Norfolk County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Norfolk County
Arrest records in Norfolk County, Massachusetts are generally considered public records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10. This statute establishes that all records created or maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement agencies, are presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Massachusetts law. Arrest records document the initial apprehension and charging of an individual, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, § 172, criminal record information, including both arrest and conviction data, is subject to specific regulations regarding dissemination.
The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) maintains the state's criminal records database and establishes policies for access to these records. While arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted under exemptions to the Public Records Law.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office and local police departments within Norfolk County adhere to these state regulations when processing requests for arrest records.
What's in Norfolk County Arrest Records
Norfolk County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks or tattoos
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Massachusetts General Laws citation for each offense
- Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Reason for warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Case number
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Property inventory taken during booking
- Medical screening information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly between different law enforcement agencies within Norfolk County, but all adhere to the standards established by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services and state law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Norfolk County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Norfolk County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:
- Submit a written request to the arresting agency. Individuals may submit a formal public records request to the specific police department that made the arrest. For example:
Norfolk Police Department
14 Sharon Ave
Norfolk, MA 02056
(508) 528-3206
Norfolk Police Department
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Complete the appropriate request form. Many Norfolk County police departments provide standardized public records request forms on their websites or at their facilities. These forms typically require:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being requested
- Date range of the search
- Purpose of the request (though this is not legally required)
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Provide sufficient identifying information. To locate specific arrest records, requestors should provide:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case or incident number (if known)
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Pay applicable fees. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10(d), agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and searching records. Current fee structures typically include:
- $0.05-$0.10 per page for photocopies
- $0.50 per page for computer printouts
- Actual cost for providing records in electronic format
- Reasonable hourly fee for search time exceeding two hours
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Await response. Under Massachusetts law, agencies must respond to public records requests within 10 business days. The response will either provide the requested records, deny the request with specific legal exemptions cited, or request an extension if additional time is needed.
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Appeal denials if necessary. If a request is denied, individuals may appeal to the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records within 90 days of the denial.
For arrest records related to court proceedings, individuals may also contact:
Norfolk County Superior Court
650 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-1600
Massachusetts Court System
How To Find Norfolk County Arrest Records Online
Norfolk County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information through official online resources. The following digital platforms currently provide varying levels of arrest record access:
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Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access. The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains an electronic case lookup system that provides basic information about criminal cases, including those originating from arrests in Norfolk County. Users can search by name to locate case information, hearing dates, and case outcomes.
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Norfolk County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup. The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search function that allows users to verify if an individual is currently in custody following an arrest. This resource includes basic booking information and charges.
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Local Police Department Websites. Several Norfolk County police departments maintain online arrest logs or police blotters that document recent arrest activity. These typically include:
- Name of arrested individual
- Age and town of residence
- Charges filed
- Date of arrest
- Brief incident description
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Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). The Department of Criminal Justice Information Services operates the iCORI system, which allows authorized users to request criminal record information online. This system requires registration and payment of fees, and access levels vary based on user authorization.
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Court Calendar Information. The Massachusetts Court System publishes daily court calendars online that may include information about arraignments following arrests.
When utilizing online resources, users should note that:
- Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from law enforcement agencies
- Some online systems may have a delay in updating arrest information
- Certain sensitive cases may be excluded from online access
- Registration and/or fees may be required for comprehensive searches
How To Search Norfolk County Arrest Records for Free?
Norfolk County residents seeking no-cost access to arrest records have several options available under current Massachusetts public information laws. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to arrest record information:
- In-person inspection at law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10(a), members of the public have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours. Individuals may visit the records division of the relevant police department to review arrest records without charge. For example:
Dedham Police Department
600 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-1212
Town of Dedham
- Public access terminals at courthouses. Norfolk County courthouses provide public access computers where individuals may search court records related to arrests at no cost. These terminals are available during normal court business hours at locations such as:
Norfolk County District Court - Quincy
1 Dennis F. Ryan Parkway
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 376-5400
Massachusetts Court System
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Public police logs. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, § 98F, police departments are required to maintain daily logs of arrests that are available for public inspection without charge. These logs typically include:
- Name and address of arrested persons
- Offense charged
- Date and time of arrest
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Local newspaper police blotters. Many local newspapers serving Norfolk County communities publish police blotter information obtained from public police logs. These publications often maintain free online archives of this information.
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Public library resources. Norfolk County public libraries often provide free access to online resources and newspaper archives that may contain arrest information. Library staff can assist with navigating these resources.
While these methods provide free access to basic arrest record information, users should be aware that:
- More detailed records may require payment of copying fees
- Some information may be redacted from public versions of records
- Records related to ongoing investigations may have limited availability
- Juvenile arrest records are generally not publicly accessible
How To Delete Arrest Records in Norfolk County
Norfolk County residents with arrest records have specific legal remedies available for limiting public access to these records through sealing or expungement processes. The distinction between these two remedies is significant:
Record Sealing: Restricts public access to records but does not destroy them. Sealed records remain available to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Record Expungement: Completely removes and destroys records from court and law enforcement databases.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A, individuals may petition to seal criminal records under the following circumstances:
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Misdemeanor convictions: May be sealed after a 3-year waiting period following case disposition, including completion of any incarceration or supervision.
