What are Somerville Public Records?
According to the Massachusetts Public Records Act, Somerville public records include all books, documents, photographs, financial statements, maps, audio, and video created or collected by government employees. Public records can include documentary materials or data created while performing official government tasks. However, not all records are open to public access. Some records may be classified by law or sealed by a court. Examples of exempt records in Massachusetts include:
- The personal contact information of individuals employed by law enforcement, youth services, social services, and the Department of Corrections
- The personal contact information of victims of crimes and residents who own firearms
- Medical files and any other personal files the release of which would be an invasion of privacy
- Records containing financial information or trade secrets
- Records that need to be kept confidential to allow the government to function smoothly
- Appraisals of properties about to be purchased
- Records that the release of which would jeopardize the safety and security of lives and properties.
- Records of ongoing law enforcement investigations
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific document or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Somerville Crime Statistics
The Somerville Police Department collects the crime data and statistics for the city and forwards them to the national database run by the FBI. According to the yearly data for Somerville, between 2018 and 2019, overall violent crime fell by 6.2%. The data showed that property crime, larceny-theft, and arson increased by 0.5%, 6.1%, and 300%, respectively. On the other hand, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, and vehicle theft all fell by 23.8%, 11.6%, 0.9%, 12.5%, and 19.1%, respectively.
Are Somerville’s Criminal Records Public?
Massachusetts's criminal records are generally considered public records, although there may be exceptions, such as when a court seals a record. The best place to obtain a criminal record check is by visiting the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services iCORI database. By registering on the iCORI database as individuals or organizations, users will be able to use the search tools to perform name-based criminal record checks.
Searches performed on the database will only cover arrests in Massachusetts, and results will include all adult/youthful offender convictions and non-convictions. Results may also show pending cases plus civil and non-incarcerable offenses. Interested individuals can also obtain police clearance letters for Somerville by contacting the Somerville Police Department Records Bureau. Residents who present a current government-issued identification can request a local background check and be presented with a clearance letter or letter of good standing. These documents show that a check was performed, and the bearer has no criminal records or offenses in the city.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Police reports and other records from the Somerville Police Department can be obtained from the Records Bureau of the Somerville Police Department. Requests can be made in person during office hours of Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.at:
Somerville Police Headquarters
220 Washington St.,
Somerville, MA 02143
Requesters can also email a request to the records bureau at records@police.somerville.ma.us. Requesters with any inquiries may call the records bureau at (617) 625-1600 Ext.7244 before making their request. Record requests will usually be processed within ten business days of receiving the request.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Somerville
Sex offender information for Somerville and the whole of Massachusets can be obtained from the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB). The information can be obtained in person, by mail, or online. Requests in person can be made at the closest Somerville Police Department and the requester will need to do the following:
- Show a valid picture identification
- Fill out a sex offender inquiry form
- Give your name, address, and reason for your request
Requests by mail will require filling out and then mailing the sex offender inquiry form to the registry board at:
Attn: SORI Coordinator
Sex Offender Registry Board
P.O. Box 392
North Billerica, MA 01862
Sex offender information can also be obtained using the Sex Offender Registry Board Public Website. This website provides search tools that allow the public to look up sex offender information online by name or location.
How to Find Somerville Inmate Records
Inmate information for Somerville can be obtained by contacting the Middlesex Jail and House of correction, which holds inmates from the entire county, including Somerville. The facility is operated by the Middlesex Sheriff Office. Information about inmates in custody can be found by contacting the sheriff’s department at (781) 960-2800 or the facility at (978) 667-1711.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Somerville City Jail?
Inmates in Somerville are detained at the jail and house of correction operated by the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office. To visit an inmate at the facility, the visitor must fill the request to visit an inmate form and submit it to the officer processing visits. This form entitles the visitor to a 45-minute visit according to the facility’s visiting schedule. All visitors will be processed before being granted access, and this starts 30 minutes before the session and closes 15 minutes before the start of visitation. Visits are on a first-come-first-serve basis, and visitors are limited to 2 adults and two children per visit. More information on visitation in the facility can be found on the visitation section of the sheriff’s office website.
What are Somerville Vital Records?
Somerville vital records document life events such as birth, deaths, marriages, and divorces that occurred in the city. Unless sealed or restricted by law or a court, vital records for Somerville are considered public records. They can be obtained from their respective custodians at family and probate courts, Somerville City Clerk, and the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.
