Hampshire County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hampshire County
Arrest records in Hampshire County, Massachusetts are generally considered public records pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c. 66, § 10. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law defines public records broadly to include all documentary materials made or received by any officer or employee of the Commonwealth, regardless of physical form or characteristics. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. These records may be created even if charges are later dropped or the individual is found not guilty.
- Conviction Records: Document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process.
According to the Massachusetts State Police CORI Unit, certain exemptions may apply to arrest records under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), particularly when disclosure would:
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings
- Reveal the identity of confidential sources
- Disclose law enforcement techniques or procedures
The Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, governed by M.G.L. c. 6, § 172, further regulates access to criminal history information in Massachusetts, including Hampshire County. This system establishes different levels of access depending on the requester's status and purpose.
What's in Hampshire County Arrest Records
Hampshire County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Bond conditions
- Payment status
- Release eligibility
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
- Prosecutor information
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if in custody)
- Release date (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Hampshire County and the circumstances of the arrest, as outlined in the Massachusetts Statewide Records Retention Schedule.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hampshire County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Hampshire County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Contact the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office directly:
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
205 Rocky Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-5911
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
Requesters may submit a written public records request in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), by mail, or via email. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within 10 business days.
- Contact the specific municipal police department where the arrest occurred:
Northampton Police Department
29 Center Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1100
Northampton Police Department
Amherst Police Department
111 Main Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 259-3000
Amherst Police Department
- Submit a request to the Massachusetts State Police for arrests made by state troopers:
Massachusetts State Police Headquarters
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-2300
Massachusetts State Police
- Request Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) through the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services:
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 660-4600
Massachusetts CORI Services
When submitting requests, individuals should provide:
- Full name of the person whose records are sought
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requester's contact information
- Purpose of the request
Fees may apply for record searches and copies pursuant to 950 CMR 32.07, with standard charges of $0.05 per page for photocopies and a prorated hourly rate for search time exceeding two hours.
How To Find Hampshire County Arrest Records Online
Hampshire County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information through various online platforms maintained by government agencies. The following digital resources are currently available:
-
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. This database includes basic arrest information and custody status. Users can search by name or booking number at the Hampshire County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup Portal.
-
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access The Massachusetts Trial Court offers electronic access to court records through its MassCourts Public Internet Portal. This system allows users to search for criminal cases by name or case number, providing information about charges, court dates, and case disposition. Cases originating from arrests in Hampshire County are included in this database.
-
Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) System The Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) maintains the iCORI system, which provides authorized users with access to criminal history information. Registration is required, and different levels of access are granted based on user status pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 172. The iCORI portal allows for online criminal record checks.
-
Municipal Police Department Websites Some Hampshire County police departments publish arrest logs or police blotters on their official websites. These typically include recent arrest information but may not provide comprehensive details. For example, the Northampton Police Department and Amherst Police Department websites may contain this information.
When using online resources, users should note that:
- Information may be limited compared to official record requests
- Some systems require registration or payment
- Not all arrest records are available online
- Records may be subject to redaction pursuant to privacy laws
- Online systems may experience technical limitations or delays in updates
For the most comprehensive and current arrest record information, direct contact with the relevant law enforcement agency is recommended, as online systems may not contain complete records.
How To Search Hampshire County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Hampshire County arrest records without incurring fees, though some limitations may apply. The following methods are currently available for free arrest record searches:
- Visit Law Enforcement Agencies in Person Individuals may inspect public arrest records at no cost by visiting the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency during regular business hours. While inspection is free, copying fees may apply if printed records are requested.
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
205 Rocky Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Public Records Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(413) 584-5911
-
Review Police Logs and Blotters Many Hampshire County police departments maintain public logs of arrests that can be viewed at the station at no charge. These logs typically include basic information about recent arrests. Additionally, some departments publish these logs in local newspapers or on their websites.
-
Utilize Court Public Access Terminals The Hampshire County Superior Court and District Courts provide public access computer terminals where visitors can search court records related to arrests at no cost.
