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Natick Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Natick, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public documents in Natick, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including arrest information, shall be accessible to members of the public with limited exceptions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities within municipal jurisdictions such as Natick.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law specifically designates arrest logs and booking information as public records that must be disclosed upon request. These provisions apply to arrests made by the Natick Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within the town's jurisdiction. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), which establishes statutory exemptions for personal identifying information that may compromise ongoing investigations or individual privacy rights.

Residents and non-residents alike may request access to these records through established procedures maintained by the Natick Police Department and the Town Clerk's office. The custodian of records must respond to such requests within 10 business days as mandated by state law.

How to Look Up Natick Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Natick, Massachusetts. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

Online Access Portal: The Natick Police Department maintains an online reporting system where certain public records, including arrest logs, are regularly published. Users may search these records by date, name, or case number when available.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may submit formal requests at the Records Division of the Natick Police Department. Requestors must complete a standard public records request form and present valid government-issued identification. The Records Division processes these requests during regular business hours.
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Access Officer. Such requests must include specific information regarding the records sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when known.
Town Clerk's Office: The Natick Town Clerk serves as an alternative custodian of certain public records and can process requests for arrest information in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law.

Processing times for record requests typically range from 3 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought. Fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a).

Contents of a Natick Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Natick Police Department contain comprehensive information regarding individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of booking
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records when collected
Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
Bail or bond information when applicable
Court appearance dates and docket numbers
Detention facility information if the individual was remanded to custody

Pursuant to the Town of Natick By-Laws and Massachusetts state regulations, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Medical information protected under HIPAA
Information regarding juvenile offenders (subject to restrictions under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A)
Information that might compromise ongoing investigations
Victim identifying information in cases involving domestic violence or sexual assault

The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process at the time of the request.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Natick

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The CORI Reform Law (M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U) establishes the legal framework for record sealing and expungement in Natick and throughout the Commonwealth.

Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements, which include:

Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissals, not guilty findings, nolle prosequi)
Cases involving certain non-violent offenses after waiting periods prescribed by law
Cases where the arrest resulted from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity
Cases where the offense is no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the court of original jurisdiction. Upon approval, expunged records are permanently destroyed rather than merely sealed, effectively removing them from public access and official databases. This process differs from record sealing, which restricts access but does not destroy the underlying records.

Petitioners must utilize the standardized forms provided by the Massachusetts Courts Administrative Office. The petition review process typically takes 60-90 days, during which time the District Attorney's Office may file objections to the requested expungement.

Successful expungement allows individuals to legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing boards and law enforcement agencies as specified in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100I.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Natick, Massachusetts law imposes certain restrictions on their accessibility and use. The Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, governed by M.G.L. c. 6, § 172, regulates who may access complete criminal history information and for what purposes.

Standard access to CORI is limited to:

Law enforcement agencies
Courts and probation departments
Certain licensed employers and housing providers with statutory authorization
Government agencies with statutory authority to access such records
Individuals requesting their own records

Employers, landlords, and private individuals seeking arrest information must follow specific protocols established under the CORI Reform Law. Unauthorized access or misuse of criminal record information may result in civil penalties and criminal charges under M.G.L. c. 6, § 178.

The Natick Police Department, in accordance with departmental regulations, maintains safeguards to prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information contained within arrest records. These protections include redaction procedures, identity verification requirements, and audit trails of record access.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Fair Information Practices Act (M.G.L. c. 66A) establishes further protections regarding the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of personal data held by government agencies, including law enforcement entities in Natick.

Search Arrest Records in Natick

Natick Police Department
20 East Central Street
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 647-9500
Police Department | Natick, MA - Official Website