Scarborough Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Scarborough, Maine?
Arrest records are public documents in Scarborough, Maine, pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 M.R.S.A. § 401-414. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The FOAA operates under the principle that public access to governmental proceedings and records ensures governmental accountability and informed civic participation.
The Scarborough Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officers on suspicion of criminal activity. Public access to these records serves multiple functions within the criminal justice system and broader community:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables community awareness of public safety concerns
- Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
- Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Provides statistical data for policy development and research
Certain elements of arrest records may be redacted or restricted in accordance with Maine law, particularly information pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or victims of certain crimes as specified in 16 M.R.S.A. § 806.
How to Look Up Scarborough Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Scarborough have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The Scarborough Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and provides access through several channels:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Scarborough Police Department to submit records requests during regular business hours. Staff at the records division will assist with completing the necessary request forms and identifying the specific records needed.
Scarborough Police Department
275 US Route 1
Scarborough, ME 04074
(207) 883-6361
Scarborough Police Department Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Access: The Scarborough Police Department provides limited arrest information through their online portal. Recent arrest logs may be viewed on the department's website. For comprehensive records, a formal request must be submitted.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail. Requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Telephone Inquiries: Initial inquiries regarding the records request process may be made by telephone, though actual record requests typically require written documentation or in-person visits.
Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 408-A, the Scarborough Police Department may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of requested records. Current fee schedules are available at the department's records division.
Contents of a Scarborough Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Scarborough Police Department contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into police custody. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrestee
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address
- Occupation (if provided)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting officer(s) identification
- Probable cause statement
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Booking number and processing information
Criminal Charges:
- Maine Criminal Code violations cited
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
- Statutory references for charged offenses
- Brief description of alleged criminal activity
Case Processing Information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory
- Medical screening documentation
- Bail or bond information
- Court appearance dates
- Case disposition (if available)
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the investigating agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions in accordance with 16 M.R.S.A. § 806.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Scarborough
Maine law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by 16 M.R.S.A. § 703, which establishes the criteria and procedures for limiting public access to criminal history record information.
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may petition for expungement of Scarborough arrest records under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
- Arrests not resulting in prosecution within the applicable statute of limitations
- Convictions for certain Class E misdemeanors after completion of all sentencing requirements and a waiting period
- Juvenile records meeting specific statutory requirements
- Cases where the arrest was made without probable cause or resulted from mistaken identity
Application Process: The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the court of jurisdiction. Petitioners must:
- Complete the Criminal Record Sealing Petition form available from the Maine Judicial Branch
- Submit the petition to the court where the case was adjudicated
- Provide copies to the District Attorney's Office and the Scarborough Police Department
- Attend a scheduled hearing before a judge (if required)
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
Cumberland County District Court
205 Newbury Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 822-4200
Legal Effect of Expungement: When an expungement order is granted, the Scarborough Police Department and other criminal justice agencies must seal the records pertaining to the arrest. Pursuant to 16 M.R.S.A. § 703(2), expunged records are not accessible through public records requests and the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal considerations. The Maine State Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in criminal record expungement.
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