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Hudson Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hudson, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public documents in Hudson, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively public unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains that transparency in law enforcement activities serves the public interest by ensuring accountability of government agencies. Arrest records, which document the detention and booking of individuals by law enforcement authorities, fall within the category of public records that citizens may access and review.

The Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office, which oversees public records compliance, affirms that arrest logs maintained by police departments are public records subject to disclosure. However, certain sensitive information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26)(c). Such redactions typically include social security numbers, medical information, and details pertaining to victims of certain crimes.

How to Look Up Hudson Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Hudson, Massachusetts have multiple methods available for obtaining this information as of 2025. The Hudson Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and provides several options for access:

  1. In-person requests may be submitted at the Hudson Police Department headquarters. Requesters should complete a public records request form and present valid identification.

    Hudson Police Department
    911 Municipal Drive
    Hudson, MA 01749
    (978) 562-7122
    Hudson Police Department website
    Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  2. Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Requests must include the requester's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought.

  3. Electronic requests may be submitted through the town's official portal. The Massachusetts Public Records Law requires agencies to respond to requests within 10 business days.

  4. Third-party aggregator services that compile public records data from multiple jurisdictions may also provide access to Hudson arrest records. Users of such services should verify that providers comply with Massachusetts regulations regarding the dissemination of public records.

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the Records Access Officer may charge reasonable fees for copies of records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Fee schedules are posted at the police department and on the official website.

Contents of a Hudson Arrest Record

Hudson arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, and address
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Detailed enumeration of criminal charges filed, including relevant Massachusetts General Laws citations
  • Booking information, including processing location and time
  • Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
  • Biometric data, including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
  • Custody status information, including bail determination, bond amounts, and conditions of release
  • Case disposition information, if available
  • Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction

The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) maintains standards for the uniform collection and storage of this information across all law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth. Records are maintained in both physical and digital formats, with increasing emphasis on electronic storage and retrieval systems.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hudson

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement of Hudson arrest records when:

  1. The arrest resulted from a demonstrable error by law enforcement, such as mistaken identity or false accusation
  2. The arrest did not result in a criminal charge or prosecution
  3. The case was dismissed with prejudice or resulted in a not guilty finding
  4. The individual was granted a pardon by the Governor
  5. The record meets time-based eligibility requirements established by statute

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Massachusetts Probation Service and the court of jurisdiction. Forms are available through the Massachusetts Court System website or at:

Massachusetts Probation Service
One Ashburton Place, Room 405
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-5300

Upon receipt of a petition, the court conducts a review to determine eligibility. If granted, expungement results in the permanent deletion of all records pertaining to the arrest from public databases and physical archives. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100T, expunged records are not accessible through public records requests and the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred.

The Massachusetts Criminal Records Review Board provides oversight of the expungement process to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and to prevent improper disclosure of expunged information.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records in Hudson are generally public, Massachusetts law imposes certain restrictions on access and dissemination. These limitations include:

  1. Juvenile arrest records (individuals under 18) are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A, with limited exceptions for serious offenses
  2. Records pertaining to certain domestic violence cases may be subject to impoundment orders issued by the court
  3. Records involving ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under investigatory exemptions to the Public Records Law
  4. Information regarding victims of sexual offenses is redacted in accordance with M.G.L. c. 41, § 97D
  5. Records sealed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A are removed from public access

The Hudson Police Department's Records Access Officer reviews all requests for arrest records to ensure compliance with these statutory limitations. Denials of access may be appealed to the Supervisor of Public Records within the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office.

Legal Uses of Arrest Record Information

Massachusetts law establishes parameters for the permissible uses of arrest record information obtained from public sources. Authorized uses include:

  • Background screening for employment in positions involving public safety, childcare, or financial responsibility, subject to the limitations of the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system
  • Tenant screening by property owners and managers, with disclosure requirements to applicants
  • Research and statistical analysis by academic institutions and policy organizations, provided that personally identifying information is protected
  • Journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
  • Individual review of one's own records for accuracy and completeness

The Massachusetts Fair Information Practices Act (M.G.L. c. 66A) and the Consumer Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 93A) provide remedies for individuals who experience harm resulting from improper use or dissemination of arrest record information. Violations may result in civil penalties and injunctive relief.

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