Massachusetts Arrest Records

Massachusetts arrest records document the circumstances surrounding the apprehension of individuals suspected of committing crimes. When sufficient reason exists to believe an individual has committed or is witnessed committing a crime, authorities place the offender under arrest. Such records are generally maintained by state, county or city law enforcement agencies such as the Middlesex Sheriff's Office, Worcester County Sheriff's Office, and the Boston Police Department (BPD).

After apprehension, law enforcement officers customarily take arrestees through a booking process. During this process, they document personal information, physical characteristics, details of the alleged offense, and photographic records (commonly referred to as a mugshot). This procedure generates an official Massachusetts arrest record. The law enforcement agency that made the arrest then stores these records. The Massachusetts judicial system frequently references arrest records during legal proceedings, which aids in the fair adjudication of cases.

Are Arrest Records Public in Massachusetts?

Yes, according to Part I, Title X, Chapter 66, Section 10 of the General Law and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), members of the public have the right to obtain public records, including Massachusetts arrest records. In addition, Part I, Title II, Chapter 6, Section 172 of the General Law enables individuals to request access to criminal records, which include arrest records.

Chapter 66, Section 10 GL delineates the procedure for making these records available to interested individuals. This procedure binds all Records Access Officers (RAOs) unless the record in question is classified.

While arrest records are generally considered public and available to residents, certain records or specific details are sealed and can only be accessed by authorized individuals (GL c. 4, § 7(26)). These may include:

• Classified information for security reasons
• Details containing financial or trade secrets
• Arrest records involving a juvenile
• Information that is limited to officials representing the justice system
• Information whose access could endanger a person's life.

Massachusetts Arrest Statistics

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) released its Crime Statistics report, revealing a total of 91,645 arrests in Massachusetts during 2024. This figure represents a slight 0.06% increase compared to the 2023 total of 91,586 arrests.

The EOPSS report categorized arrests as follows:

• Crimes against persons: 24,867 arrests
• Crimes against property: 14,166 arrests
• Crimes against society: 7,009 arrests
• Group B arrests: 45,892 arrests.

Of the total arrestees in Massachusetts in 2024, 86,289 (94.2%) were adults, and 5,342 (5.8%) were minors. The data further indicated that males accounted for 66,780 arrests, while females accounted for 24,497 arrests.

Find Public Arrest Records in Massachusetts

Public arrest records in Massachusetts can be accessed through various means, depending on the department responsible for generating and maintaining the records. Typically, arrest records are included within criminal or case records and can be obtained from the Office of the Sheriff, the Department of Police, or the courthouse. Usually, the initial search step would be to contact the Sheriff's office or the police department, as these are the entities responsible for conducting arrests. Once the relevant department that maintains arrest records for the county is identified, the inquirer can proceed to request the record from that agency. For instance, in Norfolk County, individuals seeking arrest records should direct their inquiries to the Police Department rather than the Sheriff's Office. Alternatively, requesters can submit Public Records Requests to the Commissioner's Records Access Officer (RAO). Conversely, in Berkshire County, individuals can request arrest records from the Sheriff's office.

Submitting Requests for Arrest Records

In some counties, requesters can complete online request forms or print and mail written requests; in others, they can contact the Records Access Officer (RAO) directly. Inquirers should review the department's website for specific instructions on how to request a record. Some counties make arrest information available on the Sheriff's office or the police Department of Police website. For instance, the Pittsfield Police Department publishes arrest records on its webpage.

Inquirers may also access arrest records in a case file maintained by courts by making online, mail, or in-person requests to the relevant clerk of courts. However, not all cases may be available online, and speaking with a clerk directly will provide better clarity on obtaining arrest records from case files.

Regardless of the method, requesters can expect to access public arrest records (at the county level) for free. Inquirers only pay a fee if they request physical copies of the record.

Another option for accessing criminal records is through iCORI. Inquirers with a government-approved ID can utilize the online option, while those without IDs must submit requests through mail. A personal records search costs $25, while an open access request costs $50, with processing taking up to 10 business days. Individuals can find the personal and open request forms on the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services website. Requesters can mail requests to the following address:

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street,
Suite 2200,
Chelsea,
MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4640

Confidential Arrest Information

Certain arrest information, deemed confidential by law, is not accessible to the general public. In cases where individuals require access to such records, they need to obtain a subpoena. A justice of the peace, a circuit court clerk, or a notary public can issue subpoenas. A party not involved in the case usually serves subpoenas. There is typically a service fee for serving a subpoena, and the amount depends on the location of the record's custodian.

How to Look Up Arrest Records Online in Massachusetts

Individuals seeking remote access to Massachusetts arrest records can obtain them from government agencies or third-party websites or repositories. Third-party websites offer records at the national level, thereby broadening the search scope and increasing the likelihood of finding a report, especially when detailed information is lacking. It is important to note that the information available may vary from site to site, as these repositories rely on different sources. Therefore, inquirers may need to verify the details of the record.

