Middletown Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Middletown, Delaware?
Arrest records in Middletown, Delaware are considered public information pursuant to the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Title 29, Chapter 100 of the Delaware Code. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Delaware FOIA operates under the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Middletown Police Department and other law enforcement agencies serving the jurisdiction. However, certain limitations apply to the release of such information. Pursuant to § 10002(l) of the Delaware Code, records may be withheld if their disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or endanger public safety.
The Middletown Police Department maintains custody of arrest records within the municipal jurisdiction and processes requests for these documents in accordance with state law. For arrests that result in court proceedings, records may also be available through the Delaware Courts system.
Middletown Police Department
130 Hampden Road
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 376-9950
Middletown Police Department Official Website
How to Look Up Middletown Arrest Records in 2025
The Town of Middletown provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information should be aware of the following official methods:
Online Database Access: The Town of Middletown has implemented digital systems that allow for remote searches of public arrest records. Users may access the municipal database through the official town website by navigating to the public safety section. The system requires basic identifying information such as name and date of birth to conduct a search.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Middletown Police Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Requestors must complete a FOIA request form and provide proper identification. The department may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under § 10003(m) of the Delaware Code.
Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, arrest information may be accessed through the Delaware Courts' CourtConnect system, which provides electronic access to case information and activities. This resource is particularly useful for tracking the judicial outcomes of arrests.
Written Correspondence: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Middletown Police Department. All such requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records sought, and a notarized authorization if requesting records on behalf of another individual.
Processing times for record requests typically range from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload. Expedited processing may be available for certain circumstances as determined by the Records Division supervisor.
Contents of a Middletown Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Middletown Police Department contain standardized information as required by Delaware law and departmental policy. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and any documented aliases or previous names.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including the street address or intersection where the apprehension occurred.
Offense Information: Description of the alleged criminal activity, statutory citations for violations, and classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony).
Law Enforcement Data: Identification of the arresting officer(s), badge numbers, and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Booking Documentation: Photographs taken during processing (commonly referred to as "mugshots"), fingerprint records, and unique booking identification numbers.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determinations, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or adjudicated.
It should be noted that pursuant to § 4322 of Title 11 of the Delaware Code, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly details pertaining to victims of crimes, juvenile offenders, or information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Middletown
The State of Delaware provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by agencies including the Middletown Police Department. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.
Eligibility for expungement in Middletown is governed by Title 11, Chapter 43, Subchapter VII of the Delaware Code. The following criteria generally apply:
Disposition-Based Eligibility: Records may qualify for expungement if the arrest resulted in acquittal, dismissal of charges, nolle prosequi, or other favorable disposition.
Time-Based Eligibility: For certain misdemeanor convictions, expungement may be possible after a specified waiting period, typically 3-7 years, during which the individual has maintained a clean criminal record.
Offense Limitations: Certain serious offenses, including violent felonies and sex crimes, are statutorily ineligible for expungement under Delaware law.
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal applications with the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) and the Superior Court of Delaware. The application must include:
- A completed petition form
- Certified copies of disposition documents
- A criminal history background check
- Payment of required filing fees
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The Attorney General's Office receives notification of the petition and may file objections. If the court grants the expungement, orders are issued to all agencies possessing the relevant records, including the Middletown Police Department, directing them to remove the records from public access.
Delaware State Bureau of Identification
655 Bay Road
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-5871
Delaware State Police Official Website
Superior Court of Delaware - New Castle County
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 255-0800
Delaware Courts Official Website
Search Arrest Records in Middletown
