Pequannock Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pequannock, New Jersey?
Arrest records in Pequannock, New Jersey are classified as public documents 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 those pertaining to arrests, shall be readily accessible for inspection, examination, and copying by members of the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Township of Pequannock maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing the retention and accessibility of public safety documentation.
The public nature of arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including promoting transparency in law enforcement operations, facilitating public safety awareness, and ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system. Residents and interested parties may access these records through established protocols, subject to redaction of confidential information as mandated by N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5.
Certain information within arrest records may be exempt from public disclosure, including but not limited to:
- Juvenile records (pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60)
- Information that would compromise an ongoing investigation
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Medical information protected under HIPAA regulations
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
How to Look Up Pequannock Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Pequannock Township have several procedural options available through official channels. The Pequannock Township Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest documentation and processes requests in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Records Bureau of the Pequannock Township Police Department. The Records Bureau maintains regular business hours for public access and requires proper identification for processing requests.
Pequannock Township Police Department
530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
(973) 835-1700
Police Records
Written Requests: Written applications for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail. Requestors must complete the official OPRA request form, which requires specific information regarding the record being sought, including:
- Name of the arrested individual
- Date of arrest (approximate if exact date is unknown)
- Case or incident number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
Electronic Submissions: The Pequannock Township administration has implemented digital solutions for records requests. Electronic submissions may be directed through the township's official website portal, which provides a secure mechanism for submitting and tracking OPRA requests.
Third-Party Record Services: While commercial services offering access to public records exist, the Township of Pequannock advises residents that the most accurate and current information is obtained directly through official government channels. Third-party services may not maintain current information and cannot guarantee compliance with redaction requirements.
Contents of a Pequannock Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Pequannock Township Police Department contain specific categories of information as prescribed by the New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 74. These records typically include the following elements:
Subject identification data:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Address at time of arrest
- Photograph (mugshot) taken during booking process
Arrest information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory charges filed (N.J.S.A. citations)
- Identity of arresting officer(s)
- Arresting agency jurisdiction
- Incident report number
Case processing details:
- Booking information
- Detention status
- Bail or bond determination
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearance dates
Disposition information:
- Case outcome (if adjudicated)
- Sentencing information (if applicable)
The Pequannock Municipal Court maintains separate records pertaining to the judicial proceedings following an arrest. These records may be accessed through the court clerk's office.
Pequannock Township Municipal Court
530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
(973) 835-1570
Municipal Court
Expungement of Arrest Records in Pequannock
New Jersey law provides a statutory mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq. Expungement constitutes the extraction and isolation of records on file with any court, detention facility, law enforcement agency, or criminal justice agency concerning a person's detection, apprehension, arrest, detention, trial, or disposition of an offense within the criminal justice system.
Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility for expungement in Pequannock follows state guidelines and is contingent upon several factors:
- Nature of the offense (certain serious crimes are ineligible)
- Disposition of the case (dismissal, acquittal, or conviction)
- Completion of sentence requirements
- Statutory waiting period (varies by offense category)
- Absence of subsequent criminal convictions
Application Process: The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Superior Court in the county where the arrest or prosecution occurred
- Provide certified copies of all relevant court dispositions
- Submit the petition to the prosecutor's office, New Jersey State Police, and any other agencies involved
- Attend a hearing if objections are filed by any notified agency
Legal Effect: Upon the granting of an expungement order by the court, the arrest record is segregated and removed from public access. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-27, an expunged record shall not be deemed to exist for most purposes. The individual may legally respond to questions as if the arrest or conviction did not occur, with certain statutory exceptions for judicial, corrections, and law enforcement purposes.
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office can provide guidance on expungement eligibility and procedures for arrests that occurred within Pequannock Township.
Morris County Prosecutor's Office
Administration & Records Building
10 Court Street
Morristown, NJ 07963
(973) 285-6200
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