Winchester Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Winchester, Massachusetts?
Arrest records in Winchester, Massachusetts are considered public information 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 maintains this transparency to ensure accountability in the criminal justice system and to provide citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Winchester Police Department, as a public agency, is required to make arrest records available for inspection by members of the public, with certain statutory exceptions for protected information. These exceptions typically include juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and certain personal identifying information that may compromise individual privacy or safety.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, certain elements within these records may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26). The custodian of records is obligated to provide access to the non-exempt portions of the requested documents.
How to Look Up Winchester Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Winchester have multiple methods available to them. The Winchester Police Department maintains systems for both electronic and traditional record retrieval:
Online Portal Access: The Winchester Police Department provides a secure online portal through which citizens may request and retrieve certain public records. Users must create an account and provide specific information to identify the records being sought.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Winchester Police Department during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying the specific records needed.
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail or email to the Records Division. All requests must include the requester's contact information and sufficient detail to identify the specific records being sought.
Public Records Request Form: The official Winchester Public Records Request Form is available on the Winchester official website and should be completed for all formal requests.
Winchester Police Department
30 Mt. Vernon Street
Winchester, MA 01890
Phone: (781) 729-1214
Winchester Police Department
Hours of Operation for Public Records Requests:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Excluding holidays
Contents of a Winchester Arrest Record
Winchester arrest records contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific criminal charges filed
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint records
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Arresting officer's information and badge number
- Incident report number
- Custody status information
- Court docket number (if applicable)
- Bail or bond information
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on the status of the case and applicable privacy laws. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 167-178B (Criminal Offender Record Information law), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records.
Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records
The disclosure of arrest records in Winchester is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public access with privacy considerations:
Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10): Establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Law (M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178B): Regulates the dissemination of criminal history information and establishes different levels of access for different categories of requesters.
Fair Information Practices Act (M.G.L. c. 66A): Provides guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of personal data held by state agencies.
Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a): Establishes certain limitations on the disclosure of records containing personally identifiable information.
Public requesters should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, the information provided may be limited based on these statutory provisions and the status of the related criminal case.
Limitations on Access to Winchester Arrest Records
Certain categories of arrest records in Winchester are subject to restricted access or complete exemption from public disclosure:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 60A, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) are not available for public inspection.
Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100A-C are not accessible to the general public.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to active law enforcement investigations may be temporarily withheld under exemption (f) of M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
Domestic Violence Cases: Certain information in domestic violence cases may be restricted to protect victim privacy.
Sexual Assault Cases: Information that could identify victims of sexual assault is typically redacted from public records.
The Winchester Police Department Records Division evaluates each request in accordance with these statutory provisions to determine the appropriate level of disclosure.
Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Winchester
The Winchester Police Department assesses fees for the reproduction and provision of arrest records in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a):
- Standard Paper Copies: $0.25 per page for black and white copies
- Certified Copies: $1.00 per page plus certification fee of $5.00
- Electronic Records: $10.00 per record when provided in electronic format
- Research and Retrieval: For requests requiring more than 2 hours of staff time, an additional hourly fee may be assessed at the hourly rate of the lowest paid employee capable of performing the task
Fee waivers may be available for requests made in the public interest by qualifying non-profit organizations or individuals demonstrating financial hardship. All fee waiver requests must be submitted in writing with appropriate documentation.
Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order payable to "Town of Winchester." Credit card payments are accepted for online requests through the official portal.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Winchester
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-K, which was significantly expanded by criminal justice reform legislation enacted in 2018.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Winchester include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissal, not guilty verdict, nolle prosequi)
- Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
- Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
- Cases meeting time requirements (generally 3-7 years depending on offense severity)
- Juvenile records meeting statutory requirements
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation
- Submission of supporting documentation
- Review by the relevant district attorney's office
- Judicial determination on the petition
Upon approval, all records related to the arrest are permanently destroyed rather than merely sealed, effectively removing them from all public and most governmental databases.
Office of the Commissioner of Probation
1 Pemberton Square, Room 300
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-5300
Massachusetts Probation Service
Search Arrest Records in Winchester
Are Arrest Records Public in Winchester, Massachusetts?
