Quincy Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Quincy, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Quincy, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including arrest logs and reports, shall be accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exceptions. The Massachusetts Public Records Law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute. This framework ensures governmental transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Quincy Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records document instances where individuals have been taken into custody based on probable cause that they have committed a criminal offense. Under Massachusetts law, the arresting agency must make basic arrest information available to the public within a reasonable timeframe following the arrest.
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exemptions provided in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), such as information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, information that could compromise an ongoing investigation, or information regarding juvenile offenders.
How to Look Up Quincy Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Quincy, Massachusetts. Individuals may utilize any of the following methods to obtain these public documents:
Submit a formal public records request to the Quincy Police Department in person, by mail, or through their online portal. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought.
Visit the Records Division at the Quincy Police Department headquarters to submit requests in person and potentially receive immediate assistance with readily available records.
Quincy Police Department
1 Sea Street
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 479-1212
Official Website
- Contact the Office of the City Clerk, which serves as an alternative records custodian for municipal records including certain arrest documentation.
City of Quincy Clerk's Office
1305 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 376-1132
Official Website
- Access public terminals available at the Quincy Police Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) for viewing non-confidential arrest log information.
Pursuant to amendments to the Massachusetts Public Records Law effective January 1, 2025, records access officers must respond to requests within 10 business days. Fees may apply for document reproduction, with the first 4 pages provided at no cost and subsequent pages charged at $0.05 per page. Additional fees may apply for extensive search time or specialized document preparation.
Contents of a Quincy Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Quincy Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, address of residence, and any documented aliases or known identifiers.
Arrest date, time, and precise location where the apprehension occurred within Quincy city limits.
Statutory charges filed at the time of booking, including Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section references.
Arresting officer's name, badge number, and department identification.
Booking information, including photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, and personal property inventory.
Incident report number and cross-reference to related case documentation.
Initial court appearance information, including arraignment date and preliminary bail determination.
Detention status indicating whether the individual was released on personal recognizance, posted bail, or remained in custody pending arraignment.
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on applicable exemptions under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26). Information related to domestic violence victims, sexual assault victims, confidential informants, and ongoing investigations may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with statutory protections.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Quincy
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018) expanded eligibility for expungement, allowing qualifying individuals to petition for the permanent erasure of arrest and court records.
Expungement eligibility in Quincy is governed by M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U and includes:
Cases where the arrest was made on the basis of mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identification.
Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law.
Cases where the arrest resulted from fraud perpetrated by a law enforcement officer or court employee.
Certain juvenile records where the offense occurred before the individual's 21st birthday, subject to waiting periods and offense restrictions.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the court where the case was adjudicated. If granted, expungement results in the permanent destruction of all records pertaining to the arrest, including electronic records maintained by the Quincy Police Department and Massachusetts court system.
Expungement differs from record sealing (governed by M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A) in that sealed records continue to exist but are removed from public access, while expunged records are permanently destroyed and treated as if they never existed. The Norfolk County District Court, located at 1 Dennis Ryan Parkway, Quincy, MA 02169, processes expungement petitions for cases originating in Quincy.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain petition forms and guidance from:
Office of the Commissioner of Probation
1 Pemberton Square, Room 300
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-5300
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