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Upton Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Upton, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public documents in Upton, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that records maintained by federal, state, and local government entities shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The Public Records Guidelines for Upton explicitly outline the procedures for accessing such information. The fundamental principle underlying this transparency is to ensure open governance, thereby enabling citizens to monitor the activities of public officials and the operations of governmental institutions.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law defines public records as materials made or received by any officer or employee of any Massachusetts governmental entity. This definition encompasses arrest records generated by the Upton Police Department. However, certain exemptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that could compromise public safety if disclosed.

How to Look Up Upton Arrest Records in 2025

The Town of Upton has implemented several methods for accessing arrest records, reflecting advancements in digital record-keeping systems. Members of the public seeking arrest records may utilize the following official channels:

Online Public Records Portal: The Upton Police Department maintains a digital database where certain arrest records can be accessed electronically. This service allows authorized users to search and retrieve arrest information remotely, subject to applicable privacy restrictions.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Upton Police Department headquarters:

Upton Police Department
30 School Street
Upton, MA 01568
Phone: (508) 529-3200
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Written Requests: Written applications for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Access Officer at the Upton Police Department. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the department must respond to such requests within 10 business days.
Electronic Submissions: The Town of Upton website provides electronic forms for public records requests. These submissions are processed according to the same statutory timeline as physical requests.

All requests must include sufficient identifying information to locate the specific arrest record, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other relevant details that may facilitate record retrieval.

Contents of a Upton Arrest Record

Upton arrest records typically contain comprehensive information regarding both the arrested individual and the circumstances of the arrest. Standard components of these official documents include:

Biographical data of the arrested person, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, and physical descriptors
Unique identifiers such as fingerprint classification and state identification numbers
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Detailed account of the arrest, including date, time, location, and precipitating circumstances
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Enumeration of criminal charges filed in connection with the arrest
Custody status information
Case disposition details, when available

The Forms & Documents section of the Upton Police Department website provides templates and examples of public safety documentation, though specific arrest records must be requested through official channels.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Upton is governed by a multi-tiered legal framework. The Massachusetts Public Records Law serves as the primary statutory authority, operating in conjunction with federal regulations and judicial precedents. Key legal provisions include:

Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10) establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest documentation, are public unless specifically exempted
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) regulations (M.G.L. c. 6, § 172) govern the dissemination of criminal history information
Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) imposes limitations on the disclosure of certain personal information

The Upton Emergency Management department coordinates with law enforcement to ensure that public safety information is appropriately managed according to these legal frameworks.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, certain statutory and administrative restrictions may limit disclosure. The following categories of information may be redacted or withheld from public arrest records in Upton:

Information pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
Records concerning juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age)
Data that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Details that might compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel
Information protected by other statutory exemptions

The Town of Upton Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan addresses protocols for information sharing during public safety incidents, including guidelines for what information may be released to the public.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Upton

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Upton adheres to the provisions outlined in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the court of jurisdiction. Eligibility considerations typically include:

Nature and severity of the offense
Disposition of the case (e.g., dismissal, acquittal, conviction)
Time elapsed since the arrest or case conclusion
Subsequent criminal history
Rehabilitation evidence

The determination to seal or expunge records rests with the presiding judicial authority, who evaluates each petition based on statutory criteria and the specific circumstances of the case. Successful expungement removes the record from public access, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for law enforcement purposes.

Fees and Processing Times for Arrest Record Requests

Pursuant to Massachusetts regulations, the Upton Police Department may assess reasonable fees for the reproduction and provision of arrest records. The fee structure is as follows:

Black and white photocopies or printouts: $0.05 per page
Electronic records: No charge for records provided electronically
Records requiring redaction or segregation: $25.00 per hour after the first 4 hours (which are provided at no cost)
Storage media (e.g., USB drives): Actual cost of the media

Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 10 business days for standard requests to 15-25 business days for complex requests requiring extensive redaction or involving voluminous records. The Vehicle Use Policy document provides an example of how Upton municipal departments handle official documentation and records management.