What are Berkshire County Public Records?
In compliance with Massachusetts Public Records Law, Berkshire County public records consist of materials compiled by local authorities in the county. Generally, persons who wish to obtain copies of these records must first identify the specific record custodian and submit a formal request.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Massachusetts Crime Statistics
The crime statistics in Massachusetts are compiled by local law enforcement and published by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. According to the 2019 UCR report, there were 103,895 index crimes in Masssachusetts in 2019, including 22,578 violent crimes and 81,317 property crimes. Meanwhile, the 2015 UCR report shows 141,433 index crimes reported in the state in 2015. These included 26,562 violent crimes and 114,871 property crimes. Analysis shows that crime in Massachusetts has decreased by about 26.5% in the five-year period.
Are Berkshire County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, requestors can access Berkshire County criminal records on the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Records Information (iCORI) database. Records seekers will have to register on the platform to perform a name-based search for criminal records. This service costs $25.00 per name.
Alternatively, non-registered requestors may still obtain criminal records by completing and submitting the Criminal Records Open Access Form to access the criminal records of people living in Berkshire County. This service costs $50.00 payable by check or money order made to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Generally, persons who obtain criminal records in Massachusetts can expect to find the following information:
- Nature of the crime committed
- Description of the crime
- Docket number
- Details on the date of conviction and the nature of the disposition
- Name of the offender
- Court disposition
- Department of police that carried out the arrest
How to Obtain Berkshire County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested parties can visit the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to obtain copies of Berkshire County police reports and arrest records. The Sheriff's Office requires details like the arrestee's name, arrest date, incident date, and the names of the persons involved to process requests for police reports and arrest records. Contact the Office for an estimate for the associate cost of providing copies of the records sought.
Berkshire County Sheriff's Office
467 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 443-7720
Fax: (413) 499-7200
Email: info@sdb.state.ma.us
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Berkshire County
Residents can find information on registered sex offenders in Berkshire County by searching the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry. Alternatively, visit the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours to obtain copies of sex offender records. Either way, persons looking for sex offender information must know the known or suspected offender's name or address.
Another way to obtain sex offender information is to complete and mail the sex offender inquiry form to the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB). Enclose the form in a manila envelope, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and mail it to the agency.
Sex Offender Registry Board
P.O. Box 392
North Billerica, MA 01862
How to Find Berkshire County Inmate Records?
Interested persons may obtain publicly-available inmate records by scheduling a visit to the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office. There, the requestor must submit the inmate's name and identification number to facilitate a record search.
Meanwhile, note that the Massachusetts Inmate Records Administrative Rule restricts public access to detailed inmate records. Eligible persons who can obtain these records are the inmate's immediate family members, employees of criminal justice agencies, and other persons with written authorization. For additional inquiries about obtaining county inmate records, contact the Sheriff's Office at:
Berkshire County Sheriff's Office
467 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 443-7720
Fax: (413) 499-7200
Email: info@sdb.state.ma.us
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Berkshire County Jail?
Relatives and friends of inmates listed on the inmate's visiting list may schedule an in-person visit to the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction. Alternatively, schedule a video visitation to visit an incarcerated person remotely.
All intending visitors must follow the jail's visitation guidelines. Generally, all approved visitors must schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance. And on the visitation day, the visitor must dress formally and arrive at least 15 minutes early. For more information and inquiries about inmate visitation, contact the Inmate Visits and Communication Unit of the Sheriff's Office.
Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction
467 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 443-7720
What are Berkshire County Court Records?
Berkshire County court records are documents created or filed during court proceedings from when a plaintiff files a case to when a judge adjudicates the case. The courts in Berkshire County are the Superior and District Courts.
While the Berkshire County Superior Court has jurisdiction over civil cases valued at more than $50,000, labor disputes, and grave offenses, the Berkshire County District Court handles felonies, misdemeanors, violations of bye-laws, and small claims.
