Milton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Milton, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public in Milton, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that governmental records shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. Arrest records, being documentation of official law enforcement actions, fall within the category of public records and are therefore available for inspection. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations, particularly within the criminal justice system. Law enforcement agencies in Milton are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request, subject to certain limitations regarding ongoing investigations or protected personal information as outlined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26).
How to Look Up Milton Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Milton, Massachusetts. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Submit a written request to the Milton Police Department Records Division located at 40 Highland Street, Milton, MA 02186. The division operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at 617-898-4800.
Access the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system through the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) at 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150. Requests may be submitted online through the iCORI system or by mail with the appropriate forms and identification.
Visit the Norfolk County Superior Court at 650 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 (781-326-1600) for records related to felony cases originating in Milton.
Consult the Quincy District Court at 1 Dennis F. Ryan Parkway, Quincy, MA 02169 (617-376-5400) for misdemeanor cases and initial proceedings for Milton arrests.
Requestors must provide specific information including the full name of the subject, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), agencies must respond to requests within 10 business days. Fees may apply in accordance with 801 CMR 38.03, which establishes a schedule of charges for record reproduction and staff time.
Contents of a Milton Arrest Record
Milton arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include:
- Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, and residential address
- Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks or tattoos
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations of alleged violations (Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section)
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing
- Fingerprint impressions and other biometric identifiers
- Property inventory listing items in possession at time of arrest
- Detention information including cell assignment and bail determination
- Case disposition information if available (e.g., charges filed, court dates)
- Miranda rights acknowledgment documentation
The comprehensiveness of these records serves both law enforcement purposes and public information needs. Records maintained by the Milton Police Department adhere to the standards established by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) protocols.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Milton
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U (as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018), individuals may petition for expungement if their situation meets the following criteria:
- The arrest resulted from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identification
- The offense for which the person was arrested is no longer a crime (decriminalized offense)
- The arrest record was created as a result of fraud perpetrated by another
- The arrest occurred before the individual's 21st birthday, and at least three years have passed since the disposition of the case
The expungement process requires submission of a petition to the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form. Supporting documentation must be attached, including identification verification and evidence supporting the grounds for expungement. The Commissioner forwards the petition to the appropriate District Attorney's office, which has 30 days to object. If no objection is filed, or if the court overrules an objection after hearing, the court may order expungement.
When expungement is granted, all records pertaining to the arrest are permanently destroyed rather than merely sealed, as specified in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100T. This includes records maintained by the Milton Police Department, the courts, the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, and any other criminal justice agencies. Following expungement, the individual may lawfully reply to inquiries regarding the arrest as though it never occurred.
Limitations on Access to Arrest Records
While arrest records in Milton are generally public, certain statutory and regulatory restrictions limit access in specific circumstances. These limitations include:
- Records pertaining to juvenile arrests (under 18 years) are subject to heightened confidentiality under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A, with access restricted to authorized personnel
- Information regarding victims of sexual offenses is redacted pursuant to M.G.L. c. 41, § 97D
- Records related to domestic violence may have restricted access under M.G.L. c. 209A
- Ongoing investigation exemptions may temporarily restrict access as provided in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26)(f)
- Records sealed by court order under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A-100C are removed from public access
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and dates of birth may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections
The Milton Police Department Records Division is responsible for reviewing requests and applying appropriate redactions before releasing records to ensure compliance with these statutory protections. Requestors may appeal denials or excessive redactions to the Supervisor of Public Records within the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office at One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108.
Legal Uses of Milton Arrest Records
Massachusetts law establishes parameters regarding the permissible uses of arrest record information. Authorized purposes include:
- Background screening for employment in positions involving contact with vulnerable populations, as authorized by M.G.L. c. 6, § 172
- Tenant screening by property owners and managers, subject to fair housing regulations
- Due diligence investigations for business transactions where public safety considerations exist
- Research and statistical analysis when conducted with appropriate privacy safeguards
- Media reporting on matters of public interest
- Personal safety assessments by individuals with legitimate concerns
Improper use of arrest record information may constitute a violation of Massachusetts law. M.G.L. c. 6, § 178 imposes penalties for unauthorized access or dissemination of criminal record information, including fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Additionally, improper use may expose the user to civil liability under various privacy and anti-discrimination statutes.
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