Rochester Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rochester, New Hampshire?
Arrest records are public documents in Rochester, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes the legal framework for public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal jurisdictions. The Right to Know Law operates under the principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest and promotes accountability of public officials and institutions.
Under RSA 91-A:4, members of the public maintain the right to inspect and copy governmental records during regular business hours. Arrest records fall within this category of accessible documents, except in circumstances where:
- The records pertain to an ongoing investigation where disclosure might impede law enforcement proceedings
- The records contain information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in RSA 91-A:5
- The records involve juvenile offenders whose information is protected under RSA 169-B
- The records have been sealed or expunged by court order
The Rochester Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established protocols for public records requests.
How to Look Up Rochester Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Rochester, New Hampshire. The Rochester Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides several access options for members of the public seeking this information.
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Rochester Police Department
23 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867
(603) 330-7127
Rochester NH Police Department
Office hours for public records requests: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the above address. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, the department must respond to such requests within 5 business days.
For electronic access, the Rochester Police Department maintains an online portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed. This system allows for searches based on:
- Date range of arrests
- Name of arrested individual
- Type of offense
- Case number (if known)
Additionally, the Strafford County Superior Court maintains records of arrests that have resulted in formal charges. These records may be accessed at:
Strafford County Superior Court
259 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch
Third-party commercial services also compile and provide access to arrest records, though the accuracy and completeness of such services cannot be guaranteed by governmental entities.
Contents of a Rochester Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Rochester Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by New Hampshire law and departmental policy. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Identification numbers (if previously in system)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory citation of alleged offense(s)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant or probable cause
Processing information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Medical screening documentation
Case disposition details:
- Bail or bond amount set
- Court appearance dates
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
- Case number assigned by the court system
Pursuant to RSA 594:14, law enforcement agencies must maintain complete records of all arrests. These records serve both administrative and legal purposes, documenting the chain of custody and ensuring proper procedural compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records, particularly when such information pertains to confidential informants, victims of certain crimes, or ongoing investigations as specified in RSA 91-A:5.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Rochester
New Hampshire law provides mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement (also referred to as annulment) of arrest records under specific circumstances. The legal framework for this process is established in RSA 651:5, which outlines eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of Rochester arrest records under the following conditions:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction, and the case was dismissed or resulted in a finding of not guilty
- The individual has completed all terms of their sentence, including probation, and has remained free from subsequent arrests for a statutorily defined waiting period
- The offense does not fall within categories specifically excluded from expungement eligibility under RSA 651:5, IX
The waiting period for expungement eligibility varies according to the severity of the offense:
- Violations: 1 year after completion of sentence
- Class B misdemeanors: 2 years after completion of sentence
- Class A 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, including sexual assault crimes, offenses against minors, and certain vehicular crimes resulting in death or serious injury, are ineligible for expungement under New Hampshire law.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court of jurisdiction where the case was adjudicated. In Rochester, this is typically:
7th Circuit Court - Rochester District Division
76 North Main Street
Rochester, NH 03867
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing at which the petitioner must demonstrate their eligibility and rehabilitation. If granted, the expungement order directs all governmental agencies to seal the records pertaining to the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Following expungement, the individual may legally respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred, with certain exceptions for law enforcement and specific licensing agencies as outlined in RSA 651:5, X.
Search Arrest Records in Rochester