Locations of Courts in Berkshire County
The addresses and contact information of courts in Berkshire County are listed below:
Berkshire County Superior Court
76 East Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Fax: (413) 442-9190
Email: Berkshire.clerksoffice@jud.state.ma.us
Southern Berkshire County District Court
9 Gilmore Avenue
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone: (413) 528-3520
Fax: (413) 528-0757
Email: cmsouthernberkshiredc@jud.state.ma.us
Northern Berkshire County District Court
111 Holden Street
North Adams, MA 01247
Phone: (413) 663-5339
Fax: (413) 664-7209
Email: cmnorthernberkshiredc@jud.state.ma.us
Pittsfield District Court
24 Wendell Avenue
P.O. Box 875
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Phone: (413) 499-0558
Fax: (413) 499-7327
Email: cmpittsfielddc@jud.state.ma.us
Western Housing District Court - Pittsfield Session
76 East Street
Room 2
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 748-7838
Fax: (413) 732-4607
Email: WesternHousingCourt@jud.state.ma.us
Great Barrington Juvenile Court
9 Gilmore Avenue
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone: (413) 528-3520
Email: berkshire-jccallctr@jud.state.ma.us
North Adams Juvenile Court
111 Holden Street
2nd Floor
North Adams, MA 01247
Phone: (413) 664-8700
Fax: (413) 664-7788
Email: berkshire-jccallctr@jud.state.ma.us
Pittsfield Juvenile Court
190 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 443-8533
Fax: (413) 443-8672
Email: berkshire-jccallctr@jud.state.ma.us
Berkshire Probate and Family Court
44 Bank Row
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 442-6941
Fax: (413) 443-3430
Email: berkshireprobate@jud.state.ma.us
Berkshire County Court Records Public?
Yes, Berkshire County court records are open to the public per the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records. Requestors can fully access the non-confidential copies of trial court records by visiting the Clerk's Office during business hours or using the computers in the courthouse.
Can You Look Up a Berkshire County Court Case Online?
Yes. Interested persons may access digital copies of court case records via the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Access Platform. This platform is open 24/7. Generally, requestors will need to provide the litigants' names and case numbers to facilitate a search for the court records sought.
How to Obtain Berkshire County Civil Court Case Records
Interested members of the public may obtain copies of civil court cases by visiting the Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours. There, the individual must submit the litigants' name, case number, and filing date to help court administrative staff find and retrieve the court records sought.
The requestor must also describe the documents sought or request the entire case file. Furthermore, the requestor must pay the applicable copying fees before the Clerk processes the request.
Berkshire County Superior Court
76 East Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Fax: (413) 442-9190
How to Obtain Berkshire County Criminal Court Case Records
Interested members of the public may obtain copies of criminal court cases by visiting the Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours. There, the individual must submit the litigants' name, case number, and filing date to help court administrative staff find and retrieve the court records sought.
The requestor must also describe the documents sought or request for a copy of the entire case file. Furthermore, the requestor must pay the applicable copying fees before the Clerk processes the request.
Berkshire County Superior Court
76 East Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Fax: (413) 442-9190
What are Berkshire County Vital Records?
Berkshire County vital records are documents that show information about key life events (births, marriages, deaths, and divorces) involving residents of the county. The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics and the Clerk of Courts are the designated record custodians for vital records. These entities only process requests from eligible requestors.
Persons who can obtain certified copies of vital records include the record subject, their immediate families members, and persons with written, notarized authorization. All requestors must submit an identity document along with the request form - a driver's license is generally acceptable.
Where and How to Obtain Berkshire County Divorce Records?
Residents can obtain copies of Berkshire County divorce records from the Clerk's Office at the Berkshire County Probate and Family Court. This involves filling out and submitting a request for copies form. The requestor will need to provide the divorce case number or the divorcees' names to facilitate a record search. Submit the completed form in person or send it by mail to the custodian's Office.
Berkshire Probate and Family Court
Attn: Court Records
44 Bank Row
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 442-6941
Fax: (413) 443-3430
Where and How to Get Berkshire County Marriage Records
Berkshire County marriage records are available through the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Eligible persons may obtain copies by completing and submitting the standard vital records request form to the Registry, along with payment and a copy of an identity card.
Each copy of a marriage record costs $32.00 if requested by mail and $20.00 if requested in person during business hours. The record custodian accepts in-person and mail-in requests. Direct requests and inquiries to:
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mt. Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: (866) 300-8535
Where and How to Find Berkshire County Birth Records
Berkshire County birth records are available through the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Eligible persons may obtain copies by completing and submitting the aforementioned vital records request form to the Registry, along with payment and a copy of an identity card.
The record custodian accepts in-person and mail-in requests. Each copy of a birth record costs $32.00 if requested by mail and $20.00 if requested in person during business hours. Direct requests and inquiries to:
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mt. Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: (866) 300-8535
Where and How to Find Berkshire County Death Records
Berkshire County death records are available through the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Eligible persons may obtain copies by completing and submitting the aforementioned vital records request form to the Registry, along with payment and a copy of an identity card.
The record custodian accepts in-person and mail-in requests. Each copy of a death record costs $32.00 if requested by mail and $20.00 if requested in person during business hours. Direct requests and inquiries to:
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mt. Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: (866) 300-8535
