Massachusetts Arrest Records

Massachusetts Public Records /Massachusetts Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, arrest records are generally considered public information under the state's public records law. However, access to these records is subject to certain restrictions and regulations. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains a system where most arrest records can be accessed by members of the public, though some information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or statutory exemptions.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law, codified in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, establishes that government records, including arrest records, are presumptively public. This means that citizens have the right to request and review these documents, with certain exceptions.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Massachusetts?

Access to arrest records in Massachusetts is primarily governed by the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. Chapter 66, and the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law, M.G.L. Chapter 6, Sections 167-178.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. It operates under the presumption that records are public unless specifically exempted by law.

The CORI law specifically regulates the dissemination of criminal history information in Massachusetts. This law establishes who can access criminal records, what information can be disclosed, and the procedures for requesting such information. The Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) administers the CORI system and oversees compliance with these regulations.

Additionally, the Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards, often referred to as "Ban the Box" legislation, limits how and when employers can inquire about criminal history during the hiring process.

The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 also made significant changes to how criminal records are maintained and accessed in Massachusetts, including provisions for sealing and expunging certain records.

What Information Is Included in a Massachusetts Arrest Record?

A typical Massachusetts arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records generally include:

Personal identifying information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Address at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Charges filed
- Booking information
Case information:
- Court docket number
- Court appearance dates
- Bail or bond information
- Case disposition (if available)
- Sentencing information (if applicable)
Additional information:
- Property seized during arrest
- Witness statements (may be redacted)
- Officer narratives (may be redacted)
- Miranda rights acknowledgment

The level of detail may vary depending on the agency maintaining the record and the stage of the criminal justice process. Some information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or other legal considerations.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Massachusetts in 2025

In 2025, Massachusetts residents and other authorized individuals can obtain arrest records through several official channels:

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS)
The DCJIS is the central repository for criminal history information in Massachusetts and manages the iCORI system for requesting Criminal Offender Record Information.

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4600
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services

To request records:
- Create an account on the iCORI portal
- Select the appropriate request type
- Pay the required fee
- Submit your request
Local Police Departments
Individuals can request arrest records directly from the police department that made the arrest. Most departments require a written request form and identification.
Massachusetts State Police
For arrests made by state troopers or for state-level offenses.

Massachusetts State Police Headquarters
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 820-2300
Massachusetts State Police
Massachusetts Trial Court
Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings can be obtained through the appropriate district, municipal, or superior court.

Massachusetts Trial Court
1 Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 742-8575
Massachusetts Trial Court

When requesting records in person, be prepared to:

Present valid government-issued photo identification
Complete required request forms
Pay applicable fees
Provide specific information about the record you're seeking (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally:

iCORI (Internet-based Criminal Offender Record Information)
The official online system for requesting CORI reports in Massachusetts.
- Visit the iCORI portal
- Create an account or log in
- Select the appropriate request type
- Pay the required fee
- Receive results electronically
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access
The MassCourts Public Internet Portal provides access to court case information, including criminal cases resulting from arrests.
- Search by name or case number
- Access docket information and case status
- View scheduled court appearances
Municipal Police Department Websites
Some larger police departments maintain online arrest logs or blotters:
- Boston Police Department Public Journal
- Springfield Police Department News

When using online resources, be aware that:

Information may be limited compared to official record reque
Some systems may require registration or fees
Not all arrest records are available online
Information accuracy should be verified through official channels

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Massachusetts?

Access to arrest records in Massachusetts varies based on the requestor's identity and purpose. The CORI law establishes different levels of access:

General Public Access
- Anyone can request "Open Access CORI" which includes:
  - Convictions for misdemeanors within the past 3 years
  - Convictions for felonies within the past 7 years
  - Any conviction for a sex offense so long as the offender is required to register
  - Any pending criminal charge
Standard Access
- Available to employers, landlords, and volunteer organizations
- Includes all available conviction data and pending cases
- Requires subject's authorization
Required Access
- Available to organizations required by law to obtain CORI
- Includes schools, camps, long-term care facilities
- May include sealed records depending on statutory requirements
Enhanced Access
- Available to criminal justice agencies
- Includes all criminal history information including sealed records
- No subject authorization required
Self-Access
- Individuals can always access their own CORI records
- Includes all personal record information including sealed records

The CORI Reform Law implemented in 2012 significantly changed who can access criminal records and what information they can see, with the goal of reducing barriers to employment and housing for individuals with criminal histories.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Massachusetts?

