Burlington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Burlington, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Burlington, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that records generated by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exceptions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this legal framework to ensure governmental transparency and accountability in accordance with democratic principles. Citizens, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties may request and review these records as part of their right to monitor governmental activities and law enforcement operations within Burlington and throughout Massachusetts.
The Burlington Police Department maintains these records in compliance with state regulations governing record retention and public accessibility. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), the fundamental status of arrest records as public documents remains intact under Massachusetts law.
How to Look Up Burlington Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Burlington. The Commonwealth has implemented various systems to facilitate public access to these documents:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Burlington Police Department Records Division located at 45 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors should be prepared to complete a standard public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Burlington Police Department, 45 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), the department must respond to such requests within 10 business days.
Electronic requests can be submitted through the Burlington Police Department's official records portal. The department has implemented digital systems in compliance with the 2016 amendments to the Public Records Law that encourage electronic accessibility.
Burlington Public Library maintains certain historical public records and provides computer terminals for accessing digital government databases. The library is located at 22 Sears Street, Burlington, MA 01803 and operates Monday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07, which establishes fee structures for public records requests. The first two hours of search time are typically provided without charge for standard requests.
Contents of a Burlington Arrest Record
Burlington arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols and the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) guidelines. These official documents typically include:
- Subject identification information, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of residence at time of arrest
- Incident date, time, and precise location where the arrest occurred
- Detailed narrative of the alleged criminal activity leading to the arrest
- Identity of the arresting agency and the badge numbers of officers involved in the apprehension
- Processing information including booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), fingerprint records, and unique identification numbers
- Formal charges filed by the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office, with specific Massachusetts General Laws citations
- Bail determination information, including amount set and conditions imposed by the court
- Case disposition if available, including court dates at Woburn District Court or Middlesex Superior Court
The comprehensiveness of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including facilitating proper identification, ensuring appropriate charging decisions, and maintaining accurate criminal history information as required by M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 167-178.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Burlington
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U. Individuals seeking expungement in Burlington must adhere to the following regulatory framework:
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction due to factual innocence
- Arrests based on mistaken identity or false accusation
- Certain juvenile offenses after statutorily defined waiting periods
- Non-violent offenses after completion of all court-ordered requirements and waiting periods
The formal process requires petitioners to:
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Commissioner of Probation at One Ashburton Place, Room 405, Boston, MA 02108
- Submit supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under statutory provisions
- Attend any scheduled hearings at Woburn District Court or Middlesex Superior Court
- Receive judicial determination regarding the petition
The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 expanded expungement eligibility, particularly for offenses committed before age 21 and for certain marijuana offenses that have been decriminalized. However, statutory exclusions prevent expungement of many serious offenses enumerated in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100J.
Successful expungement results in the permanent destruction of all records pertaining to the arrest, including electronic databases maintained by the Burlington Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Following expungement, individuals may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100N.
Search Arrest Records in Burlington
