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Taunton, Massachusetts Public Records

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Taunton Public Records Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Taunton, Massachusetts, you will be transported to the Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol 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 , Massachusetts?
The Taunton Public School District serves the city of Taunton, Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district's overall performance in the 2019-2020 school year was rated as "Meeting Expectations." The district's four-year graduation rate was 87.2%, and the district's MCAS scores were above the state average in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts?
The Taunton Public School District serves the city of Taunton, Bristol 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 a Level 2, which is considered to be "meeting expectations." The district's graduation rate for the same school year was 87.3%, and the dropout rate was 2.2%.
4
What are the crime statistics for , Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Taunton, Massachusetts had a total of 1,845 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,072 property crimes and 773 violent crimes. The violent crime rate was 4.2 per 1,000 people, and the property crime rate was 6.1 per 1,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts had a total of 1,845 reported incidents of crime in 2019. Of those incidents, there were 1,072 property crimes, 645 violent crimes, and 128 cases of arson.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Massachusetts Library?
The Taunton Public Library in Bristol 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 Taunton Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Taunton Public Library reference desk at (508) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts Library?
The Taunton Public Library in Bristol 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 Taunton Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Taunton Public Library reference desk at (508) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the , Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Taunton Public Library is located at 12 Pleasant Street, Taunton, MA 02780.
9
Where is the Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Taunton Public Library is located at 12 Pleasant Street, Taunton, MA 02780.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in , Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts are available through the Taunton Police Department and the Bristol 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 (508) 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 Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services for Taunton, Massachusetts residents are provided at the Taunton Police Department, which serves Bristol 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 Taunton Police Department at (508) 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 , Massachusetts, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Taunton, Massachusetts, you must contact the Taunton City Clerk's Office. The records include birth, death, and marriage certificates. To obtain a record, you must provide the full name of the person on the record, the date of the event, and the place of the event. You must also provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person on the record. The address for the Taunton City Clerk's Office is:

Taunton City Clerk's Office

15 Summer Street

Taunton, MA 02780
13
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, you must contact the Bristol County Registry of Deeds.

The Registry of Deeds holds records of births, marriages, and deaths that occurred in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. These records include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event. In some cases, additional information such as parents' names, witnesses, and other details may be included.

To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must submit a written request to the Registry of Deeds. The request must include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event. You must also include a copy of a valid photo ID and a check or money order for the applicable fee.

For more information, you can contact the Bristol County Registry of Deeds or visit their website.
14
About Police Reports
Police reports from Taunton, Massachusetts can be obtained from the Taunton Police Department, located in Bristol 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 Taunton Police Department Records Division at (508) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.mass.gov/criminal-record-checks.
15
About background check
A background check in Taunton, Bristol 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.