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East Longmeadow Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public documents in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that government-generated information, including arrest records maintained by the East Longmeadow Police Department, shall be accessible to members of the public. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this transparency requirement to ensure citizens have appropriate access to information regarding law enforcement activities and governmental operations within their municipality.

The East Longmeadow Police Department, operating under Town General By-Laws, is required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), which protects specific categories of sensitive information from disclosure.

Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain circumstances may limit access, particularly when:

  • The record pertains to an ongoing investigation
  • The record contains information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  • The record involves a juvenile offender
  • The record has been sealed by court order

How to Look Up East Longmeadow Arrest Records in 2025

The Town of East Longmeadow provides multiple methods for members of the public to access arrest records. Pursuant to the East Longmeadow Home Rule Charter, the following procedures have been established for obtaining these public records:

  • In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests by visiting the East Longmeadow Police Department located at 160 Somers Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (413) 525-5440.

  • Written Requests: Individuals may submit a Public Records Request Form by mail to the East Longmeadow Police Department, Records Division, 160 Somers Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

  • Electronic Submissions: The official East Longmeadow website provides an online portal for submitting public records requests. Alternatively, requests may be emailed to records@eastlongmeadowpd.org.

  • Town Clerk's Office: Some arrest record information may be available through the East Longmeadow Town Clerk's Office, located at 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Telephone: (413) 525-5400 ext. 1000.

All requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other relevant identifying information. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), the records custodian must respond to requests within 10 business days.

Contents of an East Longmeadow Arrest Record

East Longmeadow arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts state regulations and local police department protocols. These records typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, residential address, and contact information
  • Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye and hair color, distinguishing features, and other identifying characteristics
  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; circumstances leading to the arrest; and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Massachusetts General Laws or East Longmeadow municipal ordinances
  • Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot)
  • Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release conditions, bail amount, or bond requirements
  • Court Information: Scheduled court appearances, case numbers, and preliminary judicial determinations
  • Property Inventory: List of personal items in the arrestee's possession at the time of booking

The East Longmeadow Police Department maintains these records in accordance with the departmental organizational structure and record-keeping requirements established in the municipal budget.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in East Longmeadow

The management and disclosure of arrest records in East Longmeadow operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by both state and local authorities. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 167-178B (Criminal Offender Record Information or "CORI" law) governs the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records.

The East Longmeadow Police Department adheres to the following statutory requirements:

  • Records must be maintained in accordance with the Secretary of State's record retention schedule
  • Disclosure must comply with both the Public Records Law and CORI statute
  • Certain information must be withheld or redacted to protect privacy rights and ongoing investigations
  • Juvenile records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 60A

The East Longmeadow Town Council, pursuant to its authority under the Home Rule Charter, has established local regulations regarding the maintenance and accessibility of police records. These regulations are codified in the Town General By-Laws, Chapter 5, which addresses public safety and police department operations.

Fees and Processing Times for Arrest Record Requests

The East Longmeadow Police Department assesses fees for arrest record requests in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(d) and the fee schedule established by the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. Current fee structures include:

  • Standard Copies: $0.05 per page for black and white photocopies or printouts
  • Electronic Records: No charge for records provided electronically, unless significant programming or segregation time is required
  • Search and Segregation: $25.00 per hour after the first 2 hours (which are provided at no cost), prorated for partial hours
  • Specialized Documents: Additional fees may apply for certified copies, photographs, or other specialized formats

Processing times for arrest record requests are as follows:

  • Initial response acknowledging receipt: Within 10 business days
  • Provision of records: Typically within 15-25 business days, depending on complexity
  • Expedited requests: May be accommodated under certain circumstances, subject to departmental workload

Payment must be made by check or money order payable to "Town of East Longmeadow." The department does not currently accept credit card payments for records requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in East Longmeadow

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records maintained by the East Longmeadow Police Department. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

  • Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissal, not guilty finding, nolle prosequi)
  • Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
  • Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
  • Certain juvenile records after statutorily defined waiting periods
  • Cases meeting the "time-based" expungement criteria under Section 100G

The expungement process requires submission of a petition to the Commissioner of Probation, who forwards eligible petitions to the East Longmeadow Police Department and other relevant agencies. Upon receipt of a court-ordered expungement, the department must remove all records pertaining to the arrest from publicly accessible files.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that:

  • The process differs from sealing records, which merely restricts access rather than destroying records
  • Federal records and private databases may not be affected by state expungement orders
  • Some expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement under limited circumstances
  • Legal assistance is strongly recommended when navigating the expungement process

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