North Reading Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in North Reading, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public in North Reading, 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 maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts upholds principles of governmental transparency by permitting citizens to inspect, examine, and obtain copies of arrest records, subject to certain statutory exemptions.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records fall within the category of accessible public records, allowing residents to monitor law enforcement activities and the administration of justice within their community. The North Reading Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing record retention and public accessibility.

Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26). Such redactions typically include personal identifying information of victims, witnesses, or juveniles, as well as information that might compromise ongoing investigations.

How to Look Up North Reading Arrest Records in 2025

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in North Reading. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official methods:

• In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests by visiting the North Reading Police Department located at 150 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requesters should be prepared to complete a standard public records request form and provide identification.

• Written Correspondence: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to:

  North Reading Police Department
  Records Division
  150 Park Street
  North Reading, MA 01864
  (978) 664-3131
  North Reading Police Department

  Requests should include the requester's name, contact information, and specific details about the records sought, including relevant dates, names, and case numbers if available.

• Electronic Submission: The North Reading Police Department accepts public records requests via their online portal. Requesters may submit inquiries through the department's official website, which provides a dedicated form for public records requests.

• Town Clerk's Office: Certain arrest record information may also be available through:

  North Reading Town Clerk's Office
  235 North Street
  North Reading, MA 01864
  (978) 664-6030
  North Reading Town Clerk

• District Court Records: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through:

  Woburn District Court
  30 Pleasant Street
  Woburn, MA 01801
  (781) 935-4000
  Massachusetts Court System

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), public agencies must respond to records requests within 10 business days. Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07 and may include reasonable costs for reproduction, search time, and segregation of exempt information.

Contents of a North Reading Arrest Record

North Reading arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:

• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Residential address at time of arrest
• Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
• Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
• Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
• Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
• Fingerprint records and other biometric identifiers
• Incident report narrative describing the circumstances of the arrest
• Property inventory of items in possession at time of booking
• Bail determination information
• Court appearance dates and docket numbers
• Disposition information, if available

The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, governed by M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172, maintains comprehensive arrest data. While CORI reports are subject to access restrictions, the basic arrest log information remains publicly accessible through the channels previously described.

Law enforcement agencies in North Reading classify arrest records according to the Massachusetts Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines, which categorize offenses into Part I (serious crimes) and Part II (less serious offenses) for statistical and record-keeping purposes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in North Reading

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet established eligibility criteria.

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal applications with:

Woburn District Court
30 Pleasant Street
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 935-4000
Massachusetts Court System

Eligibility for expungement in North Reading is determined by several statutory factors:

• The nature and severity of the offense
• The disposition of the case (dismissal, acquittal, or conviction)
• The elapsed time since arrest or case conclusion
• The petitioner's subsequent criminal history
• Whether the record resulted from identity fraud or demonstrable error
• Whether the offense is specifically excluded from expungement eligibility under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100I

The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 expanded expungement eligibility in Massachusetts, particularly for offenses committed before age 21 and for cases involving mistaken identity or fraud. Petitioners must submit standardized forms prescribed by the Commissioner of Probation, accompanied by supporting documentation.

Upon successful expungement, all records pertaining to the arrest are sealed from public view and removed from accessible databases. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and the Office of the Commissioner of Probation are required to delete or permanently obscure all references to the expunged record pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100M.

Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal consultation, as the statutory requirements are complex and procedural compliance is essential for successful petitions.

Search Arrest Records in North Reading

• North Reading arrest information
• Daily Police Log