Deerfield Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Deerfield, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Deerfield, Massachusetts, accessible to all members of the public under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government-created and maintained records, including those documenting arrests. The law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute, regulation, or judicial decision.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law serves multiple public interests, including:
- Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
- Ensuring accountability of public officials
- Providing citizens with information about criminal activity in their community
- Supporting the constitutional right to access information about government activities
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld pursuant to exemptions under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), which protects information such as:
- Ongoing investigation materials that could compromise law enforcement efforts
- Personal identifying information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Information related to juvenile offenders (governed by separate confidentiality provisions)
- Records sealed by court order
The Deerfield Police Department maintains these records and must respond to requests within 10 business days as required by state law.
How to Look Up Deerfield Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Deerfield have several methods available to obtain this information. The Deerfield Police Department processes requests in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law and departmental policies. Requesters may utilize any of the following methods:
Submit a written request in person at the Deerfield Police Department, located at 5 John Williams Street, Deerfield, MA 01342. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Mail a formal written request to: Records Division, Deerfield Police Department, 5 John Williams Street, Deerfield, MA 01342. Include specific information about the record being requested, such as name, date of arrest, and case number if available.
Contact the Records Division by telephone at (413) 665-2606 to inquire about the status of a records request or to receive guidance on the request process.
Access the Deerfield Police Department's online portal through the town's official website, which provides limited arrest log information and instructions for requesting complete records.
Visit the Tilton Library at 75 North Main Street, Deerfield, MA 01342, which maintains public access terminals for searching certain public records, including arrest logs.
Pursuant to Massachusetts law, the records custodian may charge reasonable fees for copying and providing public records. Current fee schedules are posted at the police department and on the town's official website.
Contents of a Deerfield Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Deerfield Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identifications
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and address
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed description of the alleged criminal offense(s), including applicable Massachusetts General Laws citations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information, including processing time and location
- Custody status and detention information
- Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions
- Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
- Initial court appearance information
- Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Certain information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records in accordance with exemptions under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information
- Information related to victims of certain crimes
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
The level of detail in publicly available arrest records may vary based on the status of the case and applicable exemptions under state law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Deerfield
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as governed by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U. Expungement permanently destroys records, making them inaccessible to both the public and government agencies.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Deerfield include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissal, not guilty verdict, nolle prosequi)
- Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
- Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
- Certain juvenile records after statutory waiting periods
- Cases where the offense resulted from being a victim of human trafficking
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form
- Submitting the petition to the court where the case was originally adjudicated
- Providing supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility
- Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court
- Receiving a judicial determination on the petition
Successful expungement results in the complete destruction of all records related to the arrest, including:
- Police booking records
- Court documents
- Probation records
- Department of Criminal Justice Information Services records
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process differs from record sealing, which merely restricts access rather than destroying records. Legal assistance is advisable when navigating the expungement process, as requirements are stringent and procedurally complex.
The Franklin County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 20 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 can provide referrals to attorneys experienced in expungement matters. They can be reached at (413) 773-9839.
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