Warwick Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Warwick, Massachusetts?
Arrest records in Warwick, Massachusetts are considered public documents pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government-maintained records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts operates under a presumption of openness regarding government records, with specific statutory exemptions designed to protect sensitive information or individual privacy interests.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law stipulates that records created or maintained by government entities, including the Warwick Police Department, must be made available for public inspection unless they fall under one of the exemptions enumerated in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26). These exemptions include, but are not limited to, records that might:
- Compromise ongoing investigations
- Reveal the identity of confidential informants
- Disclose information about juvenile offenders
- Contain Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) protected under M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the records themselves are generally accessible, certain information within them may be redacted in accordance with applicable privacy laws and statutory exemptions.
How to Look Up Warwick Arrest Records in 2025
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has implemented several methods for accessing arrest records in Warwick as of 2025. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following official channels:
Warwick Police Department 25 Winchester Avenue Warwick, MA 01378 Phone: (978) 544-3232 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Franklin County Superior Court 43 Hope Street Greenfield, MA 01301 Phone: (413) 774-7011 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Requestors may access arrest records through several methods:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Warwick Police Department during public counter hours to submit a written request for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Portal Access: The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) maintains a secure online portal where authorized users may access certain arrest record information. Registration and verification of identity are required prior to system access.
Written Requests: Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(b), written requests may be submitted to the Records Access Officer at the Warwick Police Department. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and provide sufficient information to facilitate their identification.
Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to arraignment, court records may be accessed through the Rhode Island Judiciary or the Franklin County Superior Court. These records often contain information about the arrest that led to the court proceedings.
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought. Fees for record reproduction are established in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07.
Contents of a Warwick Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Warwick Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of the circumstances surrounding an individual's arrest. These records are standardized in accordance with Massachusetts law enforcement protocols and generally include the following components:
Demographic Information: The full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (including height, weight, eye and hair color), and residential address at the time of arrest.
Arrest Circumstances: Detailed information regarding the date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Enumeration of all charges filed against the individual, including the specific Massachusetts General Laws allegedly violated and the classification of each offense (felony or misdemeanor).
Incident Report: A narrative description prepared by the arresting officer(s) detailing the events leading to the arrest, including probable cause determination and any witness statements collected.
Booking Information: Documentation of the booking process, including fingerprint records, photographic identification (mugshot), and personal property inventory.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention pending arraignment.
Prior Criminal History: References to any previous arrests or convictions that may be relevant to the current charges, subject to CORI regulations.
The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 167-178, establishes guidelines for the maintenance and dissemination of these records. Certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted from public copies to protect individual privacy.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Warwick
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet the eligibility criteria established by law.
Expungement in Massachusetts results in the permanent erasure and destruction of records, making them unavailable to the public, law enforcement agencies, and the courts. This process differs from record sealing, which merely restricts access to records without destroying them.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Warwick include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction, including dismissals, not guilty findings, nolle prosequi, or no probable cause determinations
- Arrests based on mistaken identity or false identification
- Offenses that have been decriminalized since the time of arrest
- Cases where the individual has demonstrated rehabilitation and a significant period has elapsed since the offense
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition with the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form
- Submit supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility
- Notify the District Attorney's Office, which has 30 days to object
- Attend a hearing before a judge if the petition is contested
The Franklin County Justice Center, located at 43 Hope Street, Greenfield, MA 01301, processes expungement petitions for Warwick residents. Petitioners may contact the Clerk's Office at (413) 774-5535 for assistance with filing procedures.
Massachusetts law establishes waiting periods for expungement eligibility, generally ranging from 3 to 7 years depending on the nature of the offense. Certain serious offenses, including sex crimes, firearms violations, and domestic violence, are statutorily ineligible for expungement under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process requires strict adherence to statutory requirements and procedural rules. The Massachusetts Probation Service evaluates each petition based on the specific circumstances of the case and the petitioner's subsequent conduct.
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