Perry Public Records Directory

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

  About Perry City Government
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Perry, Maine, is the Perry Town Council, which consists of 5 elected members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Perry and serve a term length of 3 years. The council is responsible for making decisions regarding local governance, including budget approvals and policy implementation.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Town of Perry is $1,200,000. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community services, ensuring the effective functioning of the town.

The Perry Town Council holds regular meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Perry Town Office, located at 8 Dyer Street, Perry, ME 04667. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings to stay informed about local issues and participate in community discussions.

  About Perry, Maine

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Washington County, Perry, Maine, is a small but vibrant town with a rich history and a close-knit community. Presenting an estimated population of approximately 1,059 residents, this charming town offers a glimpse into the quintessential New England lifestyle. Founded in 1786, Perry is characterized by its rustic charm and natural beauty, surrounded by lush forests, serene waterways, and stunning views of the nearby Appalachian mountains. Key neighborhoods such as Eastport and South Perry showcase the town's diversity, with local businesses and family-owned establishments that contribute to its unique character. The economy of Perry is primarily driven by small-scale agriculture, fishing, and tourism, especially during the summer months when visitors flock to enjoy the natural wonders and outdoor activities the area has to offer. What sets Perry apart is not just its scenic beauty but also its dedication to preserving its cultural heritage, making it a distinctive destination in the heart of Maine.

Law enforcement in Perry is provided by the dedicated members of the Perry Police Department, whose officers work tirelessly to maintain the safety and security of the community. Additionally, the Washington County Sheriff's Office oversees law enforcement operations in the surrounding areas, complementing the work done at the local level. For those seeking access to arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process begins at the Perry Police Department. Individuals can request such records by directly contacting the police department’s records unit, which can be reached during regular business hours. For broader inquiries, the Washington County Sheriff's Office is also a valuable resource, where further records may be obtained. For comprehensive criminal history checks, the Maine State Police Bureau of Investigation serves as the state’s central repository of criminal records. Interested parties can submit requests through the bureau’s online portal or by mail. The State Police website provides guidelines for obtaining these records, including necessary forms and fees. Residents should be aware that while some records may be accessible online, others may require a formal request process.

The judicial system serving Perry is the Washington County Superior Court, which is responsible for handling a variety of civil and criminal cases within the county. For those in need of court records, requests can be made through the court’s official online portal, allowing users to search for and access various documents. Alternatively, individuals can visit the court clerk’s office in person, where staff members are available to assist with record retrieval. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are managed by the county clerk-recorder's office. These documents can be requested directly from the office or through the Maine Vital Records website, which offers additional information on fees and processing times. Property records are accessible through the Washington County Assessor's Office and the county recorder, with many documents available online for ease of access. Furthermore, under the Maine Freedom of Access Act, residents can submit general public records requests for information maintained by state or local government agencies. Typically, these requests are processed within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accessibility to essential public information. Perry's dedication to maintaining open records reflects its commitment to serving its residents and upholding civic engagement.

About Perry

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Washington County, Perry, Maine, is a small but vibrant town with a rich history and a close-knit community. Presenting an estimated population of approximately 881 residents, Perry offers a serene and charming atmosphere, where the local government and community work together to preserve the town's unique character and provide a high quality of life for its citizens.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Perry, 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

The Washington County Courthouse, located at 47 Court Street, Machias, ME 04654, serves as the central hub for all court-related matters in the region, including Perry. Residents can access court records, file legal documents, and attend court proceedings at this location. The courthouse can be contacted at (207) 255-3127 or through their website, https://www.courts.maine.gov/maine_courts/district/index.shtml.

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

The Perry Town Office maintains a comprehensive collection of public records, including town meeting minutes, ordinances, and vital statistics. These records can be accessed by visiting the town office located at 1 School Street, Perry, ME 04667. The town's website, https://www.townofperry.org/, also provides online access to select public documents.

Economy & Demographics

Perry's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. The town is home to several farms and producers of specialty crops, as well as a number of vacation rental properties and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Perry Economic Development Committee works to support local businesses and attract new investments to the area. Residents and business owners can find economic data and resources on the town's website, https://www.townofperry.org/economic-development.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Perry Police Department, located at 1 School Street, Perry, ME 04667, is responsible for maintaining law and order within the town. Residents can contact the police department at (207) 853-2518 or visit their website, https://www.townofperry.org/police-department, to report incidents, obtain copies of police reports, or learn about the department's services and programs.

Vital Records

The Perry Town Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates for the town. Residents can request copies of these records by visiting the town office or downloading the appropriate forms from the town's website. The contact information for the Town Clerk's office is (207) 853-2519.

Business & Licensing Records

Perry is home to a variety of local businesses, ranging from small retail shops to agricultural operations. The town's business community is supported by the Perry Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached at (207) 853-4644 or through their website, https://www.perrychamber.org/. Business owners can find information on local regulations, licenses, and permits on the town's website or by contacting the Code Enforcement Officer at (207) 853-2519.

Elections & Voter Records

Perry voters are served by the Washington County administration for election services, with the Washington County Clerk's Office located at 85 Court Street, PO Box 297, Machias, ME 04654 (phone: 207-255-3127; website: www.washingtoncountymaine.com). Maine residents can register to vote online through the Maine Secretary of State at maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voter-info/votereg.html, in person at the Perry Town Office at 1997 U.S. Route 1, Perry, ME 04667, or on Election Day at the polling place with proof of identity and residency. Maine law requires voter registration at least 21 days before an election for registration to be processed in time, though same-day registration is permitted. Acceptable ID includes Maine driver's license, tribal ID, or other government-issued identification along with a document proving Perry residency. Perry holds annual town meetings typically in March where residents vote on the municipal budget, elect selectmen, and decide local warrant articles; the town does not have a mayor but operates under a selectmen/town meeting form of government. Perry voters can find their assigned polling location by contacting the Perry Town Clerk at 207-853-3020 or checking the Maine Secretary of State's polling place lookup at maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/voter_lookup.php. Election records that are public in Maine include voter registration lists (available with restrictions to prevent commercial use), campaign finance reports filed with the Maine Ethics Commission at maine.gov/ethics, candidate filings and nomination papers, and precinct-level election results published after certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Washington County reported approximately 15,500 votes cast with turnout around 65-68% of registered voters, continuing the county's pattern of relatively strong rural participation. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature Maine's gubernatorial race (as the Governor serves four-year terms with the next election in 2026), Maine State Senate and House seats from Washington County districts (District 6 Senate and House District 11), and various county offices including Sheriff, County Commissioners, Register of Deeds, and Probate Judge. No U.S. Senate seat from Maine is up in 2026 (next in 2026 is the gubernatorial cycle). Perry voters will also decide any local warrant articles if a special town meeting is called. Maine offers absentee voting with no excuse required; applications are available through the Perry Town Clerk or online at maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voter-info/absenteeguide.html, with completed ballots due by 8:00 PM on Election Day.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ⚠️ Partial Online (Registry online, local assessor in-person) | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online (regional jail roster only) | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.5/10 — Washington County and Maine provide strong statewide database access for business entities, vital records, and court records, though local property assessment data for Perry requires in-person visits and law enforcement records require direct agency contact under FOAA requests

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Perry, Washington County, Maine to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Perry, 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 Perry 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 Perry, 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 Perry Police Department on their official website. The Maine Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Perry 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 Perry Public Library main branch is located in Perry, Maine. Check the Perry city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Perry, Maine are available through the Perry 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 Perry, 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 Perry, Maine can be obtained from the Perry 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 Perry, 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