Norfolk County Arrest Records

In Norfolk County, arrests become necessary when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime. Inmates arrested within the county are typically held at the Norfolk County Correctional Center, pending further legal proceedings.

The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, which the public can access. Interested parties can find arrest records at the Sheriif’s Office, which is located at:

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office
200 West Street, P.O. Box 149
Dedham, MA 02027
Phone: (781) 329-3705

These records are often linked to other public records, such as the Norfolk County Court Records, which include robust details of legal proceedings and the outcomes.

Are Arrest Records Public in Norfolk County?

In Massachusetts, arrest records are generally considered public under the state's public records law. The records supervisor is responsible for ensuring these records are available online at no cost. The state makes arrest records available to ensure the criminal justice system maintains transparency, accountability, and public trust.

However, certain arrest records are exempt from being publicly disclosed. These exemptions include:

• Privacy-Related Information: Personnel, medical files, and any data related to specific individuals that would be considered an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
• Investigatory Materials: Materials compiled confidentially by law enforcement or other investigatory officials where public disclosure would hinder effective law enforcement.
• Firearms-Related Information: Names and addresses found in firearms license applications or transfers involving firearms, rifles, shotguns, or ammunition as regulated under specific legal codes.
• Child Advocacy Records: Specific records obtained by the child advocate's office under chapter 18C.
• Statutorily Exempted Records: Records that are explicitly or implicitly exempted from disclosure by law.
• Expunged or Restricted Records: Files that have been erased or where access is legally restricted.
• This summarized information highlights the main categories of records typically kept from public access for privacy or legal reasons.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

An arrest record in Norfolk County will typically include the following information:

• Subject data, such as name, birthdate, last known address, phone number, and any used aliases;
• The suspect's or offender's physical attributes. This includes gender, race, height, weight, eye, and hair color. Additionally, distinguishing characteristics like birthmarks, scars, or tattoos may be included;
• An account of the arrest, especially in cases where the arresting officer witnessed the crime. This includes an account of what transpired before the arrest and the detainee's reaction to it;
• Specifics of the criminal charges, if any;
• The location and time of the arrest, the name of the arresting officer, photographs, fingerprints, details regarding bail, and the planned court date.

Norfolk County Crime Rate

In 2022, crime statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) show nine violent crimes and 30 property crimes in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. Among property crimes, theft was most common, with 25 incidents, followed by three burglaries and two motor vehicle thefts. Violent crimes were less frequent but included nine incidents of assault.

Norfolk County Arrest Statistics

The 2022 arrest statistics for Norfolk County, as reported through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), show that the most arrests made by offense were for driving under the influence, with 139 arrests. This was followed by drug abuse violations with 46 arrests, simple assault with 14 arrests, and unlawful possession of weapons with 13 arrests.

Find Norfolk County Arrest Records

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) website also provides an inmate locator that allows interested persons to conduct a name-based search. The BOP is a federal agency under the US Department of Justice responsible for housing individuals convicted of federal crimes. The BOP handles inmate intake, classification, and custody and offers programs to help inmates with education, mental health, and re-entry into society. The BOP website also has a “find my number” feature which allows interested persons to search for an inmate using any of the following:

• Bureau Of Prisons register number
• District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DCDC) number
• Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) number
• Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) number

The Massachusetts Department of Correction offers a search page for interested persons to search arrest or inmate records within the state. Interested persons may visit the website, select “Massachusetts” from the drop-down list, click "Find An Offender," and search using either the name or offender ID. Alternatively, requestors may find an inmate by calling Vinelink at (866) 277–7477.

Interested persons may also request Norfolk County inmate records or find an inmate in the county jail by visiting or calling the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office.

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office
200 West Street, P.O. Box 149
Dedham, MA 02027
Phone: (781) 329-3705

Free Arrest Record Search in Norfolk County

In Norfolk County, individuals seeking arrest records may request from the local police department using the Public Record Request For A Police Report webpage. They may also request reports in person at the police station or via email:

Pamela Cartin
pcartin@norfolk.ma.us

Alternatively, interested persons can submit a public records request to the Commissioner Records Access Officer (RAO) using the Norfolk County Commissioners’ Public Records Request Form. The interested person should, after filling the form, mail to:

Attn: William J. Buckley, Jr.
Assistant County Director/Records Access Officer
614 High Street, Suite 201
P.O. Box 310
Dedham, MA 02027.

