Bristol Police Blotter offers real-time access to official arrest records, incident reports, and law enforcement activity in Bristol, Connecticut. Residents, journalists, and community stakeholders rely on this resource to stay informed about local crime trends, public safety alerts, and police operations. The primary source is maintained by the Bristol Police Department at 131 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Contact the department directly at 860-584-3011 or use the Crime Watch tip line at (860) 585-8477 to report anonymous information. The official arrest blotter is published online through both the City of Bristol website and the municipal portal, ensuring transparency and public access. This page consolidates verified data from official channels and trusted local news sources to deliver accurate, up-to-date information about law enforcement activity in the community.
Official Sources for Bristol Police Blotter Information
The most reliable way to view the latest Bristol Police Blotter entries is through the city’s official digital platforms. The primary location is the City of Bristol government site, which hosts a dedicated arrest blotter section updated regularly with new citations and arrests. A mirror version is also available on the municipal portal, providing redundancy and improved accessibility. Both sites list the same contact details: 131 North Main Street, phone 860-584-3011, and the anonymous tip line (860) 585-8477. These platforms are maintained by the police department and reflect only verified, legally processed incidents. Citizens are encouraged to use these sources instead of third-party sites that may publish outdated or unverified claims.
http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/560/Arrest-Blotter 
https://www.bristolct.gov/560/Arrest-Blotter 
Recent Arrest Data and Incident Highlights
Recent entries in the Bristol Police Blotter reflect a range of criminal and traffic-related offenses. On July 1, 2023, Jessica M. Banicki, age 24, of Terryville, was cited for disorderly conduct, violating a protective order, and third-degree assault. The same day, John Comandini, 69, of Bristol, received a citation for failing to yield while making a left turn. Bryan W. Deacon, 33, also of Bristol, faced a second-degree breach of peace charge. These cases illustrate the variety of incidents handled daily by local law enforcement, from violent crimes to traffic violations.
Earlier entries show similar patterns. On June 8, 2023, Michael Norman Berrett, 22, was charged with disorderly conduct, third-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, and first-degree unlawful restraint. Austin T. Martin, 27, faced third-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny charges. These reports highlight the seriousness with which domestic violence and property crimes are treated in Bristol. Each entry includes the individual’s name, age, address, charges, and date of incident, providing full transparency.
Traffic Violations and Motor Vehicle Offenses
Motor vehicle violations make up a significant portion of the Bristol Police Blotter. On July 5, 2023, Jessica Deleon, 44, of Southington, was cited for operating an unregistered vehicle, driving under suspension, and failing to insure her private motor vehicle. Raelene Marie Harvey, 45, of Plainville, faced identical charges the same day. These cases reflect ongoing enforcement of state vehicle laws aimed at improving road safety.
Other traffic-related entries include Robert Desmarais, 24, of Bristol, who was cited on May 29, 2023, for speeding, evading responsibility after causing property damage, and making an improper turn without signaling. Diallo Premiere Duffin, 26, of Waterbury, faced multiple charges on a later date, including reckless driving, disobeying an officer’s signal, operating without a license, and failing to insure his vehicle. Calrissian Smith, 40, of Bristol, was cited for operating an unregistered vehicle and improper use of vehicle markers. These incidents show consistent police attention to traffic law compliance.
Public Disturbance and Breach of Peace Cases
Breach of peace and public disturbance charges appear frequently in the blotter. On May 12, 2023, Adrian Mota Bautista, 35, of Bristol, was charged with second-degree breach of peace. Marc H. Davis, 36, was cited for operating an unregistered vehicle, and Anolian Drago, 39, also received a breach of peace citation. These cases often stem from loud arguments, fights, or disruptive behavior in public spaces.
On May 23, 2023, Jesse Pierre Boucher, 31, of Bristol, was charged with second-degree breach of peace and third-degree assault. Denise Duryea, 48, of Bristol, was cited for creating a public disturbance. Such entries demonstrate the police department’s role in maintaining order and responding to community complaints about noise, violence, or unsafe behavior.
Domestic Violence and Protective Order Violations
Domestic violence-related offenses are among the most serious entries in the Bristol Police Blotter. Michael Norman Berrett’s June 8, 2023 arrest included strangulation and unlawful restraint—charges that reflect the state’s strict stance on intimate partner violence. Jessica M. Banicki’s July 1 citation also included a protective order violation, showing how seriously the department treats breaches of court-ordered safety measures.