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Felony convictions: May be sealed after a 7-year waiting period following case disposition, including completion of any incarceration or supervision.
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Non-conviction records: Cases resulting in not guilty verdicts, dismissals, or nolle prosequi may be sealed after a 30-day waiting period under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100C.
For expungement, Massachusetts enacted Chapter 276, § 100E-100U in 2018, which allows for expungement in limited circumstances:
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Juvenile records: For offenses committed before age 21 where the offense is no longer a crime.
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Identity fraud: When someone's identity was used fraudulently by another person resulting in a criminal record.
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Specific offenses: A limited list of offenses eligible for expungement after a waiting period.
The process for sealing or expunging records in Norfolk County requires:
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Obtaining a certified copy of the criminal record from the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
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Filing a petition with the appropriate court:
Norfolk County Superior Court
650 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-1600
Massachusetts Court System
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Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court.
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If approved, ensuring the order is properly implemented by all relevant agencies.
Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records may benefit from legal assistance through the Committee for Public Counsel Services or local legal aid organizations.
What Happens After Arrest in Norfolk County?
Following an arrest in Norfolk County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by Massachusetts state law. This process typically proceeds through the following sequential stages:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the police station, arrestees undergo the booking process, which includes:
- Recording personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
- Medical screening
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Bail Determination: Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 58, a bail commissioner or clerk magistrate determines whether the arrestee may be released pending court appearance. Factors considered include:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Potential penalty
- Family ties and community connections
- Criminal record
- Risk of flight
- Public safety considerations
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Arraignment: The first court appearance typically occurs within 24-48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). During arraignment:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Plea is entered (typically not guilty at this stage)
- Counsel is appointed if the defendant qualifies
- Bail is reviewed by a judge
- Pretrial conditions may be imposed
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Pretrial Proceedings: Following arraignment, several pretrial events occur:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial conferences to discuss case status
- Motion hearings to address legal issues
- Plea negotiations between defense counsel and prosecutors
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Case Disposition: Cases may be resolved through:
- Dismissal of charges
- Pretrial diversion programs
- Plea agreements
- Trial by judge or jury
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing options in Norfolk County include:
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Incarceration in the Norfolk County House of Correction or state prison
- Alternative sanctions such as community service or treatment programs
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Post-Conviction Proceedings: Following conviction, individuals may pursue:
- Direct appeals challenging legal errors
- Motions for new trial based on newly discovered evidence
- Post-conviction relief through habeas corpus petitions
Throughout this process, cases are handled by the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, which prosecutes criminal cases, and the Committee for Public Counsel Services, which provides defense representation for qualifying individuals.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Norfolk County?
Arrest records in Norfolk County are subject to retention requirements established by the Massachusetts Statewide Records Retention Schedule and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 8. These regulations mandate specific timeframes for maintaining law enforcement records, including arrest documentation.
The current retention requirements for arrest records in Norfolk County include:
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Arrest Logs and Blotters: Permanent retention required. These chronological records of all arrests must be maintained indefinitely by the arresting agency.
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Arrest Reports and Supporting Documentation: Minimum 10-year retention period from the date of arrest. For serious felonies, these records may be retained for 25 years or longer.
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Booking Photographs and Fingerprints: Maintained for the duration of the individual's lifetime in the state's criminal history database, managed by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
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Court Records Related to Arrests: Court case files are typically retained for 10-20 years after case disposition, depending on the severity of the charge and case outcome.
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Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, § 60A, with more limited retention periods and restricted access.
Different agencies within Norfolk County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- Police departments maintain original arrest reports and booking information
- The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution files
- The courts maintain case files and disposition information
- The Sheriff's Office maintains custody and booking records
These retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Historical documentation and accountability
Even after physical records reach their retention limit, digital information about arrests may remain in law enforcement databases indefinitely unless specifically expunged through court order.
How to Find Mugshots in Norfolk County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Norfolk County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record. The following information pertains to mugshot access in Norfolk County:
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. These typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) photograph
- Side-profile (lateral) photograph
- Identifying information board or number
- Date of booking
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Norfolk County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting police department's records division
- The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office for individuals booked into county custody
- The Massachusetts State Police for arrests made by state officers
- The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services in centralized databases
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Norfolk County may:
- Submit a formal public records request to the arresting agency under the Massachusetts Public Records Law
- Request booking photographs as part of a complete arrest record request
- Specify the mugshot portion of the record in the request
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Norfolk County law enforcement agencies generally do not publish mugshots online as a matter of routine practice. Limited exceptions may include:
- High-profile cases where images are released to media
- Wanted persons bulletins
- Missing persons notices
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public records may publish these images, but these sites are not officially affiliated with Norfolk County agencies.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To request mugshots through official channels, individuals should:
- Contact the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Complete a standard public records request form
- Provide identifying information about the subject and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Norfolk County is subject to certain limitations under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, § 7(26), which establishes exemptions to public records disclosure. Restrictions may apply to:
- Juvenile mugshots (generally not public)
- Ongoing investigation photographs
- Images where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Photographs related to certain sensitive crimes
Individuals seeking their own mugshots for personal purposes may have greater access rights than third-party requestors under privacy provisions.