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Keene Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Keene, New Hampshire?

Arrest records are public documents in Keene, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, shall be made available for public inspection and copying. The law serves to promote transparency in governmental proceedings and to provide citizens with access to information regarding the activities of government agencies, including law enforcement operations within the City of Keene.

The New Hampshire Right to Know Law specifically states in RSA 91-A:4 that "every citizen has the right to inspect all governmental records in the possession, custody, or control of such public bodies or agencies." This provision encompasses arrest records maintained by the Keene Police Department, subject to certain exemptions outlined in RSA 91-A:5, which may include ongoing investigations or juvenile records.

Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive investigative details as permitted by statute.

How to Look Up Keene Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Keene provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Keene Police Department Records Division, located at 400 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431. The Records Division maintains regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail addressed to: Records Division, Keene Police Department, 400 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431. Requestors should include specific information regarding the records sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Keene Police Department's online portal, which provides a streamlined process for record requests. The system allows users to track the status of their requests and receive electronic copies of available documents.
Telephone inquiries may be directed to the Records Division at (603) 357-9820. Staff members can provide guidance regarding the availability of specific records and the appropriate request procedures.

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, public agencies must respond to Right to Know requests within 5 business days. Fees for copies of records may be assessed in accordance with RSA 91-A:4, IV, which permits charging for the actual cost of providing the copies.

Contents of a Keene Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Keene Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and individuals involved in an arrest. Standard arrest records include the following components:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and last known address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting officer's name and badge number, and the specific charges filed.
Booking information, including fingerprints, booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots"), and personal property inventory.
Case documentation, including incident reports, witness statements, and preliminary investigation findings, subject to redaction where required by law.
Court processing information, including arraignment dates, bail determinations, and case disposition if available.
Criminal history information, which may include references to prior arrests or convictions within the jurisdiction.

The level of detail contained in arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense, the stage of the criminal justice process, and applicable privacy restrictions under New Hampshire law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Keene

The State of New Hampshire provides statutory mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or annulment of arrest records. Pursuant to RSA 651:5, certain arrest records may be eligible for annulment under specific conditions.

The annulment process in Keene adheres to the following statutory framework:

Eligibility criteria vary based on the classification of the offense. For violations, petitions may be filed after one year from the date of conviction. For misdemeanors, the waiting period is typically three years, while felony offenses generally require a waiting period of five years or more, depending on the specific offense.
Petitions for annulment must be filed with the court of original jurisdiction. For most Keene arrests, this would be the 8th Circuit Court-Keene District Division, located at 33 Winter Street, Keene, NH 03431.
The petition must include specific information as required by RSA 651:5, including the date of conviction, the offense, and the sentence imposed.
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify relevant parties, including the prosecuting agency and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections if applicable.
The court will consider various factors in determining whether to grant an annulment, including the petitioner's criminal record, the seriousness of the offense, and the petitioner's behavior since conviction.

If an annulment is granted, the arrest record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as sentencing for subsequent offenses or employment in specific sectors.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records in Keene are generally accessible to the public, several statutory provisions limit access to certain categories of records. These restrictions serve to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Key restrictions include:

Juvenile records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under RSA 169-B:35, which generally prohibits public disclosure of records pertaining to minors.
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure under RSA 91-A:5, IV, which protects "records pertaining to internal personnel practices; confidential, commercial, or financial information; test questions, scoring keys, and other examination data used to administer a licensing examination; and personnel, medical, welfare, and other files whose disclosure would constitute invasion of privacy."
Sexual assault cases may have specific protections for victim information pursuant to RSA 632-A:6, which limits the disclosure of information that could identify victims of sexual offenses.
Annulled records, as discussed in the previous section, are sealed from public view in accordance with RSA 651:5.

Individuals seeking access to arrest records should be aware of these statutory limitations and understand that certain information may be lawfully redacted or withheld from public disclosure.

Search Arrest Records in Keene

Keene Police Department
400 Marlboro Street
Keene, NH 03431
Non-Emergency: (603) 357-9813
Records Division: (603) 357-9820
Keene Police Department