Arrest records in Winchester, Massachusetts are considered public information 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 maintains this transparency to ensure accountability in the criminal justice system and to provide citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Winchester Police Department, as a public agency, is required to make arrest records available for inspection by members of the public, with certain statutory exceptions for protected information. These exceptions typically include juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and certain personal identifying information that may compromise individual privacy or safety.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, certain elements within these records may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26). The custodian of records is obligated to provide access to the non-exempt portions of the requested documents.
How to Look Up Winchester Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Winchester have multiple methods available to them. The Winchester Police Department maintains systems for both electronic and traditional record retrieval:
Online Portal Access: The Winchester Police Department provides a secure online portal through which citizens may request and retrieve certain public records. Users must create an account and provide specific information to identify the records being sought.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Winchester Police Department during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying the specific records needed.
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail or email to the Records Division. All requests must include the requester's contact information and sufficient detail to identify the specific records being sought.
Public Records Request Form: The official Winchester Public Records Request Form is available on the Winchester official website and should be completed for all formal requests.
Winchester Police Department
30 Mt. Vernon Street
Winchester, MA 01890
Phone: (781) 729-1214
Winchester Police Department
Hours of Operation for Public Records Requests:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Excluding holidays
Contents of a Winchester Arrest Record
Winchester arrest records contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific criminal charges filed
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint records
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Arresting officer's information and badge number
- Incident report number
- Custody status information
- Court docket number (if applicable)
- Bail or bond information
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on the status of the case and applicable privacy laws. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 167-178B (Criminal Offender Record Information law), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records.
Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records
The disclosure of arrest records in Winchester is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public access with privacy considerations:
Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10): Establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Law (M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178B): Regulates the dissemination of criminal history information and establishes different levels of access for different categories of requesters.
Fair Information Practices Act (M.G.L. c. 66A): Provides guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of personal data held by state agencies.
Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a): Establishes certain limitations on the disclosure of records containing personally identifiable information.
Public requesters should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, the information provided may be limited based on these statutory provisions and the status of the related criminal case.
Limitations on Access to Winchester Arrest Records
Certain categories of arrest records in Winchester are subject to restricted access or complete exemption from public disclosure:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 60A, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) are not available for public inspection.
Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100A-C are not accessible to the general public.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to active law enforcement investigations may be temporarily withheld under exemption (f) of M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
Domestic Violence Cases: Certain information in domestic violence cases may be restricted to protect victim privacy.
Sexual Assault Cases: Information that could identify victims of sexual assault is typically redacted from public records.
The Winchester Police Department Records Division evaluates each request in accordance with these statutory provisions to determine the appropriate level of disclosure.
Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Winchester
The Winchester Police Department assesses fees for the reproduction and provision of arrest records in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a):
- Standard Paper Copies: $0.25 per page for black and white copies
- Certified Copies: $1.00 per page plus certification fee of $5.00
- Electronic Records: $10.00 per record when provided in electronic format
- Research and Retrieval: For requests requiring more than 2 hours of staff time, an additional hourly fee may be assessed at the hourly rate of the lowest paid employee capable of performing the task
Fee waivers may be available for requests made in the public interest by qualifying non-profit organizations or individuals demonstrating financial hardship. All fee waiver requests must be submitted in writing with appropriate documentation.
Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order payable to "Town of Winchester." Credit card payments are accepted for online requests through the official portal.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Winchester
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-K, which was significantly expanded by criminal justice reform legislation enacted in 2018.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Winchester include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissal, not guilty verdict, nolle prosequi)
- Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
- Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
- Cases meeting time requirements (generally 3-7 years depending on offense severity)
- Juvenile records meeting statutory requirements
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation
- Submission of supporting documentation
- Review by the relevant district attorney's office
- Judicial determination on the petition
Upon approval, all records related to the arrest are permanently destroyed rather than merely sealed, effectively removing them from all public and most governmental databases.
Office of the Commissioner of Probation
1 Pemberton Square, Room 300
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-5300
Massachusetts Probation Service
Search Arrest Records in Winchester
