Go to:

Manchester, New Hampshire Public Records

  Trusted Public Records Directory

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Manchester, New Hampshire.

Official Government Sources

Manchester Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Manchester, New Hampshire government websites.

About Manchester

Manchester, New Hampshire is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, its historic architecture, and its proximity to the White Mountains. The city is governed by a Mayor-Council form of government, with the Mayor serving as the Chief Executive Officer and the City Council serving as the legislative body. The City Council is composed of 14 members, each representing one of the city's 14 wards. The City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Hillsborough County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Manchester Police Department, Nashua Police Department, and Merrimack Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city or town, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and regional issues, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Hillsborough County Department of Corrections operates the Hillsborough County House of Corrections, located in Manchester. The facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, offering an inmate lookup service through their website for public access. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in New Hampshire allows for cash bail or surety bonds, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the county's online inmate search tool.

Court Records

Hillsborough County is served by the Hillsborough County Superior Court, with locations in both Manchester and Nashua. These courts have jurisdiction over major civil and criminal cases, including felonies and significant civil disputes. The Circuit Court, with divisions in various towns, handles family, probate, and minor civil matters. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's online portal or by visiting the court clerk's office in person.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Hillsborough County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the New Hampshire Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which includes a comprehensive review of an individual's criminal history. The New Hampshire Department of Safety also offers access to the sex offender registry for public safety purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hillsborough County are maintained by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments within the county. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting these agencies directly, often requiring a formal written request. An arrest record in Hillsborough County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings. The New Hampshire Right to Know Law governs public access to these records, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Public Records Access

Public records in Hillsborough County can be accessed under the New Hampshire Right to Know Law. The Hillsborough County Clerk's Office, located in Manchester, provides access to various public records, including property records, marriage licenses, and probate records. The Circuit Court Clerk offers access to court records and case information. These offices typically provide records upon request, with some records available through online portals, ensuring transparency and public access to government information.

Economy & Demographics

Hillsborough County's economy is diverse, with key industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Major employers in the county include Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, BAE Systems, and Fidelity Investments. The presence of these industries, along with a strong retail sector, contributes to the county's economic stability and growth. Hillsborough County's economy is distinct due to its combination of urban centers like Manchester and Nashua, which drive economic activity, and the surrounding rural areas that support agriculture and small businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Manchester, New Hampshire, you will be transported to the Hillsborough County Jail 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 Hillsborough County Court. Under New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire State Police. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.nh.gov/nhdoc/divisions/offenderrecords/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire?
The Manchester School District is located in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. According to the New Hampshire Department of Education, the district's performance data for the 2018-2019 school year is as follows:

- Graduation Rate: 87.2%
- Average SAT Score: 1020
- Average ACT Score: 21.2
- Average Class Size: 18.2
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11.7
3
What are the crime statistics for Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire?
According to the most recent data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire had a total of 1,945 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,717 property crimes and 228 violent crimes. The violent crime rate was 233.2 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 1,919.7 per 100,000 people.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Library?
The Manchester Public Library in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A), which governs access to government documents in New Hampshire. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Manchester New Hampshire Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.nh.gov/archives/genealogy. Contact the Manchester Public Library reference desk at (603) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Public Library located?
The Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Library is located at 405 Pine Street, Manchester, NH 03104.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire?
Fingerprinting services for Manchester, New Hampshire residents are provided at the Manchester Police Department, which serves Hillsborough 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 Manchester Police Department at (603) 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 New Hampshire State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the New Hampshire State Police at https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/ssb/crimrecords/.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, you must contact the New Hampshire Department of State, Division of Vital Records Administration.

The vital records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates. To obtain a record, you must submit a completed application form, a copy of a valid photo ID, and the applicable fee.
8
About background check
A background check in Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. Criminal background checks are processed through the New Hampshire State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for New Hampshire residents. The New Hampshire State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/ssb/crimrecords/. Under the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A), 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.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026