Dover Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dover, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public documents in Dover, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be made available for public inspection and copying. The law serves to promote transparency in governmental proceedings and to provide citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Dover Police Department maintains arrest logs that are accessible to members of the public in accordance with state law. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel and provide factual information regarding arrests made within the jurisdiction. Certain information may be redacted in compliance with privacy statutes or ongoing investigation protocols as outlined in RSA 91-A:5.
How to Look Up Dover Arrest Records in 2025
The Dover Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
Online Access: The Dover Police Department's official website maintains a digital arrest log that is updated regularly. This resource allows for remote access to recent arrest information without requiring an in-person visit.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Bureau at the Dover Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. The bureau processes such requests during regular business hours.
Dover Police Department
46 Chestnut Street
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-4646
Dover Police Department Official Website
Written Requests: Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, individuals may submit written requests for specific arrest records. These requests should include sufficient identifying information to locate the relevant records.
State-Level Resources: The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State Police maintains a centralized criminal records repository that includes arrest data from jurisdictions throughout the state, including Dover.
New Hampshire Department of Safety
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3873
NH Department of Safety Official Website
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with RSA 91-A:4(IV) and may vary based on the scope and complexity of the request. Standard processing times range from 5 to 10 business days, though expedited service may be available for certain circumstances as determined by departmental policy.
Contents of a Dover Arrest Record
Dover arrest records typically contain standardized information as mandated by New Hampshire state law and departmental protocols. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and generally include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification data
- Case or incident number for administrative tracking
- Court docket information, including scheduled appearance dates
- Bail or bond determination, if applicable
The Records Bureau of the Dover 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, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety or case integrity.
It should be noted that arrest records document allegations only and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under the American judicial system, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dover
New Hampshire state law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged or annulled under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by RSA 651:5, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements for the annulment of criminal records, including those pertaining to arrests.
Individuals seeking expungement of Dover arrest records must adhere to the following statutory guidelines:
Waiting periods vary according to offense classification:
- Violations: 1 year after completion of sentence
- Misdemeanors: 2 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 statutorily ineligible for annulment, including:
- Violent crimes as defined in RSA 651:5(XIII)
- Sexual offenses requiring registration
- Driving while intoxicated offenses (second or subsequent)
The petition for annulment must be filed with the court of jurisdiction where the original case was adjudicated. For most Dover arrests, this would be:
Dover District Court
25 St. Thomas Street
Dover, NH 03820
(855) 212-1234
NH Judicial Branch Official Website
Upon receipt of a petition for annulment, the court will notify the Dover Police Department and the County Attorney's office, both of which have the right to object to the petition. A hearing may be scheduled at which the petitioner must demonstrate that the annulment serves the public interest. If granted, the annulment order requires all relevant agencies to remove records of the arrest from public access.
The Dover Police Department complies with court-ordered annulments by sealing the specified records from public view in accordance with RSA 651:5(X). However, these records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes as permitted by statute.
Legal Implications of Dover Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dover carry significant legal implications that extend beyond the immediate criminal justice process. These records, maintained pursuant to state law, can impact various aspects of an individual's civic and economic life.
The presence of an arrest record, even without conviction, may affect:
- Employment opportunities, particularly in positions requiring background checks
- Professional licensing in regulated industries
- Housing applications and rental agreements
- Educational enrollment and financial aid eligibility
- Firearm purchase eligibility under federal and state regulations
- Immigration status and naturalization proceedings
New Hampshire law provides certain protections against discrimination based solely on arrest records. RSA 354-A:7 prohibits employers from inquiring about arrests that did not result in conviction, though exceptions exist for law enforcement, childcare, and certain other sensitive positions.
Individuals with arrest records in Dover should be aware of their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the reporting of criminal history information by consumer reporting agencies. The FCRA requires that arrest records older than seven years not be reported unless the position in question meets specific salary thresholds or regulatory requirements.
The Dover Police Department adheres to specific policies regarding the dissemination of arrest information to ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws while maintaining the public's right to access government records as established in RSA 91-A.
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