Maynard Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Maynard, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Maynard, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, with certain statutory exemptions, shall be accessible to members of the public. Law enforcement records, including those documenting arrests, are maintained as public records to ensure transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts adheres to principles of open government, wherein citizens have the right to access information about governmental activities, including arrests made by municipal police departments. The Maynard Police Department, in compliance with state regulations, maintains these records and makes them available through established protocols. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic functions, including:
- Enabling community oversight of law enforcement activities
- Facilitating research and statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Supporting journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
- Allowing background verification for employment or housing purposes
How to Look Up Maynard Arrest Records in 2025
The Town of Maynard provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information should utilize official channels to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the records obtained. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records in Maynard:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Maynard Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to complete a standard public records request form and provide identification. The Records Division processes requests in the order received, in accordance with response timelines established by M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a).
Maynard Police Department
197 Main Street
Maynard, MA 01754
Phone: (978) 897-1011
Official Police Department Website
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Such requests should include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records sought, and the preferred format for receiving the information.
Electronic requests can be submitted through the Town of Maynard's public records portal, which provides a standardized submission form. This method typically offers the most expedient processing time, as requests are immediately routed to the appropriate records custodian.
Pursuant to Massachusetts law, the records custodian must respond to requests within 10 business days. Fees may apply for document reproduction, as permitted under M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(d), with standard rates established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Contents of a Maynard Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Maynard Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Subject identification information, including full legal name, date of birth, address of residence, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information, including photographs and fingerprint records
- Custody status and bail determination
- Case disposition information, if available
- Vehicle information, when applicable to the arrest circumstances
The level of detail contained in arrest records may vary based on the nature of the incident and investigative requirements. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under exemptions to the Public Records Law.
All arrest records are maintained in compliance with the records retention schedule established by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Records Management Unit, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 8.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Maynard
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records. Expungement constitutes the permanent erasure of records, rendering them inaccessible to both the public and governmental agencies. This process is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Maynard include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissals, not guilty findings, nolle prosequi)
- Cases where the arrest resulted from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity
- Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
- Cases meeting time-based eligibility requirements (generally 3-7 years, depending on offense classification)
Certain serious offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses, are statutorily ineligible for expungement under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E.
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal applications with the Commissioner of Probation and the appropriate court of jurisdiction. Forms for this purpose are available through the Massachusetts Courts website or at the:
Middlesex County Superior Court
200 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 939-2700
Petitioners may benefit from legal consultation prior to filing, as the statutory requirements are complex and the burden of demonstrating eligibility rests with the applicant. The court may schedule a hearing at which the petitioner must establish that expungement serves justice and that the record does not serve legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Upon approval, the court issues an expungement order directing all relevant agencies, including the Maynard Police Department, to permanently destroy records related to the arrest. This process typically requires 90-120 days for full implementation across all record-keeping systems.
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