Plymouth County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Plymouth County
Arrest records in Plymouth County are considered public records under Massachusetts law. Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Chapter 66, Section 10, government records, including arrest records, are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The law establishes that members of the public have the right to access and inspect government records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities within Plymouth County.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. This record exists regardless of whether the individual was subsequently charged, prosecuted, or convicted. In contrast, a conviction record indicates that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, § 172, certain criminal record information is subject to specific access restrictions. While basic arrest information is generally public, detailed Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) may have limited accessibility depending on the requestor's status and the nature of the information.
The Massachusetts State Police and local law enforcement agencies in Plymouth County maintain policies governing the release of arrest records in accordance with state law. These policies typically allow for the release of basic arrest information while protecting certain sensitive details that may be exempt from disclosure.
What's in Plymouth County Arrest Records
Plymouth County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying numbers (state ID or driver's license)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Charge severity (felony or misdemeanor)
- Charge descriptions
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Warrant type
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Whether bond was posted
- Release conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case number
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Incident reports
- Witness statements
- Officer narratives
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Plymouth County and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy protections under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, § 7(26).
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Plymouth County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Plymouth County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods for accessing arrest records include:
- Submit a public records request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests may be directed to:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Department
24 Long Pond Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 830-6200
Plymouth County Sheriff's Department
Plymouth Police Department
20 Long Pond Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 830-4218
Plymouth Police Department
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Complete the standard public records request form available through the Plymouth County Public Records Request portal. Pursuant to Massachusetts law, agencies must respond to requests within 10 business days.
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Visit the Records Division of the relevant police department during public counter hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) to submit a request in person. Proper identification is required.
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Contact the Plymouth District Court for arrest records related to specific court cases:
Plymouth District Court
52 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 747-8400
Plymouth District Court
- For statewide criminal history information, submit a CORI request through the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS):
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 660-4600
Massachusetts DCJIS
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient information to identify the specific record sought, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services as permitted under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10(a).
How To Find Plymouth County Arrest Records Online
Plymouth County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following methods are currently available for electronic access:
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The Plymouth County Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator allows users to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released. This database is updated regularly and provides basic custody information.
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The Massachusetts Trial Court's Public Case Access portal enables searches for criminal case information, including cases stemming from arrests in Plymouth County. Users can search by name or case number.
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The Plymouth Police Department Records Division maintains an online portal for submitting public records requests electronically. Through this system, users can request specific arrest records and receive digital copies when available.
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The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system provides authorized users with access to statewide criminal history information, including arrest data. Registration and identity verification are required for CORI access.
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The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office website contains information about significant cases and arrests, though it does not maintain a comprehensive searchable database of all arrests.
When conducting online searches, users should provide accurate identifying information to ensure relevant results. Many online systems require registration or the payment of fees for comprehensive record access. Users should note that the most current and complete arrest information may not be immediately available through online systems, as record processing and uploading may take time following an arrest.
How To Search Plymouth County Arrest Records for Free?
Plymouth County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several available channels:
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The Plymouth County Public Records Request system allows individuals to submit initial requests for arrest records without charge. While fees may apply for extensive searches or copying, basic information requests may be fulfilled at no cost.
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Visit the public terminals available at the Plymouth District Court during regular business hours:
Plymouth District Court
52 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 747-8400
Plymouth District Court
These terminals provide free access to basic case information, including arrest details for cases processed through the court.
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Review the Plymouth Police Department's Daily Log, which is available for public inspection at the police station. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, § 98F requires police departments to maintain daily logs of arrests and incidents that are open to public examination without charge.
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Consult local newspaper archives, which often report on arrests and criminal proceedings. The Plymouth Public Library provides free access to local newspaper archives.
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Attend public court proceedings where arrest information may be discussed. Court calendars are posted at the courthouse and sometimes available online through the Massachusetts Court System website.
When seeking free access to arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide specific information about the record sought and may need to present identification. While basic arrest information is generally available without charge, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of statutory fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Plymouth County
In Massachusetts, including Plymouth County, arrest records cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The legal processes of sealing (restricting public access) and expungement (complete removal from official records) are governed by state law and require formal court procedures.
Record Sealing:
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A, individuals may petition to seal certain criminal records after waiting periods of:
- 5 years for misdemeanor convictions
- 10 years for felony convictions
- Immediately for non-conviction records (dismissals, not guilty findings)
To seal records in Plymouth County, individuals must:
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Obtain a petition form from the Office of the Commissioner of Probation or the Plymouth District Court.
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Complete the petition with accurate case information.
