Suffolk County Public Records / Suffolk County Arrest Records

Suffolk County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Suffolk County in 2026

SuffolkMARecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, charge details, bond information, and associated court case numbers. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Suffolk County Sheriff's Department maintains custody and booking information for individuals held at the Suffolk County House of Correction. The Suffolk County Sheriff's Department provides inmate lookup functionality through its official website. Available information includes booking date, charges, custody status, and scheduled release dates. The inmate roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The Boston Police Department, which serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Suffolk County, publishes arrest-related press releases and incident reports through its official newsroom. Additional municipalities within Suffolk County — including Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop — maintain their own police departments with separate records divisions. Press releases containing arrest information are published as matters of public record.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Massachusetts Trial Court provides a statewide case search tool through the Massachusetts Court System's public portal. Members of the public may search by name to locate criminal cases associated with an arrest. Court case records include docket entries, charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) report through the iCORI online system. Standard CORI requests are available to the public for a fee of $25.00 per subject. The iCORI system includes conviction records, pending charges, and, in some cases, arrest information depending on the requester's access level.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department
20 Bradston Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 635-1000
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

Records division hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Requesters should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the booking number or full legal name of the subject. Copy fees apply per page.

Police Departments:

Boston Police Department Headquarters
1 Schroeder Plaza
Boston, MA 02120
Phone: (617) 343-4633
Boston Police Department

Chelsea Police Department
19 Park Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 466-4800
Chelsea Police Department

Revere Police Department
400 Broadway
Revere, MA 02151
Phone: (781) 284-1212
Revere Police Department

Clerk of Court:

Suffolk County Superior Court Clerk's Office
Three Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 788-8175
Suffolk County Superior Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Criminal case files are available for inspection. Copy fees are assessed at $0.05 per page for standard copies and $2.50 per page for certified copies.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department Records Division at 20 Bradston Street, Boston, MA 02118. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

The Suffolk County Sheriff's Department may be reached at (617) 635-1000 for general inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requesters are directed to submit written requests or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery processes in criminal cases provide access to arrest-related documentation through the court system.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Suffolk County

Arrest records in Suffolk County are public records under Massachusetts law. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, § 7, clause 26, public records include documents made or received by a government agency in connection with the transaction of public business. Arrest records fall within this definition and are accessible to members of the public absent a specific statutory exemption.

The public nature of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Massachusetts law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Witness protection participants are excluded from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Massachusetts Declaration of Rights and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution support public access to government records, including arrest information. Courts have recognized that the public's interest in government transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Massachusetts has enacted "ban the box" legislation under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B, which restricts employers from inquiring about certain criminal history information during the initial application process. An arrest without a resulting conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in many circumstances.

What's in Suffolk County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public releases

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Massachusetts General Laws statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications
Felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected but are not typically included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Suffolk County?

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Suffolk County varies by agency and record type. Under Massachusetts public records law, agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees for the production of records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard copies (paper)	$0.05 per page
Certified copies (Superior Court)	$2.50 per page
CORI report (iCORI system)	$25.00 per subject
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge

Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, money order, or check made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the relevant agency. Credit card payment is available through the iCORI online system.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion and applicable law. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only to copies produced by the agency.

Online access to court case information through the Massachusetts Trial Court public portal is available at no charge for basic case searches.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Suffolk County

Massachusetts law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. These are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.

Expungement under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100E through § 100U allows for the permanent destruction of certain criminal records. Expungement is available in limited circumstances, including cases involving a demonstrable error in the record, cases where the person was a minor at the time of the offense and meets specific criteria, and cases involving certain first-time offenses after a waiting period.

Sealing under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A restricts public access to records of arrests that did not result in conviction, as well as certain conviction records after applicable waiting periods. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public or most employers but remain available to law enforcement agencies.

