New Hampshire Arrest Records

Is New Hampshire an Open Arrest Records State?

New Hampshire is an open arrest records state pursuant to RSA 91-A, the Right-to-Know Law. Under this statute, arrest records are classified as public records and are accessible to all members of the public. The New Hampshire legislature has determined that governmental transparency serves the public interest by promoting accountability within law enforcement agencies and the broader criminal justice system. This transparency enables citizens to monitor the activities of public officials and agencies, thereby fostering trust in governmental institutions.

The state's commitment to open records is further reinforced by RSA 106-B:14, which specifically addresses the public nature of criminal records maintained by the state. This provision ensures that criminal records in New Hampshire remain accessible to interested parties, subject only to specific statutory exemptions designed to protect sensitive information or ongoing investigations.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple functions within the state's governance framework:

It enables citizens to make informed decisions regarding public safety
It provides researchers and policy analysts with data necessary for evaluating criminal justice policies
It allows individuals to verify the accuracy of their own records
It supports journalistic efforts to report on law enforcement activities

How to Look Up New Hampshire Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking New Hampshire arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The state has implemented multiple access points to accommodate various needs and preferences. Individuals may pursue the following methods to locate arrest records:

New Hampshire State Police, Criminal Records Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3867
New Hampshire State Police
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM

The Criminal Records Unit processes requests for criminal history information, including arrest records. Requestors must submit a completed Criminal Record Release Authorization Form along with the applicable fee. In-person requests typically receive same-day processing, while mail requests may require 7-10 business days.

New Hampshire Department of Safety
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 271-2791
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Department maintains an online portal through which users may search for certain criminal record information. This system provides a convenient alternative for those unable to visit state offices during business hours.

County Sheriff's Offices
Each county sheriff's office maintains records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction. Contact information for specific counties can be obtained through the New Hampshire Sheriff's Association.

Local Police Departments
Municipal police departments maintain records of arrests conducted within their jurisdictions. Interested parties should contact the specific department where the arrest occurred.

Pursuant to RSA 106-B:14, requestors may be required to provide identification and pay established fees for record searches and copies. Fees are set by statute and are subject to periodic adjustment.

Contents of a New Hampshire Arrest Record

New Hampshire arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by RSA 594:20. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:

Biographical information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
Arrest details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer; and the law enforcement agency involved
Criminal charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to relevant sections of the New Hampshire Criminal Code
Case disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system
Booking information: Fingerprints, photographs, and other identifying information collected during processing
Bail determination: Amount of bail set, if applicable, and conditions of release
Court information: Scheduled court appearances and assigned court location

The New Hampshire Department of Safety maintains these records in accordance with established retention schedules. Records pertaining to felony arrests are typically retained permanently, while misdemeanor arrest records may be subject to archiving after a designated period.

Understanding the New Hampshire Open Records Act

The New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) establishes the framework for public access to governmental records, including arrest records. This statute implements the constitutional principle that "the public's right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted" (N.H. Const. Pt. 1, Art. 8).

Key provisions of the Right-to-Know Law include:

Presumption of accessibility: Government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute
Response timeframes: Public bodies must respond to record requests "promptly" and typically within five business days
Reasonable fees: Agencies may charge only the actual cost of providing copies
Electronic records: Digital records must be provided in the format requested if reasonably practical
Enforcement mechanisms: The law provides for judicial review of denied requests and potential attorney fee awards

Exemptions relevant to arrest records include:

Records pertaining to grand jury proceedings (RSA 91-A:5, I)
Records of juvenile offenders (RSA 169-B:35)
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy (RSA 91-A:5, IV)
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement proceedings (RSA 91-A:5, IV)

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has consistently interpreted the Right-to-Know Law to favor disclosure, placing the burden on governmental entities to justify withholding information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in New Hampshire

New Hampshire law provides mechanisms for the expungement or annulment of certain arrest and conviction records under RSA 651:5. This process allows eligible individuals to petition the court for the removal of records from public access, effectively treating the arrest as if it never occurred.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Acquittals or dismissed charges: Individuals may petition for annulment immediately following a not guilty verdict or dismissal of charges
Violations: One year after completion of all terms of the sentence
Misdemeanors: Three years after completion of all terms of the sentence
Class B felonies: Five years after completion of all terms of the sentence
Class A felonies: Ten years after completion of all terms of the sentence

Certain offenses are ineligible for annulment, including:

Sexual offenses requiring registration
Offenses resulting in an extended term of imprisonment
Driving while intoxicated offenses (within a ten-year period)
Certain violent crimes as specified in RSA 651:5, V

The annulment process requires:

Filing a petition with the court where the conviction occurred
Payment of the filing fee (currently $125 per petition)
Criminal record check conducted by the Department of Safety
Judicial review of the petition
Hearing (at the court's discretion)

Upon granting an annulment, the court orders all records of the arrest, conviction, and sentence sealed. The individual may thereafter legally respond to inquiries as if the event never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing and employment contexts.

How to Find Local Arrests in New Hampshire?

Members of the public seeking information about recent local arrests in New Hampshire may utilize several resources maintained by municipal and county agencies. These resources provide timely information about law enforcement activities within specific jurisdictions.

County Correctional Facilities
Each county maintains a correctional facility with booking information for recent arrestees. For example:

Rockingham County Department of Corrections
99 North Road
Brentwood, NH 03833
(603) 679-2244
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Municipal Police Departments
Local police departments frequently maintain arrest logs that are available for public inspection. Many departments now publish this information online. For example:

Manchester Police Department
405 Valley Street
Manchester, NH 03103
(603) 668-8711
Manchester Police Department
Hours: Records Division open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Court Dockets
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch maintains public dockets of criminal cases, which include information about arrests:

New Hampshire Judicial Branch
Administrative Office of the Courts
1 Granite Place, Suite N400
Concord, NH 03301
(855) 212-1234
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Individuals seeking information about arrests conducted by federal agencies operating within New Hampshire should contact the appropriate federal authority, such as the U.S. Marshals Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Search Arrest Records in New Hampshire

Counties

Belknap Carroll Cheshire Coos Grafton Hillsborough Merrimack Rockingham Strafford Sullivan