Haverhill Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Haverhill, Massachusetts?
Arrest records in Haverhill, Massachusetts are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Massachusetts Public Records Law serves to promote transparency and accountability in governmental operations by ensuring citizens have access to information about law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains that public access to arrest records supports the public's right to know about the actions of government officials and agencies. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exemptions outlined 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.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Haverhill should be aware that while these records are generally public, access may be subject to administrative procedures and nominal fees as permitted under state law. The Records Access Officer (RAO) for the Haverhill Police Department oversees the dissemination of such records in compliance with statutory requirements.
How to Look Up Haverhill Arrest Records in 2025
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Haverhill have established multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These procedures are designed to facilitate public access while maintaining the integrity and security of law enforcement information. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Haverhill:
- In-person requests may be submitted at the Haverhill Police Department's Records Division. Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
Haverhill Police Department
40 Bailey Boulevard
Haverhill, MA 01830
Phone: (978) 373-1212
Haverhill Police Department Official Website
Electronic requests can be submitted through the public records request portal on the City of Haverhill's official website. This system allows for the submission of requests 24 hours a day, with responses provided during regular business hours.
Written requests may be mailed to the Records Access Officer at the Haverhill Police Department. Such requests should include the requester's contact information, specific details about the records being sought, and preferred format for receiving the records.
The Haverhill Police Department maintains an online database of arrest logs that is updated regularly. This resource provides basic information about recent arrests and can be accessed without submitting a formal records request.
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the Records Access Officer must provide records within 10 business days of receiving a request. If additional time is needed, the RAO must provide written notice explaining the reasons for the delay and establishing a new response date.
Fees for copies of arrest records are assessed in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07, which permits charging for the cost of reproduction but not for search or segregation time for the first two hours of work.
Contents of a Haverhill Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Haverhill Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, and race
- Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken at the time of processing
- Fingerprint information and other biometric data collected during booking
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (typically Haverhill Police Department)
- Statutory citations and descriptions of all charges filed
- Case or incident number assigned for administrative tracking
- Custody status information, including whether the individual was released on personal recognizance or bail
- Court docket number and scheduled appearance dates
- Disposition information if available (e.g., pending, dismissed, convicted)
It should be noted that pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178B (Criminal Offender Record Information law), certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, particularly information related to juveniles, sexual assault victims, or information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) maintains the central repository for all criminal history information in the Commonwealth, including arrest records from Haverhill. This information is shared with authorized criminal justice agencies through secure networks in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Haverhill
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Haverhill and throughout the state. Expungement is the legal process by which criminal records are permanently destroyed, resulting in the complete removal of information from public access and government databases.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100E-100U, as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018, establishes the criteria and procedures for expungement. Eligibility for expungement in Haverhill is limited to specific circumstances:
- The arrest record resulted from a demonstrable error by law enforcement or the court
- The offense has been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest (e.g., certain marijuana offenses)
- The petitioner was under 21 years of age at the time of the offense, and specific waiting periods have elapsed (generally 7 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies)
- The record resulted from fraudulent identity use or unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity
The expungement petition process requires submission of a formal petition to the Commissioner of Probation and to the court where the case originated. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the case, including docket numbers, dates of arrest, and the specific grounds for expungement.
The Essex County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over Haverhill cases, reviews expungement petitions with consideration to:
- The nature and circumstances of the offense
- The petitioner's record of other criminal activity
- The length of time since the offense occurred
- Evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct
If granted, an expungement order directs all criminal justice agencies to permanently destroy all records related to the arrest, including electronic records, paper files, and any references in databases. Following expungement, the individual may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain law enforcement and judicial purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement of Haverhill arrest records are advised that the process is highly technical and subject to strict statutory requirements. The Massachusetts Probation Service maintains detailed guidelines for the expungement process in accordance with M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U.
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