New Bedford Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in New Bedford, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in New Bedford, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Massachusetts Public Records Law operates under the presumption of openness, requiring that all government records be available for public inspection.
The New Bedford Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest records serves several governmental functions:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Ensures accountability of public officials
- Provides citizens with information about criminal activity in their community
- Supports the constitutional right to access information about governmental proceedings
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), such as information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or information that could compromise an ongoing investigation.
How to Look Up New Bedford Arrest Records in 2025
The New Bedford Police Department has implemented multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. As of 2025, the following methods are available for obtaining these public documents:
Online Portal Access: The New Bedford Police Department maintains a digital database accessible through their official website. Users may search records using name, date, or case number identifiers. The system is updated daily in compliance with M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), which requires prompt disclosure of public records.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Records Division of the New Bedford Police Department.
New Bedford Police Department
871 Rockdale Avenue
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 991-6300
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Official WebsiteWritten Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(b), the department must respond to such requests within 10 business days.
Bristol County District Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through:
Bristol County District Court
75 North 6th Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 999-9700
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Fees for copies of arrest records are assessed in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07, which permits reasonable charges for reproduction costs. As of 2025, the fee structure is as follows:
- Digital copies: $0.05 per page
- Physical copies: $0.10 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per document
Contents of a New Bedford Arrest Record
New Bedford arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols and the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) guidelines. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, gender, race, current address, and any documented aliases or known nicknames.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name, badge number, and department of the arresting officer(s); and the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section numbers of alleged violations, and whether charges are misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification data, and booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots").
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: If available, the outcome of the case including dismissals, plea agreements, trial results, or diversionary program placements.
Court Information: Docket numbers, scheduled court appearances, and the jurisdiction handling the case.
Pursuant to the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law (M.G.L. c. 6, § 172), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to juveniles under the age of 18, unless the juvenile is being charged as an adult under M.G.L. c. 119, § 74.
Expungement of Arrest Records in New Bedford
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. In New Bedford, individuals seeking expungement must comply with the provisions set forth in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of arrest records include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (e.g., dismissals, not guilty verdicts, nolle prosequi)
- Arrests based on mistaken identity or false identification
- Offenses that have been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest
- Cases where the arrest occurred due to errors by law enforcement or the court
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition for expungement with the Commissioner of Probation and the New Bedford District Court or Bristol Superior Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case
- Provide documentation supporting the grounds for expungement
- Attend a hearing if required by the court
- Receive a judicial determination regarding the petition
If granted, expungement results in the permanent deletion of all records pertaining to the arrest from all criminal justice agencies, including the New Bedford Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Office of the Commissioner of Probation. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100T, expunged records are treated as if they never existed, and individuals may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest on applications for employment, housing, or educational opportunities.
The Bristol County District Attorney's Office may object to petitions for expungement within 30 days of filing. Petitioners denied expungement may appeal the decision to the Massachusetts Appeals Court in accordance with the procedures outlined in Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure.
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