Brunswick Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Brunswick, Maine?
Arrest records are public documents in Brunswick, Maine, pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 M.R.S.A. § 401 et seq. This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The FOAA serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Brunswick Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel and become part of the public record upon creation. Interested parties may request access to these documents through established procedures, subject to certain privacy protections that may apply to specific information contained within the records.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exemptions provided under Maine law, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in 1 M.R.S.A. § 402(3).
How to Look Up Brunswick Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Brunswick, Maine. The Brunswick Police Department has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these records while maintaining compliance with applicable state laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
• In-person requests may be submitted at the Brunswick Police Department, located at 85 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, ME 04011. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors should be prepared to complete a formal records request form and provide identification.
• Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Brunswick Police Department, Records Division, 85 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, ME 04011. Requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought.
• The Brunswick Police Department maintains an online portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures.
• The Town Clerk's Office at 85 Union Street, Brunswick, ME 04011 (Tel: 207-725-6658) maintains certain public records and can assist with locating appropriate documentation.
Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 408-A, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of public records. Current fee schedules are available at the respective offices or on their official websites. Response times for record requests typically range from 5 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.
Contents of a Brunswick Arrest Record
Brunswick arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody by law enforcement officers. These records are maintained in accordance with Maine Criminal Justice Information System standards and typically include the following elements:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
• Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
• Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
• Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
• Booking information, including processing location, assigned identification numbers, and time of processing
• Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
• Biometric data, including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
• Custody status information, including bail determination, bond amounts, and conditions of release if applicable
• Case disposition information, when available
• Warrant information, if the arrest was executed pursuant to a previously issued warrant
The Criminal Investigations Division of the Brunswick Police Department oversees the maintenance and integrity of arrest records for major crimes and specialized cases. This division ensures that records are properly documented and preserved for both investigative purposes and public access in accordance with state law.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be subject to redaction prior to public release, particularly information pertaining to confidential informants, victims of certain crimes, or details that might compromise ongoing investigations as provided in 16 M.R.S.A. § 804.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Brunswick
Maine law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged or sealed under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by 16 M.R.S.A. § 703, which establishes the criteria and procedures for the removal of arrest information from public access. Individuals seeking expungement of Brunswick arrest records must meet statutory requirements and follow prescribed administrative procedures.
Eligibility for expungement in Brunswick is limited to specific circumstances:
• Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
• Arrests not resulting in prosecution within the applicable statute of limitations
• Certain juvenile records, subject to the provisions of 15 M.R.S.A. § 3308
• Records pertaining to crimes that have been subsequently decriminalized by legislative action
• Certain non-violent offenses after completion of all sentencing requirements and a waiting period as specified by statute
The expungement process requires the filing of a formal petition with the Cumberland County Superior Court, located at 205 Newbury Street, Portland, ME 04101. Petitioners must provide comprehensive documentation supporting their eligibility for expungement, including certified court records demonstrating the final disposition of the case. The court may schedule a hearing at which the petitioner must demonstrate that the continued existence of the arrest record causes undue hardship and that expungement would not compromise public safety interests.
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Brunswick Police Department, to remove the specified records from public access. However, pursuant to 16 M.R.S.A. § 703(2), certain expunged records may be retained for limited law enforcement and judicial purposes, though they will no longer be accessible through standard public records requests.
The Maine State Bureau of Identification, located at 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04333 (Tel: 207-624-7240), serves as the central repository for criminal history information and can provide guidance regarding the status of expunged records.
Individuals with complex expungement matters are advised that the process involves strict statutory requirements and procedural rules. The Cumberland County Court provides self-help resources for individuals pursuing expungement without legal representation, though the complexity of some cases may necessitate consultation with qualified legal counsel.
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