Arrest records are public in Everett, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Massachusetts Public Records Law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute. This legal framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials.
Members of the public should be aware that certain categories of arrest information may be exempt from disclosure. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 41, § 97D and related statutes, records pertaining to sexual assault cases, domestic violence incidents, and arrests involving juveniles are not available for public inspection. Additionally, ongoing investigations may have limited disclosure until the investigation is complete, as provided under exemption (f) of the Public Records Law.
The Everett Police Department maintains and publishes arrest logs that are accessible to the public, with appropriate redactions for protected information. These logs serve as an official record of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Everett, Massachusetts. The Commonwealth's commitment to governmental transparency has resulted in both traditional and digital access options for members of the public seeking arrest information. Individuals may utilize any of the following official channels:
Submit a written request to the Everett Police Department Records Office located at 45 Elm Street, Everett, MA 02149. Requests must include the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Visit the Records Office in person during operational hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to submit a records request form. Valid identification is required for all in-person requests.
Access the Everett Police Department's online arrest logs, which are updated regularly in compliance with public records requirements.
Contact the Records Office by telephone at (617) 394-2362 or (617) 394-2363 to inquire about the proper procedure for specific record requests.
Submit requests to the Massachusetts State Police for arrests conducted by state law enforcement within Everett city limits.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services, as authorized under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a). The current fee schedule is available at the Records Office or on the department's website. Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and departmental workload.
Arrest records maintained by the Everett Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited by applicable privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions. Pursuant to departmental policy, the public arrest logs exclude entries associated with juveniles, domestic violence incidents, and sexual assault cases.
Individuals seeking comprehensive arrest record information may need to demonstrate a legal right to access such information or obtain a court order authorizing disclosure of records that fall under statutory exemptions.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the court with jurisdiction over the original case.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Everett include:
The petition process requires submission of standardized forms to the appropriate court, accompanied by supporting documentation. The court may schedule a hearing at which the petitioner must demonstrate that expungement is warranted. The District Attorney's Office receives notification of all expungement petitions and may contest the request.
If granted, an expungement order requires all criminal justice agencies, including the Everett Police Department, to remove records pertaining to the arrest from their publicly accessible files. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100T, expunged records are not considered public records and agencies must respond to inquiries as if the record does not exist.
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility should consult with legal counsel or contact:
Middlesex County District Court
4040 Mystic Valley Parkway
Medford, MA 02155
(781) 306-2710
Massachusetts law establishes specific limitations on the disclosure and use of arrest records. These restrictions serve to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy interests and the presumption of innocence. The following statutory provisions govern access to arrest records in Everett:
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) laws (M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178) restrict access to official criminal history information, requiring authorized access for complete records.
The Fair Information Practices Act (M.G.L. c. 66A) establishes standards for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of personal data by government agencies.
Federal regulations, including those implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), may restrict disclosure of medical information obtained during arrest processing.
Juvenile records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A, generally prohibiting public disclosure.
Employers, housing providers, and other entities seeking arrest record information must comply with Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws, including "ban the box" provisions that restrict inquiries about criminal history during initial employment applications.
Violations of these restrictions may result in civil penalties, administrative sanctions, or private causes of action for affected individuals. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office enforces compliance with public records and privacy laws throughout the Commonwealth.
Multiple governmental entities maintain and process arrest records for incidents occurring within Everett city limits. Each agency operates under specific statutory authority and maintains records according to established retention schedules. The primary record custodians include:
Everett Police Department
45 Elm Street
Everett, MA 02149
(617) 389-2120
Official Website
Middlesex County District Attorney's Office
15 Commonwealth Avenue
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 897-8300
Massachusetts State Police
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-2300
Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 660-4600
City of Everett Clerk's Office
484 Broadway
Everett, MA 02149
(617) 394-2225
Official Website
Each agency maintains distinct record systems with varying access protocols. Requestors seeking comprehensive arrest information may need to submit separate requests to multiple agencies.