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Goffstown Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Goffstown, New Hampshire?

Arrest records are public documents in Goffstown, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, shall be available to the public for inspection and reproduction. The state's commitment to transparency ensures citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their community. Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes, including maintaining accountability of law enforcement agencies and informing residents about criminal activity in their vicinity.

The Goffstown Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in RSA 91-A:5. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that some information may be redacted in compliance with these statutory exemptions.

Goffstown Police Department
326 Mast Road
Goffstown, NH 03045
Phone: 603-497-4858
Official Goffstown Police Department Website

How to Look Up Goffstown Arrest Records in 2025

The Goffstown Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:

Online Access: The Goffstown Police Department's Records Division maintains an electronic database of arrest records. Citizens may access basic arrest information and dispatch logs through the department's official website. This service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division at the Goffstown Police Department headquarters to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with records searches Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. Proper identification is required when requesting records in person.
Written Requests: Citizens may submit formal written requests for arrest records via postal mail. All written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought. Requests should be addressed to:

Goffstown Police Department Records Division
326 Mast Road
Goffstown, NH 03045
Telephone Inquiries: Preliminary information regarding the records request process may be obtained by calling the Records Division at 603-497-2900. However, formal requests cannot be processed via telephone.

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, the Goffstown Police Department must respond to records requests within five business days. Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with RSA 91-A:4(IV) and are subject to change. Current fee schedules are available at the Records Division or on the department's official website.

Contents of a Goffstown Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Goffstown Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, with reference to applicable New Hampshire statutes
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Booking information, including fingerprints and photograph
Custody status and bail determination
Case disposition information, when available

In accordance with New Hampshire law, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:

Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Medical information protected under HIPAA
Information related to confidential informants
Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (subject to restrictions under RSA 169-B)

The Records Division of the Goffstown Police Department is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of all arrest records. Corrections to erroneous information may be requested through formal procedures established by the department.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Goffstown

New Hampshire state law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to RSA 651:5, individuals may petition for annulment (expungement) of arrest records if they meet statutory eligibility requirements. The expungement process removes arrest records from public access, though limited information may remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Goffstown include:

Completion of all terms of the sentence, including probation and payment of fines
Absence of subsequent arrests or convictions during the waiting period
Satisfaction of statutory waiting periods, which vary based on offense classification:
- Violations: 1 year after completion of sentence
- 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

Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sexual offenses, and driving while intoxicated, may have extended waiting periods or may be ineligible for expungement under New Hampshire law.

The petition for annulment must be filed with the court that issued the original conviction. Petitioners must complete the Criminal Records Release Authorization Form and submit it along with the required filing fee. The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner may present their case for expungement.

The Legal Division of the Goffstown Police Department can provide information regarding the expungement process, though they cannot offer legal advice. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a qualified attorney familiar with New Hampshire expungement law.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Goffstown, several legal restrictions limit access to certain information. These restrictions are designed to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

The following categories of arrest records are subject to restricted access:

Juvenile arrest records (individuals under 18 years of age) are confidential pursuant to RSA 169-B:35, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and educational purposes
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under RSA 91-A:5(IV) to prevent interference with law enforcement proceedings
Records sealed by court order following successful completion of diversion programs
Information specifically exempted from disclosure by statute, including certain domestic violence cases under RSA 173-B

The Goffstown Police Department's Records Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with these legal restrictions. Unauthorized access or disclosure of restricted arrest records may result in civil or criminal penalties as prescribed by New Hampshire law.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records maintained by the Goffstown Police Department may be utilized for background check purposes, subject to compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Employers, landlords, and other authorized entities may access these records to evaluate potential risks associated with specific individuals.

When using arrest records for background check purposes, the following guidelines apply:

Written consent from the subject of the background check is required
Information must be used in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
New Hampshire employment law (RSA 275:37) prohibits employers from inquiring about arrests that did not result in conviction
Background checks for certain positions, including those involving vulnerable populations, may access more comprehensive criminal history information

Individuals or organizations seeking to conduct background checks using Goffstown arrest records should submit requests through the official channels established by the Goffstown Police Department. The department processes these requests in accordance with state and federal privacy laws.