Massachusetts Criminal Records

Massachusetts criminal records are kept in a central database called CORI or Criminal Offender Record information. The database is managed by the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board and contains criminal records that are made public. For $25 per record, requestors can receive a copy of the criminal record that they require.

To obtain criminal records from the State of Massachusetts, requestors by tradition, are required to submit a notarized request form. Attached to this should be a certified check or money order and mail these to the CORI. Requestors should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope with their request as well. This traditional way of requesting for criminal records can be a hassle and might not be convenient for those who require the records urgently or would be doing bulk searches.

Although the State allows agencies to do bulk background checks and criminal records checks, independent requestors might find the whole process inconvenient. However, thanks to the advent of the internet, individuals who require their own background checks or criminal history as well as want to do criminal check on another individual can now engage the services of third party provider search sites. These sites offer free public record searches as well as bulk ones for a minimal fee.

MA Criminal Records

How To Request For Massachusetts Background Checks/Criminal Records

• Types of Criminal Records Available from the CORI
• Records of prisoner/inmates that were sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
• Records of prisoners/inmates charged with misdemeanour and have been released from custody for not more than a year.
• Prisoners/inmates charged with felony and released for not more than a few years.
• Prisoners/inmates sentenced and serving jail time in the Department of Corrections

To access your personal criminal records simply follow the steps provided below:

• Visit the Massachusetts CORI services online.
• Download the Personal Criminal Record Form.
• Fill up the required fields and have the form notarized.
• Attach $25 processing fee in money order or check.
• Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and send to the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety CORI services.

To access public arrest/criminal records, follow the steps provided below:

• Visit the Massachusetts Department of Corrections website.
• Click on the Massachusetts Offender locator.

Follow the link to the type of record that you want to access.

Where to Access Other Massachusetts Criminal Records

• Massachusetts Department of Public Safety CORI Services
• Massachusetts iCORI Services
• Massachusetts State Agencies and Contact Information
• Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry
• Massachusetts Crime Statistics And Reports
• State of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
• Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board