Arrest records in Sharon, Massachusetts are considered public information pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government-generated documents, including arrest records, booking information, and police logs. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this law to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the public's right to information.
Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by statute. The Massachusetts Public Records Law specifically designates criminal offender record information (CORI) as accessible through proper channels, though some information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
The Sharon Police Department maintains these records in compliance with state regulations and makes non-exempt portions available upon proper request. Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, certain sensitive information may be withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Multiple authorized methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Sharon, Massachusetts. The Commonwealth has established standardized procedures for record requests that apply to all municipalities, including Sharon. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Submit a written request to the Sharon Police Department Records Division at 213 South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information sought.
Visit the Sharon Police Department in person during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) to complete a records request form. Valid identification must be presented.
Access the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system through the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services for official statewide criminal history information. This service requires registration and payment of statutory fees.
Review the Sharon Police Department's public police log, which contains basic arrest information and is updated regularly in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 98F.
Requesters should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record reproduction as established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's fee schedule. Standard processing time is 10 business days as mandated by M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a).
Sharon arrest records contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, address, and physical descriptors
Arrest details, including date, time, and precise location of apprehension
Statutory charges filed, with reference to specific Massachusetts General Laws allegedly violated
Arresting officer's name, badge number, and department identification
Booking information, including fingerprint records and booking photographs (mugshots)
Case disposition information, if available, including court dates, bail determinations, and preliminary hearing outcomes
Incident report number and other administrative identifiers for cross-reference purposes
Property inventory of items in possession of the arrested individual at time of booking
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on applicable exemptions under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), particularly for cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific statutory conditions. The process is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals seeking expungement of Sharon arrest records must petition the court of jurisdiction, typically the Norfolk Superior Court or Stoughton District Court. Eligibility for expungement is limited to specific circumstances:
Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissals, not guilty findings, nolle prosequi)
Convictions for offenses that have been decriminalized subsequent to the conviction date
Cases meeting the criteria established under the 2018 Criminal Justice Reform Act, including certain juvenile records and cases involving mistaken identity or fraud
Records eligible under the "time-based" expungement provision, requiring a clean record for a statutory waiting period (generally 3-7 years depending on offense severity)
The petition process requires submission of standardized forms to the appropriate court, payment of filing fees, and potentially a hearing before a judge. If granted, expungement orders are transmitted to all agencies maintaining the records, including the Sharon Police Department, which must then permanently destroy all documentation related to the arrest.
Expungement differs from sealing records under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100A, which makes records unavailable to the public but still accessible to law enforcement. Expunged records are completely destroyed and cannot be accessed by any entity.
Sharon Police Department
213 South Main Street
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-1587
Official Website
Norfolk County District Attorney's Office
45 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 830-4800
Official Website