Yes, Massachusetts charges fees for accessing arrest records and criminal history information. As of 2025, the fee structure is as follows:

CORI Request Fees:

Standard CORI request: $25
Self-request (personal record): $25
Open Access CORI request: $25
Required CORI checks (schools, camps, etc.): $25
Enhanced CORI (criminal justice agencies): No fee

Police Department Record Request Fees:

Administrative fees vary by department, typically $5-$25
Copy fees (typically $0.05-$0.10 per page)
Certified copies may incur additional fees

Court Record Fees:

Search fee: $20-$30 depending on court
Copy fees: $1-$3 per page
Certified copies: Additional $5-$10

Fee waivers may be available for:

Individuals who demonstrate financial hardship
Certain non-profit organizations
Government agencies
Research purposes with approved protocols

Payment methods typically include:

Credit/debit cards (for online requests)
Money orders
Certified checks
Cash (for in-person requests only)

All fees are subject to change based on legislative updates or administrative policies. It's advisable to check with the specific agency before submitting a request to confirm current fee structures.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Massachusetts

Massachusetts maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of offense and case outcome. The general retention policies are:

For Non-Conviction Records:

Arrest records without charges: 5 years
Dismissed cases: 10 years
Not guilty findings: 10 years
Nolle prosequi (charges dropped): 10 years
Pretrial probation completed: 10 years

For Conviction Records:

Misdemeanor convictions: Permanent (but eligible for sealing after 3 years)
Felony convictions: Permanent (but eligible for sealing after 7 years)
Sex offenses: Permanent (with limited sealing options)
Murder, manslaughter, and certain violent felonies: Permanent (generally not eligible for sealing)

These retention periods are governed by the Massachusetts Records Conservation Board and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.

Even when records become eligible for sealing or expungement, they may still exist in various databases but with restricted access. Law enforcement agencies and certain government entities may still have access to sealed records for specific purposes authorized by law.

Digital records are subject to the same retention schedules as physical records, though technological advancements have made long-term storage more feasible, potentially extending the practical availability of these records beyond their official retention periods.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Massachusetts Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released in Massachusetts, certain information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy rights and sensitive information. The following categories of information are commonly redacted:

Personal Identifying Information:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Date of birth (may be partially redacted)
Home addresses of victims and witnesses
Phone numbers and email addresses

Sensitive Case Information:

Names and identifying information of sexual assault victims
Information about juvenile offenders (unless tried as adults)
Information about abuse victims
Mental health evaluations and records
Substance abuse treatment information
Medical information protected under HIPAA

Law Enforcement Sensitive Information:

Names of confidential informants
Undercover officer identities
Ongoing investigation details
Intelligence gathering methods
Information that could compromise officer safety

Other Protected Information:

Grand jury proceedings
Sealed or expunged record information
Information protected by court order
Attorney-client privileged communications
Information about CORI-sealed records

The redaction of information is governed by various laws including the Massachusetts Public Records Law, CORI statute, and federal laws such as HIPAA.

Government agencies use different methods for redaction, including blacking out information on physical documents, using electronic redaction tools for digital records, or creating summary documents that exclude protected information.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law provides several pathways for sealing or expunging arrest records:

Sealing Records:

Administrative Sealing (Time-Based)
- Misdemeanor convictions: Eligible after 3 years
- Felony convictions: Eligible after 7 years
- Process: Submit a petition to seal to the Commissioner of Probation
Discretionary Sealing (Court-Based)
- For non-conviction records (dismissals, not guilty findings)
- Eligible immediately after case conclusion
- Process: File a petition with the court where the case was heard
Juvenile Record Sealing
- Available for juvenile records after 3 years from case conclusion
- Process: Submit application to the Commissioner of Probation

Expungement:

The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 created Massachusetts' first expungement process, allowing for complete destruction of certain records:

Youth Expungement
- For offenses committed before age 21
- Must wait until age 18 and at least 3 years after case conclusion
- Limited to specific eligible offenses
General Expungement
- For cases resulting from:
  - Identity fraud/mistaken identity
  - Errors by law enforcement, witnesses, or court employees
  - Offenses that are no longer crimes (e.g., marijuana possession)

To begin the sealing or expungement process:

