Dunstable Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dunstable, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Dunstable, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exemptions. The law serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with the ability to exercise oversight of law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law designates specific Records Access Officers who are responsible for coordinating responses to requests for access to public records. In Dunstable, these officers include the Town Administrator as the Primary Records Access Officer and the Chief of Police as the Records Access Officer for police-related documents.
Certain information within arrest records may be subject to redaction under exemptions provided in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), such as:
- Information that may constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Investigatory materials that could compromise ongoing law enforcement proceedings
- Information that might endanger the life or safety of any individual
- Criminal offender record information (CORI) protected under M.G.L. c. 6, § 167
How to Look Up Dunstable Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Dunstable arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches in 2025. The Dunstable Police Department maintains these records and provides various methods for access in accordance with state public records laws. The following options are available for obtaining arrest record information:
Online Request System: The Town of Dunstable maintains a digital portal through which citizens may submit public records requests. Requestors must provide specific information about the records sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Dunstable Police Department to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours. Staff will assist with completing the necessary request forms.
Dunstable Police Department
23 Pleasant Street
Dunstable, MA 01827
Phone: (978) 649-7445
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Town Clerk's Office: The Town Clerk maintains certain public records and can assist with directing requests to appropriate departments.
Dunstable Town Clerk
511 Main Street
Dunstable, MA 01827
Phone: (978) 649-4514 ext. 242
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests via mail to the Records Access Officer at the Dunstable Police Department address listed above. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(b), the department must respond to such requests within 10 business days.
Contents of a Dunstable Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Dunstable Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances of an arrest and the individual arrested. The release of police information is governed by specific protocols that balance public interest with privacy concerns. Standard arrest records generally include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
- Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable Massachusetts General Laws
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Narrative description of the incident leading to arrest
- Bail or bond information, if applicable
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Case disposition information, if available
Certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with exemptions under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), including but not limited to:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Information related to juveniles
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence or sexual offenses
- Medical information
- Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dunstable
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by the Dunstable Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Expungement is the process by which arrest records are permanently destroyed, as if the arrest never occurred.
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, expungement may be available under the following circumstances:
- The arrest resulted from a demonstrable error by law enforcement
- The arrest was made without probable cause
- The individual was factually innocent of the charges
- The case resulted in a dismissal or nolle prosequi
- The case involved mistaken identity
- The case meets other statutory criteria for expungement
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that had jurisdiction over the original case. Petitioners must complete the appropriate forms available through the Massachusetts Court System and submit them to the clerk of the court. The petition must include:
- Certified copies of the arrest record
- Court docket information
- Affidavits supporting the grounds for expungement
- Any additional documentation relevant to the petition
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing at which the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement under the applicable statutes. The District Attorney's Office will have the opportunity to object to the petition. If the court grants the petition, an order will be issued directing all agencies, including the Dunstable Police Department, to expunge relevant records.
Successful expungement results in the physical destruction of arrest records and the removal of all electronic entries from databases maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
Search Arrest Records in Dunstable
