Dedham Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dedham, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Dedham, 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 the principle that government transparency is essential for maintaining public trust and enabling citizen oversight of governmental functions.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office and the Dedham Police Department maintain these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public may inspect these documents during regular business hours, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, privacy interests, and public safety concerns as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes:
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enables community awareness of public safety matters
- Facilitates research and statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with statutory provisions, particularly information related to juvenile offenders, sexual assault victims, and confidential informants.
How to Look Up Dedham Arrest Records in 2025
The Town of Dedham provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, these records must be produced within 10 business days of a proper request. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Dedham:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Dedham Police Department Records Division to submit a request for arrest records. Staff will assist requestors in completing the appropriate forms and identifying relevant records.
Dedham Police Department Records Division 600 High Street Dedham, MA 02026 Phone: (781) 751-9300 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Access: The Dedham Police Department maintains an online portal where certain arrest information is published. This resource provides a searchable database of recent arrests and incidents within town limits.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Requests must include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information sought
- Date range of records requested
- Applicable fees (currently $0.05 per page for photocopies)
Norfolk County District Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through:
Norfolk County District Court 631 High Street Dedham, MA 02026 Phone: (781) 329-4777 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Requestors should note that processing times may vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search. Fees may be assessed in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(d).
Contents of a Dedham Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Dedham Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Any known aliases or previous names
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Residential address
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory charges filed (with reference to Massachusetts General Laws)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking number and processing information
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
- Property seized during arrest
Case Processing Information:
- Court docket number
- Bail or bond information
- Initial appearance date
- Detention status
- Preliminary hearing schedule
Identification Records:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint classification
- Other biometric data collected during processing
The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system may contain additional details regarding the disposition of cases following arrest. Access to CORI records is governed by separate statutory provisions under M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172.
Law enforcement agencies in Dedham adhere to the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) standards for record maintenance and security. These standards ensure the accuracy, completeness, and proper dissemination of criminal history information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dedham
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018). Expungement permanently erases records from public access and official databases, as distinguished from sealing, which merely restricts access.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Cases resulting from mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
- Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
- Cases where the arrest resulted from fraud perpetrated by a law enforcement officer
- Certain juvenile offenses after a waiting period
Petition Process: Eligible individuals must file a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the appropriate court. The petition must include:
- Certified copies of the complaint or indictment
- Docket numbers of all relevant cases
- Statement of grounds for expungement
- Supporting documentation
Norfolk County District Court - Expungement Division 631 High Street Dedham, MA 02026 Phone: (781) 329-4777
The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the statutory requirements for expungement have been satisfied. The District Attorney's Office has the right to contest the petition.
If granted, expungement orders are transmitted to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, including:
- Dedham Police Department
- Massachusetts State Police
- Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Court Clerk's Office
These agencies must confirm compliance with the expungement order within 60 days. Following expungement, the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing and employment contexts as specified in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100T.
Search Arrest Records in Dedham
