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Manchester Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Manchester, New Hampshire?

Arrest records in Manchester, New Hampshire are public documents pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection and reproduction by members of the public. The law operates under the principle that governmental transparency and accountability are essential to the functioning of democratic governance. Law enforcement agencies within Manchester maintain these records in accordance with state regulations to ensure public access while balancing privacy considerations as stipulated in RSA 91-A:5.

The Manchester Police Department serves as the primary custodian of arrest records within city limits. Records are maintained in both physical and digital formats, with certain limitations on access as prescribed by state statute. Exemptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under RSA 91-A:5, IX.

How to Look Up Manchester Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Manchester arrest records in 2025 may utilize several authorized channels to obtain this information. The Manchester Police Department has established multiple access points in compliance with the New Hampshire Right to Know Law:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests directly at the Manchester Police Department Records Division.

Manchester Police Department
405 Valley Street
Manchester, NH 03103
(603) 668-8711
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Portal Access: The City of Manchester maintains a digital records portal through which certain arrest information may be accessed. Users must register and may be subject to identity verification procedures.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific information being sought.
Criminal Record Checks: As noted in the Police FAQ, comprehensive criminal record checks are conducted through the NH State Police Criminal Records Department at (603) 223-3867, not through the Manchester Police Department.

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, the department shall respond to requests within 5 business days. Fees for copies of records are assessed in accordance with RSA 91-A:4, IV and municipal fee schedules. Current fee structures are available at the Records Division counter or on the official department website.

Contents of a Manchester Arrest Record

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

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed, including citation of applicable New Hampshire criminal codes
Case/incident number assigned by the arresting agency
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photographs ("mugshots") when applicable
Fingerprint data and other biometric identifiers collected during processing
Initial court appearance information
Bail or bond determination
Detention facility information if the individual was remanded to custody

The Records Division of the Manchester Police Department maintains these records in accordance with departmental retention schedules and state archival requirements. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies pursuant to RSA 91-A:5 and other applicable privacy statutes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Manchester

The expungement process for arrest records in Manchester is governed by New Hampshire state law, specifically RSA 651:5. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements and follow prescribed procedures:

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
Arrests not resulting in conviction or extended prosecution
Certain convictions after statutorily defined waiting periods have elapsed
First-time offenders in specified offense categories
Juvenile records upon reaching majority age, subject to specific conditions

The formal expungement process requires:

Filing a petition with the court of original jurisdiction
Payment of required filing fees (currently $125 as of 2025)
Notification to the County Attorney's Office and arresting agency
Judicial review of the petition and supporting documentation
Hearing before a judge if contested by the state

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Manchester Police Department, to seal the specified records. Pursuant to RSA 651:5, IX, expunged records are not accessible to the public and the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest or conviction never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Access to Manchester arrest records is subject to various statutory limitations and procedural safeguards. The New Hampshire Legislature has established specific restrictions to balance public access rights with individual privacy interests:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to RSA 169-B:35, records pertaining to juvenile arrests and proceedings are confidential and not available for public inspection except under limited circumstances.
Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld under RSA 91-A:5, IV if disclosure would impede law enforcement proceedings.
Victim Protection: Information that could identify victims of certain offenses, particularly sexual assault and domestic violence, may be redacted in accordance with RSA 91-A:5, IX.
Sealed Records: Court-ordered sealed records, including those resulting from successful expungement petitions, are removed from public access.
Mental Health Interventions: Records of mental health-related police interventions that did not result in criminal charges may be subject to heightened confidentiality protections.

The Manchester Police Department's Legal and Professional Standards Division reviews all record requests to ensure compliance with these statutory restrictions before release.

Arrest Record Verification Procedures

The verification of arrest records in Manchester follows established protocols to ensure accuracy and proper identification. Individuals seeking to verify the accuracy of their own records or those of others must adhere to the following procedures:

Identity Verification: Requestors must provide government-issued photo identification when requesting records in person.
Fingerprint Confirmation: For official verification purposes, fingerprint comparison may be required, particularly for employment or licensing requirements.
Challenge Procedures: Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their arrest records may file a formal challenge with the Records Division of the Manchester Police Department. The challenge must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation.
Correction Process: Upon verification of an error, the department will issue corrected records and notify all agencies to whom the incorrect information was previously disseminated.

The Manchester Police Department maintains audit trails of all record access and modifications in compliance with state recordkeeping requirements and departmental policies.