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Gloucester, Massachusetts Public Records

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Gloucester Public Records Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Gloucester, Massachusetts, you will be transported to the Essex 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 Essex 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 Essex 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 Gloucester Public Schools district serves the city of Gloucester, Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district's overall performance in the 2018-2019 school year was rated as "Needs Improvement." The district's four-year graduation rate was 87.3%, and the district's MCAS scores were slightly below the state average.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts?
The Gloucester Public Schools district serves the city of Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district's overall performance in the 2018-2019 school year was rated as "Needs Improvement." The district's four-year graduation rate was 87.3%, and the district's MCAS scores were slightly below the state average.
4
What are the crime statistics for , Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of reported crimes in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 2019 was 1,845. Of those, 1,717 were property crimes and 128 were violent crimes. The violent crime rate was 6.7 per 1,000 people, and the property crime rate was 79.2 per 1,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts had a total of 1,845 reported incidents of crime in 2019. Of those incidents, there were 1,717 property crimes and 128 violent crimes. The property crime rate was 3,845.7 per 100,000 people, and the violent crime rate was 271.3 per 100,000 people.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Massachusetts Library?
The Gloucester Public Library in Essex 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 Gloucester Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Gloucester Public Library reference desk at (351) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts Library?
The Gloucester Public Library in Essex 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 Gloucester Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Gloucester Public Library reference desk at (351) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the , Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Gloucester, Massachusetts Library is located at 8 Dale Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930.
9
Where is the Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts Library is located at:

Gloucester Public Library

97 Main Street

Gloucester, MA 01930
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in , Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services in Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts are available through the Gloucester Police Department and the Essex 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 (351) 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 Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services for Gloucester, Massachusetts residents are provided at the Gloucester Police Department, which serves Essex 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 Gloucester Police Department at (351) 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 Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts, you must contact the Essex County Registry of Deeds.

Vital records available from the Registry of Deeds include birth, marriage, and death certificates. To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must provide the full name of the individual, 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 individual.
13
About Police Reports
Police reports from Gloucester, Massachusetts can be obtained from the Gloucester Police Department, located in Essex 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 Gloucester Police Department Records Division at (351) 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 Gloucester, Essex 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.