Hampshire County Superior Court
15 Gothic Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Public Access Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(413) 584-5810
Northampton District Court
15 Gothic Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Public Access Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(413) 584-7400
-
Access Online Public Resources Several free online resources provide limited arrest information:
- The Massachusetts Trial Court Public Case Search allows free searches of criminal cases
- Local newspaper websites often publish police logs and arrest reports
- The Hampshire County Sheriff's Office website provides basic inmate information
-
Submit a Public Records Request Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, the first two hours of search time for public records are provided at no cost. If a request is sufficiently specific and can be fulfilled within this timeframe, no fees will be assessed. Requests can be submitted in writing to the records custodian of the relevant agency.
It is important to note that while these free options exist, they may provide less comprehensive information than formal record requests. Additionally, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(d), agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies and search time beyond two hours, even when records are otherwise publicly accessible.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Hampshire County
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including Hampshire County, provides several legal mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes fall into two distinct categories:
Record Sealing restricts public access to criminal records but does not physically destroy them. Law enforcement and certain authorized entities may still access sealed records under limited circumstances. In Hampshire County, records may be sealed through:
-
Administrative Sealing pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A:
- Non-conviction records may be sealed after waiting periods of 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies
- Individuals must have no subsequent criminal convictions during the waiting period
- Application is made through the Commissioner of Probation using the Petition to Seal form
-
Court-Ordered Sealing pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100C:
- Available for cases resulting in not guilty findings, dismissals, or nolle prosequi
- Requires filing a petition with the court where the case was heard
- Judge must find "substantial justice would be served" by sealing
Expungement is the complete destruction of records, making them inaccessible to all parties. This option became available in Massachusetts through the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018, codified in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U. Expungement in Hampshire County is limited to:
- Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of identity
- Offenses committed before age 21 (limited to one felony and three misdemeanors)
- Decriminalized offenses (primarily marijuana possession under 2 ounces)
- Cases resulting from errors by law enforcement, witnesses, or court employees
To pursue expungement, individuals must:
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Commissioner of Probation
- Submit the petition to the court where the case was heard
- Attend a hearing where a judge will determine if expungement is "in the best interests of justice"
Hampshire County Superior Court
15 Gothic Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-5810
Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records are advised to consult with an attorney, as these processes involve complex legal standards. The Massachusetts Probation Service provides forms and guidance for both sealing and expungement procedures.
What Happens After Arrest in Hampshire County?
Following an arrest in Hampshire County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Massachusetts state law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
-
Booking Procedure Upon arrival at the police station or Hampshire County Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Recording personal information
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Cell assignment (if detention is required)
-
Bail Determination Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 58, most arrestees are eligible for bail consideration:
- A bail commissioner or clerk-magistrate reviews the case
- Bail amount is set based on flight risk and public safety considerations
- Arrestees may be released on personal recognizance or by posting bail
- Some serious offenses may result in detention pending a dangerousness hearing
-
Arraignment The first court appearance typically occurs in Hampshire District Court within 24-48 hours of arrest:
- Formal charges are read
- Defendant enters an initial plea
- Bail is reviewed by a judge
- Counsel is appointed if the defendant qualifies for public representation
- Pretrial conditions may be imposed
Hampshire District Court
15 Gothic Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-7400
-
Pretrial Proceedings Several hearings may occur before trial:
- Pretrial conference to discuss potential resolution
- Discovery motions to obtain evidence
- Suppression hearings to challenge evidence
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
- Final pretrial conference to prepare for trial
-
Case Disposition Options Cases may be resolved through various mechanisms:
- Dismissal by prosecutor or judge
- Diversion to treatment programs under M.G.L. c. 276A
- Plea agreement
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial
-
Sentencing If convicted, sentencing options include:
- Probation with conditions
- Fines and restitution
- Incarceration in Hampshire County Jail (sentences up to 2.5 years)
- State prison for felony convictions
- Alternative sentences (community service, electronic monitoring)
-
Post-Conviction Proceedings Following conviction, defendants may pursue:
- Direct appeal to Massachusetts Appeals Court
- Motion for new trial
- Post-conviction relief
- Parole consideration after serving required minimum sentence
Throughout this process, the Hampshire County District Attorney's Office prosecutes cases while the Committee for Public Counsel Services or private attorneys provide defense representation.
