Strafford County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Strafford County
Arrest records in Strafford County are considered public information under New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, codified in RSA 91-A. This statute establishes that government records, including those created by law enforcement agencies, shall be available to the public. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, citizens have the right to inspect and copy governmental records during regular business hours.
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has consistently upheld that arrest records fall within the definition of public records as they document official government actions. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime
- Conviction records indicate that an individual has been found guilty of a crime through the judicial process
Under current New Hampshire law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions apply. The New Hampshire Department of Safety maintains that criminal history record information is available to the public with certain statutory restrictions.
It should be noted that pursuant to RSA 651:5, some arrest records may be eligible for annulment under specific circumstances, at which point they would no longer be publicly accessible.
What's in Strafford County Arrest Records
Strafford County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records are standardized in accordance with New Hampshire state requirements and generally include the following components:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Charge description
- Incident report number
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount
- Bond type
- Bond conditions
- Release status
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Case number
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if incarcerated)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Victim information (often redacted in public versions)
- Witness information (often redacted in public versions)
The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency within Strafford County and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect ongoing investigations, victim privacy, or juvenile information as provided under RSA 169-B:35.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Strafford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Strafford County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
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Contact the Arresting Agency Directly
- Identify which law enforcement agency made the arrest (Strafford County Sheriff's Office, Dover Police, Rochester Police, etc.)
- Submit a written request to the records division of the appropriate agency
- Provide specific information about the record being requested (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid identification when picking up records in person
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Visit the Strafford County Sheriff's Office
Strafford County Sheriff's Office
259 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-4960
Strafford County Sheriff's Office- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Complete a records request form
- Pay applicable fees (currently $10-25 depending on record type)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
-
Request Through Municipal Police Departments
- Major municipalities in Strafford County maintain their own arrest records
- Visit or contact the records division during business hours
- Complete department-specific request forms
- Provide required identification and pay applicable fees
-
Submit a Right-to-Know Request
- Prepare a written request citing RSA 91-A
- Clearly identify the specific records being sought
- Submit to the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Agencies must respond within 5 business days
-
Check Court Records
- Visit the Strafford County Superior Court
- Request case files related to arrests
- Court records often contain arrest information as part of case documentation
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or incident number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Pursuant to New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of records but not for the search or retrieval time. Electronic records, when available, may be provided at reduced or no cost compared to paper copies.
How To Find Strafford County Arrest Records Online
Strafford County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to locate arrest information electronically:
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Dover Police Department Arrest Log
- The Dover Police Department maintains a weekly arrest log on their official website
- Records are typically updated weekly
- Search by date range to locate specific arrests
- Basic information is provided including name, age, charges, and arrest date
- No login or account creation is required
-
New Hampshire Judiciary Electronic System
- Access the New Hampshire Court System's public portal
- Search by name to locate criminal cases
- Case information includes associated arrest details
- Some documents may require registration and fees
- Historical records may have limited availability online
-
Strafford County Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup
- Visit the Strafford County Department of Corrections website
- Use the inmate search function to locate currently incarcerated individuals
- Information includes booking date, charges, and custody status
- This resource only includes individuals currently in custody
-
New Hampshire Department of Safety Criminal Records Unit
- Access the Criminal Records Unit portal
- Create an account to request official criminal history information
- Pay required fees (currently $25 per record)
- Receive comprehensive criminal history including arrests
- Requires subject's name and date of birth
-
Municipal Police Department Websites
- Several Strafford County municipalities post recent arrest information
- Check individual department websites for "Police Logs" or "Arrest Reports"
- Information is typically limited to recent arrests
- Detail level varies by department
When using online resources, users should note that:
- Not all arrest records are available online
- Recent arrests may take several days to appear in electronic systems
- Complete arrest records may require in-person requests
- Online records may contain limited information compared to official complete records
- Some systems may require registration or payment of fees
For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, combining online searches with formal records requests is recommended. Online systems are continually being updated to improve public access while maintaining compliance with privacy laws.
