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Boston Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Boston, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public in Boston, Massachusetts pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 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 Boston Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Suffolk County fall under this public access framework.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records documenting official activities. The Secretary of the Commonwealth, through the Public Records Division, oversees the implementation of this law and provides guidance to both requesters and custodians of records.

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), such as:

  • Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  • Investigatory materials that could compromise ongoing law enforcement proceedings
  • Information that might endanger public safety if disclosed
  • Records specifically exempted from disclosure by statute

How to Look Up Boston Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Boston arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them. The Boston Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Massachusetts Public Records Law and departmental policies. Requesters may utilize the following official channels:

  • Online Public Records Portal: The Boston Police Department's public records system allows for electronic submission of requests. Users must create an account, specify the records sought, and provide identifying information to facilitate the search.

  • In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Boston Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests in person.

    Boston Police Department Headquarters
    1 Schroeder Plaza
    Boston, MA 02120
    (617) 343-4200
    Boston Police Department

  • Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Requests must include the requester's name, contact information, and specific details about the records sought.

  • Suffolk County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through:

    Suffolk County Superior Court
    3 Pemberton Square
    Boston, MA 02108
    (617) 788-8175
    Massachusetts Court System

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the records custodian must respond to requests within 10 business days. Fees may apply in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07, which permits reasonable charges for search time, segregation of exempt information, and reproduction costs.

Contents of a Boston Arrest Record

Boston arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with Massachusetts law enforcement protocols and typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, address, and physical descriptors of the arrested individual
  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency involved
  • Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Massachusetts General Laws or Boston Municipal Ordinances for which the individual was arrested
  • Booking Information: Unique booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot)
  • Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, detention status, and court appearance dates
  • Case Disposition: Final outcome of the case if available (e.g., conviction, dismissal, acquittal)

The Boston Police Department maintains these records in compliance with Massachusetts law enforcement standards and the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with exemptions under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Boston

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U. Expungement permanently erases records from public access and official databases, as if the offense never occurred. This process differs from sealing records, which merely restricts public access while maintaining the records within the system.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Boston include:

  • The arrest resulted from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity
  • The offense has been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest (e.g., certain marijuana offenses)
  • The petitioner was under 21 years of age at the time of the offense, and specific waiting periods have elapsed
  • The record resulted from fraudulent behavior by another person

The expungement process requires filing a petition with:

Suffolk County Superior Court
3 Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 788-8175
Massachusetts Court System

Petitioners must complete form "Petition for Expungement of Record" and submit it to the Commissioner of Probation. The petition must include certified copies of the record sought to be expunged and an affidavit stating the reason for expungement. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100K, the court shall hold a hearing within 21 days of receiving the petition.

If granted, expungement orders are transmitted to all relevant agencies, including the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, directing the permanent destruction of all records related to the expunged offense.

Legal Restrictions on Using Arrest Records

Massachusetts law imposes significant restrictions on the use of arrest records, particularly in employment contexts. Under M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4(9), employers are prohibited from inquiring about:

  • Arrests that did not result in conviction
  • First-time misdemeanor convictions older than three years
  • Sealed or expunged records

The Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system regulates access to criminal history information. Employers, housing providers, and other entities must register with the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services and follow specific protocols when accessing and using CORI information.

Violations of these restrictions may result in:

  • Civil penalties up to $5,000 for each violation
  • Liability for actual damages or $100 per violation, whichever is greater
  • Attorney's fees and costs
  • Potential criminal penalties for willful violations

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination investigates and adjudicates complaints regarding improper use of arrest records:

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
One Ashburton Place, Suite 601
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 994-6000
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

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