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Scotch Plains Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Scotch Plains, New Jersey?

Arrest records in Scotch Plains, New Jersey are considered public documents pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records maintained by public agencies in New Jersey, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The statute was enacted to promote transparency in government operations and to ensure accountability of public officials.

Under OPRA, members of the public may request access to arrest records maintained by the Scotch Plains Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within the jurisdiction. However, certain exceptions apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1.

The Township of Scotch Plains maintains compliance with OPRA through established procedures for requesting and obtaining public records, including those pertaining to arrests within the municipality. These procedures are designed to balance the public's right to information with the protection of sensitive data and the efficient operation of government services.

How to Look Up Scotch Plains Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Scotch Plains have multiple methods available to access this information. The Township has implemented several channels to facilitate public access to arrest records in accordance with state transparency laws.

In-Person Requests

Individuals may submit requests for arrest records in person at:

Scotch Plains Police Department
430 Park Avenue
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Phone: (908) 322-7100
Official Website

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

Online OPRA Requests

The Scotch Plains Police Department accepts OPRA requests through their official website. Requestors must complete the designated OPRA form specifying the records sought. The department is required to respond to all OPRA requests within seven business days as mandated by N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(i).

Police Blotter Access

The Police Blotter is available on the Scotch Plains Police Department website, providing a summary of recent arrests and incidents. This resource is updated regularly and serves as a preliminary source of arrest information prior to formal record requests.

Municipal Court Records

Arrest-related court records may be accessed through:

Scotch Plains Municipal Court
430 Park Avenue
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Phone: (908) 322-6700 ext. 300
Court Information

Court hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM.

Contents of a Scotch Plains Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Scotch Plains Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records are standardized in accordance with New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 74, which governs the collection and maintenance of criminal history record information.

Standard arrest records in Scotch Plains include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description)
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, with reference to applicable New Jersey statutes
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records
Case or docket number assigned by the Municipal Court
Disposition information, if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Bail or bond information
Detention location, if applicable

It should be noted that pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements and may not be included in publicly accessible arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Scotch Plains

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 through which arrest and related records are removed from public access and treated as if they never occurred.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for expungement in Scotch Plains follows New Jersey state law and generally includes:

Arrests that did not result in conviction
Certain disorderly persons offenses after a waiting period of 5 years
Certain indictable offenses after a waiting period of 6 years
First-time drug offenders who have completed a supervisory treatment program
Juvenile records after specified waiting periods

Certain serious offenses, including homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and perjury, are statutorily ineligible for expungement under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-2(b).

Application Process

The expungement process requires filing a petition with:

Union County Superior Court
2 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Phone: (908) 659-4600

The petition must include:

A verified petition form
Order for hearing
Expungement order
Cover letter to the court
Proof of service to all required agencies

Upon approval, the court issues an Expungement Order directing all relevant agencies, including the Scotch Plains Police Department, to remove the records from public access. The Scotch Plains Municipal Court and other municipal offices must comply with this order within 30 days of receipt.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, certain statutory and regulatory restrictions limit access to specific categories of records. These limitations are designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 69 (Whitman, 1997) and N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, the following arrest-related information may be exempt from public disclosure:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Information that would jeopardize security measures or surveillance techniques
Records that may impair a defendant's right to a fair trial
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Juvenile arrest records (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60)
Expunged records (N.J.S.A. 2C:52-15)
Domestic violence reports (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-33)

The Scotch Plains Police Department is required to redact exempt information from arrest records prior to public disclosure in accordance with these statutes.

Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records

The Township of Scotch Plains assesses fees for copies of arrest records in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(b). The current fee schedule for arrest record requests is as follows:

Standard paper copies: $0.05 per letter-size page or $0.07 per legal-size page
Electronic records: No charge when records are available in electronic format and can be emailed
Certified copies: Additional $2.00 per document
Photographs: Actual cost of reproduction
Special service charges may apply for extraordinary requests requiring extensive use of technology or staff time

Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order payable to "Township of Scotch Plains." The Township's online payment system may also be utilized for certain fees.