Attorney General: Public Safety & Special Revenue Frequently Asked Questions & Answers


Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Public Safety Department

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Office of the Attorney General handle criminal prosecutions?

Criminal prosecutions are handled by the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. However, several attorneys who work for the Attorney General are Special Assistant State’s Attorneys and prosecute unscrupulous home improvement contractors and new home contractors. Every year, the Attorney General is responsible for securing over two hundred thousand dollars of restitution for Connecticut consumers who have been harmed by contractors.

What is the status of Connecticut’s Megan’s Law?

The Attorney General represented the State of Connecticut before the United States Supreme Court when our Megan’s Law was challenged in the case of Doe v. Department of Public Safety.  Visit the Legal Information Institute Supreme Court Collection to read the opinion. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Connecticut, finding that Megan’s Law was constitutional.

Where can I find the State’s sex-offender database?

The State's sex-offender database is found when you visit the Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry.

Do inmates file large numbers of lawsuits?

Inmate lawsuits represent the largest number of lawsuits within the federal court system. Inmate lawsuits are increasingly common within the state judicial system as well. A number of attorneys within the Department of Public Safety are devoted to defending the state against these actions.

What is the Prison Litigation Reform Act?

The Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) was passed by Congress in 1995. This law requires inmates to file grievances with DOC staff in order to sue in court. This law has played an important role in reducing the number of inmate lawsuits. The Attorney General won an important case before the Supreme Court in 2001 in which the Court held that the PLRA was applicable to all federal lawsuits concerning prison conditions in the case of Porter v. Nussle.  Visit the Legal Information Institute Supreme Court Collection to read the opinion.

How many inmates are in the custody of the Connecticut DOC?

There are approximately 21,000 offenders under the custody of the DOC.

How do I find in which facility an inmate is housed?

To find in which facility an inmate is housed, visit the Connecticut Department of Correction.

How do I report a crime?

To report a crime, contact your local police department.

What are my rights as a victim of a crime?

Visit the Office of Victim Services that explains your rights as a victim and the services that are available.



Content Last Modified on 10/14/2005 3:16:32 PM