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.
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:
Online Access:
Written Requests:
Shrewsbury Police Department
100 Maple Avenue
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone: (508) 841-8577
Official Website
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
The expungement process requires:
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.
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:
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.