Amherst Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Amherst, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Amherst, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, with certain statutory exemptions, must be accessible to members of the public. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to facilitate public oversight of law enforcement activities.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law defines public records as materials made or received by any officer or employee of any Massachusetts governmental entity. Arrest records fall within this definition as they document official actions taken by law enforcement personnel. These records serve multiple public interests, including:
- Providing transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enabling community awareness of criminal activity
- Supporting journalistic reporting on public safety matters
- Allowing researchers to analyze crime patterns and trends
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
Residents and non-residents alike may request access to arrest records maintained by the Amherst Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. However, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26).
How to Look Up Amherst Arrest Records in 2025
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has implemented several methods for accessing arrest records in Amherst as of 2025. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests Members of the public may visit the Amherst Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. The Records Division processes these requests during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Amherst Police Department
111 Main Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 259-3000
Amherst Police Department Official Website
Online Portal Access The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) maintains a secure online portal through which authorized users may access arrest record information. This system requires registration and verification of identity in accordance with M.G.L. c. 6, § 172. The portal provides 24-hour access to digitized records, subject to applicable fees and security protocols.
Written Requests Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the Records Access Officer at the Amherst Police Department. These requests must reasonably describe the records sought and may be submitted via postal mail or electronic communication. The department is required to respond to such requests within 10 business days.
Hampshire County Courthouse
15 Gothic Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-7400
Massachusetts Court System
Contents of an Amherst Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Amherst law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Massachusetts state regulations. These documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, with reference to Massachusetts General Laws
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint data collected during processing
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Initial court appearance information
- Bail determination or pretrial release conditions
- Case disposition information, when available
The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board establishes protocols for the uniform collection and maintenance of this information under the authority granted by M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178. Law enforcement agencies must adhere to these standards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of arrest record data.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Information related to juveniles (protected under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A)
- Details that would compromise ongoing investigations
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Expungement of Arrest Records in Amherst
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018) expanded eligibility for expungement in the Commonwealth. Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Amherst must petition the court that maintained jurisdiction over their case.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissals, not guilty findings)
- Certain non-violent offenses after a waiting period (typically 3-7 years)
- Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
- Cases where the offense is no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
The petition process requires submission of standardized forms to the appropriate court, accompanied by supporting documentation. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100K-100U, the court will review the petition and may schedule a hearing to determine whether expungement serves justice.
When an expungement petition is granted, all records of the arrest are permanently destroyed rather than merely sealed. This includes:
- Police booking records
- Court docket entries
- Probation records
- Department of Criminal Justice Information Services records
The legal effect of expungement is that the record is treated as if it never existed. Individuals with expunged records may lawfully respond to inquiries about their criminal history as if the expunged arrest never occurred.
Northwestern District Attorney's Office
One Court Square
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-9225
Northwestern District Attorney
Massachusetts Probation Service
1 Ashburton Place, Room 405
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-5300
Massachusetts Probation Service
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