Mansfield Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mansfield, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Mansfield, Massachusetts, accessible to members of the general public under the provisions of the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government-held information, including records maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this transparency to ensure governmental accountability and public oversight of the criminal justice system.
Public access to arrest records is subject to certain statutory limitations. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172, some information may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:
• Compromise an ongoing investigation • Violate protected privacy interests • Endanger public safety • Interfere with fair trial rights • Reveal the identity of confidential informants
The Mansfield Police Department maintains custody of local arrest records and processes requests in accordance with state regulations. Records may be subject to redaction to protect sensitive information while still fulfilling the public disclosure requirements mandated by statute.
How to Look Up Mansfield Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Mansfield have multiple methods available for obtaining this information. The Mansfield Police Department processes requests pursuant to established protocols that balance public access rights with privacy considerations.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Records Division of the Mansfield Police Department. Requesters must:
• Complete a standard public records request form • Provide identification • Specify the records being sought with reasonable particularity • Pay applicable processing fees as established by department policy
Mansfield Police Department 50 West Street Mansfield, MA 02048 (508) 261-7300 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Correspondence should include:
• Requester's full name and contact information • Specific information sought (name of arrested individual, date of arrest, case number if known) • Signature and date • Return address for response
Electronic Access: The Mansfield Police Department maintains an online portal for public records requests. Users must:
• Navigate to the department's official website • Complete the electronic request form • Provide required identifying information • Submit payment for any applicable fees via the secure payment system
Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), the department must respond to requests within 10 business days of receipt.
Contents of a Mansfield Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Mansfield Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records are created in accordance with Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) protocols and typically include the following elements:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (redacted in public copies)
• Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting officer(s) identification
- Agency case number
- Booking number
- Statutory charges filed
- Arrest warrant information, if applicable
• Processing documentation:
- Fingerprint records
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information (partially redacted in public copies)
• Procedural information:
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Bail determination
- Initial court appearance date
- Detention status
The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) regulations, codified in 803 CMR 2.00-11.00, govern the dissemination of criminal record information. These regulations establish protocols for ensuring accuracy, security, and appropriate access to criminal history data while protecting individual privacy rights.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Mansfield
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018) expanded eligibility for expungement in the Commonwealth.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement if their case meets statutory criteria:
• Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissal, not guilty finding, nolle prosequi) • Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity • Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law • Cases where the offense occurred due to force, threat, duress, or fraud
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation
- Submission to the court where the case originated
- Notification to the District Attorney's office
- Judicial review and determination
- Implementation of expungement order if granted
Office of the Commissioner of Probation One Ashburton Place, Room 405 Boston, MA 02108 (617) 727-5300
Expungement, if granted, results in the permanent destruction of records rather than merely sealing them from public view. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100F, expunged records shall not be disclosed or made available for any purpose. The individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the offense never occurred.
The Bristol County District Court processes expungement petitions for cases originating in Mansfield:
Bristol County District Court 10 Broadway Taunton, MA 02780 (508) 977-6000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal standards. The court evaluates petitions based on statutory eligibility requirements and the "best interests of justice" standard articulated in Section 100K.
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