Hingham Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Hingham, Massachusetts government websites.

  About Hingham City Government
Annual Budget $45 million

Hingham, Massachusetts, operates under a Town Meeting form of government, with a Board of Selectmen serving as the executive body. The Board consists of five elected members, each serving a three-year term. Members are elected at large during the annual town election, which typically occurs in May.

For the fiscal year 2023, Hingham's approximate annual operating budget is $45 million. This budget supports various municipal services, including education, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.

The Hingham Board of Selectmen meets regularly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7:00 PM. Meetings are held at the Hingham Town Hall, located at 210 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043. These sessions are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their local government and stay informed on community matters.

  About Hingham, Massachusetts

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Hingham Harbor, this vibrant town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, boasts a rich history and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 24,000 residents, Hingham is known for its charming neighborhoods, such as Hingham Centre, East Hingham, and the historic Shipyard area. Founded in 1635, the town combines a quaint New England atmosphere with modern amenities, making it a desirable place to live and work. The local economy is diverse, featuring a mix of retail, healthcare, education, and professional services, with significant employers including the Hingham School District and several local businesses along the waterfront. One of the town's standout features is its strong commitment to preserving its historical heritage, which is reflected in its well-kept colonial architecture and numerous local landmarks. From the iconic Hingham Shipyard, which offers dining and shopping options, to the beautiful landscapes of World's End Reservation, Hingham provides an engaging environment for residents and visitors alike.

The Hingham Police Department is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law in the town, working alongside the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the county jail and detention facility. To access arrest records, mugshots, and booking records, individuals can start by contacting the Hingham Police Department’s records unit. Requests for criminal history can also be directed to the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, which maintains records of offenses within the county. For a more comprehensive search, individuals can turn to the Massachusetts State Police, which operates the Criminal History Systems Board to provide access to criminal history information. Online lookup portals, such as the Massachusetts State Police website, make it easier for residents to obtain criminal records without the need to visit physical offices. When seeking access to records, it is important for individuals to be aware of the specific requirements, such as providing identification or completing a request form, as these details may vary by office.

Hingham falls under the jurisdiction of the Plymouth County District Court, which handles a variety of legal matters, including civil, criminal, and family cases. To request court records, individuals can utilize the online portal provided by the Massachusetts Trial Court, which allows for convenient access to case information and documents. For those who prefer in-person assistance, visiting the court's clerk's office is an option; staff members are available to help navigate the records available. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be requested through the Town Clerk’s Office or the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Property records, which are essential for real estate transactions and assessments, can be accessed through the Plymouth County Assessor’s Office and recorded with the county's registry of deeds, with many records also available online. Additionally, under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, any individual can submit a public records request to obtain documents from government agencies. Typically, responses are issued within 5 to 10 business days, although this may vary depending on the complexity of the request or volume of records sought.

  Hingham, Massachusetts Public Records & Government Resources

About Hingham

Hingham, Massachusetts, operates under a Town Meeting form of government, with a Board of Selectmen serving as the executive body. The Board consists of five elected members, each serving a three-year term. Members are elected at large during the annual town election, which typically occurs in May. For the fiscal year 2023, Hingham's approximate annual operating budget is $45 million. This budget supports various municipal services, including education, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.
The Hingham Board of Selectmen meets regularly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7:00 PM. Meetings are held at the Hingham Town Hall, located at 210 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043. These sessions are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their local government and stay informed on community matters.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Plymouth County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Brockton Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, and Hingham Police Department. Each city department is responsible for law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office provides support and handles county-wide issues. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and participate in regional task forces.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Plymouth County Correctional Facility, located in Plymouth, is the main detention center for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmates can be located through the facility's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific days and times allocated for visits. The bond process in Massachusetts allows for cash bail or surety bonds, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.

Court Records

The Plymouth County Superior Court, located in Brockton, handles major criminal and civil cases. Additionally, the Plymouth District Court and Hingham District Court serve the county, dealing with misdemeanor cases, small claims, and other legal matters. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system, providing online access to court information.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Plymouth County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. These records are maintained by the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Massachusetts Court System. Background checks in Massachusetts can be conducted through the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, which provides access to criminal history information. The Massachusetts Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Plymouth County are maintained by the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, charges, and the arresting agency. Requests for these records can be made in person or through written applications to the respective law enforcement agency.

Public Records Access

Public records in Plymouth County are accessible under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. The County Clerk's Office, located in Plymouth, provides access to a variety of records, including property records and marriage licenses. The Probate and Family Court handles records related to estates and family matters. Requests for records can be made in person, by mail, or through online portals, with varying turnaround times depending on the type of record requested.

Economy & Demographics

Plymouth County's economy is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The county is home to several large employers, such as Signature Healthcare and the Plymouth Public Schools. The coastal location also supports a robust tourism sector, with attractions like Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II drawing visitors. The county's economic character is distinct due to its blend of historical significance and modern industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Hingham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Hingham, Massachusetts, you will be transported to the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.mass.gov/doc/inmate-search where you can look up current detainees.
The Hingham Public Schools district serves the town of Hingham, Plymouth 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 "Exceeding Expectations." The district's four-year graduation rate was 97.3%, and the district's average SAT scores were 567 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 571 in Math.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Hingham, Plymouth 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, 4 burglaries, 519 larcenies, and 14 motor vehicle thefts.
The Hingham Public Library in Plymouth 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 Hingham Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Hingham Public Library reference desk at (339) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Hingham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Library is located at 66 Leavitt Street, Hingham, MA 02043.
Fingerprinting services for Hingham, Massachusetts residents are provided at the Hingham Police Department, which serves Plymouth 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 Hingham 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.
Hingham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts vital records can be obtained from the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds. The records include birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as divorce records. To obtain these records, you must submit a written request to the Registry of Deeds.

You must include the full name of the person whose record you are requesting, as well as the date and 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.
Police reports from Hingham, Massachusetts can be obtained from the Hingham Police Department, located in Plymouth 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 Hingham 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.
A background check in Hingham, Plymouth 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.
  Nearby Cities in Plymouth County, Massachusetts

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Brockton Abington Duxbury East Bridgewater Hanover Hanson