Inquirers may also visit the official websites of the record custodians, as some counties post a list of arrestees on their web pages. These rosters, usually published by the local Sheriff's office or police department, provide information on incarcerated persons in their respective judicial districts. They offer up-to-date information on individuals in jail, allowing concerned parties to verify an individual's confinement status.

What is Included in Massachusetts Arrest Records?

In Massachusetts, an arrest record will typically feature the following details:

• The subject's information, including:
  • Name and aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Last known address
  • Contact number
• The physical characteristics of the suspect or offender, including their:
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Height
  • Eye and hair color. This may also include identifying features like tattoos, scars, or birthmarks;
• Description of the incident, particularly if the arresting officer was an eyewitness. This encompasses a summary of the event that led to the arrest, as well as the detainee's response to being arrested
• Details of criminal charges (if applicable)
• Arrest location and date
• Name and badge number of the arresting officer
• Mugshots
• Bail or bond conditions

Scheduled court date (if applicable).

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, arrest information may remain permanently on records. Once authorities acquire or generate a Massachusetts arrest record, it remains accessible to the public indefinitely unless officials expunge or seal it. Notwithstanding, an arrest record may not be available to the public when the record's custodian deems it obsolete or it has surpassed the department's retention limit. At that point, they destroy the records. Typically, in Massachusetts, it is improbable for arrest records to be destroyed after reaching a retention limit.

Expunge an Arrest Record in Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not have specific statutes for the expungement or sealing of arrest records. However, laws govern the expungement and sealing of criminal records, including arrest records. Interested persons may petition for expungement and apply to seal both conviction and non-conviction cases.

The legal framework for sealing a conviction record is outlined in MGL c. 276, § 100A. This provision allows applicants to request that the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) seal their records under specific conditions:

• For misdemeanor cases, the applicant can request sealing three years after completing the sentence
• For felony cases, the applicant can apply for sealing after maintaining good behavior for seven years following the completion of the sentence.

Conversely, MGL c. 276, § 100C outlines the guidelines for sealing records of cases where a court acquits an individual. To request the sealing of these records, individuals need to fulfill the following conditions:

• The jury's verdict was 'not guilty'
• The court found no probable cause
• The jury returns no bill
• The case was dismissed without probation
• In cases where a nolle prosequi was entered (indicating no further prosecution by the prosecutor)

There is no associated fee for this process. Individuals from the public seeking to seal their criminal conviction records should complete the Petition to Seal Conviction Records Form. In contrast, those petitioning for cases without convictions can utilize the Petition to Seal Non-Conviction Records Form. Requesters can also include supporting documentation to substantiate their case for record sealing. Moreover, individuals filing with the Boston Municipal Court (BMC) can simultaneously file three or more record dismissals and non-criminal court records from two or more BMC court divisions.

Individuals seeking to seal criminal convictions are required to file with the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS). Those looking to seal non-conviction cases are required to file with the District Court. Meanwhile, for cases without convictions in the BMC, individuals need to file with the division in their vicinity. Once an individual's arrest record is sealed, it is no longer available to the public.

When it comes to expungement of arrest records, the opportunity to apply typically depends on the severity of the associated crime. Time-based expungement falls under the governance of GL c.276, § 100E-100U. The eligibility criteria for this type of expungement (time-based) are as follows:

• For felony offenses, the individual is required to have completed their sentence at least seven years before applying, and for misdemeanors, it is three years.
• The offense cannot be a felony violation of GL c. 265.

The eligibility criteria for a non-time-based expungement are as follows:

• Misuse of personal identification
• Unauthorized usage of personal identity
• Identity theft
• Acts that are no longer considered criminal offenses (e.g., possessing small quantities of marijuana)
• Errors committed by law enforcement
• Errors made by civilian or expert witnesses
• Errors made by court staff
• Fraud committed against the court

Upon having the records removed, the arrest records would no longer exist, allowing their owners to assert that they have never had any.

How Do I Find Recent Arrests in Massachusetts?

To find recent arrests in Massachusetts, interested members of the public may query the Department of Police or the Sheriff's Office. Inquirers may visit the office in person, send inquiries via mail, or access the information remotely, particularly in counties where this information is available online.

It is typical for departments to publish details about new arrestees, including inmate information, online. Regardless, the requester will need to provide information about the subject or record holder to facilitate the search. In most cases, a first name, birth date, and the date of the arrest will suffice. However, additional information may be required depending on the complexity of the search and the nature of the custodian's database.

Are Massachusetts Arrest Records Free?

Yes, interested members of the public may access Massachusetts records for free in some cases. Access to arrest logs or rosters from the Sheriff's office or the Department of Police is free. The public can review arrest records publications online or visit the agency's offices and request to inspect the records. However, requesters will be charged a nominal fee to obtain physical copies of the document if required.

Inquirers also have the choice to search for arrest records on third-party websites. Nonetheless, a typical third-party site will provide limited information for free and request payment for more extensive searches.