Access Cambridge Recent Arrests
Cambridge recent arrests are processed by the Cambridge Police Department, a CALEA-accredited agency serving over 118,000 residents in Middlesex County. The department holds advanced-level accreditation, putting it among the top law enforcement agencies in the country. Arrest records from Cambridge move through the Middlesex County court system for prosecution. You can search for recent arrest records through the state court database, request records from the CPD, or check statewide criminal history tools run by the DCJIS.
Cambridge Overview
Cambridge Police Department Arrests
The Cambridge Police Department is led by Police Commissioner Christine Elow. The department has earned Advanced Level Accreditation from CALEA, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Out of about 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the United States, only 1,021 hold a CALEA accreditation of any level. That puts CPD in a very small group of agencies meeting the highest standards for policies, procedures, and operations.
For non-emergency service requests in Cambridge, use the SeeClickFix platform. It covers traffic concerns, quality of life issues, and neighborhood disputes. You can track your request status online or through the mobile app. Do not use SeeClickFix for emergencies. Call 911 for those.
| Department | Cambridge Police Department |
|---|---|
| Commissioner | Christine Elow |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Non-Emergency | SeeClickFix Platform |
| Website | cambridgema.gov - Police |
Cambridge is also home to Harvard University and MIT, both of which have their own police departments. Those campus departments coordinate with CPD on incidents that cross into city areas. If an arrest happens off campus but involves a university-affiliated person, CPD usually handles it.
The Cambridge Police Department website has department news, annual reports, and policy documents.
This screenshot shows the Cambridge Police Department's main web page where you can find contact details and records request info.
Finding Cambridge Arrest Records
Search MassCourts to find recent arrest cases from Cambridge. The free state system covers Cambridge District Court (Third District Court) and Middlesex County Superior Court. Enter a name or case number to see charges, docket entries, and case status. Most cases that have been arraigned will show up here.
For records that aren't in the court system yet, submit a public records request to the Cambridge Police Department. You can do this online through the City of Cambridge website, in person at CPD headquarters, or by mail to the Records Division. Under M.G.L. c. 66, Section 10, the department has 10 business days to respond. Include dates, location, names, and the type of record you want. The more detail the better.
The CPD publishes annual reports that include crime stats and arrest trends. These are free on the department website. They give a broader picture of arrest activity across Cambridge over time.
Note: For your own criminal record check, use the iCORI system at $25 through the DCJIS.
Cambridge Courts and Arrest Cases
Cambridge arrests go through Middlesex County courts. The Middlesex County Superior Court sits at 200 Trade Center, Woburn, MA 01801. Phone is (781) 939-2700. Clerk of Courts Michael A. Sullivan runs the office. Free parking is available in a large lot at the courthouse. This court handles criminal cases and civil claims over $50,000.
The Cambridge District Court, also called the Third District Court, serves Cambridge, Arlington, and Belmont. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is available at the courthouse. The MBTA Orange Line to Wellington Station gets you close, and several bus routes including 90, 97, 99, 100, 106, 108, 110, 112, and 134 serve the area. Clerk-Magistrate Sharon S. Casey and First Justice Hon. David E. Frank lead the court. It runs Homeless Court and Mental Health Court programs. Public Wi-Fi is available in the building.
Federal crimes go to the U.S. District Court at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse in Boston at 1 Courthouse Way.
Cambridge Public Records Access
Arrest logs, incident reports with redactions, traffic accident reports, and department policies are all available to the public. Crime statistics are also accessible. Cambridge follows the same state law as other Massachusetts cities for records access.
Some records are restricted or exempt. Juvenile records stay sealed. Reports about domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and elder abuse are protected under M.G.L. c. 41, Section 97D. Only victims, authorized legal representatives, and qualified advocates can get those. Active investigation materials are also off limits, along with personnel records and attorney-client communications. If your request is denied, you can appeal to the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records at no cost.
- Arrest logs are public and available on request
- Standard response time is 10 business days
- Fees may apply for copies
- Fee waivers are available for public interest requests
- Appeal denials to the Supervisor of Public Records
Middlesex County Detention for Cambridge Arrests
People arrested in Cambridge may be held at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction. The facility serves all of Middlesex County. It holds pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving up to 2.5 years. The Middlesex Sheriff's website has info on visiting and inmate services.
Search for inmates through VINELink by name or booking number. It's free and available in multiple languages. You can sign up for custody status alerts. State sentences over 2.5 years go to MCI-Concord, MCI-Shirley, or MCI-Norfolk.
Legal Resources for Cambridge Residents
Cambridge has several legal aid options. The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau is a student-run service that helps with certain cases. Cambridge Legal Services assists low-income residents with various legal matters. The Middlesex County Bar Association provides lawyer referrals. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office also has victim witness advocacy services for people affected by crime.
To seal or expunge a criminal record in Massachusetts, visit the seal your record page or the expungement page on mass.gov. The Massachusetts Legal Help site has step-by-step guides on dealing with criminal records, court processes, and self-help forms. The Sex Offender Registry Board at SORB lets you search for registered offenders in Cambridge or any other city.
Middlesex County Recent Arrests
Cambridge is in Middlesex County, the most populous county in Massachusetts. The county court system processes arrests from Cambridge and dozens of other cities and towns. For county-wide records, court info, and detention details, see the Middlesex County page.
Nearby Cities with Arrest Records
Cambridge sits right next to several other cities in the metro Boston area. Boston is across the Charles River in Suffolk County. Somerville borders Cambridge to the north. Lowell is about 30 miles northwest, also in Middlesex County. Waltham and Medford are close by as well. Lynn is up on the North Shore in Essex County.