Bedford Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bedford, New Hampshire?

Arrest records in Bedford, New Hampshire are considered public information pursuant to New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that government records, including those created by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for inspection and reproduction by members of the public. The law serves to promote transparency in governmental proceedings and to provide public oversight of law enforcement activities. Certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under RSA 91-A:5.

The Bedford Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes non-exempt portions available upon proper request. Public access to these records supports the principles of open government while balancing privacy considerations as required by statute.

How to Look Up Bedford Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Bedford arrest records may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. The Bedford Police Department has established multiple channels through which individuals may submit requests:

• In-person requests may be submitted at the Records Division of the Bedford Police Department, located at 55 Constitution Drive, Bedford, NH 03110, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).

• Written requests may be submitted via postal mail addressed to: Bedford Police Department, Records Division, 55 Constitution Drive, Bedford, NH 03110.

• Electronic requests may be submitted through the department's online portal, which requires creation of a user account and verification of identity.

• Telephone inquiries may be directed to the Records Division at (603) 472-5113, though complete records typically require written follow-up.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, the department must respond to requests within five business days.

Fees for record reproduction are assessed in accordance with RSA 91-A:4(IV) and local ordinance. Current fee schedules are posted at the department and on the official website. Payment methods include cash, check, or credit card for in-person requests, and check or money order for mail requests.

Contents of a Bedford Arrest Record

Bedford arrest records contain standardized information as required by New Hampshire state law and departmental policy. These official documents typically include the following elements:

• Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, address of residence, and physical descriptors

• Arrest details, including date, time, and location of the arrest

• Statutory charges filed, with reference to specific New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) sections allegedly violated

• Arresting officer's name, badge number, and department affiliation

• Booking information, including fingerprint classification data and booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")

• Custody status information, including whether the individual was released on personal recognizance, bail amount if applicable, or detention status

• Court appearance information, including scheduled arraignment date and jurisdiction

• Case disposition information, if available (pending, dismissed, convicted, etc.)

It should be noted that pursuant to RSA 594:14-a, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information. Additionally, in accordance with federal HIPAA regulations, any protected health information will be removed prior to public disclosure.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bedford

The State of New Hampshire provides statutory mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the annulment (expungement) of arrest records maintained by Bedford law enforcement agencies. This process is governed by RSA 651:5 and allows for the removal of arrest information from public access under specific circumstances.

Eligibility criteria for annulment of Bedford arrest records include:

• Completion of all terms of the sentence, including probation, parole, and payment of all fines

• Satisfaction of waiting periods as specified in RSA 651:5(III), which vary based on offense classification:

• Violations: 1 year after completion of sentence
• Class B misdemeanors: 2 years after completion of sentence
• Class A misdemeanors: 3 years after completion of sentence
• Class B felonies: 5 years after completion of sentence
• Class A felonies: 10 years after completion of sentence

• No subsequent arrests or convictions during the waiting period

• Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for annulment, including violent crimes as defined in RSA 651:5(V) and sexual offenses requiring registration

The annulment process requires petitioners to:

• File a Petition for Annulment with the court of original jurisdiction (typically Hillsborough County Superior Court for Bedford felony cases or the 9th Circuit Court-District Division-Merrimack for misdemeanors)

• Pay the required filing fee (currently $125 per petition as of 2025)

• Provide certified copies of court dispositions and evidence of sentence completion

• Attend a scheduled hearing if required by the court

Upon successful annulment, the Bedford Police Department and other state agencies must remove the record from public access pursuant to court order. However, annulled records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, including subsequent criminal proceedings and employment applications for positions in law enforcement or the judiciary.

Legal assistance is advisable for individuals seeking annulment of Bedford arrest records, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules.

Search Arrest Records in Bedford

• Bedford Police Department Records Division • Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search • New Hampshire Judicial Branch Case Lookup • Bedford Police Department Daily Log • New Hampshire Department of Corrections Offender Search