Framingham Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Framingham, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public in Framingham, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal jurisdictions. 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 facilitates public oversight of law enforcement activities.
The Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office, which oversees compliance with the Public Records Law, affirms that arrest logs maintained by police departments constitute public records. These logs document the name, address, charge, and other pertinent information regarding individuals taken into custody. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 98F, all police departments must maintain a daily log of arrests, which must be made available for public inspection.
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions. These exemptions typically protect information related to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, sexual assault victims, and other sensitive categories as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
How to Look Up Framingham Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Framingham provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official procedures:
- In-Person Requests at Police Records Bureau: Citizens may submit requests directly to the Framingham Police Records Bureau, which maintains and processes all departmental records. The bureau is located at:
Framingham Police Records Bureau
1 William H. Welch Way
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-5962
Official Website
Online Public Records Requests: The City of Framingham maintains an electronic public records request portal through which citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10, the Records Access Officer must respond to requests within 10 business days.
Daily Police Logs: The Framingham Police Department maintains daily logs of arrests as required by M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 98F. These logs are available for public inspection during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to arraignment, arrest information may be accessed through the Framingham District Court located at:
Framingham District Court
600 Concord Street
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 875-7461
Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07, which establishes the fee structure for public records requests. The first two hours of search time are provided without charge for standard requests.
Contents of a Framingham Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Framingham Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following components:
Demographic Information: Full legal name, date of birth, residential address, gender, and race of the arrested individual.
Arrest Circumstances: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest, including street address or intersection where the apprehension occurred.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section references, and whether charges are misdemeanors or felonies.
Arresting Officer Information: Badge number and name of the primary arresting officer and any assisting officers.
Booking Details: Time of booking, booking number, property inventory, and medical screening information.
Bail Information: Amount of bail set, if applicable, or notation of release on personal recognizance.
Court Information: Scheduled arraignment date and jurisdiction of the court where charges will be heard.
Identification Records: Fingerprint data, booking photographs (mugshots), and any identifying characteristics such as tattoos or scars.
Pursuant to traffic enforcement regulations and the City of Framingham Traffic Regulations, arrest records may also contain information regarding motor vehicle violations that resulted in physical arrest rather than citation.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with exemptions under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), particularly information that might compromise ongoing investigations or the safety of witnesses.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Framingham
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 expanded eligibility for expungement in Massachusetts, codified in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U.
Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Framingham must meet the following statutory criteria:
- The arrest resulted in no criminal charges being filed, or all charges were dismissed prior to arraignment.
- The arrest occurred due to mistaken identity or demonstrable law enforcement error.
- The offense for which the person was arrested is no longer a crime under Massachusetts law.
- The petitioner was under 21 years of age at the time of the offense (for certain eligible offenses).
The expungement process requires submission of a petition to the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form. For arrests that resulted in court proceedings, petitions must be filed with the court of jurisdiction. The petition must include:
- Certified copies of the arrest record sought to be expunged
- Court docket information (if applicable)
- Affidavit explaining grounds for expungement
- Filing fee or affidavit of indigency
Upon receipt of a petition, the Commissioner of Probation or the court must notify the Framingham Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, which have 30 days to submit objections. If expungement is granted, all records pertaining to the arrest must be permanently destroyed, including electronic records maintained by the Framingham Police Department.
It should be noted that expungement differs from sealing of records under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100A, which makes records unavailable to the public but preserves them for certain governmental and law enforcement purposes.
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