Yarmouth Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Yarmouth, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding criminal justice proceedings.
The Yarmouth Police Department, as a public agency, is required to maintain and, upon request, provide access to arrest records in accordance with state regulations. These records serve multiple public interest functions, including:
- Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
- Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal incidents
- Facilitating background checks for employment or housing purposes
- Providing statistical data for research and policy development
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies to the communities they serve
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld under exemptions provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), particularly when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or reveal the identity of a confidential informant.
How to Look Up Yarmouth Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Yarmouth arrest records in 2025 may utilize several established methods to obtain this information. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has implemented systems to facilitate public access while maintaining appropriate security protocols for sensitive information.
Individuals may access Yarmouth arrest records through the following official channels:
In-person requests at the Yarmouth Police Department Records Division, located at 340 Higgins Crowell Road, West Yarmouth, MA 02673. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (508) 775-0445.
Written requests submitted to the Records Division at the above address. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest.
Electronic access through the Yarmouth Police Department's public records portal, which provides limited information on recent arrests and incident logs.
Court records at Barnstable District Court, located at 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02630. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (508) 375-6653.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), the Records Access Officer must provide requested records within 10 business days of receipt of a request. Fees may apply in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07, which permits reasonable charges for reproduction costs.
Contents of a Yarmouth Arrest Record
Yarmouth arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols and the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) guidelines. These records typically include comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest.
Standard components of a Yarmouth arrest record include:
- Biographical information: Full legal name, date of birth, address, gender, race, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual
- Arrest details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Offense information: Criminal charges filed, including Massachusetts General Laws citations and offense descriptions
- Case processing data: Booking number, arresting officer identification, and processing location
- Physical descriptors: Height, weight, distinguishing features, and scars/marks/tattoos (SMT) documentation
- Photographic documentation: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken from front and profile perspectives
- Biometric data: Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
- Disposition information: Initial court appearance details and preliminary case outcomes
- Custody status: Information regarding bail, detention, or release conditions
In accordance with the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law, M.G.L. Chapter 6, Sections 167-178B, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly when related to juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Yarmouth
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records in Yarmouth under specific statutory conditions. Expungement constitutes the permanent erasure and destruction of records, rendering them inaccessible to both the public and government agencies.
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018) and M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet the following criteria:
- The arrest resulted from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity
- The offense was committed by another person using the petitioner's identity
- The case was dismissed with prejudice prior to arraignment
- The arrest record was created as a result of a demonstrable error by law enforcement or court personnel
- The petitioner was under 21 years of age at the time of the offense, and specific waiting periods have elapsed (generally 3-7 years depending on offense severity)
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the court where the case originated. The petition must include:
- Certified copies of the complaint or indictment
- Docket entries related to the case
- Disposition documentation
- Affidavits supporting the grounds for expungement
The court must schedule a hearing within 21 days of receiving the petition. If expungement is granted, all records pertaining to the arrest must be permanently destroyed by all agencies in possession of such records, including the Yarmouth Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and the Office of the Commissioner of Probation.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E, including most violent crimes, firearms offenses, and sex offenses.
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