Massachusetts Public Records
State Level Information
In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Public Records Act is that group of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels in the state. Anyone may request public documents according to the Act and record custodians are required to permit those records to be examined upon request.
"The act covers records 'made or received by any officer or employee of any agency, executive office, department, board, commission, bureau, division or authority of the Commonwealth, or of any political subdivision thereof, or of any authority established by the [Legislature] to serve a public purpose.' G.L. c. 4, ยง 7, cl. 26. At state level, this basically means executive branch records. At the county and municipal level, it basically means all records, subject to exceptions, are open."
State of Massachusetts Department of Public SafetyState of Massachusetts Secretary of State
Massachusetts Department of Food & Agriculture
State of Massachusetts Department of Real Estate
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
Massachusetts Highway Department
Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association
Massachusetts Department of Health Services
Court Record Resources
In the state of Massachusetts, the CJIS allows law enforcement and criminal justice agencies around the country twenty four hour access to state and interstate criminal history record information as well as protective orders, missing person and wanted person files, drivers' license and motor vehicle info and other critical information via the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS).
The Criminal History Systems Board is the state's CJIS Systems Agency (CSA).
Massachusetts Judicial BranchMassachusetts Criminal Justice Commission
Massachusetts State Police
Massachusetts Department of Corrections
Vital Records Facts
Massachusetts State Library, Archives and Public RecordsMassachusetts Public Records Division