest records are public in Washington, New Jersey, pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by citizens of New Jersey, with certain exceptions as prescribed by law. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system. Residents and interested parties may access these records through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies and municipal courts, subject to applicable privacy protections and statutory exemptions.

How to Look Up Washington Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Washington, New Jersey arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by local authorities. The Washington Township Police Department maintains comprehensive arrest record databases that are accessible through multiple methods:

Online Records Portal: The Washington Township Police Department provides a digital records system where citizens may search for arrest information using name, date of arrest, or case number. Users must create an account and may be required to pay nominal processing fees for certain documents.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Washington Township Police Records Bureau to submit formal requests for arrest records. Washington Township Police Records Bureau 1 McClain Drive Sewell, NJ 08080 Phone: 856-589-6650 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day) Records Request Information
Municipal Court Records: The Washington Township Municipal Court maintains records of arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Washington Township Municipal Court 523 Egg Harbor Road Sewell, NJ 08080 Phone: 856-589-0546 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Citizens may submit written OPRA requests to the Records Custodian at the Washington Borough Municipal Building. Washington Borough Municipal Building 100 Belvidere Avenue Washington, NJ 07882 Phone: 908-689-3600 Washington Borough Official Website

Requestors must provide sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other relevant identifiers. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, agencies must respond to records requests within seven business days.

Contents of a Washington Arrest Record

Washington, New Jersey arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by the New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 74. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Unique booking identification number
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest (typically Washington Township Police Department)
Statutory charges filed, including citation of relevant Washington Township ordinances or state laws violated
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records and biometric identifiers
Physical description including height, weight, distinguishing features, and demographic information
Residential address at time of arrest
Preliminary case disposition information
Bail or detention status determination

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60 and are generally not available through standard public records requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington

New Jersey law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records maintained by Washington Township authorities. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq., eligible individuals may petition for the removal of arrest information from public access. The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Superior Court in the county where the arrest occurred.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Washington, New Jersey include:

Arrests that did not result in conviction
Dismissal of charges following completion of supervisory treatment or other diversion program
Certain convictions after prescribed waiting periods (varies by offense category)
First-time offenders for specified non-violent offenses

The expungement petition must be filed with:

Warren County Superior Court 413 Second Street Belvidere, NJ 07823 Phone: 908-475-6000

Petitioners must provide certified copies of all relevant court documents, including complaint, disposition, and criminal history record. Upon approval, the court issues an Expungement Order directing all relevant agencies, including the Washington Township Police Department and Municipal Court, to remove the specified records from public access. Records are then segregated and sealed, rather than physically destroyed, and become inaccessible through standard public records searches.

The Washington Township Municipal Court can provide guidance on the expungement process, though court personnel cannot offer legal advice. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Access to Washington, New Jersey arrest records is subject to certain statutory limitations and privacy protections. Under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, specific categories of information are exempt from public disclosure, even when contained within otherwise public arrest records. The Washington Township Police Department and municipal records custodians must redact:

Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Records pertaining to victims of domestic violence or sexual offenses
Information that would create risk to public safety or security
Medical, psychiatric, or psychological records of arrestees
Emergency medical service records
Personal identifying information including Social Security numbers and birth dates

Additionally, arrest records related to expunged cases are removed from public access pursuant to court order. The Code Enforcement Office of Washington Township, located at 211 Route 31 North, Washington, NJ 07882 (Phone: 908-689-1630), coordinates with police records personnel to ensure proper handling of records subject to expungement orders.

Government agencies may charge reasonable fees for reproduction of arrest records as permitted under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5. Current fee schedules are available from the Washington Township Records Bureau.