Suffolk County, Massachusetts Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Suffolk County, Massachusetts?
Arrest records in Suffolk County, Massachusetts are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes the right of public access to government-maintained records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Suffolk County. The Commonwealth's commitment to governmental transparency is reflected in this legislation, which presumes that all records are public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26).
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is public, the process of obtaining these records may require formal requests and, in some instances, payment of reasonable fees for reproduction costs as permitted under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a).
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Suffolk County?
Suffolk County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by government agencies. The Suffolk County Sheriff's Department and the Boston Police Department have implemented digital record-keeping systems that allow for limited online access to arrest information.
The Massachusetts Court System's electronic case access portal provides another avenue for obtaining arrest record information. This system, maintained pursuant to the Trial Court's Public Access to Court Records Policy, allows users to search for cases by name or docket number.
Online accessibility is subject to the following conditions:
• Records may be redacted to protect confidential information • Certain case types may be restricted from online viewing • Historical records may not be fully digitized • System maintenance may temporarily affect availability
Users should note that the most comprehensive arrest record information may still require in-person requests at the appropriate agency, as online systems may contain only partial information or summary data as determined by the Suffolk County Records Access Officers designated under M.G.L. c. 66, § 6A.
How to Look Up Suffolk County Arrest Records in 2025
Suffolk County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple channels established by county and state authorities. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:
• Submit a written request to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department Records Division at 20 Bradston Street, Boston, MA 02118. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
• Visit the Boston Police Department Headquarters Records Division at 1 Schroeder Plaza, Boston, MA 02120. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (617) 343-4200.
• Access the Suffolk County court records through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system.
• Contact the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office at One Bulfinch Place, Boston, MA 02114. Telephone: (617) 619-4000.
• Submit requests to the Massachusetts State Police CORI Unit for statewide criminal history information at 59 Horse Pond Road, Sudbury, MA 01776.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to complete standardized request forms. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), agencies may charge reasonable fees for search and reproduction services. Response times typically range from 5 to 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional processing time.
Contents of a Suffolk County Arrest Record
Suffolk County arrest records contain standardized information collected at the time of booking and subsequent processing. These official documents typically include the following elements:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, address, and identifying characteristics)
• Arrest details (date, time, location, and arresting agency)
• Criminal charges filed, including Massachusetts General Laws citations and offense descriptions
• Booking photographs ("mugshots") and fingerprint records
• Arresting officer information and badge number
• Incident report number and associated case identifiers
• Custody status and bail information
• Court appearance dates and locations
• Disposition information, if available
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department may contain additional information regarding incarceration if the individual was remanded to custody following arrest.
All arrest records are subject to the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) regulations codified in 803 CMR 2.00, which govern the dissemination of criminal history information. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Suffolk County
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U. Expungement results in the permanent erasure of records, making them unavailable for public or governmental access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Suffolk County include:
• Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissals, not guilty findings, nolle prosequi) • Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of personal identifying information • Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law • Certain juvenile records after statutory waiting periods • Cases where the offense occurred due to being a victim of human trafficking
The petition process requires filing with the Commissioner of Probation and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. Forms are available through the Massachusetts Court System website or at the Suffolk County Courthouse located at 3 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108.
Petitioners should be aware that expungement is discretionary in many cases, and the court will consider factors including the petitioner's age at the time of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and any subsequent criminal activity. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100K, certain offenses are categorically ineligible for expungement, including most sexual offenses, firearms violations, and offenses resulting in death.
Legal assistance is advisable when pursuing expungement, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and judicial discretion. The Suffolk County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in record clearance at 560 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.
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