Arrest records are public documents in Aroostook County, Maine, pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), Title 1, Chapter 13 of the Maine Revised Statutes. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. The FOAA operates under the principle that public access to governmental proceedings and records ensures transparency and accountability in governmental operations.
The Maine Freedom of Access Act specifically states in § 408-A that "a person has the right to inspect and copy any public record" within a reasonable time of making the request. Law enforcement agencies in Aroostook County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records generally fall under the definition of public records as defined in § 402(3) of the FOAA.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving:
Aroostook County arrest records are partially available through online platforms, though comprehensive access varies by jurisdiction and record type. The Maine State Bureau of Identification, operating under the Department of Public Safety, maintains the central repository for criminal history information and provides limited online access to these records.
The Maine Criminal History Record Information portal allows members of the public to request criminal history information maintained by the Maine State Police, including some arrest data from Aroostook County. However, pursuant to 16 M.R.S. § 703, certain restrictions apply to the dissemination of criminal history record information.
The Aroostook County Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests conducted by county law enforcement personnel, though comprehensive online access to these specific records may be limited. For complete and current arrest information, individuals may need to submit formal requests directly to the appropriate agency.
Aroostook County Sheriff's Office
25 School Street, Suite 216
Houlton, ME 04730
Phone: (207) 532-3471
Official Website
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Aroostook County as of 2025. Pursuant to Maine's public records laws, individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
State-Level Resources: The Maine Criminal History Record Information system provides access to criminal history data, including arrest information. Requestors must submit proper identification and pay applicable fees as established by 25 M.R.S. § 1541.
County Sheriff's Office: Direct requests may be submitted to the Aroostook County Sheriff's Office records division. Requests must be made in writing using the department's designated form and may require payment of reproduction fees as authorized under 1 M.R.S. § 408-A(8).
Local Police Departments: Municipal police departments within Aroostook County maintain records of arrests within their jurisdictions. Major departments include:
Houlton Police Department
97 Military Street
Houlton, ME 04730
Phone: (207) 532-2287
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Caribou Police Department
25 High Street
Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 493-3301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court Records: The Aroostook County Superior Court maintains records of criminal proceedings that may include arrest information. Court records can be accessed through:
Aroostook County Superior Court — Caribou
144 Sweden Street
Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 498-8125
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Requestors should note that pursuant to 16 M.R.S. § 709, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of requested records.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Aroostook County typically contain standardized information as required by Maine state law and departmental policies. These records generally include the following elements:
The District Attorney's Office for Aroostook County maintains prosecution records that may contain additional information related to arrests, including charging decisions and court proceedings. These records may be subject to different disclosure requirements than the initial arrest records.
Aroostook County District Attorney's Office
144 Sweden Street, Suite 208
Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 498-2557
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Maine law provides limited mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by 16 M.R.S. § 703 and related statutes. Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Aroostook County must understand that Maine law is more restrictive than many other states regarding record expungement.
Pursuant to Maine law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement or restriction from public disclosure under the following circumstances:
The expungement process typically requires:
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that even when granted, certain governmental agencies may retain access to the records for specific authorized purposes as provided by law.