Wareham Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Wareham, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public in Wareham, 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, including those pertaining to arrests and law enforcement activities. The Massachusetts Public Records Law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute. This legal framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this open records policy to promote accountability in the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records for various purposes, including background checks, research, or general information about law enforcement activities in Wareham. The accessibility of these records is consistent with the Town of Wareham By-Laws, which incorporate state regulations regarding public information access.
How to Look Up Wareham Arrest Records in 2025
The Town of Wareham provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Wareham Police Department Records Division to submit requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Wareham Police Department
2515 Cranberry Highway
Wareham, MA 02571
(508) 295-1212
Wareham Police Records Division
Written Requests: Pursuant to Massachusetts Public Records Law, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records. Such requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.
Electronic Submissions: The Wareham Police Department accepts records requests via their online portal. Electronic requests must adhere to the same informational requirements as written requests.
Public Access Terminals: The Wareham Police Department maintains public access terminals at their headquarters where citizens may view certain arrest log information during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
All requests are processed in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10, which requires a response within 10 business days. Fees for copies of records are established pursuant to Wareham Municipal Code and state regulations.
Contents of a Wareham Arrest Record
Wareham arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts state law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color), and last known address.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section references, and classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking Information: Unique booking identification number, fingerprint records, and photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including arraignment date, court of jurisdiction, and case number assigned by the Plymouth District Court or Wareham District Court.
Bail Information: Amount of bail set, if applicable, and conditions of release pending court proceedings.
Prior Record: In some instances, references to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current charges.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), particularly information that might compromise ongoing investigations or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Wareham
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement of Wareham arrest records if they meet statutory eligibility requirements.
Expungement in Wareham follows these procedural guidelines:
Eligibility Determination: Petitioners must verify eligibility based on statutory criteria, which generally include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissal, not guilty verdict, nolle prosequi)
- Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
- Offenses that have been decriminalized since the time of arrest
- Certain juvenile records after statutorily defined waiting periods
Petition Filing: Eligible individuals must file a petition for expungement with the Commissioner of Probation and the court where the case was adjudicated. Standard forms are available through the Massachusetts Courts website or at the Plymouth County Courthouse.
Judicial Review: A judge reviews the petition and may schedule a hearing to determine whether expungement serves justice. The court considers factors including the petitioner's age at the time of the offense, time elapsed since the offense, and subsequent criminal history.
Record Sealing: Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Wareham Police Department, to expunge records pertaining to the specified arrest.
The expungement process is governed by the Wareham Zoning By-Laws and Massachusetts state statutes. Successful expungement results in the physical destruction of records and removal from all public databases, effectively eliminating the arrest from the individual's official record.
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