Dukes County, Massachusetts Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dukes County, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Dukes County, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth's commitment to governmental transparency is reflected in this legislation, which facilitates citizen oversight of law enforcement activities.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law mandates that custodians of public records must provide access to these documents within 10 business days of receiving a request. This requirement applies to all arrest records maintained by the Dukes County Sheriff's Office and local police departments within the county's jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking such records may submit requests in writing to the appropriate record custodian.
It should be noted that certain information within 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 related to ongoing investigations.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dukes County?
Dukes County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies by jurisdiction and agency. The Massachusetts Court System maintains electronic databases that include certain arrest information related to court proceedings. These court records are accessible to the public through designated terminals at courthouse locations and, in some instances, through remote online access.
The Dukes County Sheriff's Office maintains limited online resources for public information regarding current inmate populations and recent booking activities. As outlined in the quarterly population reports submitted to the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association, this information is regularly updated in compliance with Chapter 126, Section 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Online access to comprehensive arrest records may be restricted due to privacy considerations and technical limitations. The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, which contains official criminal history information, is not fully accessible online to the general public without proper authorization and is subject to strict regulations under M.G.L. c. 6, § 172.
How to Look Up Dukes County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Dukes County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are authorized under Massachusetts law for accessing arrest documentation:
- Dukes County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records directly to the records division. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking information and arrest reports for individuals processed through their facilities.
Dukes County Sheriff's Office
149 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-5173
Official Website
- Local Police Departments: Each municipality within Dukes County maintains records of arrests conducted by their officers. Requests may be submitted to the records division of the appropriate department.
Edgartown Police Department
72 Pease's Point Way
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-4343
Official Website
- Dukes County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests that have proceeded to arraignment or further judicial action are maintained at the courthouse. The Plan of Correction for the Dukes County Jail and House of Correction outlines coordination between correctional facilities and the courts regarding record management.
Dukes County Superior Court
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-4668
Official Website
- Massachusetts State Police: For arrests conducted by state troopers within Dukes County, records may be requested from the State Police Records Section.
Massachusetts State Police Headquarters
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-2300
Official Website
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), requests for public records must be responded to within 10 business days. Fees may be assessed for search time, reproduction costs, and postage in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07.
Contents of a Dukes County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Dukes County typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records generally include the following components:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
- Arresting Authority: Identification of the law enforcement agency and officer(s) who executed the arrest
- Booking Information: Processing details, including fingerprinting, photographing, and property inventory
- Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Massachusetts General Laws or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested
- Probable Cause Statement: Brief narrative describing the circumstances that led to the arrest
- Bail Determination: Information regarding bail amount, conditions, or detention status
- Court Assignment: Designation of the court with jurisdiction over the case
- Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system
In accordance with the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy and Massachusetts law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, information related to juveniles, and details that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dukes County
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement if their arrest records resulted from:
- Mistaken identity
- Identity fraud perpetrated by another person
- Demonstrable errors by law enforcement or court personnel
- Offenses that have been decriminalized since the time of arrest
The expungement process in Dukes County requires filing a petition with the court that maintained jurisdiction over the case. If no case was filed following the arrest, the petition must be submitted to the district court serving the municipality where the arrest occurred. The petition must include supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under statutory criteria.
Upon successful expungement, all records pertaining to the arrest are sealed and removed from public access. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100T, expunged records shall not be considered in any decision regarding employment, housing, or educational opportunities. Law enforcement agencies and courts are required to respond to inquiries regarding expunged records as if the events never occurred.
The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 expanded eligibility for expungement, particularly for individuals whose records resulted from juvenile offenses or cases involving substance use disorders. The Dukes County District Attorney's Office can provide guidance regarding eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Dukes County District Attorney's Office
32 Water Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-4545
Official Website
Search Arrest Records in Dukes County
