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Reading, Massachusetts Public Records

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Reading Public Records Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, you will be transported to the Middlesex 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 Middlesex 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 Middlesex 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 Town of Reading, Massachusetts?
The Reading Public Schools district serves the town of Reading, Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district's overall performance rating for the 2018-2019 school year was a Level 2, which is considered to be "Meeting Expectations." The district's performance in English Language Arts was a Level 1, which is considered to be "Exceeding Expectations," while the performance in Mathematics was a Level 2, which is considered to be "Meeting Expectations."
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts?
The Reading Public Schools district serves the town of Reading, Middlesex 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 "Meeting Expectations." The district's performance in English Language Arts (ELA) was rated as "Exceeding Expectations," while its performance in Mathematics was rated as "Meeting Expectations."
4
What are the crime statistics for Town of Reading, Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Reading, 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 274.3 per 100,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Reading, Middlesex 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 burglaries, 535 larcenies, and 2 motor vehicle thefts.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Town of Reading Massachusetts Library?
The Reading Public Library in Middlesex 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 Reading Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Reading Public Library reference desk at (339) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Library?
The Reading Public Library in Middlesex 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 Reading Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Reading Public Library reference desk at (339) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the Town of Reading, Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Reading Public Library is located at 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA 01867.
9
Where is the Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Library is located at 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA 01867.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Town of Reading, Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts State Police Fingerprinting Services Bureau provides fingerprinting services to the public. The Bureau is located in the State Police Headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts. Fingerprinting services are available by appointment only. The Bureau provides fingerprinting services for a variety of purposes, including background checks, employment, licensing, and immigration. The Bureau also provides fingerprinting services for criminal justice purposes, such as criminal history checks and criminal record searches. The Bureau also provides fingerprinting services for non-criminal justice purposes, such as background checks for adoption, foster care, and other non-criminal justice purposes. The Bureau also provides fingerprinting services for the Massachusetts Department of Correction and other state agencies.
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services for Reading, Massachusetts residents are provided at the Reading Police Department, which serves Middlesex 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 Reading 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.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and what information is provided in the records?
Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts vital records can be obtained from the Town Clerk's Office.

The Town Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining and issuing vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. To obtain a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You must also provide the full name, date of birth, and place of birth of the person named on the record.

The Town Clerk's Office also offers certified copies of vital records for a fee. The fee for a certified copy of a vital record varies depending on the type of record requested.
13
About Police Reports
Police reports from Reading, Massachusetts can be obtained from the Reading Police Department, located in Middlesex 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 Reading 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.
14
About background check
A background check in Reading, Middlesex 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.