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Shrewsbury Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public in Shrewsbury, 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 mandates that records created or maintained by government agencies, including the Shrewsbury Police Department, shall be accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exceptions. 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 community.

Certain exemptions to public disclosure may apply to portions of arrest records as outlined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26). These exemptions may include information related to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or data that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. The custodian of records is responsible for reviewing requests and applying appropriate redactions to protected information while still providing access to the non-exempt portions of the record.

How to Look Up Shrewsbury Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Shrewsbury arrest records in 2025 may utilize several established methods to obtain this information. The Shrewsbury Police Department maintains systems for public access to arrest data in compliance with state public records requirements.

In-Person Requests:

  • Individuals may visit the Shrewsbury Police Department during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records
  • Records staff will assist requestors in completing the necessary forms
  • Identification may be required when requesting certain records
  • Fees for copying services may apply in accordance with M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a)

Online Access:

  • The Shrewsbury Police Department maintains an online portal for accessing certain public records
  • Daily logs and recent arrest information are regularly updated on the department's website
  • Users may search by date ranges or other parameters as provided by the system
  • Electronic copies may be downloaded directly from the portal when available

Written Requests:

  • Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division
  • Requests must include specific information about the desired records
  • Response times are governed by M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(b), which requires a response within 10 business days
  • Payment instructions for applicable fees will be provided with the response

Shrewsbury Police Department
100 Maple Avenue
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone: (508) 841-8577
Official Website

Contents of a Shrewsbury Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Shrewsbury Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and subsequent processing of individuals taken into custody.

Standard information contained in Shrewsbury arrest records includes:

  • Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed, including Massachusetts General Laws citations
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
  • Fingerprint data collected during the booking process
  • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
  • Initial appearance information and bail determination
  • Case number and internal tracking identifiers

Pursuant to the town bylaws, all arrest records must be maintained in accordance with the records retention schedule established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and subsequent case disposition.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Information

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has established comprehensive statutory provisions governing public access to arrest information. These laws balance the public's right to information with privacy protections and law enforcement needs.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10 establishes that:

  • Every person has a right to access public records promptly and without unreasonable delays
  • Records custodians must assist requestors in identifying records sought
  • Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records based on actual costs
  • Electronic records shall be provided in the format requested when feasible

The Shrewsbury Police Department adheres to the guidelines established by the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records, which provides interpretive guidance on the application of public records laws. Pursuant to these regulations, certain information in arrest records may be subject to redaction, including:

  • Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
  • Names of sexual assault victims as protected under M.G.L. c. 41, § 97D
  • Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) protected under M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178
  • Medical information protected under federal HIPAA regulations

The Shrewsbury Police Records Division serves as the designated custodian for arrest records and is responsible for processing all public records requests in accordance with applicable laws.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Shrewsbury

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A-100C, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.

Individuals seeking expungement of Shrewsbury arrest records must meet statutory requirements, which typically include:

  • Completion of waiting periods (generally 3-7 years depending on offense severity)
  • Absence of subsequent criminal convictions during the waiting period
  • Satisfaction of all court-ordered requirements including probation and restitution
  • Demonstration that sealing serves justice and public safety interests

The expungement process requires:

  1. Filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form
  2. Payment of any applicable filing fees
  3. Notification to the Shrewsbury Police Department and District Attorney's Office
  4. Judicial review and determination on the petition
  5. Implementation of the expungement order if granted

When records are expunged pursuant to court order, the Shrewsbury Police Department must remove all references to the arrest from publicly accessible systems. However, certain law enforcement and judicial personnel may retain limited access to sealed records for specific statutory purposes.

The Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 expanded expungement eligibility, particularly for offenses committed by juveniles or young adults, and for cases involving mistaken identity or dismissed charges. Individuals with questions about eligibility should consult with legal counsel familiar with Massachusetts record sealing laws.

Limitations on Use of Arrest Record Information

Massachusetts law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest record information may be used, particularly in employment and housing contexts. These limitations are designed to prevent discrimination and promote rehabilitation.

Key statutory restrictions include:

  • Employers are prohibited from inquiring about arrests that did not result in conviction under M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4(9)
  • Housing providers may not discriminate based solely on arrest records without conviction
  • Credit reporting agencies must comply with limitations on reporting arrest information under both state law and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
  • Commercial background check companies must adhere to accuracy requirements and provide notice to subjects

The Shrewsbury Police Department provides informational notices with arrest record disclosures advising recipients of these legal restrictions. Violations of these provisions may result in civil penalties and private rights of action for affected individuals.

Public users of arrest record information should be aware that the presumption of innocence applies to all arrested individuals until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrest records reflect only the initial charges at the time of arrest, which may be subsequently modified or dismissed during judicial proceedings.

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