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Dover Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Dover, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public documents in Dover, Massachusetts, in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains a commitment to governmental transparency through the provision of arrest records to interested parties. These documents typically contain information regarding the arrest event, including date, location, identifying information of the arrested individual, and the nature of the charges filed by law enforcement officials.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law stipulates that arrest records, as official government documents, shall be made available for public inspection during regular business hours. Pursuant to this statute, the Dover Police Department maintains these records and facilitates public access in compliance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests through established channels, subject to applicable exemptions and privacy protections as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).

How to Look Up Dover Arrest Records in 2025

The Dover Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. These access methods have been established to facilitate transparency while maintaining appropriate security protocols for sensitive information. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following options:

Online Public Access Systems: The Dover Police Department maintains digital records accessible through their official website. The department publishes weekly shift logs that include basic information about arrests and incidents.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Dover Police Department headquarters to submit formal requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with the completion of necessary documentation.

Dover Police Department
3 Walpole Street
Dover, MA 02030
Phone: (508) 785-1130
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website
Written Requests: Formal written records requests may be submitted via mail to the Dover Police Department. Requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Norfolk County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through:

Norfolk County Superior Court
650 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 326-1600
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. Pursuant to Massachusetts law, the custodian of records must respond to requests within 10 business days.

Contents of a Dover Arrest Record

Dover arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts state regulations and local public safety protocols. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Comprehensive information regarding the circumstances of the arrest, including:
- Date and time of the arrest
- Precise location where the apprehension occurred
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (typically the Dover Police Department)
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section references.
Booking Information: Documentation of the administrative processing following arrest, including:
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint records
- Assigned booking number
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, if available.

The Dover Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Massachusetts records retention schedules. As specified in the Annual Data Reports, the department adheres to standardized documentation practices to ensure accuracy and completeness of all arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Dover

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records in Dover under specific circumstances. Expungement refers to the legal process through which arrest records are permanently removed from public access and official databases. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U establishes the framework for record expungement in the Commonwealth.

Eligibility criteria for expungement of Dover arrest records include:

Case Outcome Requirements: Individuals may qualify if their case resulted in:
- Dismissal of charges
- Not guilty verdict
- Nolle prosequi (abandonment of prosecution)
- No probable cause finding
Waiting Period Provisions: Massachusetts law imposes mandatory waiting periods before expungement eligibility:
- Misdemeanor offenses: Minimum 3-year waiting period after case disposition
- Felony offenses: Minimum 7-year waiting period after case disposition
Exclusionary Offenses: Certain categories of offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including:
- Sex offenses requiring registration
- Offenses against elderly persons
- Firearms violations
- Operating under the influence

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the court of jurisdiction. The petition must include:

Completed petition form
Certified copies of the case docket
Statement of reasons supporting expungement
Supporting documentation demonstrating rehabilitation

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that expungement serves the interests of justice. The Commonwealth, through the District Attorney's Office, may present opposition to the petition. Judicial determination is made based on statutory criteria and the specific circumstances of each case.

Successful expungement results in the sealing and removal of records from public databases, including those maintained by the Dover Police Department and the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board.

Legal Implications of Arrest Records in Dover

Arrest records in Dover carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. These records, while public, are subject to various regulations regarding their use and dissemination. The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law (M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172) governs access to and use of criminal history information, including arrest records.

Key legal considerations regarding Dover arrest records include:

Employment Consequences: Massachusetts law restricts employers from inquiring about arrests that did not result in convictions during initial employment applications. However, certain positions, particularly in public safety, education, and healthcare, maintain broader access to arrest information for screening purposes.
Housing Implications: Landlords and property managers may access arrest records when evaluating rental applications, though Massachusetts law provides protections against discrimination based solely on arrest records without convictions.
Professional Licensing: Regulatory boards overseeing professional licenses may consider arrest records during licensing decisions, even in cases where charges were dismissed or not prosecuted.
Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face immigration proceedings based on arrest records, regardless of case disposition, particularly for certain categories of offenses.
Firearm Possession: Arrests for certain offenses may trigger temporary prohibitions on firearm possession under Massachusetts law, even prior to conviction.

Individuals with arrest records in Dover should be aware that Massachusetts law provides remedies for inaccurate records. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 175, persons may review their CORI records and petition for correction of inaccurate information through established administrative procedures.

Privacy Protections for Arrest Records in Dover

While arrest records in Dover are generally public documents, Massachusetts law establishes important privacy protections that limit access in certain circumstances. These protections balance the public's right to information with individual privacy interests and rehabilitation goals.

Massachusetts has implemented the following privacy safeguards:

Juvenile Records Protection: Arrest records pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age receive enhanced confidentiality protections under M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 60A. These records are not publicly accessible without specific court authorization.
Sealed Records Provisions: Massachusetts law permits the sealing of arrest records under certain conditions through M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100A. Records eligible for sealing include:
- Non-conviction records after waiting periods
- First-time drug possession offenses
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after statutory waiting periods
Domestic Violence Privacy: Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 97D, reports of domestic violence arrests receive special confidentiality protections to safeguard victim privacy.
Mental Health Interventions: Arrests involving mental health emergencies that result in treatment rather than prosecution may qualify for enhanced privacy protections under Section 12 of Chapter 123 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

The Dover Police Department implements these privacy protections through established protocols for records management and dissemination. The department's Records Request procedures include verification steps to ensure that protected records are not improperly disclosed to unauthorized parties.

Individuals concerned about privacy implications of their arrest records may contact the Dover Police Department's Records Division for information about applicable protections and procedures for requesting enhanced confidentiality where permitted by law.