Westwood Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Westwood, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Westwood, Massachusetts, accessible to all citizens under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including those documenting arrests, must be made available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding criminal justice proceedings.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office processes and maintains these records in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies. Individuals seeking arrest information may obtain these documents through formal requests to the appropriate governmental entity. The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes, including:
- Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
- Enabling background checks for employment or housing purposes
- Facilitating research and statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Supporting journalistic reporting on public safety matters
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, witness safety, or juvenile privacy in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 172.
How to Look Up Westwood Arrest Records in 2025
The Town of Westwood provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Requestors seeking arrest information have several options available, each with specific procedures and requirements. The primary methods for obtaining these records include:
- Submitting a written request to the Westwood Police Department Records Division
- Visiting the Records Division in person during designated public counter hours
- Utilizing the department's online records request portal (if available)
- Contacting the Norfolk County District Court for cases that have proceeded to court
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific record, including the full name of the arrested party, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10(a), the custodian of records must respond to requests within 10 business days.
Westwood Police Department
590 High Street
Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 326-1212
Westwood Police Department Official Website
Norfolk County District Court
631 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 329-4777
Norfolk County District Court Official Website
Contents of a Westwood Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Westwood Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records are created in accordance with Massachusetts law enforcement protocols and typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed enumeration of criminal charges filed
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
- Narrative description of the incident leading to arrest
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Initial court appearance information
- Bail or detention determination
The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system may contain additional details regarding the disposition of charges and subsequent court proceedings. Access to complete CORI records may require additional authorization under M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Westwood
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Westwood authorities. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U (as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018), expungement permanently erases records from public access and official databases.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Westwood include:
- The arrest resulted in no conviction or was based on mistaken identity
- The offense is no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
- The arrest occurred before the petitioner's 21st birthday (for certain offenses)
- A minimum waiting period has elapsed (typically 3-7 years depending on offense severity)
- The petitioner has no subsequent criminal convictions
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the court of original jurisdiction. Petitioners must complete form "Petition for Expungement of Record" and submit supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under statutory guidelines.
Massachusetts Probation Service
One Ashburton Place, Room 405
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-5300
Massachusetts Probation Service Official Website
Upon successful expungement, all records pertaining to the arrest are permanently destroyed, and the individual may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred. This remedy differs from record sealing, which merely restricts access rather than eliminating the record entirely.
Search Arrest Records in Westwood
