> >Carlisle Arrest Records

Carlisle Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Carlisle, Massachusetts?

Arrest records in Carlisle, Massachusetts are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including arrest information, shall be made available for public inspection to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts upholds the principle that citizens have the right to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies and the administration of justice within their communities.

The Carlisle Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available through weekly police call logs and formal report requests. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 167-178B (Criminal Offender Record Information law), certain limitations may apply to the dissemination of criminal history information, particularly regarding ongoing investigations or juvenile records.

Carlisle Police Department
41 Lowell Street
Carlisle, MA 01741
Phone: 978-369-1818
Official Website

How to Look Up Carlisle Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Carlisle have multiple methods available for obtaining this information. The Carlisle Police Department processes requests in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, which allows ten business days to respond to public records requests. The following official channels are available for accessing arrest records:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Carlisle Police Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to submit a formal request for arrest records. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may be assessed for document reproduction.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Requests must include the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number (if known). A self-addressed stamped envelope should be included for return correspondence.
Online Access: The Carlisle Police Department maintains police logs on the official town website where recent arrest information is published weekly. For specific police report requests, citizens may utilize the online form available through the department's website.
Telephone Inquiries: Preliminary information regarding the availability of arrest records may be obtained by contacting the Records Division at 978-369-1818. However, formal requests must be submitted through one of the aforementioned methods.

Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10(a) and may include charges for search time, document reproduction, and certification if required.

Contents of a Carlisle Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Carlisle Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of law enforcement interactions with detained individuals. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws and departmental policies, these records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or previous identities
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and residential address
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of criminal charges filed, including applicable Massachusetts General Law citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
Custody status information including bail determination, bond amounts, and release conditions
Preliminary court appearance scheduling information
Vehicle information if the arrest was related to a motor vehicle violation
Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest

The crime information maintained by the department adheres to standardized record-keeping protocols established by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy provisions outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Carlisle

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement when arrests result from mistaken identity, false accusations, or when charges have been dismissed without prosecution.

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the court of jurisdiction that originally handled the case. The following criteria must be satisfied for consideration:

The arrest must not have resulted in a conviction
A minimum waiting period of one year must have elapsed since the date of arrest
The petitioner must not have any pending criminal charges
The petitioner must not have been convicted of any criminal offense within the Commonwealth during the waiting period
The offense in question must qualify for expungement under statutory provisions

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court conducts a comprehensive review of the case circumstances and may schedule a hearing to determine whether expungement serves the interests of justice. If granted, expungement orders are transmitted to all relevant agencies including the Carlisle Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Office of the Commissioner of Probation.

Expunged records are removed from public access and sealed from law enforcement databases except under limited circumstances prescribed by statute. The legal effect of expungement is to restore the individual to the status occupied prior to the arrest, as if the incident had never occurred.

Individuals seeking expungement should consult with legal counsel familiar with Massachusetts criminal record procedures, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and judicial discretion.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Carlisle

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Carlisle operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by Massachusetts state law and municipal regulations. The following statutes and regulations govern these records:

Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66): Establishes the fundamental right of public access to governmental records, including arrest information, while defining specific exemptions for sensitive materials.
Criminal Offender Record Information Act (M.G.L. Chapter 6, § 167-178B): Regulates the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information within the Commonwealth.
Carlisle Municipal Bylaws: Local ordinances that may contain provisions regarding public safety records and information disclosure protocols specific to the municipality.
Massachusetts Rules and Regulations: Administrative codes that implement statutory requirements for record-keeping by law enforcement agencies.
Zoning Bylaws: While primarily focused on land use, these may contain provisions related to public safety reporting and record-keeping in specific districts.

The Carlisle Police Department adheres to these legal frameworks when processing requests for arrest records. Records custodians are obligated to respond to requests within ten business days as mandated by M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a). Denials of access must cite specific statutory exemptions and provide information regarding appeal procedures to the Supervisor of Public Records within the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.