Get Norfolk County Criminal Records

Criminal records are documents detailing an individual's encounters with law enforcement; they include arrests, convictions, and sentencing. These records are kept by different government bodies and serve purposes such as background checks, legal actions, and more. Norfolk County criminal records can be obtained by sending a public records request to the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. Interested persons may do this in person, by email, or by post. Requesters must provide as much information as possible, including the person's name on the record.

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office
200 West Street
P.O. Box 149
Dedham, MA 02026

Norfolk County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Criminal records are comprehensive documents that provide an official account of an individual's criminal history. They include details such as:

• Arrests: Record of being taken into custody.
• Charges: Formal accusations of having committed offenses.
• Convictions: Court judgments declaring someone guilty of a crime.
• Sentences: Penalties or punishments handed down by a judge.

On the other hand, arrest records are narrower in scope. They specifically document an instance where law enforcement takes a person into custody. They typically contain:

• The arrestee’s full name.
• The arrestee’s date of birth.
• The arrestee’s height, eye color, race, weight, and other descriptive features.
• The arrestee’s mugshot.
• Location and time of the arrest.
• The incidents leading to the arrest.
• The arresting officer’s details.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Norfolk County, Massachusetts, arrests can remain permanently on a person's record unless expunged. Under Massachusetts law in MGL c. 276, § 100A, certain documents can be sealed or expunged, but this process depends on the nature of the offense and the individual's criminal history. Sealing or Expungement restricts public access to an individual’s criminal record, making it unavailable to employers and other interested persons. Certain government agencies may still access these records. The process has eligibility requirements and involves filing petitions with the court.

Expunge Norfolk County Arrest Records

Sealing records where an individual was convicted is outlined in MGL c. 276, § 100A, but where an individual was acquitted follows the guidelines outlined in MGL c. 276, § 100C. Massachusetts law allows for expunging or sealing criminal records where the individual was convicted, including arrest records, under certain conditions.

• Time-Based Expungement: For misdemeanors, eligibility begins three years after sentence completion; for felonies, it's seven years. The crime must not be a serious felony.
• Non-Time-Based Expungement: Eligible if the arrest involved identity theft, errors by law enforcement, or acts no longer criminal, among other reasons.

For acquittals to request the sealing of these records, the following conditions must be met:

• 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).

The process for Expungment or sealing involves:

• Petition Submission: Individuals can submit a petition to seal or expunge records using the appropriate forms: the Petition to Seal Conviction Records form and the Petition to Seal Non-Conviction Records form. Requesters can also include supporting documentation to substantiate their case for record sealing.

Mail to:

Commissioner of Probation,
One Ashburton Place, Room 405,
Boston, MA 02108.

If approved, the record is erased, and the individual can legally claim no criminal history. Upon sealing or expunging, the record is no longer publicly accessible.

Norfolk County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Norfolk County is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to arrest or detain an individual. These warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate based on probable cause, which may stem from a criminal complaint or grand jury indictment. Circumstances requiring an arrest warrant include suspicion of a felony, misdemeanor, or failure to appear in court.

What an Arrest Warrant Contains:

• The suspected offense.
• The subject’s details.
• The issuance date and issuer's name.
• The location and time of potential arrest.
• Bail or bond conditions (if applicable).

Norfolk County Arrest Warrant Search

Warrants remain “active” until the person is arrested or the warrant is otherwise resolved. Interested persons or Requesters may request active arrest warrants at the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office. Interested individuals can do this in person, via email, or postal mail.

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office
200 West Street
P.O. Box 149
Dedham, MA 02026

Do Norfolk County Arrest Warrants Expire?

As in other jurisdictions, arrest warrants in Norfolk County generally do not expire. They remain active until executed, meaning the person named in the warrant is arrested or until the court cancels the warrant.