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Halifax Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Halifax, Massachusetts?

Arrest records in Halifax, Massachusetts are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public may request these records without stating a purpose for their inquiry, as the right to access public records is fundamental to maintaining an open and democratic society.

How to Look Up Halifax Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Halifax, Massachusetts. Interested parties may utilize any of the following official channels to access this information:

Visit the Halifax Police Department in person at 499 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a standard records request form.
Contact the Halifax Police Department by telephone at (781) 293-1734 to inquire about records availability and request procedures.
Submit a written request to the Records Division of the Halifax Police Department, either by mail or via the department's official online portal, if available.
Access the Massachusetts Public Records Division electronic request system, which processes requests for records from all state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities.
Utilize public access terminals located at the Halifax Town Hall, 499 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

Pursuant to Massachusetts Public Records Law, agencies must respond to requests within 10 business days. Nominal fees may apply for document reproduction, as authorized under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a).

Contents of a Halifax Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Halifax Police Department contain comprehensive information regarding the arrest incident and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest within Halifax township boundaries
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and their affiliated agency
Detailed enumeration of criminal charges filed, including applicable Massachusetts General Laws citations
Case identification number assigned by the Halifax Police Department
Booking information, potentially including fingerprint records and mugshot photographs
Custody status information, including bail determination if applicable
Prior criminal history summary, if relevant to the current arrest
Incident report narrative describing the circumstances leading to the arrest

These records are maintained in accordance with Massachusetts records retention schedules as established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Halifax, Massachusetts law establishes certain exceptions and limitations to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations. The following restrictions may apply:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld if disclosure would compromise law enforcement proceedings, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26)(f).
Information regarding juvenile arrests (individuals under 18 years of age) is subject to heightened confidentiality protections under M.G.L. c. 119, § 60A, and may not be publicly accessible.
Certain sensitive personal information contained within arrest records, such as social security numbers, may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with privacy protection statutes.
Records related to sexual assault cases may have victim identifying information removed before public release, as required by M.G.L. c. 41, § 97D.
Sealed records, pursuant to court order under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A-C, are removed from public access.

The Halifax Police Department Records Division is responsible for reviewing all requests and applying appropriate redactions in accordance with these statutory provisions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Halifax

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access and official databases. Individuals seeking expungement of Halifax arrest records must meet criteria established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100E-K.

Eligibility requirements for expungement include:

Cases resulting in no conviction (e.g., dismissal, not guilty finding, nolle prosequi)
Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of personal identifying information
Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
Cases meeting time-based eligibility requirements (generally 3-7 years depending on offense severity)
Juvenile records meeting specific statutory criteria

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. Petitioners must submit:

Completed petition form
Certified copies of the relevant court dockets
Identification documentation
Supporting affidavits or evidence demonstrating eligibility

Petitions are reviewed by the Plymouth District Court, located at 52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, telephone (508) 747-8400.

The District Attorney's Office has the right to object to expungement petitions. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies, including the Halifax Police Department, to remove records from their systems.

Differences Between Sealing and Expungement

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts distinguishes between record sealing and expungement, with each process having distinct legal implications for Halifax arrest records:

Record sealing (M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A-C) removes records from public access but maintains them within government databases for limited official use. Sealed records may still be visible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers required by law to conduct thorough background checks.
Expungement (M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-K) permanently destroys or removes records from all databases, including law enforcement systems. Expunged records legally cease to exist and cannot be accessed by any entity.
Sealing is generally more widely available and has less stringent eligibility requirements than expungement.
Sealing typically requires waiting periods of 3-7 years depending on offense severity, while expungement has more limited eligibility criteria focused on specific circumstances.

Individuals with questions regarding which process is appropriate for their situation may consult with the Plymouth County Bar Association's lawyer referral service or legal aid organizations serving the Halifax area.

Using Halifax Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Halifax may utilize public arrest records for background screening purposes, subject to certain legal restrictions:

The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system provides the official mechanism for background checks, with different levels of access depending on the requesting entity's status.
Commercial background check companies must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act when reporting arrest information.
Massachusetts "Ban the Box" legislation (M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4(9½)) prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications.
Employers may not inquire about arrests that did not result in convictions or misdemeanor convictions older than three years.
Housing providers must follow fair housing laws when utilizing arrest record information in tenant screening.

Organizations conducting background checks using Halifax arrest records should consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations governing the use of criminal history information.