Melrose Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Melrose, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public in Melrose, 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-held information, including arrest records 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. The law serves to promote governmental transparency, accountability, and public oversight of law enforcement activities within the Commonwealth.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Melrose should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as provided under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26). Such protected information may include, but is not limited to, social security numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to ongoing investigations where disclosure could potentially impede law enforcement proceedings.
The Melrose Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Records Conservation Board. Requesters should note that older records may be archived or stored in different formats, potentially affecting retrieval times and methods.
How to Look Up Melrose Arrest Records in 2025
The Melrose Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. Each method offers different advantages depending on the requester's specific needs and circumstances:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division of the Melrose Police Department located at 56 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA 02176. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Staff members are available to assist with completing the necessary request forms and identifying specific records.
Online Requests: The Melrose Police Department maintains an electronic records request portal through which citizens may submit requests for arrest records. This system allows for secure submission of requests and electronic delivery of non-sensitive documents. The portal can be accessed through the Melrose Police Department website.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Melrose Police Department, 56 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA 02176. All mail requests must include the requester's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought.
Telephone Inquiries: Preliminary information about the records request process may be obtained by calling the Records Division at (781) 665-1212. However, formal requests cannot be processed solely via telephone and must be submitted through one of the aforementioned methods.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), the Records Access Officer must provide records within 10 business days following receipt of a request. Extensions may be granted under specific circumstances outlined in the statute.
Contents of a Melrose Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Melrose Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, residential address, and physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; circumstances leading to the arrest; and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the Massachusetts General Laws citation for each alleged violation and the classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking Information: Unique booking number assigned to the case, fingerprint records, and booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots").
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determinations, release conditions, or continued detention.
Court Information: Scheduled court appearance dates, court docket numbers, and the specific court having jurisdiction over the case.
Property Inventory: Detailed list of personal property in the arrested individual's possession at the time of booking, including the disposition of such property.
The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law, codified in M.G.L. Chapter 6, Sections 167-178, governs the dissemination of certain criminal history information and may affect the specific content available in publicly accessible arrest records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Melrose
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by the Melrose Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Expungement is the process by which criminal records are permanently destroyed, resulting in the legal effect that the record never existed.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U establishes the statutory framework for expungement. Under these provisions, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:
- The arrest resulted from a demonstrable error by law enforcement or the court.
- The offense for which the person was arrested has been decriminalized.
- The person was under 21 years of age at the time of the offense, and specific statutory waiting periods have elapsed.
- The record resulted from identity fraud or unauthorized use of personal identifying information.
The expungement process requires the filing of a petition with the Commissioner of Probation using the form prescribed by the commissioner. For arrests that did not result in a conviction, petitions may be filed with the court where the case was adjudicated or would have been adjudicated.
Petitioners should be aware that pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100K, certain offenses are categorically ineligible for expungement, including but not limited to sex offenses, offenses against elderly persons, and offenses committed while armed with a dangerous weapon.
The Melrose District Court, located at 50 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA 02176, processes expungement petitions for cases within its jurisdiction. Court staff cannot provide legal advice regarding expungement eligibility or procedures.
Search Arrest Records in Melrose
