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Preston, Connecticut Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Preston, Connecticut.

Official Government Sources

Preston Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Preston, Connecticut government websites.

About Preston

The governing body of Preston, Connecticut, is the Board of Selectmen, which consists of three elected members. The Selectmen are elected to serve for a term of two years. The current members include First Selectman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier, Selectman Robert Congdon, and Selectman John D. Dyer. Elections for the Board of Selectmen occur every odd-numbered year during the municipal election cycle.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, Preston's annual operating budget is approximately $10.5 million. This budget supports various municipal services, including education, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance, reflecting the town's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.

The Preston Board of Selectmen holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Preston Town Hall, located at 389 Route 2, Preston, CT 06365. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Preston, New London County includes the New London County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The New London Police Department, Norwich Police Department, and Groton Town Police Department are key agencies within the county. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city or town, but they often collaborate on major investigations and regional safety initiatives. This coordination ensures comprehensive coverage and efficient response to criminal activities.

Jail & Inmate Records

The primary detention facility in New London County is the Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols. The bond and bail process in Connecticut allows detainees to be released pending trial, provided they meet the set conditions.

Court Records

The New London Superior Court, located in the city of New London, serves as the primary judicial facility for the county. It handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Access to court records, case filings, and criminal dockets is available through the court's clerk office, which provides both in-person and online services to facilitate public access to judicial information.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in New London County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The New London County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Connecticut Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request background checks through state-run portals, which offer comprehensive reports on criminal history, ensuring public safety and informed decision-making.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in New London County are maintained by the New London County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through formal written requests, adhering to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. These records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The process ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information as required by state law.

Public Records Access

Public records in New London County can be accessed under Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act. The county clerk's office is a key resource for obtaining vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. The probate court handles records related to estates and guardianships. These offices offer both in-person and online services, with typical turnaround times varying based on the type of request and the method of submission.

Economy & Demographics

New London County's economy is characterized by its maritime industries, including shipbuilding and naval operations, with the Naval Submarine Base in Groton being a major employer. The county also has a strong presence in healthcare and education, with institutions like Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Connecticut College contributing significantly. The tourism sector, driven by the county's historical sites and coastal attractions, also plays a vital role in the local economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Preston, New London County, Connecticut to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Preston, Connecticut, you will be transported to the New London County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the New London County Court. Under Connecticut law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Connecticut State Police. The New London County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Preston, New London County, Connecticut?
The school district for Preston, New London County, Connecticut is the Preston Public Schools. According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, the district's most recent performance data shows that the district has a four-year graduation rate of 95.2%, a four-year cohort dropout rate of 0.7%, and a four-year cohort attendance rate of 95.3%.
3
What are the crime statistics for Preston, New London County, Connecticut?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Preston, New London County, Connecticut had a total of 8 reported crimes in 2019. Of those 8 reported crimes, there were 0 murders, 0 rapes, 0 robberies, 0 aggravated assaults, 0 burglaries, 4 larceny thefts, and 4 motor vehicle thefts.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Preston, New London County, Connecticut Library?
The Preston Public Library in New London County, Connecticut provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Connecticut government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, which governs access to government documents in Connecticut. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Preston Connecticut Archives and Genealogy at https://ctstatelibrary.org/genealogy-local-history. Contact the Preston Public Library reference desk at (860) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Preston, New London County, Connecticut Public Library located?
The Preston, New London County, Connecticut Library is located at 389 Route 2, Preston, CT 06365.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Preston, New London County, Connecticut?
Fingerprinting services for Preston, Connecticut residents are provided at the Preston Police Department, which serves New London County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Preston Police Department at (860) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Connecticut State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Connecticut State Police at https://www.dps.ct.gov/DESPP/cwp/view.asp?a=4213&Q=494924.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Preston, New London County, Connecticut, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Preston, New London County, Connecticut, you must contact the Town Clerk's Office. They can provide copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and adoption records. You must provide the full name of the person on the certificate, the date of the event, and the place of the event, as well as a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person on the certificate.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026