Westford Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Westford, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Westford, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold the public's right to information.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law defines public records as materials made or received by any officer or employee of any Massachusetts governmental entity. Under this definition, arrest records created by the Westford Police Department fall within the category of public records. Members of the public may request these records through established procedures, subject to certain limitations regarding privacy and ongoing investigations as outlined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26).
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to release, including:
- Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records (protected under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A)
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) protected under M.G.L. c. 6, § 172
How to Look Up Westford Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Westford, Massachusetts in 2025. The Westford Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state public records laws and departmental policies. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize any of the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Westford Police Department to submit requests for arrest records. The Records Division processes these requests during regular business hours.
Westford Police Department
53 Main Street
Westford, MA 01886
978-399-2345
Westford Police Department Official Website
Online Access: The Westford Police Department maintains an online Police Activity Log where recent arrest information is published. This resource provides a summary of police activities, including arrests, and is updated regularly.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Requestor's contact information
- Required fee payment
Public Records Request: Formal public records requests may be submitted through the Town Clerk's office in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
Town Clerk's Office
55 Main Street
Westford, MA 01886
978-692-5515
Public Records Requests Information
Fees for record retrieval are assessed in accordance with M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), which permits reasonable charges for reproduction costs and staff time exceeding certain thresholds.
Contents of a Westford Arrest Record
Westford arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Any known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Gender and race (for identification purposes)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Arresting agency (typically Westford Police Department)
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Statutory authority under which the arrest was made
- Miranda warning documentation
Offense Information:
- Nature of alleged criminal activity
- Massachusetts General Laws citations for charged offenses
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Factual basis for the arrest as documented by officers
- Presence of weapons or contraband (if applicable)
Processing Information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory of items in possession at arrest
- Medical screening documentation
- Bail determination information
Case Disposition:
- Court of jurisdiction (typically Middlesex County District Court)
- Case number assigned by the court
- Preliminary hearing information
- Final disposition of charges (if resolved)
These records are maintained in accordance with the records retention schedule established by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth's office and the Municipal Records Retention Manual.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Westford
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement of Westford arrest records when statutory requirements are met.
Expungement permanently destroys records so that they no longer exist and are no longer accessible by the courts, any criminal justice agencies, or any other state, municipal, or county agencies. This process differs from sealing records, which merely restricts access to the records rather than destroying them.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Westford include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissal, not guilty finding, nolle prosequi)
- Cases where the offense is no longer a crime under Massachusetts law
- Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
- Cases where fraud was perpetrated upon the court
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation using the designated form
- Providing supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility
- Notification to the District Attorney's office
- Judicial review and determination
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The court reviews each petition individually, considering factors such as:
- The petitioner's age at the time of the offense
- Time elapsed since the offense
- Nature of the offense
- Subsequent criminal history
- Potential impact on public safety
Successful expungement results in the removal of records from all official databases, including those maintained by the Westford Police Department, the Massachusetts Probation Service, and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
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