Andrew Stephen Defilio, 52, of Bristol, was charged on May 29, 2023, with first-degree criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, and violating a protective order. These cases often involve prior relationships and require coordinated responses from police, courts, and social services. The inclusion of such details in the blotter helps inform the public about ongoing safety risks and legal consequences.
Property Crimes: Burglary and Theft
Property crimes like burglary and larceny are regularly reported. Austin T. Martin’s June 8, 2023 arrest for third-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny is a typical example. Burglary involves unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a crime, while larceny refers to theft of property. These charges carry significant penalties and are investigated thoroughly by the Bristol Police Department.
While the blotter does not include every minor theft, it captures notable cases that impact community safety. Residents can use this information to assess local crime patterns and take preventive measures, such as improving home security or reporting suspicious activity.
How the Bristol Police Blotter Is Updated and Verified
The Bristol Police Blotter is updated regularly with new arrest and citation data. Entries are posted after individuals are processed and formally charged. This ensures accuracy and compliance with state laws regarding public records. The department follows strict protocols to protect privacy while maintaining transparency. Names, addresses, and charges are included only after legal verification.
Updates typically occur within 24 to 48 hours of an arrest. The online blotter is maintained by the police department’s administrative staff and reviewed for accuracy before publication. Citizens can verify information by calling the main line or visiting the station during business hours. The Crime Watch tip line allows anonymous reporting, encouraging community involvement in public safety.
Role of Local News in Reporting Police Activity
The Bristol Press plays a key role in summarizing and distributing police blotter information. Their daily summaries compile recent arrests and citations, making it easier for residents to stay informed. Articles reference official police reports and include links to source material. This partnership between law enforcement and local media strengthens community trust and ensures wide dissemination of public safety information.
http://www.bristolpress.com/BP-Bristol+News/406974/bristol-police-blotter http://www.bristolpress.com/BP-Bristol+News/407022/bristol-police-blotter http://www.bristolpress.com/BP-Bristol+News/406549/bristol-police-blotter http://www.bristolpress.com/article/view/article_id/406665/headline/bristol-police-blotter/section/ http://www.bristolpress.com/BP-Bristol+News/405825/bristol-police-blotter http://www.bristolpress.com/BP-Bristol+News/405993/bristol-police-blotter http://www.bristolpress.com/BP-Bristol+News/407892/bristol-police-blotter
Understanding Charge Severity and Legal Consequences
Charges listed in the Bristol Police Blotter vary in severity. Third-degree assault, for example, is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Second-degree breach of peace is a class B misdemeanor with penalties up to six months and $1,000. First-degree unlawful restraint is a class D felony, carrying up to five years in prison.
Traffic violations like operating an unregistered vehicle or driving under suspension are typically infractions or misdemeanors. However, repeat offenses can lead to license revocation or jail time. Understanding these classifications helps residents grasp the seriousness of each incident and the potential outcomes for those charged.
Privacy, Legal Rights, and Public Records
While the blotter is a public record, it respects certain privacy protections. Juvenile arrests are not published. Addresses are included but may be redacted in sensitive cases. Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the blotter does not imply conviction. Expunged records are removed when legally required.
Residents can request corrections if information is inaccurate. The police department reviews such requests promptly. The goal is to balance transparency with fairness, ensuring the public stays informed without prejudicing ongoing cases or violating rights.
How to Use the Bristol Police Blotter for Personal Safety
The blotter serves as a tool for personal and community safety. Residents can review recent activity in their neighborhood, identify patterns, and take preventive steps. For example, a rise in burglary reports might prompt improved lighting or neighborhood watch programs. Traffic violation trends can encourage safer driving habits.
Families can use the information to discuss safety with children, especially regarding protective orders or domestic violence. Employers may monitor for employee-related incidents. Journalists and researchers rely on the data for reporting and analysis. The blotter empowers informed decision-making.
Reporting Crime and Staying Connected
Community involvement is vital to public safety. The Bristol Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious activity through the Crime Watch line at (860) 585-8477. Tips can be submitted anonymously. The department also monitors a dedicated email inbox for confidential information, listed on the city’s public safety page.
Residents can attend community meetings, join neighborhood watch groups, or follow the department on social media for updates. Building relationships with local officers improves communication and trust. The blotter is just one part of a broader safety ecosystem.
