Learn How to Find, Access and Understand Massachusetts Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained in Massachusetts are a part of the criminal records maintained in the state. Criminal records are maintained in all the states of the country and Massachusetts is no exception. According to the recent statistics available, about 22,846 arrests have been recorded in Massachusetts out of which 62 arrests have been for murders, 231 arrests for robberies, 310 for burglaries, 731 for vehicle thefts, 243 for unruly driving, 895 for vandalism and a shocking 4,835 for drug violations. There have also been about 42 arrests for rape, 121 arrests for assault and 134 for sex offenses. Apart from these, there have been arrests for violations of liquor laws, improper conduct, possession of weapons without licenses, etc.

Where to Find Massachusetts Arrest Records

The Massachusetts History Systems Board, created in 1972 as per the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Act, maintains the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). The office address and contact information is given below:

Criminal Offender Record Information Services
200 Arlington Street
2nd Floor, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 2150
Main Phone: (617) 660-4600
Fax: (617) 660-4613
TTY: (617) 660-4606

If you want to arrest records reports you are to contact the above mentioned offices. If you have any questions you can email them at CORI.info@state.ma.us.

The official website of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has all the relevant details of the Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB). This site can be of immense help to you if you are thinking of requesting an arrest record check. You can visit the site at http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsagencylanding&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Public+Safety+Agencies&L2=Criminal+History+Systems+Board+%28CHSB%29&sid=Eeops.

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Things to Remember When Requesting Arrest Records

The following points may be of use to you when you start processing your request for a CORI certification:

1.    You must submit your application through the Online Certification Application Program. Applications by mail or fax have not been accepted since Sept. 2, 2008.

2.    You may apply to renew or expand your certification using your existing user code and password. In case you do not have them, call 617-660-4640 for assistance.

3.    All information must be provided correctly to receive a report accurately and on time.

Fees and Information Associated with Arrest Records

You will be charged a fee of $30 for a background check. Your requests may take 4 to 10 days to get processed, depending on whether you submit an online request, paper request or one in person. You must also know how to view a record and http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Crime+Prevention+%26+Personal+Safety&L2=Background+Check&L3=Criminal+Offender+Record+Information+%28CORI%29&L4=How+to+Read+a+Criminal+Record&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=chsb_cori_bop_sample&csid=Eeops has a sample record that will help you understand its format.

Results of an Arrest Record Search

The appearance of an individual’s name on the Massachusetts arrest record does not always imply that he is a criminal. You will know if the individual was convicted for felony or misdemeanor, or simply arrested and acquitted. Felonies are crimes for which the criminal may have to go to jail for a year. Misdemeanors on the other hand are less severe crimes for which the punishments are paying a fine or serving a sentence for less than a year.

For county-specific arrest information, you can visit the clerk’s office of the county. The locations and contacts of a few counties are given below:

Bristol County
Bristol County Clerk
11 Court St.
P.O. Box 567
Taunton, MA 02780-3223
Telephone: (508) 824-4004

Hampshire County
Hampshire County Clerk
33 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060-3236
Telephone: (413) 584-8500

Middlesex County
Middlesex County Registrar of Probate
P.O. Box 410480
208 Cambridge St
Cambridge, MA 02141
Telephone: (617) 768-5850

Worcester County
Worcester County Probate Court Clerk
2 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608-1116
Telephone: (508) 770-0825

Franklin County
Franklin County Clerk
425 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301-3313
Telephone: (413) 774-7011

Records of Massachusetts arrests contain all information regarding the number of times an individual was arrested and the crimes he was charged with each time. This way, you can also learn about repeat offenders in addition to performing a check on suspected criminals in order to ensure your family's safety.