Exeter Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Exeter, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public in Exeter, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for inspection and reproduction by members of the public. The legislative intent behind RSA 91-A is to ensure government accountability and transparency in all official proceedings and actions.
The Exeter Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records document the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of violating state laws or local ordinances. Under New Hampshire law, these records are presumptively public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply in accordance with RSA 91-A:5, including:
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
- Information that would constitute an invasion of privacy
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Information that might endanger the safety of law enforcement personnel
Persons seeking access to arrest records must submit their requests to the Records Division of the Exeter Police Department. The department is required to respond to such requests within five business days, as mandated by RSA 91-A:4.
How to Look Up Exeter Arrest Records in 2025
The Exeter Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Requestors should note that procedures are subject to departmental policies and state regulations governing public records.
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Exeter Police Department Records Division
20 Court Street
Exeter, NH 03833
Phone: 603-772-1212
Exeter Police Department Records
Hours of operation for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:
Online Portal Access: The Exeter Police Department maintains a digital records system that allows for remote searches of arrest logs and press releases. Users may access weekly updated police press logs through the official town website.
Written Requests: Individuals may submit formal written requests for specific arrest records. Such requests must include the name of the arrested individual, approximate date of arrest, and nature of the alleged offense if known. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, the department may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of records.
Rockingham County Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in formal charges may also be accessed through:
Rockingham County Superior Court
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
Phone: 855-212-1234
Requestors should be prepared to provide identification when seeking arrest records and may be required to complete a standard request form detailing the specific information sought.
Contents of an Exeter Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Exeter Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records are created pursuant to New Hampshire Administrative Rules Pol 404, which establishes standards for record-keeping by law enforcement agencies.
Standard arrest records include the following components:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, residential address, and other identifying information
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the legal authority under which the arrest was made
- Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated or local ordinances
- Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprinting, photographing, and property inventory
- Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, detention, or release
- Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system
Arrest records may also contain supplementary materials such as incident reports, witness statements, and evidence logs. However, access to these supplementary materials may be restricted if they pertain to an ongoing investigation or contain sensitive information protected under RSA 91-A:5.
The Exeter Police Department's Prosecution Division maintains records of cases proceeding to court, which may provide additional information regarding the disposition of arrests.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Exeter
New Hampshire law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged or annulled under specific circumstances. The process is governed by RSA 651:5, which establishes criteria and procedures for the annulment of criminal records.
Individuals may petition for annulment of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The conviction was followed by a dismissal or finding of not guilty
- A specified waiting period has elapsed following completion of the sentence
- The petitioner has not been convicted of any subsequent criminal offense during the waiting period
The waiting period required before eligibility for annulment varies according to the severity of the offense:
- 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 are ineligible for annulment under New Hampshire law, including sexual offenses against minors, certain violent crimes, and driving while intoxicated offenses.
The annulment process requires filing a petition with the court that issued the original conviction. Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the County Attorney or Attorney General, who may object to the annulment. If granted, the annulment order directs all state agencies to remove records of the arrest and conviction from public access.
The Exeter Police Department complies with court-ordered annulments by sealing the relevant records from public view. However, annulled records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.
Individuals seeking annulment of records may wish to consult with legal counsel regarding eligibility and procedural requirements. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch provides standardized forms for annulment petitions through the Circuit Court Administrative Office.
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