Common Misconceptions About Police Blotters
Some believe the blotter shows all crimes, but it only lists arrests and citations, not every reported incident. Not all reports lead to charges. Others think names are published to shame individuals, but the purpose is transparency, not punishment. The blotter is a legal record, not a judgment.
It’s also important to note that charges can be dropped or reduced. The blotter reflects the status at the time of publication. For case outcomes, residents should consult court records. Misunderstandings can lead to stigma or misinformation, so context is essential.
Comparing Bristol, CT with Other Bristol Jurisdictions
Bristol, Connecticut is distinct from Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee, though all maintain police departments and public safety resources. The Bristol, VA Police Department employs 57 sworn officers and 20 civilians, serving a smaller population with 24/7 coverage. Their E-911 center handles emergency dispatch.
https://www.bristolva.org/155/Police-Department
Bristol, TN Police Department earned national accreditation from CALEA in 1996 and has been re-accredited eight times, most recently in 2020. It piloted community-policing initiatives combining data analysis with neighborhood engagement. These departments serve different states and populations but share a commitment to public safety.
https://www.bristoltn.org/200/Police-Department
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bristol Police Blotter
Residents often ask how often the blotter is updated, whether all arrests are listed, and how to correct errors. Others want to know if juvenile records appear or how to report crime anonymously. This section addresses those questions with clear, factual answers based on official policies and state law.
How often is the Bristol Police Blotter updated?
The blotter is typically updated within 24 to 48 hours of an arrest or citation. Entries are posted after legal processing and verification. The online version on the city website and municipal portal reflects the most current data available. Updates occur Monday through Friday, with weekend arrests appearing early the following week. The department prioritizes accuracy over speed, ensuring all information is correct before publication. Residents can check the site regularly or sign up for alerts if available. For urgent concerns, calling the main line is recommended.
Are all crimes reported in the blotter?
No, the blotter only includes arrests and formal citations, not every reported crime. Many incidents are investigated but do not result in charges. The blotter is a record of law enforcement action, not a comprehensive crime log. For full crime statistics, the department publishes annual reports with data on calls for service, investigations, and clearance rates. These reports provide a broader view of public safety trends. The blotter focuses on individual cases that have moved beyond initial reporting.
Can I request a correction to the blotter?
Yes, residents can request corrections if information is inaccurate. Contact the Bristol Police Department at 860-584-3011 or visit the station at 131 North Main Street. Provide the individual’s name, date of incident, and details of the error. The department reviews requests promptly and makes changes if warranted. Corrections are made in accordance with state public records law. Note that expunged records are removed automatically when legally required.
Are juvenile arrests published in the blotter?
No, juvenile arrests are not published in the Bristol Police Blotter. Connecticut law protects the privacy of minors involved in criminal activity. Only adults are named in public records. This policy prevents stigma and supports rehabilitation. If a juvenile case is transferred to adult court, the name may appear, but this is rare. The department follows strict guidelines to comply with state and federal privacy laws.
How can I report a crime anonymously?
Use the Crime Watch tip line at (860) 585-8477 to report crime anonymously. You can also send information via the dedicated email inbox listed on the city’s public safety page. Do not include your name or contact details. Tips are reviewed by trained personnel and forwarded to the appropriate unit. Anonymous reporting helps protect witnesses and encourages community involvement. Rewards may be available for tips leading to arrests in certain cases.
What should I do if I see my name on the blotter?
If your name appears, it means you were arrested or cited. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Contact a lawyer to understand your rights and next steps. Do not contact the police department directly about the case. For questions about the record itself, call the administrative office. If the information is incorrect, request a correction. Remember, charges can be dropped or reduced during court proceedings.
Is the blotter the same as a criminal record?
No, the blotter is a public log of arrests and citations, not a criminal record. A criminal record includes convictions, court outcomes, and sentencing. The blotter shows only the initial law enforcement action. For official background checks, contact the Connecticut Judicial Branch or use state-approved services. The blotter is a snapshot, not a final judgment. Always verify case status through the court system.
For official information, visit the Bristol Police Department at 131 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Call 860-584-3011 or use the Crime Watch line at (860) 585-8477. The department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Emergency calls should go to 911. The official arrest blotter is available at ci.bristol.ct.us/560/Arrest-Blotter and bristolct.gov/560/Arrest-Blotter.