Walpole Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Walpole, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Walpole, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the Commonwealth. The law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records maintained by the Walpole Police Department and other law enforcement agencies fall within the category of accessible public records.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law serves several important functions in relation to arrest records:
- It promotes transparency in government operations and law enforcement activities
- It enables citizens to monitor the actions of public officials and agencies
- It provides a mechanism for accountability within the criminal justice system
- It allows individuals to verify the accuracy of information maintained about them
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld under exemptions provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), particularly when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation. However, the basic information regarding an arrest, including the identity of the arrested individual and the charges filed, remains accessible to the public.
How to Look Up Walpole Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Walpole arrest records in 2025 may utilize several established methods to obtain this information. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Walpole maintain multiple access points for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Walpole Police Department located at 972 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081. The Records Division is typically open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requesters should be prepared to complete a public records request form and provide identification.
Online Access: The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) maintains a centralized database accessible through the state's official portal. Users must register for an account and may be required to pay processing fees for certain types of searches.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Walpole Police Department Records Division, 972 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth if known, approximate date of arrest, and contact information for the requester.
Norfolk County District Attorney's Office: For cases that have proceeded to prosecution, records may be available through the District Attorney's Office at 45 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), agencies must respond to records requests within 10 business days. Fees for copies of records are regulated by 950 CMR 32.07 and typically include charges for search time and reproduction costs.
Contents of a Walpole Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Walpole Police Department and accessible through public records requests typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records generally include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, address, gender, race, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the specific circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the Massachusetts General Laws citation for each offense and the classification as misdemeanor or felony.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification data, and photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: If available, information about the resolution of the case, including court appearances, plea arrangements, or case dismissals.
Property Inventory: List of personal items taken from the individual during booking and processing.
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.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Walpole
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U. Expungement in Walpole follows these state guidelines and represents a complete erasure of records rather than merely sealing them from public view.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of Walpole arrest records include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction, including dismissals, not guilty findings, nolle prosequi, or failure to prosecute
- Arrests based on mistaken identity or false identification
- Offenses that have been decriminalized since the time of arrest
- Cases where the arrest occurred due to fraud perpetrated by another person
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition for expungement with the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form
- Submit supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under statutory criteria
- Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the petition
- Receive a determination from the Commissioner or the court with jurisdiction
Upon approval, expungement orders are transmitted to all agencies maintaining records related to the arrest, including the Walpole Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, and any court with records of the proceedings.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100T, once an expungement order is issued, the subject of the expunged records may respond to questions about their criminal history as though the arrest never occurred, including on employment and housing applications.
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