How To Search Strafford County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Strafford County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:
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Review Published Police Logs
- Local newspapers regularly publish police logs containing arrest information
- The Foster's Daily Democrat and other local publications feature arrest reports
- Public library access to newspaper archives is available at no cost
- These logs typically include name, age, address, charges, and arrest date
-
Visit Police Department Websites
- The Dover Police Department arrest log is available online at no cost
- Rochester, Somersworth, and other municipal police departments post similar information
- Information is typically updated weekly
- No registration or payment is required
-
In-Person Inspection at Law Enforcement Agencies
- Under RSA 91-A, citizens have the right to inspect public records during business hours
- Visit the records division of the relevant police department
- Request to view (not copy) arrest records
- Inspection of records cannot legally incur a fee
-
Strafford County Sheriff's Office Lobby Postings
- Recent arrest information is often posted in the public lobby
- Visit during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- No appointment necessary for viewing public postings
-
Court Docket Review
- Visit the Strafford County Superior Court
- Review public docket sheets in the clerk's office
- Dockets contain arrest information for cases proceeding to court
- In-person inspection of dockets is free
-
Public Access Terminals at County Facilities
- Computer terminals at the county courthouse provide free access to case information
- Limited arrest details are included in case information
- Available during regular business hours
- Staff assistance may be available for search guidance
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free resources typically provide basic information rather than complete records
- Historical records may not be available through free channels
- Information may be organized by date rather than searchable by name
- Some free resources are updated less frequently than paid services
- In-person inspection may require waiting during busy periods
For the most comprehensive free access, combining multiple methods is recommended. While inspection of records is free under New Hampshire law, obtaining copies typically incurs reasonable reproduction fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Strafford County
In Strafford County, as throughout New Hampshire, arrest records cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for annulment (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by RSA 651:5, which establishes the legal framework for removing arrest records from public view.
Annulment vs. Sealing:
- Annulment is the legal process that treats the arrest and/or conviction as if it never occurred
- Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes
- In New Hampshire, the annulment process effectively seals records from public view
Eligibility for Annulment: Arrest records may be eligible for annulment in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The case was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty finding
- The conviction has reached the waiting period required by statute:
- Violations: 1 year after completion of sentence
- Misdemeanors: 3 years after completion of sentence
- Class B Felonies: 5 years after completion of sentence
- Class A Felonies: 10 years after completion of sentence
Annulment Process Steps:
- Obtain a petition for annulment form from the court where the case was handled
- Complete the petition with accurate case information
- File the petition with the court clerk and pay the filing fee (currently $125)
- The court will forward the petition to the Department of Corrections, the Department of Safety, and the prosecutor's office
- A hearing may be scheduled if any party objects to the annulment
- If granted, the court will issue an order of annulment
Strafford County Superior Court
259 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820
(855) 212-1234
Strafford Superior Court
Restrictions on Annulment: Certain offenses are ineligible for annulment under New Hampshire law, including:
- Sexual offenses requiring registration
- Certain violent crimes
- Driving while intoxicated offenses (within 10 years)
- Multiple felony convictions (in some circumstances)
Effect of Annulment: When an annulment is granted:
- The person may legally state they have never been arrested or convicted of the annulled charge
- Records are removed from public access
- Law enforcement agencies retain sealed records for limited purposes
- The annulled record will not appear in standard background checks
Individuals seeking to annul arrest records are advised to consult with a qualified attorney, as the process can be complex and outcomes depend on specific case details. The New Hampshire Bar Association offers referral services for those seeking legal assistance with annulment petitions.
What Happens After Arrest in Strafford County?
Following an arrest in Strafford County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process established by New Hampshire state law. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition:
1. Booking Procedure
- Arrestee is transported to a local police station or the Strafford County Department of Corrections
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial charge information is documented
2. Bail Determination
- For minor offenses, bail may be set by a bail commissioner
- For serious offenses, the arrestee is held for arraignment
- Bail amount is based on:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
- Release options may include:
- Personal recognizance
- Cash bail
- Surety bond
- Pretrial supervision
3. Arraignment
- First court appearance, typically within 24-72 hours of arrest
- Formal charges are read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is established (public defender appointed if necessary)
- Plea is entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)
- Bail is reviewed and potentially modified
- Preliminary hearing date is set for felonies
4. Pretrial Phase
- Discovery process begins (exchange of evidence)
- Pretrial motions may be filed
- Plea negotiations may occur between defense and prosecution
- Case may be resolved through:
- Dismissal
- Diversion programs
- Plea agreement
- Proceeding to trial
5. Trial Process
- Misdemeanors are typically tried in District Court
- Felonies are tried in Strafford County Superior Court
- Defendants have the right to:
- Jury trial (except for certain minor offenses)
- Confront witnesses
- Present evidence
- Testify or remain silent
- Burden of proof is "beyond reasonable doubt"
6. Sentencing (if convicted)
- Occurs after guilty plea or trial conviction
- May include:
- Incarceration at Strafford County Department of Corrections or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Fines and restitution
- Treatment programs
- Community service
- Sentencing guidelines vary by offense classification
7. Post-Conviction Options
- Appeal rights are explained
- Appeals must typically be filed within 30 days
- Collateral relief may be available in certain circumstances
Throughout this process, arrest records are generated and maintained by various agencies including the arresting police department, Strafford County Department of Corrections, and the court system. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public unless sealed or annulled through legal processes.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Strafford County?