Obtain a copy of your CORI report through iCORI
Complete the appropriate petition form from the Massachusetts Courts website
File the petition with the Commissioner of Probation or appropriate court
Attend any required hearings
Receive written notification of the decision

Legal assistance is recommended but not required. Free legal help may be available through Greater Boston Legal Services or Massachusetts Legal Aid.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has established significant limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts:

Employment Restrictions:

Employers cannot ask about arrests that did not result in convictions
The Ban the Box law prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications
Employers cannot ask about sealed or expunged records
Employers must provide copies of CORI if making adverse decisions based on it
Records older than the CORI look-back periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies) cannot be considered

Housing Restrictions:

Housing providers must have written CORI policies
Applicants must be notified if denied housing based on CORI
Housing providers must provide copies of CORI if making adverse decisions
Sealed and expunged records cannot be considered

Licensing Restrictions:

Professional licensing boards have specific guidelines for considering criminal records
Many boards are prohibited from denying licenses based solely on CORI
Boards must consider:
- Time elapsed since offense
- Relationship between offense and licensed activity
- Evidence of rehabilitation

Anti-Discrimination Protections:

The Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits discrimination based on criminal records unless there is a direct relationship to the position
Blanket policies against hiring anyone with a criminal record are illegal
Individualized assessments are required

Penalties for Misuse:

Unauthorized access or dissemination of CORI: Up to $5,000 fine and/or 1 year imprisonment
Civil penalties for discrimination based on criminal records
Administrative sanctions for licensed professionals who misuse records

These limitations are designed to balance public safety with fair opportunities for individuals with criminal histories to reintegrate into society through employment, housing, and professional advancement.

Lookup Arrest Records in Massachusetts

State Repository for Criminal History Records:

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS)
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4600
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services

State Police:

Massachusetts State Police Headquarters
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 820-2300
Massachusetts State Police

State Department of Corrections:

Massachusetts Department of Correction
50 Maple Street, Suite 3
Milford, MA 01757
Phone: (508) 422-3300
Massachusetts Department of Correction

State Court System:

Massachusetts Trial Court
1 Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 742-8575
Massachusetts Trial Court

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
1 Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 557-1000
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Massachusetts Appeals Court
John Adams Courthouse
1 Pemberton Square, Suite 1200
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 725-8106
Massachusetts Appeals Court

Attorney General's Office:

Massachusetts Attorney General's Office
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-2200
Massachusetts Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department
20 Bradston Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 635-1000
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department
Middlesex Sheriff's Office
400 Mystic Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
Phone: (781) 960-2800
Middlesex Sheriff's Office
Essex County Sheriff's Department
20 Manning Avenue
Middleton, MA 01949
Phone: (978) 750-1900
Essex County Sheriff's Department
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
5 Paul X. Tivnan Drive
West Boylston, MA 01583
Phone: (508) 854-1800
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Norfolk County Sheriff's Office
200 West Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 329-3705
Norfolk County Sheriff's Office
Plymouth County Sheriff's Department
24 Long Pond Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-6200
Plymouth County Sheriff's Department
Bristol County Sheriff's Office
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 995-6400
Bristol County Sheriff's Office
Barnstable County Sheriff's Office
6000 Sheriff's Place
Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 563-4300
Barnstable County Sheriff's Office
Hampden County Sheriff's Department
627 Randall Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Phone: (413) 547-8000
Hampden County Sheriff's Department
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
160 Rocky Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01061
Phone: (413) 584-5911
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments:

Boston Police Department
1 Schroeder Plaza
Boston, MA 02120
Phone: (617) 343-4500
Boston Police Department
Worcester Police Department
9-11 Lincoln Square
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-8600
Worcester Police Department
Springfield Police Department
130 Pearl Street
Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: (413) 787-6310
Springfield Police Department
Cambridge Police Department
125 Sixth Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: (617) 349-3300
Cambridge Police Department
Lowell Police Department
50 Arcand Drive
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 937-3200
Lowell Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Massachusetts:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Boston Field Office
201 Maple Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (857) 386-2000
FBI Boston

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Massachusetts
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way, Suite 1-200
Boston, MA 02210
Phone: (617) 748-2500
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Massachusetts

Federal Bureau of Prisons - Northeast Regional Office
U.S. Custom House
200 Chestnut Street, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 521-7301
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court - District of Massachusetts
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way
Boston, MA 02210
Phone: (617) 748-9152
U.S. District Court - District of Massachusetts