Franklin County, Massachusetts Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County, Massachusetts?
Arrest records in Franklin County, 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 governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be made available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding criminal justice proceedings.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, which governs arrest procedures and record-keeping requirements. Members of the public seeking access to these records may submit requests in accordance with established protocols, which typically require proper identification and completion of designated request forms.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in compliance with privacy laws, particularly details pertaining to victims of sexual offenses, domestic violence incidents, or cases involving juveniles as specified under M.G.L. c. 41, § 97D and related statutes.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Franklin County?
Franklin County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Franklin Police Department publishes arrest logs online as part of their commitment to transparency and public information access. These digital records are maintained pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 172, which governs the dissemination of criminal offender record information.
Online accessibility varies by municipality within Franklin County, with some police departments offering more comprehensive digital access than others. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains a records database that can be accessed through their official website, though some requests may require in-person follow-up for complete information.
Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) regulations, certain limitations apply to the online distribution of arrest information. These regulations ensure that while public access is maintained, the information is presented in a manner that balances transparency with privacy considerations and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Users of online arrest record systems should be aware that:
- Records may not be updated in real-time
- Preliminary arrest information may change as cases progress
- Not all arrest details may be available online due to statutory restrictions
- Official verification may be required for certain purposes
How to Look Up Franklin County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Franklin County arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The following methods are authorized under Massachusetts public records statutes and local ordinances:
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
160 Elm Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 774-4014
Official Website
Individuals may submit records requests in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) or via email to records@fcso-ma.us as specified under their records access policy. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information sought.
Franklin County Justice Center
43 Hope Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 775-7400
Massachusetts Court System
Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Pursuant to Trial Court Rule XIV, requestors must complete a record request form and may be subject to search fees as established by the Court Administrator.
Local Police Departments
Each municipality within Franklin County maintains its own arrest records. Major departments include:
Greenfield Police Department
321 High Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 773-5411Montague Police Department
180 Turnpike Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Phone: (413) 863-8911Orange Police Department
400 East River Street
Orange, MA 01364
Phone: (978) 544-2128
Requests to these agencies must comply with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 66, § 10, which requires responses within 10 business days of receipt.
Contents of a Franklin County Arrest Record
Franklin County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276 and the regulations established by the Criminal Justice Information Services Division. These records typically include the following components:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and precise location of apprehension
- Statutory charges filed, including Massachusetts General Laws citations
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing location
- Property inventory taken during booking
Case processing information:
- Court docket number
- Bail determination
- Preliminary hearing dates
- Detention facility assignment if applicable
Photographic documentation:
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken from multiple angles
- Images of identifying marks or tattoos when relevant to identification
These records are maintained in accordance with the records retention schedule established by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, which typically requires preservation for a minimum of seven years following case disposition.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Franklin County
Under Massachusetts law, specifically M.G.L. c. 276, § 100K-100U as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records maintained in Franklin County. Expungement constitutes the permanent erasure of records such that the proceedings are treated as never having occurred.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissals, not guilty findings)
- Arrests based on mistaken identity or false accusations
- Offenses that have been decriminalized since the time of arrest
- Juvenile records meeting specific statutory requirements
- Certain non-violent offenses after waiting periods ranging from 3-7 years
The petition process requires filing with the Commissioner of Probation and the court of original jurisdiction. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100K, the court must find that the record was created as a result of:
- False identification or the unauthorized use of identification
- An offense that is no longer a crime
- Demonstrable fraud perpetrated upon the court
- Demonstrable errors by law enforcement, civilian or expert witnesses, or court employees
Petitioners must file standardized forms available through the Franklin County Justice Center and may be required to attend a hearing before a judge. If granted, expungement orders are transmitted to all agencies maintaining the records, including the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
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