Holyoke Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Holyoke, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Holyoke, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Massachusetts Public Records Law operates under the presumption of openness, requiring that all government records be available for inspection and copying by any person requesting access.
The Holyoke Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records document the circumstances of arrests, the individuals involved, and the charges filed. Members of the public may request access to these records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Massachusetts law. Records may be withheld or redacted if they:
- Contain information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Relate to ongoing criminal investigations
- Involve juvenile offenders (governed by separate confidentiality provisions)
- Include information specifically exempted by statute
How to Look Up Holyoke Arrest Records in 2025
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides multiple avenues for accessing arrest records in Holyoke. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Holyoke Police Department
138 Appleton Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone: (413) 536-6431
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Records Division at the Holyoke Police Department processes requests for arrest records. Requestors must complete a public records request form, which can be submitted in person, by mail, or via email. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the department must respond to requests within 10 business days.
Hampden County Superior Court
50 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: (413) 748-7760
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed through the Clerk's Office. The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains records of criminal cases resulting from arrests in Holyoke.
Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
The Criminal History Systems Board maintains the state's Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system. Authorized individuals may request CORI reports, which include arrest information, through the state's iCORI system.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services. The standard fee structure is established by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth and is subject to periodic revision.
Contents of a Holyoke Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Holyoke Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records typically include:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Any known aliases or previous names
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (may be redacted in public copies)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed (with references to Massachusetts General Laws)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Incident report number
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint classification data
Case processing information:
- Court docket number
- Arraignment date
- Bail determination
- Preliminary hearing schedule
- Case disposition (if available)
The Massachusetts Uniform Citation format standardizes the recording of arrest information across jurisdictions. This standardization facilitates information sharing between law enforcement agencies and ensures comprehensive documentation of arrest circumstances.
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including information related to victims, witnesses, or confidential informants.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Holyoke
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018) expanded expungement eligibility in the Commonwealth.
Individuals may petition for expungement of Holyoke arrest records if:
- The arrest resulted from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity
- The offense was committed by another person using the petitioner's identity
- The case was dismissed with prejudice before trial
- The case resulted in a not guilty finding
- The case involved juvenile offenses meeting statutory criteria
- The record meets time-based eligibility requirements (generally 7 years for misdemeanors, 10 years for felonies)
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the relevant court. Forms are available through the Massachusetts Court System website or at the Hampden County Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, expungement results in the permanent erasure of records, such that the events appear never to have occurred. This differs from record sealing, which merely restricts access to records but does not delete them.
The Massachusetts Probation Service reviews all expungement petitions to determine eligibility before forwarding qualifying petitions to the appropriate court for judicial review. A hearing may be scheduled at the court's discretion.
Individuals with questions regarding expungement eligibility should consult with the Office of the Commissioner of Probation or seek legal counsel from a qualified attorney familiar with Massachusetts criminal record laws.
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