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Needham Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Needham, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public in Needham, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records in the Commonwealth must be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exemptions. The Needham Police Department maintains these records and makes them available through various channels in accordance with state transparency requirements. Weekly arrest logs are published online and physical copies may be obtained through proper request procedures at the department's Records Division.

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy in specific circumstances, such as cases involving domestic violence, juveniles, or ongoing investigations as provided under M.G.L. c. 41, § 97D and related statutes. Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, these statutory protections may limit the scope of information disclosed in particular cases.

How to Look Up Needham Arrest Records in 2025

The Needham Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. These access methods are designed to comply with Massachusetts Public Records Law while maintaining operational efficiency.

Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following methods:

Visit the Needham Police Department Records Division in person during regular business hours to submit a records request. The Records Division processes requests Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Access the official weekly arrest logs published on the Needham Police Department website. These logs are typically uploaded every Wednesday and provide a summary of recent arrest activity.
Submit a written request for specific arrest records via mail or email to the Records Division, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and other identifying information to facilitate the search.
Consult the annual data reports published by the Needham Police Department, which contain statistical information about arrests and other police activities throughout the year.

Needham Police Department
99 School Street
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 455-7570
Official Website

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the Records Access Officer must provide records within 10 business days following receipt of a request. Fees may apply for copying or extensive search services in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07.

Contents of a Needham Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Needham Police Department contain specific categories of information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identifications
Date of birth and demographic information as collected during the booking process
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable Massachusetts General Laws citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint records collected at the time of booking
Custody status information, including bail determination if applicable
Case number and other administrative identifiers

The Needham Police Department's annual report provides additional context regarding arrest documentation procedures and statistical analysis of arrest patterns within the jurisdiction. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26) and related privacy statutes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Needham

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific conditions. The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018) expanded expungement eligibility in the Commonwealth, allowing for the removal of records from public access under qualifying circumstances.

Individuals seeking expungement of Needham arrest records must meet statutory eligibility requirements, which generally include:

The arrest resulted in no conviction or was based on mistaken identity or fraud
The offense is eligible for expungement under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E
The required waiting period has elapsed (generally 3-7 years depending on offense type)
The petitioner has no disqualifying subsequent offenses
The court determines expungement serves justice

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and potentially the court of jurisdiction. If granted, expungement results in the permanent destruction of records, allowing the individual to lawfully respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred.

Petitioners should be aware that certain serious offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including but not limited to offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury, sex offenses requiring registration, and violations of restraining orders. Legal assistance is strongly recommended due to the technical nature of expungement proceedings.

Norfolk County District Court
57 Dedham Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 329-4777
Massachusetts Court System

Legal Framework for Arrest Record Access

The accessibility of arrest records in Needham operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by Massachusetts statutes and regulations. This framework balances public transparency with individual privacy rights and law enforcement operational needs.

Key legal provisions governing arrest record access include:

Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10) establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are public unless specifically exempted.
The Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law (M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178) regulates access to and dissemination of criminal history information, including arrests.
The Fair Information Practices Act (M.G.L. c. 66A) provides additional privacy protections for personal data maintained by state agencies.
The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 modified record access provisions, including expanding expungement eligibility and establishing new sealing provisions.

The Needham Police Department, as the custodian of local arrest records, implements these legal requirements through established departmental policies and procedures. These policies ensure compliance with state law while maintaining operational efficiency in records management.

Individuals requesting arrest records should note that while the presumption favors disclosure, certain exemptions may apply to specific information contained within arrest records. These exemptions are enumerated in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26) and may include information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or could compromise ongoing law enforcement investigations.