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Douglas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Douglas, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public documents in Douglas, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law operates under the presumption that all records created or maintained by a government entity are public. However, certain exemptions exist to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive information as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26). These exemptions are narrowly construed to maximize public access while protecting legitimate privacy and security interests.

How to Look Up Douglas Arrest Records in 2025

The Douglas Police Department maintains arrest records and provides multiple methods for public access. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following procedures:

Online Access Portal: The Douglas Police Department maintains a digital database where arrest logs are regularly updated. Members of the public may search these records using name, date, or case number identifiers.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Douglas Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with locating and providing available public information.
Written Requests: Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email using the Public Records Request Form.
Archive Center: Historical arrest logs are maintained in the town's Archive Center, which contains records dating back several years.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple jurisdictions, though the accuracy and completeness of these services cannot be guaranteed by the Town of Douglas.

Douglas Police Department
29 Depot Street
P.O. Box 244
Douglas, MA 01516
508-476-2709
Official Website

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Contents of a Douglas Arrest Record

Douglas arrest records contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
Arresting officer information and badge number
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint classification data
Incident report number for cross-reference purposes
Custody status information
Court docket number (when assigned)

The Douglas Police Department maintains these records in accordance with the records retention schedule established by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 8, these records must be preserved for a minimum period as specified in the applicable retention schedule.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public, certain restrictions apply to their dissemination in Douglas, Massachusetts. The following limitations are enforced:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests (under 18 years) are confidential pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 60A, except under specific court orders.
Information related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under exemption (f) of the Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26)).
Records sealed by court order are removed from public access in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100A.
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) is subject to additional restrictions under M.G.L. Chapter 6, Sections 167-178.
Domestic violence victim information is protected under M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 97D.

The Douglas Police Department's Public Records Division reviews all requests to ensure compliance with these statutory protections while maximizing lawful public access.

Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records

The Douglas Police Department assesses reasonable fees for the reproduction of arrest records as authorized by 950 CMR 32.07. Current fee schedules are as follows:

Black and white photocopies or printouts: $0.05 per page
Search and segregation time: $25.00 per hour after the first hour (which is provided at no cost)
Electronic records delivered via email: No charge for the electronic delivery itself
Certified copies: $1.00 per page additional fee

Fee waivers may be granted when disclosure would serve the public interest, as determined by the Records Access Officer. All fees must be paid in advance by check or money order made payable to "Town of Douglas." The department does not accept cash payments for records requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Douglas

Massachusetts law provides 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 if:

The arrest resulted from false identification or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity
The offense has been decriminalized since the time of arrest
The petitioner was under 21 years of age at the time of the offense and meets other statutory requirements
The record resulted from a demonstrable error by law enforcement or the court

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the court where the case was adjudicated. If granted, expungement results in the permanent destruction of all records pertaining to the arrest, including electronic records maintained by the Douglas Police Department.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that this remedy differs from record sealing, which merely restricts access rather than destroying the records. The Douglas Police Department's Special Services Unit can provide general information about these processes, though they cannot offer legal advice.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

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

The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Reform Law restricts when and how employers may inquire about criminal history.
Employers with 6 or more employees may not ask about arrests that did not result in conviction.
Housing providers must comply with fair housing laws when utilizing arrest record information.
Financial institutions and certain other employers may have broader access rights under federal and state regulations.

The Douglas Police Department provides arrest record information for lawful background check purposes in accordance with these regulations. Requestors must complete the standard Public Records Request Form and may be required to provide identification and statement of purpose.