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Waterville Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Waterville, Maine?

Arrest records are public in Waterville, Maine, pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), Title 1, Chapter 13 of the Maine Revised Statutes. This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to the public with certain exceptions. The FOAA serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities.

Public arrest records typically contain the arrested individual's name, the nature of charges filed, date of arrest, and other pertinent information related to the incident. These records are maintained to facilitate public oversight of law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings. Members of the public may inspect these records subject to specific limitations designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in certain circumstances as outlined in § 402-A of the FOAA.

The Waterville Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain details may be redacted to comply with privacy laws or to protect sensitive information related to ongoing investigations.

How to Look Up Waterville Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Waterville have multiple methods available to access this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining proper record management:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Waterville Police Department to submit requests for arrest records. Requestors should be prepared to complete a formal request form and provide identification. Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and departmental workload.

Waterville Police Department
10 Colby Street
Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: (207) 680-4700
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records via postal mail. All written requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records being sought, and any applicable processing fees as established by departmental policy.
Online Access: Pursuant to Maine's digital records initiatives, certain arrest information may be available through the Waterville Municipal Website or through the state's judicial information system. Electronic access may be subject to user registration requirements and applicable fees.
Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Waterville District Court. Court records are maintained separately from police records and may contain additional information regarding case disposition.

Waterville District Court
18 Colby Street
Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: (207) 873-2103
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Contents of a Waterville Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Waterville Police Department contain standardized information as required by Maine state law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following components:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Fingerprint records and other biometric identification data
Custody status information, including bail or bond determinations
Case numbers and reference information for associated reports
Preliminary hearing dates and initial court appearance information

Pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 3, Subchapter 8, § 703, certain information within arrest records may be subject to confidentiality provisions. This includes, but is not limited to, information regarding confidential informants, juvenile records, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations. The Waterville Police Department is responsible for ensuring that records are appropriately redacted prior to public disclosure when required by law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Waterville

The State of Maine provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures are governed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 15, Chapter 310, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Waterville must meet statutory eligibility requirements, which generally include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Arrests not resulting in prosecution within the applicable statute of limitations
Certain non-violent offenses after completion of all sentencing requirements and a waiting period
Juvenile records meeting specific statutory criteria

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the court that had jurisdiction over the case. Petitioners must submit documentation demonstrating eligibility under applicable statutes. The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner and representatives from the District Attorney's Office may present arguments regarding the expungement request.

Kennebec County District Attorney's Office
95 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 623-1156
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

If an expungement petition is granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Waterville Police Department, to seal the records. Sealed records are removed from public access and, under Maine law, the individual may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances.

It should be noted that certain governmental agencies, including law enforcement and the judiciary, may retain limited access to expunged records for specific administrative purposes as permitted by statute. Additionally, certain professional licensing boards and agencies with statutory authority may have access to expunged records when evaluating applications for positions requiring heightened security clearances.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Waterville, several statutory and regulatory restrictions limit access to certain information. These restrictions are designed to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Maine Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 3, Subchapter 8 establishes the following categories of protected information:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, where disclosure might compromise law enforcement activities
Information regarding juvenile offenders, subject to confidentiality provisions under Title 15, Chapter 507
Intelligence and investigative information compiled for law enforcement purposes
Personal identifying information of crime victims, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or other sensitive matters
Medical and mental health information contained within arrest records
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined by judicial precedent

The Waterville Police Department is responsible for reviewing record requests and applying appropriate redactions in accordance with these statutory provisions. Requestors seeking information that falls within protected categories may be required to demonstrate a legitimate interest or obtain a court order authorizing access.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records maintained by the Waterville Police Department may be utilized for background check purposes subject to compliance with applicable state and federal laws. The following regulations govern the use of arrest information for employment, housing, and other screening purposes:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes federal guidelines for consumer reporting agencies that compile and distribute arrest record information
Maine's Employment Law (Title 26, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3) places restrictions on employers' use of criminal history information in hiring decisions
The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on arrest records that did not result in conviction

Employers, landlords, and other entities seeking to utilize arrest records for screening purposes must ensure compliance with these regulations. In many cases, written consent from the subject of the record is required prior to accessing or utilizing arrest information. Additionally, individuals have the right to dispute inaccurate information contained in background reports derived from arrest records.

Organizations conducting background checks using Waterville arrest records should consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Improper use of arrest record information may result in civil liability under state and federal law.