Salem, Massachusetts Public Records

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Salem, Massachusetts.

Official Government Sources

Salem Public Records Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Salem, Massachusetts, you will be transported to the Essex 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 Essex 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 Essex 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 City of Salem, Massachusetts?
The Salem Public Schools district serves the city of Salem, 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 graduation rate for the same school year was 87.3%, and the district's average MCAS scores were higher than the state average in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts?
The Salem Public Schools district serves the city of Salem, Essex County, 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 graduation rate for the 2018-2019 school year was 87.3%, and the district's average MCAS scores for the 2018-2019 school year were in the "meeting expectations" range.
4
What are the crime statistics for City of Salem, Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Salem, Massachusetts had a total of 1,845 reported incidents of crime in 2019. Of those incidents, there were 1,072 property crimes and 773 violent crimes. The property crime rate was 2,845.7 per 100,000 people, and the violent crime rate was 1,190.3 per 100,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts had a total of 1,845 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,072 property crimes and 773 violent crimes. The property crime rate was 2,845.7 per 100,000 people and the violent crime rate was 1,186.7 per 100,000 people.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the City of Salem Massachusetts Library?
The Salem Public Library in Essex 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 Salem Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Salem Public Library reference desk at (351) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts Library?
The Salem Public Library in Essex 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 Salem Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Salem Public Library reference desk at (351) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the City of Salem, Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Salem Public Library is located at 370 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970.
9
Where is the Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts Public Library located?
The Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts Library is located at 370 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of Salem, Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services in Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts are available through the Salem Police Department and the Essex County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (351) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Massachusetts State Police and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Massachusetts State Police.
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts?
Fingerprinting services for Salem, Massachusetts residents are provided at the Salem Police Department, which serves Essex 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 Salem Police Department at (351) 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 City of Salem, Massachusetts, and what information is provided in the records?
The City of Salem, Massachusetts offers vital records for birth, death, and marriage certificates. To obtain these records, you must submit a written request to the City Clerk's Office. The request must include the full name of the person whose record is being requested, the date of the event, and the relationship of the requester to the person whose record is being requested.

The birth certificate includes the full name of the person, the date and place of birth, the parents' names, and the parents' addresses.

The death certificate includes the full name of the deceased, the date and place of death, the cause of death, and the address of the deceased.

The marriage certificate includes the full names of the bride and groom, the date and place of the marriage, and the addresses of the bride and groom.
13
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, and what information is provided in the records?
The City of Salem, Massachusetts offers vital records for birth, death, and marriage certificates. To obtain these records, you must submit a written request to the City Clerk's Office. The request must include the full name of the person whose record is being requested, the date of the event, and the relationship of the requester to the person whose record is being requested. The birth certificate includes the full name of the person, the date and place of birth, the parents' names, and the parents' addresses. The death certificate includes the full name of the deceased, the date and place of death, the cause of death, and the address of the deceased. The marriage certificate includes the full names of the bride and groom, the date and place of the marriage, and the addresses of the bride and groom.
14
About Police Reports
Police reports from Salem, Massachusetts can be obtained from the Salem Police Department, located in Essex 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 Salem Police Department Records Division at (351) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.mass.gov/criminal-record-checks.
15
About background check
A background check in Salem, Essex 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.