Pembroke Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Pembroke, Maine government websites.

  About Pembroke City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million

The governing body of Pembroke, Maine, is the Pembroke Board of Selectmen, which consists of three members. Each selectman is elected by the residents of Pembroke for a term of three years. Elections are held annually, allowing for staggered terms to ensure continuity within the board.

For the fiscal year 2023, Pembroke's approximate annual operating budget is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, road maintenance, and community services, reflecting the town's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.

The Pembroke Board of Selectmen meets regularly on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings are held at the Pembroke Town Office, located at 8 School Street, Pembroke, ME 04666. These meetings provide an opportunity for residents to engage with their elected officials and stay informed about local governance.

  About Pembroke, Maine

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Washington County, Pembroke is a small yet vibrant community that captures the essence of rural Maine living. With a population estimated at around 1,000 residents, this town is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. Founded in the early 19th century, Pembroke traces its roots back to 1821, making it a historically rich area that showcases traditional New England charm. Major neighborhoods within Pembroke include the village center and several surrounding rural areas, where residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle interspersed with local events and seasonal celebrations. The local economy is primarily supported by small businesses, agriculture, and some light manufacturing, contributing to a self-sufficient community where residents often know their neighbors by name. What truly distinguishes Pembroke is its commitment to preserving its natural beauty and fostering a welcoming environment, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike to thrive.

The Pembroke Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the community, dedicated to maintaining safety and order within the town. Additionally, the Washington County Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in regional law enforcement, offering services that extend beyond Pembroke to the wider county area. For those seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or any criminal history within Pembroke, the process begins at the Pembroke Police Department. Residents can make inquiries directly at the department or reach out to the Washington County Sheriff's Office for broader records that pertain to the county. For more extensive criminal history checks, individuals may contact the Maine State Police Bureau of Investigation, which serves as the state’s criminal repository. Online lookup portals provided by these agencies can facilitate access to certain records, with the police department and sheriff’s office often providing guidance on how to navigate these resources. Overall, the commitment to transparency and public safety is evident in the processes established for accessing criminal records in Pembroke.

In terms of judicial services, Pembroke falls under the jurisdiction of the Washington County Superior Court, which handles a variety of legal matters ranging from civil cases to criminal proceedings. To request court records, individuals can utilize the online portal available through the Maine Judicial Branch, which offers searchable access to many case documents. For those who prefer a personal touch or need assistance, visiting the court clerk’s office in person is a viable option where clerks can help with record requests. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Washington County Clerk-Recorder’s office, and residents can obtain these documents either in person or by submitting a request through the Maine vital records system. Property records, essential for various legal and financial purposes, are housed with the county assessor and recorder, with online portals available to streamline the search process. Additionally, Pembroke residents have the right to request general public records under the Maine Freedom of Access Act, which ensures timely responses from public agencies, typically within 5 to 10 business days. This commitment to accessible public records underscores Pembroke’s dedication to transparency and civic engagement, strengthening the bond between the town's government and its residents.

About Pembroke

Pembroke, Washington County, Maine is a small town with a population of approximately 914. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Washington County, Pembroke captures the essence of rural Maine living. The town is home to a vibrant community, rich in natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Pembroke, Washington County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Calais Police Department, Eastport Police Department, and Machias Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives.
These departments often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on larger investigations and regional law enforcement efforts, ensuring comprehensive coverage and coordination in addressing crime across Washington County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Washington County Jail, located in Machias, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are processed and held pending bail or court appearances. The jail provides an inmate lookup service that allows the public to search for individuals currently detained. Visitation rules at the facility require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.

Court Records

Court records for Pembroke, Maine are maintained by the Washington County Courthouse (https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/district/washington.html). This includes civil and criminal case files, as well as records of any court proceedings involving Pembroke residents or businesses. Individuals can request copies of court records by contacting the Washington County Courthouse.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Washington County, Maine, encompass a range of documents, including felony and misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Washington County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Maine State Bureau of Identification provides additional resources for background checks and statewide criminal history information. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which provides detailed reports on an individual's criminal history within the state.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Washington County, Maine, are maintained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed, the arresting officer's details, and the date and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Maine Freedom of Access Act governs the public's right to access such records, ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.

