Norwood Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Norwood, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Norwood, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure governmental transparency and to uphold the fundamental principle of public oversight of law enforcement activities.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law specifically designates arrest logs, booking photographs, and related documentation as public information that must be made available upon request. However, certain exceptions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure might compromise public safety. The Records Access Officer for the Norwood Police Department processes such requests in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies.
Residents and non-residents alike may request access to these records through established procedures maintained by the Norwood Police Department Records Division. The department adheres to statutory timeframes for responding to public records requests as mandated by M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a).
How to Look Up Norwood Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Norwood, Massachusetts. The Norwood Police Department maintains these records and has established several channels through which the public may access this information:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Norwood Police Department located at 137 Nahatan Street, Norwood, MA 02062 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). The Records Division processes requests for arrest records and incident reports. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees must be paid at the time of request.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at the Norwood Police Department. Such requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, specific information being sought, and a check or money order for applicable fees. Mail requests should be addressed to:
Norwood Police Department - Records Division
137 Nahatan Street
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: (781) 440-5100
Official WebsiteOnline Access: The Norwood Police Department provides limited online access to certain public records through their official website. Daily police logs and selected public safety information may be available through this portal.
Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Norfolk County District Court located at:
Norfolk County District Court
631 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 329-1500
Requestors should note that processing times may vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search. Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(d) and are subject to change.
Contents of a Norwood Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Norwood Police Department contain comprehensive information regarding the arrest incident. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, residential address, and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed against the individual, including the Massachusetts General Laws citation for each offense and the classification of charges as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking Information: Unique booking number assigned to the case, fingerprint records, and photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, detention location, and subsequent court appearance dates.
Property Inventory: Detailed list of personal property in the arrested individual's possession at the time of arrest and how such property was processed.
Medical Screening: General information regarding any medical screening conducted during the booking process, though specific medical details may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws.
Pursuant to Massachusetts law, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including but not limited to: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and certain medical information protected under HIPAA regulations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Norwood
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records. The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 expanded these opportunities, particularly through M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A-100C.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Norwood include:
Case Disposition: Cases resulting in not guilty verdicts, dismissals, nolle prosequi, or findings of no probable cause may qualify for expungement.
Waiting Periods: Statutory waiting periods must be observed before filing for expungement, typically ranging from 3 to 7 years depending on the offense classification.
Offense Limitations: Certain serious offenses, including sex crimes, firearms violations, and offenses against public justice, are statutorily ineligible for expungement.
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form.
- Submitting supporting documentation verifying eligibility.
- Payment of applicable filing fees, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.
- Attendance at a judicial hearing if required by the court.
Upon successful expungement, the arrest record is removed from public access and the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain governmental and law enforcement purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process is governed by strict statutory requirements. The Norfolk County District Court provides assistance through the:
Norfolk County Probation Department
631 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 329-1500
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