Access New Bedford Recent Arrests
New Bedford recent arrests are handled by the New Bedford Police Department, which operates three stations across the city. New Bedford sits in Bristol County on the South Coast of Massachusetts with about 95,000 residents. The department is committed to community policing and builds bridges with residents through active dialogue and outreach programs. You can search for recent arrest records through state court databases, file a public records request with the NBPD, or check statewide criminal history tools run by the DCJIS.
New Bedford Overview
New Bedford Police Arrest Records
The New Bedford Police Department has its headquarters at 871 Rockdale Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740. The main phone number is (508) 991-6300. Two additional stations serve different parts of the city. Uniform Patrol Station #2 is at 912 Brock Avenue with phone (508) 991-6355. Uniform Patrol Station #3 is at 781 Ashley Boulevard, and you can reach it at (508) 991-6360.
The NBPD takes a community policing approach. Officers work to build relationships with people in the neighborhoods they serve. The department believes that ongoing dialogue between police and community members helps keep everyone safer and builds the trust needed for effective policing. This shows up in how they handle records access too. They follow the law and try to make the process clear for residents who need arrest information.
| Headquarters | 871 Rockdale Avenue New Bedford, MA 02740 |
|---|---|
| HQ Phone | (508) 991-6300 |
| Station #2 | 912 Brock Avenue - (508) 991-6355 |
| Station #3 | 781 Ashley Boulevard - (508) 991-6360 |
| Website | newbedfordpd.com |
The New Bedford Police Department website has department info, community policing updates, and records access details.
The image above shows the NBPD's official website, which is the starting point for records requests and department contact info.
How to Search New Bedford Arrest Records
The free MassCourts system is the fastest way to look up recent arrests in New Bedford online. It covers the New Bedford District Court and Bristol County Superior Court. Search by name or case number to find charges, case status, and docket entries. Most cases show up once they have been arraigned in court.
For records from the police, visit headquarters at 871 Rockdale Avenue in person. Bring a valid ID and fill out a public records request form. You can also mail your request to the Records Division at the same address, or call (508) 991-6300 for general info. Under M.G.L. c. 66, Section 10, the department has 10 business days to respond. You'll be told if they need more time.
Check your own criminal record for $25 through the iCORI system. The DCJIS runs this system. You need to create an account and verify your identity. The CORI FAQ page explains what shows up on your record.
New Bedford Courts for Arrest Cases
The New Bedford District Court serves six communities: Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, New Bedford, and Westport. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Clerk-Magistrate Peter J. Thomas runs the office. First Justice is Hon. Joseph P. Harrington. The court has an Adult Drug Court and Mental Health Court. Public Wi-Fi is available. ADA coordinator is John DiSanto at (508) 990-9374. For parking, metered street spaces and a paid garage are available near the courthouse. SRTA bus routes serve the area.
Serious felony cases from New Bedford go to the Bristol County Superior Court at 147 Taunton Green, Taunton, MA 02780. That courthouse handles criminal matters only for Bristol County. Clerk of Courts Jennifer Sullivan heads the office. Call (508) 823-6588 for info. The ADA coordinator is Aaron Strojny at the same number. It's open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. SRTA buses serve the area for public transit.
The Fall River District Court also handles some Bristol County matters and may be an alternative location for certain cases. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office on Court Street in Taunton prosecutes criminal cases from across the county.
New Bedford Public Records Access
Arrest logs, incident reports, motor vehicle accident reports, statistical data, and department policies are all public records. The Records Division at NBPD handles these requests. Include dates, names, locations, and report numbers in your request for faster service.
Some records are restricted. Under M.G.L. c. 41, Section 97D, reports involving domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and elder abuse are confidential. Only victims, authorized legal representatives, victim-witness advocates, and qualified counselors can access them. You need proper ID or a notarized letter. Juvenile records are also sealed. Active investigation materials stay closed until cases wrap up.
- Visit headquarters with valid ID for in-person requests
- Mail written requests to the Records Division
- Allow 10 business days for a response
- Complex requests may need extra time
- Appeal denied requests to the Supervisor of Public Records
For statewide criminal history checks, the iCORI system costs $25. The DCJIS office that processes these is at 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150. Phone is (617) 660-4640.
Bristol County Detention After New Bedford Arrests
People arrested in New Bedford may be held at the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction at 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747. Sheriff Paul Heroux oversees the facility. Administrative hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On-site parking is available. The jail holds pre-trial detainees, sentenced inmates serving up to 2.5 years, and inmates at various custody levels. It also has rehabilitation and educational programs.
Search for inmates through VINELink. It's free and available around the clock. Look up by name or booking number. Sign up for automatic alerts when custody status changes. State sentences over 2.5 years go to MCI-Cedar Junction in Walpole, Old Colony Correctional Center in Bridgewater, or MCI-Norfolk.
Additional law enforcement in the New Bedford area includes the Massachusetts State Police Troop D covering southeastern Massachusetts, the U.S. Coast Guard for maritime issues, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for port security.
Legal Help in New Bedford
South Coastal Counties Legal Services helps low-income residents in Bristol County. Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Assistance also provides regional support. The Bristol County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office on Court Street in Taunton has victim witness advocacy services for people affected by crime in New Bedford.
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 website has step-by-step guides on dealing with criminal records and court procedures. Check the Sex Offender Registry Board to search for registered offenders in New Bedford or any Massachusetts city.
Bristol County Recent Arrests
New Bedford is in Bristol County on the South Coast of Massachusetts. The county court system handles arrest cases from New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, and other communities in the region. For full county details on records, detention, and court resources, see the county page.
Nearby Cities with Arrest Records
Fall River is about 15 miles west, also in Bristol County. Taunton is north in Bristol County. Brockton is to the north in Plymouth County. Plymouth is northeast in Plymouth County. Boston is about 60 miles north. Quincy is roughly 45 miles to the north in Norfolk County.