Yes, arrest records are public in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This accessibility is in compliance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which mandates that records created by government agencies are accessible to the public. This includes documents related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The purpose of making arrest records public is to maintain transparency and uphold the public's right to information.
To get Cambridge arrest records, residents have multiple options available, particularly with advancements in digital access by 2024. While specific online platforms can facilitate this process, residents can also explore several other methods:
A Cambridge arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Cambridge, the expungement of arrest records is possible under certain conditions. Individuals who wish to have their arrest records expunged must file a petition in the court that handled their case. The eligibility for expungement generally depends on the nature of the crime, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since the arrest. Successful expungement leads to the deletion of the arrest record, thereby removing it from public access and official searches.