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Submit the petition to:
Office of the Commissioner of Probation
1 Pemberton Square, Room 300
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-5300
Massachusetts Probation Service
Expungement:
Massachusetts enacted expanded expungement provisions through the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100E-100U, expungement may be available for:
- Records created before age 21
- Records resulting from mistaken identity or fraud
- Records of offenses that are no longer crimes
- Records meeting specific statutory criteria
To pursue expungement in Plymouth County, individuals must:
- File a petition for expungement with the court where the case was heard:
Plymouth District Court
52 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 747-8400
Plymouth District Court
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Attend a hearing where a judge will determine if expungement is appropriate.
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If granted, the court will order all records of the offense destroyed or permanently sealed.
Both sealing and expungement processes require careful adherence to statutory requirements. Individuals seeking to restrict access to arrest records are advised to consult with legal counsel familiar with Massachusetts record sealing and expungement laws.
What Happens After Arrest in Plymouth County?
Following an arrest in Plymouth County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
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Booking Procedure: Upon arrival at the police station or Plymouth County Correctional Facility, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
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Bail Determination: A bail commissioner evaluates whether the arrestee may be released pending court appearance. Factors considered include:
- Severity of alleged offense
- Criminal history
- Flight risk
- Community ties
- Public safety concerns
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Arraignment: The first court appearance typically occurs within 24-48 hours of arrest at Plymouth District Court or Plymouth Superior Court, depending on the offense severity. 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, cases proceed through several pretrial stages:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial conferences to discuss case status
- Motion hearings to address legal issues
- Plea negotiations
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Case Disposition: Cases may conclude through:
- Dismissal of charges
- Pretrial diversion programs
- Plea agreements
- Trial by judge or jury
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in Plymouth County Correctional Facility or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
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Post-Conviction: Following conviction, individuals may pursue:
- Appeal of conviction or sentence
- Parole consideration (for eligible sentences)
- Record sealing or expungement (after waiting periods)
Throughout this process, case information, including the initial arrest record, becomes part of the court record maintained by the Plymouth District Court or Plymouth Superior Court. These records are generally accessible to the public unless sealed or expunged through legal procedures.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Plymouth County?
Arrest records in Plymouth County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Massachusetts law and administrative regulations. The Massachusetts Statewide Records Retention Schedule governs how long various public records, including arrest records, must be preserved.
Under current regulations, law enforcement agencies in Plymouth County typically retain arrest records as follows:
- Arrest Logs and Registers: Permanent retention required
- Arrest Reports and Related Documentation: Minimum 10-year retention, with many departments maintaining these records permanently
- Booking Photographs and Fingerprints: Permanent retention
- Incident Reports Related to Arrests: Minimum 10-year retention
The Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 8 establishes the legal framework for records retention, requiring that public records be preserved for their designated retention period and prohibiting unauthorized destruction.
Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- Police Departments: Maintain original arrest records according to municipal retention schedules
- Sheriff's Department: Retains booking and custody records for extended periods
- District Attorney's Office: Preserves case files related to prosecutions
- Courts: Maintain case records according to judicial retention schedules
The comprehensive retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related crimes
- Provides accountability for law enforcement actions
- Enables statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Facilitates background checks authorized by law
While records are maintained for extended periods, access to older arrest records may be restricted through sealing or expungement processes as described in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A-100U.
How to Find Mugshots in Plymouth County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs serve to document the appearance of arrested individuals at the time they enter custody and are considered part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Plymouth County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting police department's records division
- The Plymouth County Sheriff's Department for individuals processed at the county jail
- The Massachusetts State Police for arrests made by state troopers
These photographs are stored in both physical and digital formats within secure law enforcement databases.
Finding Mugshots
To locate a mugshot in Plymouth County, individuals may:
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Submit a public records request to the arresting agency using the standard request process. For Plymouth Police Department records, requests can be submitted through the Public Records Request portal.
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Contact the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department records division:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Department
24 Long Pond Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 830-6200
Plymouth County Sheriff's Department
- For arrests by state police, contact:
Massachusetts State Police Headquarters
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-2300
Massachusetts State Police
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Plymouth County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases of mugshots. Massachusetts law enforcement agencies generally do not publish mugshot galleries online. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media coverage of significant arrests
- Court records that have been digitized
- Third-party websites that aggregate public records
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially obtain a mugshot, requestors must:
- Submit a formal public records request identifying the specific individual and approximate date of arrest
- Provide justification for the request in some cases
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
- Present identification when collecting records in person
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Plymouth County is subject to several important restrictions:
- Mugshots of juveniles are generally not public records under Massachusetts law
- Mugshots related to sealed or expunged cases are not accessible
- Certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims) may have restricted access
- Commercial use of mugshots may be limited by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10
Law enforcement agencies review mugshot requests on a case-by-case basis to balance public records access with privacy considerations and ongoing investigation needs.
Lookup Arrest Records in Plymouth County
Plymouth Police Department Records Division