Massachusetts Mugshot Search

How Massachusetts mugshot searches actually work

Massachusetts does not have a verified statewide public mugshot-search database. A booking photograph is a separate record from a criminal history check, court record, or custody list. To request a booking photograph, identify the agency that created or maintains the image, such as the arresting or booking custodian. A useful request should include the person's name, approximate event date and location, and an incident or booking number if known.

Requesting a booking photograph from the responsible agency

For Massachusetts State Police records, public-record requests may be submitted online or by mail to the Records Access Officer at 50 Maple Street, Milford, MA 01757. The published contact number is 774-462-3770. For this Massachusetts State Police source, the first four staff hours are free and additional staff time may be charged up to $25 per hour.

A request should reasonably describe the record and may identify a preferred electronic format. Agencies may redact or withhold records under public-records exemptions. A withholding response must identify the specific reasons and exemptions supporting the withholding. When an applicable charge is expected, the agency must provide an itemized good-faith fee estimate. An initial written response within 10 business days is not the same as guaranteed record delivery. A requester can distinguish between a record that does not exist and a record that is withheld, and may appeal a denial through the Supervisor of Records process.

Photos, court records and criminal history are different records

A booking photograph does not establish a verdict or court outcome. The absence of an online photograph does not prove that no arrest occurred. MassCourts can provide available court docket, party, event and disposition information, but many criminal searches require the correct court selection and exact docket number. Verify identity, event date and disposition before assigning a case or conviction to a person. Official copies and certified court records come from the filing court clerk.

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  Use court records when you need case activity or disposition information rather than a photograph.
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  Use the agency holding the image when requesting a booking photograph.

CORI, custody records and access limits

A standalone booking photograph is not CORI. Booking-sheet information may be subject to CORI rules depending on the information involved. The official CORI regulation is the controlling source for that distinction. Criminal-justice-agency dissemination rules do not by themselves establish public release of booking photographs.

Correctional custody records depend on the agency holding the record. Massachusetts Department of Correction guidance directs county jail and house-of-correction records to the county agency.

Official criminal record alternatives

When the goal is criminal-history information rather than a photograph, Massachusetts DCJIS criminal record checks are a separate product. Name-based CORI uses name and date of birth and returns available Massachusetts arraignment information. Fingerprint-supported checks use fingerprints and may include Massachusetts and other-state arrest information. An individual CORI request uses iCORI or mail routes; personal requests are published at $25. Online registration requires a valid Massachusetts driver's license or ID card. A mail alternative is available for individuals without that identification.