Holden Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Holden, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Holden, Massachusetts, in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to governmental records throughout the Commonwealth. The law operates under the presumption that all records created or maintained by government entities are public unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records maintained by the Holden Police Department fall within the category of accessible public records, allowing citizens to request and review these documents as part of the Commonwealth's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability. The Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office, which oversees public records compliance, affirms that arrest logs, booking information, and related documentation are generally available for public inspection.
How to Look Up Holden Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Holden, Massachusetts have multiple avenues available for accessing this information. The following methods represent the official channels through which arrest records may be obtained:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Holden Police Department Records Division, located at 1370 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520. The Records Division maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Holden Police Department, 1370 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the department must respond to requests within 10 business days.
Electronic access is available through the Holden Police Department's online portal, which provides limited arrest log information. The system has been upgraded for 2025 to improve search functionality and user experience.
Worcester County District Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in criminal charges. These records can be accessed at 225 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608, during business hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Public access terminals are available at the Holden Public Library, 1073 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520, where residents can search certain public safety records during regular library hours.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07, which establishes the fee structure for public records requests in Massachusetts.
Contents of a Holden Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Holden Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records typically include:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, address, and any documented aliases or known identifiers
- Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks or tattoos
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Arresting officer's name, badge number, and department identification
- Booking information, including the processing location and time
- Custody status and bail determination, if applicable
- Case number and incident report reference numbers
- Fingerprint classification data and photograph (mugshot)
- Vehicle information, if relevant to the arrest
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Miranda rights acknowledgment documentation
The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) regulations govern the format and retention of these records. Pursuant to 803 CMR 2.00, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Holden
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. In Holden, as throughout Massachusetts, expungement procedures are governed by M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018.
Individuals seeking expungement must meet the following criteria:
- The arrest resulted in no criminal charges being filed, or all charges were dismissed prior to arraignment
- The arrest occurred due to mistaken identity or false identification
- The offense for which the person was arrested is no longer a crime
- The arrest record was created as a result of fraudulent behavior by another
- The petitioner has completed a waiting period of at least 3 years since the date of the offense for misdemeanors or 7 years for felonies
- The petitioner has no subsequent criminal convictions during the waiting period
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form
- Submission of supporting documentation verifying eligibility
- Payment of any applicable filing fees
- Notification to the District Attorney's office, which has 30 days to object
- Judicial review and determination
If granted, expungement results in the permanent destruction of all records pertaining to the arrest, including electronic records, fingerprints, and photographs. The Massachusetts Probation Service, located at 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108, processes all expungement petitions for Worcester County, including those from Holden.
Successful expungement permits individuals to legally respond "no record exists" when asked about the expunged arrest on housing, employment, or licensing applications, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100N.
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