Arrest records in Franklin, New Hampshire are considered public information pursuant to New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that governmental records shall be available to the public for inspection and copying. Law enforcement agencies in Franklin maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally accessible to members of the public. The New Hampshire legislature has determined that public access to such records serves the important governmental interest of ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system and accountability of law enforcement agencies.
Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of arrest records, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. However, the presumption under New Hampshire law favors disclosure rather than confidentiality. Courts have consistently held that the public's right to know about governmental activities, including arrests, is fundamental to democratic governance.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, the information contained therein merely indicates that an arrest occurred and does not constitute proof of guilt. Under the American justice system, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Franklin, New Hampshire. The following methods are available to requesters seeking such information:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Franklin Police Department. Requesters should complete the department's public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the records division. Requests should include specific information about the record sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest if known.
Electronic access is available through the Franklin Police Department's online portal, which maintains a database of recent arrests. This system allows for remote access to basic arrest information.
New Hampshire State Police maintains a centralized criminal history repository that includes arrest data from local jurisdictions including Franklin. Formal requests for this information require submission of appropriate forms and payment of statutory fees.
Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's public access system. These records often contain information about the disposition of cases following arrest.
Requesters should be aware that fees may apply for copies of records pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, which permits agencies to charge for the actual cost of providing copies of public records.
Franklin arrest records typically contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records serve both administrative and investigative purposes within the criminal justice system. Standard arrest records in Franklin contain the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
Arrest details including the date, time, and location of the arrest, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the specific New Hampshire statutes allegedly violated
Booking information such as fingerprints, photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), and unique identifying numbers assigned to the arrestee
Custody status indicating whether the individual was released on personal recognizance, bail amount if applicable, or detention information
Incident narrative providing a summary of the circumstances leading to the arrest as reported by law enforcement personnel
Property inventory listing items in the arrestee's possession at the time of booking
Medical screening information relevant to detention, including any immediate health concerns noted during intake
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited by applicable privacy laws and departmental policies. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with RSA 91-A:5.
New Hampshire law provides a mechanism through which eligible individuals may petition for the annulment (expungement) of arrest records under certain circumstances. This process is governed by RSA 651:5 and allows for the removal of arrest information from public access when specific statutory criteria are met.
Eligibility for expungement in Franklin is determined by several factors:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
Upon granting of an annulment, the arrest record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for certain purposes as specified in RSA 651:5, IX. Individuals whose records have been annulled may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain professional licensing and employment scenarios.
The Franklin Police Department and New Hampshire State Police will comply with court-ordered annulments by restricting public access to the specified records within 30 days of receiving the court order.
Franklin Police Department
5 Hancock Terrace
Franklin, NH 03235
(603) 934-2535
Official Website
New Hampshire Department of Safety
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3873
Official Website