Arrest records in Strafford County are maintained according to New Hampshire's records retention requirements, primarily governed by RSA 33-A:3-a, which establishes minimum retention periods for municipal records, including law enforcement documentation. The New Hampshire Department of Justice provides additional guidance on criminal justice records retention.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest logs and booking information: Minimum 7 years
- Arrest reports and supporting documentation: Permanent retention
- Fingerprint cards and photographs: Permanent retention unless annulled
- Incident reports leading to arrest: Permanent retention
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed pursuant to RSA 169-B:35
- Warrant documentation: 7 years after service or recall
Agency-Specific Retention Practices: Different agencies within Strafford County maintain arrest records according to their specific retention schedules:
-
Municipal Police Departments
- Follow municipal records retention schedule
- May maintain records longer than minimum requirements
- Electronic records systems have expanded retention capabilities
- Records may be archived after active period
-
Strafford County Sheriff's Office
- Maintains permanent arrest records
- Historical records may be transferred to microfilm or digital format
- Active records remain readily accessible
- Archived records require formal request for retrieval
-
Strafford County Department of Corrections
- Booking records: Minimum 7 years after release
- Inmate files: 10 years after final release
- Medical screening during booking: 7 years
- Disciplinary records: 7 years
-
New Hampshire State Police
- Maintains permanent criminal history records
- Integrates Strafford County arrests into state database
- Records remain accessible for law enforcement purposes indefinitely
Impact of Annulment on Retention: When an arrest record is annulled pursuant to RSA 651:5:
- Records are sealed from public view
- Law enforcement agencies retain sealed records
- Records are not destroyed but access is severely restricted
- Annulled records may only be accessed by court order or for specific law enforcement purposes
Digital Records Considerations: With the transition to electronic records management systems, many arrest records are now maintained indefinitely in digital formats. This practice exceeds minimum retention requirements and creates a permanent digital archive of arrest information, even when physical documents may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Maintains documentation for potential appeals and post-conviction proceedings
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Supports background checks for sensitive employment positions
Individuals seeking information about specific arrest records should contact the originating agency directly, as retention practices may vary based on the date of arrest and the specific circumstances of the case.
How to Find Mugshots in Strafford County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. In Strafford County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency information
These photographs are taken as part of standard booking procedures at local police departments and the Strafford County Department of Corrections.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Strafford County are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting law enforcement agency (municipal police departments)
- Strafford County Department of Corrections
- Strafford County Sheriff's Office
- New Hampshire State Police (for certain cases)
Each agency maintains its own records system, though information is often shared between agencies through law enforcement databases.
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Strafford County, members of the public may:
-
Submit a formal records request to the arresting agency
- Requests must be in writing
- Include the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Specify the approximate date of arrest
- Provide requestor identification
- Pay applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
-
Contact the Strafford County Department of Corrections:
Strafford County Department of Corrections
266 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-3310
Strafford County Department of Corrections -
Check court records for cases that proceeded to trial, as mugshots may be included in case files
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
In Strafford County, official mugshots have limited online availability:
- The county does not maintain a public-facing mugshot database
- Some municipal police departments may post mugshots of recently arrested individuals
- The Dover Police Department occasionally includes mugshots with press releases for significant arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may contain Strafford County booking photos, but these are not official sources
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain official mugshots is through formal channels:
- Identify which agency made the arrest
- Submit a Right-to-Know request citing RSA 91-A
- Provide specific identifying information about the arrest
- Pay any applicable reproduction fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Several restrictions apply to mugshot access in Strafford County:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are confidential under RSA 169-B:35
- Mugshots related to annulled arrests are sealed from public view
- Certain domestic violence and sexual assault cases may have restricted access
- Active investigation photographs may be temporarily withheld
- Agencies may redact identifying information of victims or witnesses visible in photographs
Law enforcement agencies balance public records access with privacy considerations when responding to mugshot requests. While mugshots are generally considered public records in New Hampshire, their release is subject to applicable exemptions under state law.