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Billerica Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Billerica, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public in Billerica, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Massachusetts Public Records Law operates under the presumption of disclosure, thereby promoting governmental transparency and accountability. Members of the public may request and obtain arrest records maintained by the Billerica Police Department and other municipal agencies, subject to certain limitations regarding privacy and ongoing investigations as outlined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26).

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this open records policy to ensure citizens can monitor governmental activities, including law enforcement operations within Billerica and surrounding jurisdictions. Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive investigative details in accordance with statutory exemptions.

How to Look Up Billerica Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Billerica as of 2025. The Town of Billerica has implemented several channels through which these records may be obtained:

Online Portal Access: The Billerica Police Department maintains a digital records system accessible through the Town of Billerica's official website. This portal allows users to search arrest logs, incident reports, and related public safety information.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Billerica Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Requesters must complete the department's standard public records request form and present valid government-issued identification.

Billerica Police Department
6 Good Street
Billerica, MA 01821
Phone: (978) 667-1212
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Written Requests: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(b), written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Such requests must include the requester's contact information, specific records being sought, and applicable time periods.
Town Clerk's Office: The Town Clerk maintains certain public records and can assist with locating arrest-related documentation.

Town Clerk's Office
365 Boston Road, Office #101
Billerica, MA 01821
Phone: (978) 671-0924
Hours: Monday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM, Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Requesters should note that processing times may vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search. Fees may apply in accordance with M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(d), which permits reasonable charges for reproduction costs and staff time exceeding two hours.

Contents of a Billerica Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Billerica Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records typically include:

Full legal name and known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed, including Massachusetts General Laws citations
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records and identification numbers
Detention status and bail determination
Court of jurisdiction and docket numbers
Preliminary hearing dates

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 172, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including but not limited to Social Security numbers, witness information, juvenile data, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations. The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system governs the dissemination of criminal history information, establishing different levels of access for various stakeholders.

Law enforcement agencies in Billerica maintain these records in both physical and digital formats, with retention schedules determined by the Massachusetts Municipal Records Retention Schedule as established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Massachusetts

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Billerica operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by Commonwealth statutes and regulations. The Massachusetts Public Records Law serves as the primary authority governing access to these documents.

Under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10, public records custodians must permit inspection and furnish copies of public records, including arrest records, within 10 business days of receiving a request. The Records Access Officer for the Billerica Police Department serves as the designated point of contact for such requests, as required by statute.

The Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Reform Act of 2010 (Chapter 256 of the Acts of 2010) established additional parameters regarding the dissemination of criminal history information. This legislation created a tiered access system that determines who may access different levels of criminal record information:

Standard Access: Available to general public, includes convictions, pending criminal charges, and certain dismissed cases
Required Access: Available to employers in certain fields (education, healthcare, etc.)
Enhanced Access: Available to law enforcement and criminal justice agencies

The Billerica Police Department adheres to these statutory requirements when processing requests for arrest records. Requesters should be aware that appeals regarding denied requests may be submitted to the Supervisor of Public Records within the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth pursuant to 950 CMR 32.08.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Billerica

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of 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.

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, expungement permanently erases records from public access and official databases. Eligibility criteria for expungement in Billerica include:

Cases resulting from mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
Offenses that are no longer criminalized (e.g., certain marijuana possession cases)
Cases committed before age 21, subject to waiting periods and offense limitations
Cases where fraud by law enforcement can be demonstrated

The petition process requires submission of standardized forms to the Commissioner of Probation and the court of jurisdiction. Petitioners must provide:

Certified copies of the complaint or indictment
Docket numbers and case information
Statement of grounds for expungement
Supporting documentation

Office of the Commissioner of Probation
One Ashburton Place, Room 405
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-5300

Alternatively, record sealing (distinct from expungement) may be pursued under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A for non-conviction records after a waiting period of 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement but are removed from public view.

The Billerica Police Department and Town Clerk's Office can provide guidance on these processes, though legal counsel is recommended for navigating the complexities of record expungement or sealing.

Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records in Billerica are generally public, statutory exemptions and judicial precedent establish certain limitations on access. The Massachusetts Public Records Law contains specific exemptions under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26) that may restrict disclosure of:

Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Investigatory materials that could prejudice effective law enforcement
Information that might endanger public safety or security
Records specifically exempted from disclosure by statute

Additionally, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has recognized constitutional privacy interests that may limit disclosure in certain circumstances, as established in Globe Newspaper Co. v. Police Commissioner of Boston, 419 Mass. 852 (1995).

The Billerica Police Department evaluates each request against these statutory and constitutional standards. When records contain both exempt and non-exempt information, the department will redact protected content and release the remainder, as required by M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a).

Juvenile arrest records receive heightened protection under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A, which generally prohibits public disclosure of records pertaining to delinquency proceedings for individuals under 18 years of age. Similarly, records related to certain domestic violence incidents may be subject to additional confidentiality provisions under M.G.L. c. 209A.

Requesters whose access is denied or limited may appeal to the Supervisor of Public Records within 90 calendar days of the denial, as provided in 950 CMR 32.08.