Requesting Records in Massachusetts

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Massachusetts, you can obtain a crash report by following these steps:

  1. Determine which police department responded to the accident. The police department that responded to the accident will have a copy of the crash report.

  2. Visit the police department’s website or call the department to find out how to obtain a copy of the crash report. Some departments have online request forms, while others require you to visit the station in person or send a written request by mail.

  3. Provide the required information. The police department will typically require information such as the date, time, and location of the accident, the names of the parties involved, and the case or report number (if available).

  4. Pay the required fee. There may be a fee to obtain a copy of the crash report. The fee amount will vary by department.

  5. Wait for the report to be processed. It may take several days or weeks for the department to process your request and provide you with a copy of the report.

Note that if the accident was investigated by the Massachusetts State Police, you can request a copy of the report through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Portal.

How to Request Records From the Massachusetts State Police

To request records from the Massachusetts State Police you’ll need to visit the following link.

  • Once on the State Police website, you’ll click “submit a records request.”
  • You’ll want to create an account on the Massachusetts State Police website. 
  • After creating an account you’ll move to a page and will be asked to chose which type of records you’re requesting. 
  • When describing the records that you’re requesting, it is important to be specific about the incident at hand. Use individuals names, license plate numbers, addresses, dates, time of day, officers information, etc. 
  • You’ll also want to gather all information “pertaining to” the matter including all notes, documents, reports, witnesses, police records, etc.
 

It is recommended that when requesting public records to understand the following:

  • Provide a reasonable description of the records sought and a preferred format, if any, for receiving public records that are available in electronic form. You’ll want to ask for all records, notes, documents, and materials regarding the matter.
  • Public agencies must adhere to the law requiring them to secure personally identifiable information and prevent unwarranted invasions of privacy. Documents containing such information must be redacted carefully before releasing, expanding time needed for production. Consider how you might revise your public records request to exclude records containing such information.
  • Consider how you can narrow the scope of your request to expedite the production process. The first four hours of work performed to respond to a public records request will be performed at no cost. After that, the agency may charge up to $25 per hour.
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