Where and How to Obtain Somerville Divorce Records
Somerville divorce records can be obtained from Probate and Family Court locations where the divorce case was held. The records can be requested from the court by mail or in person. Requesters are required to fill the request for copies form and submit it to the court where the divorce record is being requested from. The Middlesex Probate and Family Court South - Woburn is in charge of hearing divorce cases for Somerville. Requests forms can be submitted to the court in person or by mail. Certified copies of the divorce judgment cost $20 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, and a certificate of divorce absolute costs $20. Payments must be made using bank cashiers or certified checks, and money orders made payable to the “Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Somerville
Eligible parties can obtain marriage records for Somerville from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Requests will be required to fill the marriage section of the mail-order application form and submit it to the registry in person or by mail.
Requests can be made in person over the registry counter during office hours of 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Requesters are required to bring a valid government-issued identification as they may be asked to present it during the process. Records requested in person will cost $20 per copy. Mailed requests involve mailing the application form to the registry at
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mt. Vernon St.
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Mailed requests should include the form, a copy of valid identification, a self-addressed and stamped business-size envelope, and the correct fees. Fees for records ordered by mailed requests are $32 per copy of the record.
Payments can be made in checks or money orders made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Record requests by mail are usually processed within 30 business days of receiving the request. For an extra $10 fee, processing time can be expedited to 10 business days. If the record is not found, the requester will be issued an official document stating that the record is not on file. Marriage records for Somerville can also be ordered online via the City Hall Systems bill payment portal operated by the City Clerk. Users will need to create an account to be able to order and pay for vital records online. Records ordered from City Hall Systems cost $15 per copy.
Where and How to Find Somerville Birth Records
Birth records for Somerville can be ordered in person, by mail, or online from the Somerville City Clerk. On the state level, birth records can be obtained from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.
Obtaining Copies of Somerville Birth Certificates
Birth records can be obtained from the Somerville City Clerk in several ways. To order a record in person, the requester must come in person to the clerk's office at:
City Clerk’s Office
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: (617) 625-6600 extension:4100
Email: cityclerk@somervillema.gov
The City Clerk’s Office takes orders for birth certificates at the following times :
- Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.
- Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
During in-person requests/orders, the requester will need to provide the name on the records, the date of birth, and valid government-issued identification.
Mailed requests can be obtained by filing and mailing the form at the bottom of the birth certificate request instructions to the city clerk at:
City Clerk’s Office
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
Mailed requests should include the fees, a copy of a valid government-issued identification, plus a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Record requests are made online by creating an account on the City Hall Systems website, selecting birth certificates, and following the instructions. Birth records ordered from the city clerk’s office cost $15 per copy. Payment for mail and in-person orders can be made in checks or money orders made payable to the City of Somerville. Credit cards and cash are also accepted during in-person orders, but payments made online are non-refundable even if the record is not on file. Record requests from the city clerk’s office are usually processed within ten business days.
Where and How to Find Somerville Death Records
In Somerville, a resident may obtain a death record from the Somerville City Clerk’s Office in person, by mail, or online. Records can be obtained in person or ordered by mail from the clerk’s office at:
City Clerk’s Office
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: (617) 625-6600 extension:4100
Email: cityclerk@somervillema.gov
To make a request in person, the request must come into the city clerk's office with the following information, the name of the deceased and the date of death. Vital record requests are answered from Monday-Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:00 Noon. During in-person requests, payment is accepted in cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
To make an order by mail, the request should mail a written request with the following information or the application form to the clerk's office address.
- The name of the deceased
- The date of the death
- The requester’s current phone number and email address
Mailed requests must include the appropriate fees and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for the return of the records. Payment for mailed requests must be in checks and money orders and is refunded if the record is unavailable.
Death records can be ordered online using the City Hall Systems website. Users will be required to sign up and create an account on the website, choose death certificates and follow the instructions to order records online. Payments during online orders are made through electronic transfers and credit cards payments which will incur a convenience fee. Online payments are non-refundable even if the record is not on file.
The fee for the death record from the $15 per copy and all checks and money orders should be made payable to the City of Somerville. Records requested will usually be returned to the requester within 10 business days.
