The Massachusetts Public Records Law provides that every person has a right of access to public records. This right of access includes the right to inspect, copy or have copies of records provided.
A compilation of laws, regulations, cases, and web sources on freedom of information and public records law by the Trial Court Law Libraries:
What is a Public Record
Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part. The Records Access Officer (RAO) must prove with specificity why a certain record should be allowed to be withheld.
Making a Request
The RAO has up to 10 days to provide a response to the request and is only required to provide records that are in existence. Under the updated Public Records LAW, RAO’s are required to provide public records in an electronic format, unless the record is not available electronically or the requestor does not have the ability to receive a report in electronic format.
Requests may be written, or made in person, by postal mail, by fax, or through electronic mail. A reasonable description of the document(s) requested should be provided, to assist the ROA in identifying the requested documents.
Records Department Hours of Operation
The Medford Police Records Department is available for requests:
Monday to Friday
8:30am – 1:00pm and 2:00 – 4:30
Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
*The records department follows City Hall closures for inclement weather.
It is suggested that persons making in-person requests call the records department at 781-391-6760 to confirm RAO availability.
Medford Police Records Officer
Lieutenant Joseph Casey
City of Medford Police
100 Main Street
Medford, MA 02155
Fax: 781-219-3695
Email: mpdrecords@medfordpolice.com
Online Submission
Alternatively, a request may be made by submitting an online request.
Fees
Black and white copies/printouts may be charged .05 cents per page for single and double-sided when electronic records are not available. Materials that are not susceptible to ordinary means of reproduction may be assessed the actual charge to reproduce. However, no fee shall be assessed for requests requiring less than two hours time searching for, compiling, segregating, redacting and reproducing the record.
Time to prepare and compile documents (in excess of 2 hours): $25 per hour of staff time searching, compiling, segregating, redacting and reproducing may be assessed. The RAO will provide a good-faith estimate of the cost of complying with the request in advance.