Hampshire County District Attorney's Office
One Court Square
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-9225
The timeframe for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court caseloads, and whether the defendant is in custody or released pending trial.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hampshire County?
Arrest records in Hampshire County are subject to retention requirements established by the Massachusetts Statewide Records Retention Schedule and relevant state laws. These requirements ensure proper documentation of law enforcement activities while balancing public access and individual privacy concerns.
According to the Massachusetts Municipal Records Retention Schedule, administered by the Massachusetts Archives under authority of M.G.L. c. 66, § 8, law enforcement agencies in Hampshire County must maintain arrest records for the following periods:
- Arrest Logs and Daily Police Journals: Permanent retention
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Minimum of 10 years
- Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: 10 years after final release from custody, supervision, or court jurisdiction
- Investigation Reports Leading to Arrest: Permanent retention for serious crimes; 10 years for minor offenses
- Incident Reports Not Resulting in Arrest: 5-10 years depending on offense severity
The Massachusetts State Police, which may make arrests in Hampshire County, follows the State Police Records Retention Schedule, requiring:
- Criminal History Information: Permanent retention
- Arrest and Booking Records: 20 years minimum
- Investigation Files: 25 years to permanent, depending on case type
Different agencies within Hampshire County may maintain separate records systems with varying retention periods:
-
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and custody records for a minimum of 7 years after release from custody, with some records kept permanently for historical and statistical purposes.
-
Municipal Police Departments in Hampshire County towns follow the municipal retention schedule but may have department-specific policies requiring longer retention.
-
Court Records related to arrests are maintained by the Massachusetts Trial Court system according to Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:11, which generally requires:
- Misdemeanor case records: 10 years after case closure
- Felony case records: 20 years to permanent, depending on offense severity
It is important to note that even after physical or electronic records are destroyed pursuant to retention schedules, summary information may be maintained indefinitely in databases such as the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) system. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged follow different retention guidelines as specified in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A-100U.
How to Find Mugshots in Hampshire County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Hampshire County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken under standardized conditions. These photographs are created primarily for law enforcement identification purposes and become part of the official arrest record maintained by the arresting agency.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Hampshire County, mugshots are maintained by:
- The arresting law enforcement agency - municipal police departments or Massachusetts State Police
- Hampshire County Sheriff's Office for individuals booked into county custody
- Massachusetts Department of Correction for individuals transferred to state facilities
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Hampshire County must generally submit a formal public records request to the agency holding the records. The primary methods include:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate law enforcement agency:
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office
205 Rocky Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-5911
- Contact the municipal police department that made the arrest:
Northampton Police Department
29 Center Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1100
- Request through the Massachusetts State Police for state trooper arrests:
Massachusetts State Police Records Unit
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-2300
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Hampshire County law enforcement agencies generally do not publish mugshots online as a matter of routine practice. The Massachusetts Public Records Law does not require proactive publication of mugshots, and most agencies in the Commonwealth have policies against posting booking photographs on their websites or social media accounts.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To request a mugshot through official channels, individuals should:
- Identify the agency holding the record
- Submit a written request citing the Massachusetts Public Records Law
- Provide specific identifying information (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Pay any applicable fees (typically $0.05 per page for photocopies)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Hampshire County is subject to several important limitations:
-
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26)(c), agencies may withhold mugshots if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
-
Mugshots associated with sealed or expunged records are not publicly accessible.
-
Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not public records under Massachusetts law.
-
Law enforcement agencies may withhold mugshots related to ongoing investigations.
-
The Massachusetts CORI Reform Law places additional restrictions on the dissemination of criminal record information, including photographs.
When requesting mugshots, individuals should be prepared to explain their purpose for seeking the records, as this may factor into the agency's determination regarding disclosure.