Pembroke Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pembroke, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public documents in Pembroke, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be available to the public for inspection and reproduction. The law operates under the principle that governmental proceedings and records shall be open to the public to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations.
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records, recognizing that such access serves the important function of enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities. However, certain exceptions exist under RSA 91-A:5, which may restrict access to specific information within arrest records when disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Pembroke should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive investigative details as determined by statute and case law.
How to Look Up Pembroke Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Pembroke, New Hampshire. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, public agencies must make such records available during regular business hours. The following methods are available to members of the public:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Pembroke Police Department located at 247 Pembroke Street, Pembroke, NH 03275. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Written requests can be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the above address. Requests must include the specific information sought, such as the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
The Merrimack County Superior Court maintains judicial records related to arrests in Pembroke. These records can be accessed at 163 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (603) 225-5501.
Online access to certain arrest information is available through the Pembroke Police Department's official website, which maintains a database of recent arrests and booking information.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established pursuant to RSA 91-A:4(IV) and are currently set at $0.25 per page for physical copies. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive record searches as permitted by statute.
Contents of a Pembroke Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Pembroke Police Department contain standardized information as required by New Hampshire Administrative Rules Jus 601.02. These records typically include 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, the specific charges filed (with reference to the applicable New Hampshire statutes), and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Case information, including the incident report number, court docket number, and scheduled court appearance dates.
Booking information, such as fingerprints, booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), and personal property inventory.
Detention status, including whether the individual was released on personal recognizance, bail amount if applicable, or held in custody pending arraignment.
Criminal history information may be included if relevant to the current charges, though access to complete criminal history records may be restricted under RSA 106-B:14.
It should be noted that juvenile arrest records (for individuals under 18 years of age) are subject to different confidentiality provisions under RSA 169-B:35 and are generally not available to the public without a court order.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Pembroke
The expungement process for arrest records in Pembroke is governed by New Hampshire RSA 651:5, which provides a legal mechanism for the annulment of criminal records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements that vary based on the offense classification and subsequent criminal history.
For violations, Class B misdemeanors, and Class A misdemeanors, petitioners must wait one, two, or three years respectively from the date of completion of all terms of the sentence before filing for annulment. For felony offenses, the waiting period extends to five years, with certain violent or sexual offenses requiring longer waiting periods or being ineligible for annulment altogether.
The petition for annulment must be filed with the court that originally handled the case. In Pembroke, this is typically the Hooksett District Court located at 101 Merrimack Street, Hooksett, NH 03106. Telephone: (603) 624-2204.
The petition process requires:
- Completion of the Petition for Annulment form (NHJB-2317-D)
- Payment of the filing fee ($125 per petition as of 2025)
- Submission of a criminal record check from the New Hampshire Department of Safety
- Notification to the arresting agency and prosecutor's office
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that the annulment serves the public interest. Factors considered by the court include:
- The petitioner's behavior since the arrest or conviction
- The nature of the underlying offense
- The potential impact of the annulment on public safety
If granted, the annulment order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records relating to the arrest and conviction. Pursuant to RSA 651:5(X), the individual may thereafter legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest or conviction never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies.
Search Arrest Records in Pembroke