Eligibility for Sealing:

Arrests with no conviction: Eligible immediately in many cases
Misdemeanor convictions: Eligible after a three-year waiting period from the date of conviction or release from incarceration
Felony convictions: Eligible after a seven-year waiting period

Steps to Seal or Expunge a Record:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record through the iCORI system to confirm what is on file
Determine eligibility based on the nature of the offense and applicable waiting periods
Complete the petition for sealing or expungement, available through the Massachusetts Trial Court
File the petition with the appropriate court — the court where the case was heard
Attend any scheduled hearing
If granted, the court issues an order directing relevant agencies to seal or destroy the record

Clerk of Court — Petitions for Sealing/Expungement:

Suffolk County Superior Court Clerk's Office
Three Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 788-8175
Suffolk County Superior Court

Boston Municipal Court Clerk's Office
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 788-8700
Boston Municipal Court

The Massachusetts Court System provides guidance on the sealing and expungement process through its official expungement information page.

What Happens After Arrest in Suffolk County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Suffolk County, the arrested individual is transported to the Suffolk County House of Correction or, for certain offenses, to a local police department holding facility pending booking.

Suffolk County House of Correction
20 Bradston Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 635-1000
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the process typically takes between one and four hours depending on volume. The booking process includes recording of personal information, photographing, fingerprinting, criminal history and outstanding warrant checks, property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Massachusetts law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 24 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays, for an initial appearance. At this hearing, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines eligibility for appointed counsel, and sets bail or bond conditions. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bail amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees. The amount is set by a judge or magistrate.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The individual is held without bail in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or immigration holds.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bail is posted, processing for release takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives a court date and written conditions of release. If bail is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned housing within the facility.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Suffolk County Public Defender (Committee for Public Counsel Services):

Committee for Public Counsel Services — Boston Office
44 Bromfield Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 482-6212
Committee for Public Counsel Services

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
One Bulfinch Place
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 619-4000
Suffolk County District Attorney's Office

Arraignment follows the charging decision. The defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, plea agreements, or trial. Massachusetts offers several diversion programs for eligible defendants, including the Pretrial Probation program and various specialty courts.

Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks depending on case type
Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to several years depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and Massachusetts Declaration of Rights

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department
20 Bradston Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 635-1000
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

Suffolk County Superior Court Clerk's Office
Three Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 788-8175
Suffolk County Superior Court

Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
One Bulfinch Place
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 619-4000
Suffolk County District Attorney's Office

Committee for Public Counsel Services — Boston Office
44 Bromfield Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 482-6212
Committee for Public Counsel Services

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for bail assistance
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Suffolk County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Suffolk County is governed by Massachusetts state law and the records retention schedules established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Supervisor of Records oversees compliance with public records retention requirements. Under Massachusetts General Laws, agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement and court records are retained for extended periods consistent with state retention schedules

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a period consistent with the applicable retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless sealed or expunged
Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains a sealing or expungement order

Acquittals:

Court records are often retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are retained per applicable schedule
Sealing may be available upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a shorter period than conviction records
May be eligible for expungement under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100E

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records including booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the applicable state retention schedule. Evidence retention varies based on case outcome.

Digital Records maintained in records management systems and court electronic databases are often retained permanently. Computer-aided dispatch records are subject to shorter retention periods.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records may not be updated following expungement or sealing
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy in consumer reporting

Retention by Agency:

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department
20 Bradston Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 635-1000
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Massachusetts records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition.

Boston Police Department
1 Schroeder Plaza
Boston, MA 02120
Phone: (617) 343-4633
Boston Police Department

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable state schedule. Retention periods may vary by offense type.

Suffolk County Superior Court Clerk's Office
Three Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 788-8175
Suffolk County Superior Court

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and lower court case files are retained per the applicable schedule. Electronic records are retained permanently in most instances.

State Repository:

The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board maintains criminal history records for all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth. The CORI system includes arrests from all reporting agencies. Retention policy is governed by state law and board regulations.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records that are accessible to law enforcement nationwide. Federal retention is typically permanent. These records are used in employment background checks, firearms purchase screenings, and law enforcement inquiries.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains a sealing or expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported on standard CORI checks available to the public.

Expungement: Physical records are destroyed and the state repository updates its records. The FBI database may retain a notation. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies.

No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be eligible for expungement under current Massachusetts law.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Massachusetts law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions, and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination enforces state anti-discrimination provisions related to criminal history.

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Law enforcement retains access to sealed records
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to distinct retention and access rules under Massachusetts law

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Suffolk County Sheriff's Records Division at (617) 635-1000 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.