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Somerville Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Somerville, Massachusetts?

Yes, arrest records are public in Somerville, Massachusetts. This accessibility is governed by the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10), which mandates that governmental records, except those specifically exempted by statute, be accessible to the public. The law operates under the presumption of openness, ensuring transparency in governmental operations including law enforcement activities. Pursuant to this legislation, arrest records maintained by the Somerville Police Department are considered public documents, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy rights as specified in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain limitations exist regarding juvenile records, sealed records, and cases involving domestic violence or sexual assault victims. These restrictions are designed to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy protections established under Massachusetts state law.

How to Look Up Somerville Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Somerville provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These official methods ensure compliance with Massachusetts Public Records Law while facilitating public access to information:

Somerville Police Department Records Division: Citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records in person at the Records Division located at the Somerville Police Headquarters.
Online Public Records Portal: The Somerville Police Department maintains a digital database where arrest records can be searched using specific criteria such as date, location, or name of the arrested individual.
City Clerk's Office: As the official keeper of municipal records, the City Clerk maintains certain public safety records that may include arrest information.
Public Records Request: Formal written requests may be submitted pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10, which requires response within 10 business days.
Public Safety Data Portal: The city maintains a crime reports database that includes information about incidents resulting in arrests.

Somerville Police Department
220 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: (617) 625-1600
Official Website

City Clerk's Office
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: (617) 625-6600 ext. 4110
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Thursday 8:30 AM-7:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Official Website

Contents of a Somerville Arrest Record

Somerville arrest records contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts state regulations and local ordinances. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and address
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Arresting agency and identification of arresting officer(s)
Enumeration of charges filed, including Massachusetts General Laws citations
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint records and other biometric identifiers collected
Custody status information, including bail or bond amounts if applicable
Case disposition information if available
Court docket numbers and scheduled appearance dates

Pursuant to the Somerville Police Department Open Data initiative, certain arrest record information is made available through public-facing databases while maintaining compliance with privacy protections required under state law. The level of detail provided in publicly accessible records may vary based on the nature of the case, status of proceedings, and applicable exemptions under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Somerville

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. In Somerville, this process is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, which establishes criteria and procedures for record expungement.

Expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Cases resulting from mistaken identity or unauthorized use of personal identifying information
Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
Cases where the arrest was based on demonstrable error by law enforcement
Certain juvenile records that meet statutory requirements
Cases meeting the criteria established under the 2018 Criminal Justice Reform Act

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the appropriate court that had jurisdiction over the case. If granted, expungement results in the permanent destruction of records, removing them from all official databases including those maintained by the Somerville Police Department.

Individuals seeking expungement must submit Form CORI-3 to the Office of the Commissioner of Probation. The petition must include supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under the statutory requirements. Upon review, if the petition meets legal standards, the court may order the complete destruction of all records pertaining to the arrest, including booking photographs, fingerprints, and court documents.

Office of the Commissioner of Probation
1 Pemberton Square, Room 300
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-5300

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Access to arrest records in Somerville is subject to certain statutory limitations designed to protect individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system. These restrictions are established under Massachusetts General Laws and include:

Records pertaining to sexual assault victims are subject to redaction under M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 97D
Juvenile arrest records are generally not publicly accessible pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 60A
Records sealed by court order under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100A-100C
Information that would compromise ongoing investigations as determined by the Somerville Police Department
Records containing Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) protected under M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172

The Somerville Police Department is required to balance public access rights with these statutory protections when responding to record requests. In cases where protected information exists within an arrest record, the department will typically provide redacted copies that omit the protected elements while maintaining access to the remainder of the document.

Individuals who believe their records contain information that should be protected under these provisions may submit a written request for review to the Records Access Officer at the Somerville Police Department.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Massachusetts law places specific restrictions on the use of arrest records for employment and housing decisions. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 151B, Section 4(9), employers and housing providers in Somerville are prohibited from inquiring about arrests that did not result in conviction. Additionally, the Massachusetts CORI Reform Law limits when and how criminal record information may be used in employment decisions.

Organizations conducting background checks using Somerville arrest records must adhere to the following requirements:

Obtain written authorization from the subject before accessing CORI information
Provide the subject with a copy of the record and the source of the information
Allow the subject an opportunity to dispute the accuracy of the information
Maintain records in secure conditions with limited access
Dispose of records in accordance with state regulations

The Somerville Police Department does not provide background check services directly to private employers or landlords. Authorized entities seeking CORI information must submit requests through the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS).

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4600