Middleton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Middleton, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public in Middleton, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (G.L. c.66 and c.4, §7(26)). This legislation mandates that governmental records, with specific statutory exemptions, must be accessible to members of the public. Arrest records fall under this category of public documents and are maintained to ensure transparency and accountability within local law enforcement operations.
The Middleton Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions provided in the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
How to Look Up Middleton Arrest Records in 2025
The Town of Middleton provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. The procedures established by municipal authorities remain consistent with state regulations, though specific technological implementations may evolve. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests by visiting the Middleton Police Department during regular business hours. Records custodians will process requests in accordance with G.L. c.66, §10.
Middleton Police Department
65 North Main Street
Middleton, MA 01949
(978) 774-4424
Official Police Department Website
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Middleton Police Department. Requests must include specific information regarding the record sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Electronic Submissions: The Town of Middleton maintains an electronic records request system through which citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records. Electronic submissions are processed in accordance with the same statutory guidelines as in-person or written requests.
Police Downloadable Forms: Citizens may access and submit police report request forms available through the municipal website. Completed forms may be submitted electronically or in person.
Pursuant to Massachusetts Public Records Law, the Records Access Officer must respond to requests within 10 business days. Fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with G.L. c.66, §10(d).
Contents of a Middleton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Middleton Police Department typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These official documents generally include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory violations or charges filed
- Detailed narrative of the circumstances leading to the arrest
- Identifying information of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs (mugshots) when applicable
- Fingerprint records and other biometric data collected during processing
- Case disposition information, if available
- Bail or bond information
The Town Clerk's Office maintains certain arrest record information as part of the municipal record-keeping system. However, comprehensive arrest records remain primarily under the custodianship of the Middleton Police Department.
Middleton Town Clerk's Office
48 South Main Street
Middleton, MA 01949
(978) 774-6927
Official Town Clerk Website
Expungement of Arrest Records in Middleton
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, §100E-100U establishes the legal framework for the expungement of criminal records, including arrest records, in Middleton and throughout the Commonwealth. Expungement constitutes the permanent erasure of a record from all municipal and state databases, rendering the record inaccessible to the public and government agencies.
Individuals may petition for expungement of Middleton arrest records under the following circumstances:
- The arrest resulted from mistaken identity
- The arrest was conducted without probable cause
- The offense for which the person was arrested has been decriminalized
- The arrest record resulted from fraudulent behavior by another person
- The petitioner meets specific statutory criteria regarding age, time elapsed since the offense, and nature of the offense
The expungement process requires submission of a petition to the Commissioner of Probation. If the petition is approved, the Commissioner will order all records pertaining to the arrest to be permanently destroyed. This includes records maintained by the Middleton Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Office of the Commissioner of Probation, and all court records.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process is distinct from record sealing, which restricts access to records but does not destroy them. The Public Records Access Guidelines maintained by the Town of Middleton provide additional information regarding the accessibility of various municipal records.
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