Public Records Access

Public records for Pembroke, Maine can be accessed through the Washington County Registry of Deeds (https://www.washingtoncountyme.gov/departments/registry-of-deeds/) and the Pembroke Town Clerk's Office (https://www.pembrokemaine.org/town-clerk). These records include property deeds, mortgages, liens, and other real estate transactions, as well as vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.

Economy & Demographics

Economic data and public records for Pembroke, Maine can be found through the U.S. Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/) and the Maine Department of Labor (https://www.maine.gov/labor/). These resources provide information on the town's employment, income, and other economic indicators. Additionally, the Pembroke Town Clerk's Office (https://www.pembrokemaine.org/town-clerk) may have records related to local businesses and economic development.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement records for Pembroke, Maine are handled by the Pembroke Police Department (https://www.pembrokemaine.org/police-department). This includes incident reports, arrest records, and other law enforcement-related documents. Residents can request copies of these records by contacting the Pembroke Police Department, subject to applicable privacy laws and regulations.

Vital Records

The Pembroke Town Clerk's Office (https://www.pembrokemaine.org/town-clerk) maintains vital records for the town, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Residents can request copies of these records by contacting the Town Clerk's Office. The office also issues various licenses and permits, such as marriage licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, and dog licenses.

Business & Licensing Records

Business-related public records for Pembroke, Maine can be found through the Maine Secretary of State's business entity search (https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/) and the Pembroke Town Clerk's Office (https://www.pembrokemaine.org/town-clerk). These records include information on registered businesses, corporations, and other commercial entities operating within the town.

Elections & Voter Records

Pembroke voters are served by the Washington County elections system administered by the Washington County Clerk's Office, located at 85 Court Street, P.O. Box 297, Machias, ME 04654 (phone 207-255-3127; website www.washingtoncountymaine.com). Voter registration in Maine can be completed online through the Maine Secretary of State's website at www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voter-info/voterguide.html, or in person at the Pembroke Town Office, municipal clerk's office, or on Election Day at the polling place. Maine allows same-day voter registration, so residents can register and vote on the same day with proof of identity and residency. Acceptable documents include a Maine driver's license, utility bill, or signed affidavit. The voter registration deadline for advance registration is 21 days before an election if registering by mail. Pembroke holds municipal elections for town officers, including select board members, at the annual town meeting, typically in March. These are conducted by warrant at town meeting, a traditional New England governance format where voters gather to decide on town budget and policy matters by voice or written ballot. Pembroke residents vote for county, state, and federal offices at the Pembroke Town Office or designated polling location; polling place assignments can be confirmed by contacting the town clerk at 207-726-4747 or checking the Maine voter information portal. In the November 2024 general election, Washington County reported a voter turnout of approximately 68%, consistent with rural Maine's relatively high civic engagement. The November 3, 2026 election will include the Maine gubernatorial race, as the governor's term is up in 2026, along with elections for the Maine State Legislature (State Senate and House of Representatives), Washington County offices such as Sheriff and County Commissioner, and potentially a U.S. House of Representatives seat for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Pembroke. No U.S. Senate seat from Maine is scheduled for election in 2026. Maine uses ranked-choice voting for federal offices and some state primaries. Absentee ballots in Maine are available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse; applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person to the Pembroke Town Clerk up to three months before an election and must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Voter registration lists and election results by precinct are public records available through the Washington County Clerk and Maine Secretary of State. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are accessible through the Maine Ethics Commission at www.maine.gov/ethics.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ⚠️ Partial Online (Registry available, assessor search limited) | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required (online ordering via VitalChek available with fees) | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.5/10 — Washington County and Maine provide strong online access for court records and business searches, with decent property and election transparency, though some local records require in-person or phone requests to town offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Pembroke, Washington County, Maine to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Pembroke, Maine, you will be transported to the Washington County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Washington County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Washington County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Pembroke area is served by public school districts in Washington County, Maine. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Maine Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Pembroke, Maine are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Pembroke Police Department on their official website. The Maine Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Pembroke Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Maine government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Pembroke Public Library main branch is located in Pembroke, Maine. Check the Pembroke city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Pembroke, Maine are available through the Pembroke Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Pembroke, Maine, contact the Maine Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Washington County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Pembroke, Maine can be obtained from the Pembroke Police Department or the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Maine public records law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Maine DMV.
A background check in Pembroke, Washington County, Maine typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Maine criminal history report through the Maine Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Washington County, Maine

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Addison Baileyville Beals Brookton Calais Cherryfield Columbia Falls Cutler