Saco Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Saco, Maine?
Arrest records are public documents in Saco, Maine, accessible to all members of the public under state transparency laws. The Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), Title 1, Chapter 13 of the Maine Revised Statutes, establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. This legislation affirms that records created, received, or maintained by public agencies are the property of the people of Maine and shall be available for public inspection and copying. The Saco Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations, ensuring that citizens can access information about law enforcement activities within their community.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes. These records enable community members to monitor law enforcement activities, promote accountability among public officials, and provide essential information about potential public safety concerns. Pursuant to Maine law, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile offenders as specified in Title 15, Chapter 507 of the Maine Revised Statutes.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Saco may obtain them through formal requests to the appropriate agencies. The Saco Police Department processes such requests in accordance with statutory timeframes established by the Maine Freedom of Access Act, which generally requires a response within five working days of receipt.
How to Look Up Saco Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Saco, Maine. The following methods are authorized under Maine's public records statutes:
- Saco Police Department Records Division: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Records Division counter. Staff members process requests during regular business hours and provide copies of available records for the statutorily prescribed fee.
Saco Police Department
20 Storer Street
Saco, ME 04072
(207) 282-8214
Saco Police Department
- York County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county deputies within Saco city limits, records may be requested from the county sheriff's office.
York County Sheriff's Office
1 Layman Way
Alfred, ME 04002
(207) 324-1113
York County Sheriff's Office
- Maine State Bureau of Identification: For comprehensive criminal history information that includes arrests across multiple jurisdictions, the State Bureau of Identification maintains the central repository.
Maine State Bureau of Identification
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-7240
Maine State Police
Online Public Access Portal: The Saco Police Department maintains a digital records system accessible through their official website. Users must register for an account and may be required to pay processing fees for certain documents.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Maine's Freedom of Access Act, individuals may submit written requests via postal mail or email. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and include contact information for response.
Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Standard requests typically require 5-10 business days for fulfillment, while more extensive searches may require additional time. Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with Title 1, § 408-A of the Maine Revised Statutes, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of public records.
Contents of a Saco Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Saco Police Department contain standardized information as required by Maine Criminal Justice Information System protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency case number; and booking number.
Criminal Charges: Complete list of charges filed, including the Maine Criminal Code statute numbers, classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor), and brief description of alleged criminal conduct.
Judicial Information: Court docket number, scheduled arraignment date, bail amount (if applicable), and conditions of release if the individual was not detained.
Booking Photographs: Standard front and profile photographs taken during the booking process, commonly referred to as "mugshots."
Fingerprint Data: Digital or ink fingerprint impressions collected during processing, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal criminal databases.
Property Inventory: Itemized list of personal belongings in the arrested individual's possession at the time of booking, including any items seized as evidence.
Medical Screening Information: General health status assessment conducted during intake, noting any immediate medical concerns requiring attention.
Pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 3, Subchapter 8, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including but not limited to: Social Security numbers, information about confidential informants, details that might compromise ongoing investigations, and information pertaining to victims of certain crimes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Saco
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 application processes.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Saco 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 that have been pardoned by the Governor
- Certain juvenile offenses after a statutorily defined waiting period
- Specific non-violent offenses after completion of all sentencing requirements and a clean record for the prescribed waiting period
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal applications with the court of jurisdiction. For arrests occurring in Saco, petitions are typically filed with the York County Superior Court or York County District Court, depending on the original case classification. The petition must include:
- Certified copies of the original case disposition
- Criminal history verification from the State Bureau of Identification
- Notarized affidavit attesting to eligibility under relevant statutes
- Filing fee as established by the Maine Judicial Branch
York County Superior Court
45 Kennebunk Road
Alfred, ME 04002
(207) 324-5122
Maine Judicial Branch
York County District Court
11 Adams Street
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 283-1147
Maine Judicial Branch
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement. The District Attorney's Office receives notification and may contest the petition. Judicial review considers factors including the nature of the original offense, subsequent criminal history, rehabilitation evidence, and public safety interests.
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. Following expungement, individuals may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain professional licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies as specified in § 2167 of Title 15.
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