Seabrook Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Seabrook, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public documents in Seabrook, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for inspection and reproduction by members of the public. The accessibility of these records reflects New Hampshire's adherence to principles of governmental transparency and public accountability. Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic functions, including:
- Maintaining community awareness regarding public safety matters
- Providing transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enabling citizens to monitor the activities of government agencies
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice
- Allowing individuals to verify information that may affect employment or housing decisions
The Seabrook Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing record retention and public accessibility. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances, the general presumption favors disclosure rather than withholding of arrest information.
How to Look Up Seabrook Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Seabrook, New Hampshire as of 2025. The New Hampshire Department of Safety and local law enforcement agencies have established several channels through which members of the public may access these documents. Available methods include:
Online Portal Access: The Seabrook Police Department maintains a digital database accessible through their official website. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number. A nominal processing fee may apply for certain record retrievals.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Seabrook Police Department during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying relevant records.
Seabrook Police Department
7 Liberty Lane
Seabrook, NH 03874
(603) 474-5200
Seabrook Police Department
Written Correspondence: Individuals may submit formal written requests for arrest records via postal mail. Requests should include the subject's full name, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may facilitate record location.
New Hampshire State Police Records Unit: For arrests conducted by state agencies or for comprehensive background checks, the State Police Records Unit processes requests for criminal history information.
New Hampshire State Police Records Unit
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3867
NH State Police Records
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, public agencies must respond to record requests within 5 business days. Requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction, as authorized under RSA 91-A:4(IV).
Contents of a Seabrook Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Seabrook Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by New Hampshire Administrative Rules Saf-C 5903. These documents typically include comprehensive details about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard components of Seabrook arrest records include:
- Subject identification information, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of residence
- Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
- Statutory violations and specific charges filed
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
- Detention status and bail determination
- Case disposition information, if available
- Incident report narrative describing the circumstances of the arrest
- Property inventory listing items in the arrestee's possession at time of booking
The New Hampshire Criminal Code (RSA 651:5) governs the retention period for these records, which varies according to the severity of the offense and case outcome. Felony arrest records are maintained for longer periods than those for misdemeanors or violations that did not result in conviction.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Seabrook
The expungement process in Seabrook follows New Hampshire state law as codified in RSA 651:5, which provides a mechanism for the annulment of criminal records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements that consider offense classification, time elapsed, and subsequent criminal history.
The Rockingham County Superior Court has jurisdiction over expungement petitions for arrests that occurred in Seabrook. Petitioners must file formal applications and may be required to attend a hearing where a judge will evaluate the merits of the request.
Rockingham County Superior Court
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch
Eligibility criteria for expungement in New Hampshire include:
- For violations: A waiting period of 1 year following completion of all sentencing requirements
- For misdemeanors: A waiting period of 3 years following completion of all sentencing requirements
- For certain felonies: A waiting period of 5-10 years following completion of all sentencing requirements
- Class A felonies involving violence, sexual assault, and certain other serious offenses are generally ineligible for expungement
Pursuant to RSA 651:5(X), successful expungement results in the removal of all records of arrest, conviction, and discharge from the official records of the arresting agency and courts. The individual may thereafter legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest and any resulting conviction did not occur, with certain exceptions for law enforcement and judicial purposes.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice provides standardized petition forms and procedural guidance for individuals seeking expungement of arrest records. Legal representation is not required but may be beneficial for navigating the technical aspects of the petition process.
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