Official Government Sources
Needham Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Needham, Massachusetts government websites.
About Needham City Government
The governing body of Needham, Massachusetts, is the Needham Town Meeting, which consists of 240 elected members. These representatives are elected for three-year terms, with elections held annually in May. The Town Meeting serves as the legislative body, where members gather to discuss and vote on various town matters, including budgets and local ordinances.
For the fiscal year 2023, Needham's approximate annual operating budget is $100.3 million. This budget supports essential services such as education, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance, reflecting the town's commitment to providing quality services to its residents.
Regular meetings of the Needham Town Meeting occur on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 PM, held at the Needham Town Hall located at 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492. These meetings are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their local government and participate in the democratic process.
For the fiscal year 2023, Needham's approximate annual operating budget is $100.3 million. This budget supports essential services such as education, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance, reflecting the town's commitment to providing quality services to its residents.
Regular meetings of the Needham Town Meeting occur on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 PM, held at the Needham Town Hall located at 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492. These meetings are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their local government and participate in the democratic process.
About Needham, Massachusetts
Needham, Massachusetts, is located in Norfolk County and has a current population of approximately 31,000 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The town is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, including Needham Heights and Needham Center, which feature a mix of residential areas and local businesses. One notable landmark in Needham is the Needham Town Common, a historic park that serves as a community gathering space and hosts various events throughout the year.
Economically, Needham has a strong presence in the technology and healthcare sectors, with companies such as TripAdvisor and the Boston Children's Hospital's Needham campus contributing to the local economy. Historically, Needham was incorporated in 1711 and has evolved from a farming community into a suburban town with a rich history, including the Needham Historical Society, which preserves the town's heritage. The town's commitment to education is evident in its highly regarded public school system, which consistently ranks among the top in the state.
Economically, Needham has a strong presence in the technology and healthcare sectors, with companies such as TripAdvisor and the Boston Children's Hospital's Needham campus contributing to the local economy. Historically, Needham was incorporated in 1711 and has evolved from a farming community into a suburban town with a rich history, including the Needham Historical Society, which preserves the town's heritage. The town's commitment to education is evident in its highly regarded public school system, which consistently ranks among the top in the state.
Needham, Massachusetts Public Records & Government Resources
Needham Massachusetts Inmate Search
Massachusetts Department of Correction inmate search for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts USA.gov Public Records Guide
USA.gov guide to government public records and information for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts US Bankruptcy Court Case Locator
PACER bankruptcy case locator - find bankruptcy filings from Needham.
Needham Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Search
Search for unclaimed property and money belonging to Needham residents.
Needham Massachusetts Social Security Death Records
Social Security Administration death records and survivor benefits for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts National Sex Offender Registry
National Sex Offender Public Website - search sex offenders near Needham.
Needham Massachusetts FBI Most Wanted Criminals
FBI national most wanted criminals - search for Needham area subjects.
Needham Massachusetts Voter Registration Records
Find voter registration information and public records for Needham residents.
Needham Massachusetts PACER Federal Court Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records - search federal court cases for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy
Massachusetts State Archives genealogy and historical records for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Massachusetts for Needham.
Massachusetts Courts – Needham Case Search
Massachusetts Courts e-services case search for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts Vital Records
Massachusetts vital records – birth, death, marriage for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts Missing Persons
Massachusetts State Police missing persons for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry
Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts Criminal History Records
Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services records for Needham.
Needham Massachusetts Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Needham.
Town of Needham
Directory of Needham town records and information
Needham Massachusetts Recorded Documents
Contact and search Needham clerk office official town records Town Hall One Liberty Lane Norfolk, MA 02056 508-528-1400
Needham Police Department
Obtain criminal reports and records 117 Main Street P.O. Box 3 Norfolk, MA 02056 508-528-3206
Needham Fire Department Headquarters
117 Main Street Norfolk, MA 02056 508-528-3207
Needham Massachusetts Criminal Records Search and Depository
Look up criminal information in the town of Needham Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) 200 Arlington Street, 2nd Flo
Lookup Needham Massachusetts Civil and Criminal Cases and Files
Search divorce records and other civil matters. Massachusetts Trial Courts List of Contact Information
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Needham Massachusetts Inmate Search and Community Corrections
Department of Correction 50 Maple Street, Suite 3 Milford, MA 01757 -3698 Ph: (508) 422-3300
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Needham, Massachusetts, you will be transported to the Norfolk House of Correction for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Norfolk District Court. Under Massachusetts law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Massachusetts State Police. The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.mass.gov/doc/inmate-search where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Town of Needham, Massachusetts?
The Needham Public Schools district serves the town of Needham, Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district had an overall performance score of 83.3 out of 100 in the 2019-2020 school year. The district's performance was above the state average of 79.4.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts?
The Needham Public Schools district serves the town of Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district's overall performance rating for the 2018-2019 school year was "Exceeds Expectations." The district's four-year graduation rate was 95.7%, and the district's average SAT scores were 567 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 571 in Math.
4
What are the crime statistics for Town of Needham, Massachusetts?
According to the Needham Police Department's 2019 Annual Report, there were a total of 1,845 reported incidents in Needham, Massachusetts in 2019. Of those incidents, there were a total of 545 reported crimes, including:
* Violent Crimes: 24
* Property Crimes: 486
* Drug Crimes: 35
* Other Crimes: 0
* Violent Crimes: 24
* Property Crimes: 486
* Drug Crimes: 35
* Other Crimes: 0
5
What are the crime statistics for Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts had a total of 545 reported incidents of crime in 2019. Of those incidents, there were 4 violent crimes, including 1 murder, 1 rape, 1 robbery, and 1 aggravated assault. There were also 541 reported property crimes, including 4 arsons, 39 burglaries, 488 larcenies, and 10 motor vehicle thefts.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Town of Needham Massachusetts Library?
The Needham Public Library in Norfolk County, Massachusetts provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Massachusetts government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which governs access to government documents in Massachusetts. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Needham Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Needham Public Library reference desk at (339) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts Library?
The Needham Public Library in Norfolk County, Massachusetts provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Massachusetts government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which governs access to government documents in Massachusetts. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Needham Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Needham Public Library reference desk at (339) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the Town of Needham, Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Needham Public Library is located at 1139 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02494.
9
Where is the Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Needham Free Public Library is located at 1139 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Town of Needham, Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services in Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts are available through the Needham Police Department and the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (339) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Massachusetts State Police and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Massachusetts State Police.
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services for Needham, Massachusetts residents are provided at the Needham Police Department, which serves Norfolk County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Needham Police Department at (339) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Massachusetts State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Massachusetts State Police at https://www.mass.gov/criminal-record-checks.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, and what information is provided in the records?
Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts vital records can be obtained from the Town Clerk's Office.
The records available include birth, marriage, and death certificates. To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person listed on the record. You must also fill out an application form and pay the applicable fee.
The records available include birth, marriage, and death certificates. To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person listed on the record. You must also fill out an application form and pay the applicable fee.
13
About Police Reports
Police reports from Needham, Massachusetts can be obtained from the Needham Police Department, located in Norfolk County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, most police reports are public records in Massachusetts, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Needham Police Department Records Division at (339) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.mass.gov/criminal-record-checks.
14
About background check
A background check in Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Massachusetts. Criminal background checks are processed through the Massachusetts State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Massachusetts residents. The Massachusetts State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.mass.gov/criminal-record-checks. Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.