Lynn Arrest Records Lookup
Arrest records for Lynn, Massachusetts are held by the Lynn Police Department and processed through the Essex County court system. This page explains how to access police logs, court case records, and CORI reports for Lynn and Essex County.
Lynn Overview
Lynn Police Department Records
The Lynn Police Department serves as the main law enforcement agency for the city. The station is located at 300 Washington Street, Lynn, MA 01902. The main line is (781) 595-2000. The Records Division handles public record requests and can be reached through the main number.
Massachusetts law requires police departments to keep their daily activity logs public. Under MGL c. 41, § 98F, those logs must be open for public inspection. The logs typically include arrest dates, names, charges, and the type of incident. Contact the Records Division at (781) 595-2000 to ask about current log access options.
To get specific records, call the department and ask for the Records Division. Some requests can be handled by phone or mail. Others may need an in-person visit. Once submitted, the department has 10 business days to respond under MGL c. 66, § 10. Copies cost $0.05 per page. Staff time is free for the first two hours, then $25 per hour after that.
Essex County Court Records
Lynn criminal cases are heard at Lynn District Court for lower-level charges and at Essex County Superior Court for felonies. The Essex County Superior Court is in Salem at 10 Federal Street. Salem is the county seat for Essex County.
You can search court dockets through masscourts.org at no cost. The online portal shows case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. For certified copies of court documents, contact the clerk's office at the specific courthouse. There is a fee for certified copies.
Some records are not public by law. Juvenile records are sealed. Domestic violence cases are restricted under MGL c. 41, § 97D. Sealed and expunged records do not show in standard searches.
CORI Reports for Lynn Residents
The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information system, or CORI, is the state's main criminal history database. It is governed by MGL c. 6, § 167 and covers all arrests, charges, and case outcomes for people 18 and older. CORI is not a fully public system. Access rules depend on who is asking.
Anyone can request their own CORI for free. Use the iCORI portal at mass.gov. You set up an account, confirm your identity, and request your report. The system returns results quickly. Your report shows all charges, arrests, and outcomes tied to your record.
Under MGL c. 6, § 172, older records age off CORI at set intervals. Misdemeanor convictions fall off after five years. Felony convictions fall off after ten years. Arrests that did not end in conviction come off right away. The state's full CORI guide is at mass.gov.
Essex County Sheriff's Office
The Essex County Sheriff operates the Middleton House of Correction at 20 Manning Avenue, Middleton, MA 01949. Phone: (978) 750-1900. Website: essexsheriffma.org. People arrested in Lynn and held after arraignment may be sent to this facility if they cannot post bail.
The sheriff's office operates the county jail and handles pre-trial detention. They do not maintain the original arrest records from local police. For those held in state prison, the Department of Correction maintains a separate inmate search at mass.gov.
District Attorney: Essex County
The Essex County District Attorney's office handles criminal prosecution for Lynn cases. The main office is at 10 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970. Phone: (978) 745-6610. Website: essexda.com.
The DA does not provide individual arrest records directly to the public. Once a case moves to court, the file becomes part of the public court record. The clerk's office at Lynn District Court or Essex Superior Court can provide access to those records. The DA's website may publish press releases for high-profile cases.
Sex Offender Registry
The Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board lists Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders in a public database. Search by name or zip code at mass.gov/sorb. Level 1 offenders are not listed publicly. If you need to check whether someone in Lynn is registered, the SORB database is the official source. Local police can also confirm registration status in some cases.
Sealing and Expungement in Lynn
Sealing removes your record from most public CORI searches. Under MGL c. 276, § 100A, you can petition to seal a misdemeanor conviction after three years and a felony conviction after seven. The clock starts from the date of conviction or release, whichever comes later. You file the petition with the court where the case was heard.
Non-conviction records handle differently. Under MGL c. 276, § 100C, cases that ended in dismissal or acquittal seal automatically. They should not appear on most CORI checks without a court order.
Expungement is stronger than sealing. It removes the record entirely from the system. MGL c. 276, §§ 100E through 100U set out the rules. Not all cases qualify. Cases involving violence or sex offenses typically do not. A judge reviews each petition and has final say. If approved, the record is destroyed, not just hidden.
Lynn residents can seek help from Essex County legal aid organizations if they need guidance on petitioning for sealing or expungement.
Additional Resources
Note: An arrest record does not mean a person was convicted. Charges may be dropped, dismissed, or result in acquittal. All people are presumed innocent until a court finds otherwise.
Massachusetts State Police also respond to incidents in Lynn and across Essex County. State Police public records are available at mass.gov/state-police-public-records. State Police records are separate from Lynn Police records.
The Essex County arrest records portal at massachusettscourtrecords.us can serve as a starting point for searches. Always cross-reference with official court or police sources to confirm accuracy.
You can also visit Lynn's police department page for links to current forms, contact info, and updates on public records policies.
Nearby Cities
Access arrest records for cities near Lynn:
Essex County Records
Lynn is located in Essex County. For county-level arrest record details, court locations, and sheriff information, visit the Essex County arrest records page.