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Taunton Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Taunton, Massachusetts?

Arrest records in Taunton, Massachusetts are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the principle that an informed citizenry is essential to the functioning of a democratic society. Law enforcement agencies in Taunton are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, privacy rights, and public safety.

How to Look Up Taunton Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Taunton have multiple avenues through which they may obtain this information. The Taunton Police Department maintains these records as part of their official duties. Individuals may access arrest records through the following methods:

In-Person Requests at the Police Department: Citizens may visit the Taunton Police Department to submit a formal request for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may be assessed for document reproduction.
Bristol County District Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed at the district court serving Taunton.
Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) System: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may submit a request through the state's CORI system, which requires proper authorization and payment of statutory fees.
Online Resources: The City of Taunton's official website provides information about accessing public records, though complete arrest records may require formal requests.

Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and departmental workload. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), agencies must respond to requests within 10 business days.

Contents of a Taunton Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Taunton Police Department contain specific information as mandated by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records typically include:

Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, gender, and address of residence
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including citation of relevant Massachusetts General Laws violated
Case Identification: Unique booking number and case reference identifiers
Arresting Officer Information: Name and badge number of the primary arresting officer
Booking Details: Processing information, including time of booking and temporary detention status
Bail Information: Amount set, if applicable, and conditions of release
Court Information: Initial appearance date and jurisdiction

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), including information that might compromise ongoing investigations or the safety of witnesses.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has established a comprehensive legal framework governing access to arrest records. This framework balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns and law enforcement operational needs. Key statutory provisions include:

Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66): Establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are public unless specifically exempted.
Criminal Offender Record Information Act (M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178): Regulates the dissemination of criminal history information and establishes procedures for access.
Fair Information Practices Act (M.G.L. c. 66A): Provides guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of personal data held by government agencies.

The Taunton Police Department must adhere to these statutes when processing requests for arrest records. Requestors should be aware that certain exemptions may apply, particularly in cases involving juvenile offenders, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure could impede law enforcement activities.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, Massachusetts law establishes several important limitations on access. These restrictions serve to protect individual privacy rights, preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations, and prevent potential misuse of sensitive information. Specific limitations include:

Sealed Records: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A-C, certain records may be sealed after specified waiting periods, rendering them inaccessible through standard public records requests.
Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A.
Domestic Violence Information: Certain identifying information related to victims of domestic violence may be withheld from public disclosure.
Active Investigations: Information that could compromise ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under exemptions to the Public Records Law.
Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and certain personal contact details are typically redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records.

The Taunton Public Safety Facility Project includes provisions for enhanced records management systems that will facilitate appropriate access while maintaining necessary confidentiality protections.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Taunton

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged or sealed from public view. The expungement process permanently destroys records, while sealing renders them inaccessible to the general public but preserves them for limited official purposes. Key provisions include:

Record Sealing: Under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A, individuals may petition to seal records of certain convictions after waiting periods of 3-10 years, depending on the offense severity.
Expungement Eligibility: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-K (enacted in 2018), certain records may be eligible for expungement if they resulted from mistaken identity, fraud, or if the offense is no longer criminalized.
Juvenile Record Provisions: Special provisions exist for the expungement of juvenile records under specific circumstances.

Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and may need to appear at a hearing before a judge. The process requires strict adherence to statutory requirements and may necessitate legal representation to navigate effectively.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Taunton may utilize arrest records as part of background screening processes, subject to significant legal restrictions. The following regulations govern such usage:

Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Reform: Employers must follow specific procedures when accessing and utilizing CORI information, including obtaining written authorization from applicants.
Ban the Box Legislation: Massachusetts law prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications, with limited exceptions for positions where certain convictions would legally disqualify applicants.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Federal law requires disclosure to individuals when adverse actions are taken based on information in consumer reports, including criminal background checks.
Anti-Discrimination Protections: The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination enforces prohibitions against blanket policies that exclude applicants with criminal records without individualized assessment.

Organizations conducting background checks using arrest records must ensure compliance with these provisions to avoid potential liability for improper use of criminal history information.

Search Arrest Records in Taunton

Taunton Police Department
23 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Phone: 508-824-7522
Official Website

Bristol County District Court - Taunton Division
40 Broadway
Taunton, MA 02780
Phone: 508-977-6150
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM