LAWRENCE PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Lawrence Public Records?

As stipulated by the Massachusetts Open Records Act, Lawrence public records comprise all records generated and cataloged by government bodies with respect to official public business or operation. Under the Act, public records may exist as books, charts, maps, photographs, audio recordings, videotapes, SMS, or emails. Interested applicants can obtain these public records from the custodian public body in charge of the records. Nonetheless, not all documents are public records. The following data are exempted from public view:

• Data pertaining to an ongoing prosecution or investigation.
• Health, hospital, and medical records.
• Information on juvenile delinquency cases.
• Law enforcement records on rapes, sexual assaults, or domestic violence.
• Materials and records protected by client-attorney privileges.
• Commercial and financial information, and trade secrets used in the formation of government policies.
• Invasion of an individual's privacy.
• Information on the bidding process utilized by the government to procure goods and services.

Lawrence Crime Statistics

Lawrence City Police Department, MA generates an annual crime report detailing all crime rates and statistics within the city. Per the 2019 index crime report, Lawrence City reported a total of 1,495 index crimes, including 541 violent crimes and 954 property crimes. The 2019 crimes report features the following index crimes - three murders, 32 rapes, 87 robberies, 419 aggravated assaults, 113 burglaries, 677 larceny thefts, 164 motor vehicle thefts, and one arson.

Within a three-year timeframe (2019 - 2016), crime rates in Lawrence City decreased by 28 percent. Violent crimes fell by nine percent, while property crimes reduced by 36 percent. Murder, robbery, burglary, and motor vehicle thefts decreased by 40%, 56%, 59%, and 71%, respectively. In contrast, rape, aggravated assaults, and larceny-theft increased by 6%, 16%, and 4%, respectively.

Are Lawrence Criminal Records Public?

In Lawrence City, criminal records are public records. Therefore, record owners and other persons, such as employers and employment agencies can request criminal records in Lawrence.

All Lawrence City criminal records are under the supervision of the Massachusetts Department of Justice Information Services (DCJIS). As the custodian of criminal records, the DCJIS enables interested parties to access criminal records in Lawrence City via name-based requests or fingerprint-based requests. Online copies of Lawrence's criminal records are accessible via the DCJIS’s iCORI online portal. To use the online portal, requesters may log in or register a new account as an individual or organization.

On the other hand, Lawrence City’s criminal records are obtainable via fingerprint-based requests. Requesters must schedule an appointment at the nearest IDentGo center to get criminal records via fingerprint cards. These are IdentGo centers in Lawrence City.

143 Essex Street
Ste 205
Haverhill, MA 01832.

6 Courthouse Lane
Unit 1
Chelmsford, MA 01824-1726

How to Obtain Lawrence Police Reports and Arrest Records

Record seekers can access Lawrence City’s police reports and arrest records by contacting the Essex County Sheriff’s Office at the address below.

Essex County Sheriff’s Department
20 Manning Avenue
P.O. Box 807
Middleton, MA 01949
Phone: (978) 750-1900 ext. 3361
ggrosky@essexsheriffma.org

Alternatively, the Records Division of the Lawrence City Police Department maintains all police reports and arrest records within the city. City residents and non-residents can access these records by contacting the Records Division at:

90 Lowell Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (978) 794-5900, opt. 2
Fax: (978) 794-5913

Requesters can also send a written request via mail to the address above. Incident reports obtained via mail cost $1 per page, while motor accident reports cost $5 for six pages or less. Additional pages cost $0.50.

At the state level, the Massachusetts State Police allows requesters to obtain copies of arrest records or police reports via its online platform or mail. Via the online request platform, requests may request Lawrence City arrest records and police reports by filling out the following information:

• The requester’s full name;
• Organization or company (if applicable);
• Phone number;
• Email;
• Address;
• Summary of the request;

Requesters may submit a written request for arrest records and police reports via mail to the address below.

Primary RAO
Massachusetts State Police
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 820-2300

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lawrence

The State of Massachusetts’ Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) is responsible for maintaining an online database of all convicted sex offenders in the state of Massachusetts. Also, it classifies sex offenders in order of risk levels. Requesters may search sex offenders using any of the listed search methods:

• Offender details search;
• Location-based search;
• Geographical/Neighborhood search;

How to Find Lawrence Inmate Information

Interested parties can search for inmates incarcerated in Lawrence City by contacting the Essex County Sheriff’s Office at:

Essex County Sheriff’s Department
20 Manning Avenue
P.O. Box 807
Middleton, MA 01949
Phone: (978) 750-1900 ext. 3361
ggrosky@essexsheriffma.org

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Lawrence City Jail?

Inmates In Lawrence City are incarcerated in the following locations:

Essex County Sheriff's department
Middleton, MA
Phone: (978) 750-1900

Essex County Corrections
Correctional Services Department
Salem, MA
Phone: (978) 750-1900

Lawrence Community Correction Center
Lawrence, MA
Phone: (978) 681-4747

The Lawrence Community Corrections Center houses all inmates incarcerated in Lawrence City and Essex County. Intending visitors must fill out a request to visit inmate form. The completed request form must be submitted in person at the Lawrence Community Corrections Center at the address below.

Lawrence Community Correction Center
Lawrence, MA
Phone: (978) 681-4747

Once the request form is approved, visitors may opt to communicate with inmates in person at the correctional facility or via remote video visitation platforms. To use the remote visitation platform, visitors should create an account on http://www.videovisitanywhere.com/. After signing up on the website, visitors will need to use the sign-up details to log into the Securus platform. Friends and families of inmates can check an online video visitation schedule to know when to communicate with inmates.

Lawrence Court Records

All court records generated in Lawrence City are under the Massachusetts Trial Court Systems. The Massachusetts court system comprises Superior courts, Housing courts, Land courts, District courts, Probate and Family courts, and Juvenile courts. The clerk of courts in Lawrence City and Essex County generate court records, such as criminal, civil, probate, small cases, and traffic violations.

Location of All Courts in Lawrence

Lawrence City and Essex County is home to three Superior Courts, seven District Courts, two Probate and Family Courts, three Housing Courts, and four Juvenile courts. The courts’ locations and contact details are listed below.

Essex County Superior Courts
Essex County Superior Court - Lawrence
43 Appleton Way
Lawrence, MA 01841
Phone: (978) 242-1900
Fax: (978) 687-7869

Essex County Superior Court - Newburyport
145 High Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
Phone: (978) 462-4474
Fax: (978) 462-0432

Essex County Superior Court - Salem
J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center
56 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-5500
Fax: (978) 741-0691

Essex County District Courts
Gloucester District Court
197 Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 283-2620
Fax: (978) 283-8784

Haverhill District Court
45 Ginty Boulevard
Haverhill, MA 01831
Phone: (978) 521-7300

Ipswich District Court
188 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
Phone: (978) 462-2652
Fax: (978) 462-5641

Lawrence District Court
Fenton Judicial Center
2 Appleton Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (978) 687-7184 ext. 7304 (Civil)
Fax: (978) 975-3171 (Civil)
Phone: (978) 687-7184 ext. 7303 (Criminal)
Fax: (978) 687-0794 (Criminal)

Lynn District Court
580 Essex Street
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: (781) 598-5200
Fax: (781) 598-4350

Newburyport District Court
188 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
Phone: (978) 462-2652

Peabody District Court
1 Lowell Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Phone: (978) 532-3100
Fax: (978) 531-8524

Salem District Court
J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center
56 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-1167

Essex County Probate and Family Courts
Essex Probate and Family Court - Salem
36 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-1020

Lawrence Probate and Family Court
Fenton Judicial Center
2 Appleton Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (978) 686-9692
Fax: (978) 687-3694

Essex County Housing Courts
Northeast Housing Court - Lawrence Session
Fenton Judicial Center
2 Appleton Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (978) 689-7833

Northeast Housing Court - Lynn Session
J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center
56 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 689-7833

Northeast Housing Court - Salem Session
J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center
56 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 825-4920

Lawrence Juvenile Court
Fenton Judicial Center
2 Appleton Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (978) 725-4900 ext. 2

Lynn Juvenile Court
139 Central Avenue
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: (781) 586-0415 ext. 4

Newburyport Juvenile Court
188 State Street
Route 1
Traffic Circle
Newburyport, MA 01950
Phone: (978) 462-0617 ext. 5

Are Lawrence Court Records Public?

Under the Massachusetts Open Records Law, non-confidential court records are accessible to the general public. However, the Open Records Act restricts access to court records containing confidential or sensitive information. The Lawrence Probate and Family Court serves Lawrence City, and it provides the public members with access to civil court records and probate court cases. Also, the Essex County Superior Court maintains records of all court documents generated within Lawrence City.

Can You Look Up a Lawrence Court Record Online?

All Lawrence City court records are obtainable online. Via the Massachusetts Electronic Case Access, interested parties can access copies of Lawrence court records, such as civil, criminal, and small claims.

How to Obtain Lawrence Civil Court Case Records

The Lawrence Probate and Family Court is the custodian of civil court case records generated within Lawrence City. Civil court case records are accessible to requesters through mail-in or in-person requests. Irrespective of the type of request, interested persons must download and fill out the civil court case record request form. Send the completed form via mail or in-person to the Lawrence Probate and Family Court at the address below.

Lawrence Probate and Family Court
Fenton Judicial Center
2 Appleton Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (978) 686-9692
Fax: (978) 687-3694

As an alternative option, requesters may obtain online copies of Lawrence civil court case records via the Massachusetts Electronic Case Access. On the online platform, requesters must select “Probate and Family Court”, and “Essex County Probate and Family Court” before filling out the search details. In addition to this, requesters may search for civil court case records using the record subject’s names, case number, case status, or ticket/citation.

How to Obtain Lawrence Criminal Court Case Records

Lawrence criminal court case records are under the Essex County Superior Court’s jurisdiction. Interested parties can access copies of Lawrence criminal court case records by contacting the Essex County Superior Court at the address below.

Essex County Superior Court - Lawrence
43 Appleton Way
Lawrence, MA 01841
Phone: (978) 242-1900
Fax: (978) 687-7869

As an alternative option, requesters may obtain online copies of Lawrence civil court case records via the Massachusetts Electronic Case Access. On the online platform, requesters must select “Probate and Family Court”, and “Essex County Probate and Family Court” before filling out the search details. In addition to this, requesters may search for civil court case records using the record subject’s names, case number, case status, or ticket/citation#.

What are Lawrence Vital Records?

Lawrence City’s vital records are official documentation of life events recorded within the city. Life events comprise marriage, death, divorce, and birth records. Vital records in Lawrence City are generated and preserved by custodian bodies. Interested residents and non-residents can obtain copies of Lawrence vital records from the custodian bodies. For instance, the Lawrence Probate and Family Court is the custodian of divorce records in the city. The Lawrence County Clerk's Office provides access to birth, marriage, and death records at the state level. Whereas the Registry of Vital Records Statistics maintains records of all marriage, birth, and death records at the state level.

Where and How to Lawrence Divorce Records

The Lawrence Probate and Family Court is the primary repository of divorce records in Lawrence City. Interested parties can access certified copies of divorce records via mail, email, or in-person visits. To use the in-person option, the requester must present the divorce record request form with a valid ID to the Probate and Family Court at:

Lawrence Probate and Family Court
Fenton Judicial Center
2 Appleton Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (978) 686-9692
Fax: (978) 687-3694

Requesters may access divorce records via mail order by sending the completed request form to the address above. Alongside the request form, requesters must include a money order or check payable to the Lawrence Probate and Family Court. The Lawrence City Probate and Family Court charges $20 for certified copies of divorce absolutes. Additional copies cost $1 per page.

Where and How to Obtain Lawrence Marriage Records

Lawrence City Clerk’s Office maintains records of marriage events within the city. Under the G.L. c. 46, sec. 2A, access to marriage records is restricted to the following:

• Record subjects of the marriage record;
• Record subjects’ parents;
• Legal guardians of the record subjects;
• Legal representatives of the record subjects;

Upon presenting valid proof of identification, record seekers may access marriage records by mail orders or in-person visits. To obtain Lawrence City marriage records via mail order, requesters must provide the following information:

• A signed request letter containing the names of the record subjects, and the marriage date;
• The requester’s proof of identity;
• A $10 check or money order for the requested marriage certificate. The check or money order is payable to the City of Lawrence;
• A self-addressed stamped envelope;

Mail all the required information to the location below.

City of Lawrence, MA
Attn: Office of the City Clerk
200 Common Street
Room 107
Lawrence, MA 01840.

At the state level, the Registry of Vital Records Statistics (RVRS) is responsible for collating and dispensing copies of marriage certificates from 1926 to the present. Marriage records before 1926 are accessible via the State Archives. The RVRS requires requesters to provide the following details:

• The record subject's name;
• The location of the event;
• The date of the event;
• Proof of identification, preferably a state or federal issued ID;

In addition to this, requesters may be required to provide documentation showing their relationship with the record subjects.

Requesters may obtain Lawrence marriage records via mail by sending a completed request form alongside a money order or check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125

The RVRS charges $32 for marriage records obtained via mail orders. Furthermore, interested parties may access Lawrence City marriage records in person at the:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

150 Mt. Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20 for in-person services.

Where and How to Get Lawrence Birth Records

The Lawrence City Clerk’s Office maintains all records of birth events within the city. Per the G.L. c. 46, sec. 2A, birth records in Lawrence City are restricted to only the following applicants:

• The record subject;
• Parents listed on the birth record;
• Father not listed on the birth record upon provision of proof of paternity;
• Legal representatives of the record subject;
• Legal guardians of the record subject;

The Lawrence City Clerk’s Office provides access to birth records by in-person requests or mail orders. An in-person request is solely by appointment. Hence, requesters must book an appointment online before appearing in person at the address below.

City of Lawrence, MA
Attn: Office of the City Clerk
200 Common Street
Room 107
Lawrence, MA 01840

To obtain Lawrence City birth records via mail, eligible applicants must provide the following information:

• A signed request letter containing the full name and birthdate of the record subject;
• The requester’s proof of identity;
• A $10 check or money order for the requested birth certificate. The check or money order is payable to the City of Lawrence;
• A self-addressed stamped envelope.

Mail all the required information to the location below.

City of Lawrence, MA
Attn: Office of the City Clerk
200 Common Street
Room 107
Lawrence, MA 01840

Similarly, the Registry of Vital Records Statistics (RVRS) collates and maintains records of all birth events from 1926 to the present. Birth records before 1926 are accessible via the State Archives. According to the RVRS, interested applicants must provide the following data to obtain Lawrence City birth certificates:

• The record subject's name;
• The location of the event;
• The date of the event;
• Proof of identification, preferably a state or federal issued ID;

In addition to this, requesters may be required to provide documentation showing their relationship with the record subjects. Interested parties may access Lawrence City marriage records in person at the:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mt. Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20 for in-person services.

Requesters may also obtain birth records via mail by sending a completed request form alongside a money order or check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125

The RVRS charges $32 for marriage records obtained via mail orders.

Where and How to Get Lawrence Death Records

Persons interested in obtaining Lawrence City death records may contact the Lawrence City Clerk’s Office. The Clerk’s Office provides access to death records via mail or in-person requests. To obtain death records via in-person request, requesters must book an appointment online before appearing in-person at the address below.

City of Lawrence, MA
Attn: Office of the City Clerk
200 Common Street
Room 107
Lawrence, MA 01840

To obtain Lawrence City death records via mail, eligible applicants must provide the following information:

• A signed request letter containing the full name and death date of the record subject;
• The requester’s proof of identity;
• A $10 check or money order for the requested death certificate. The check or money order is payable to the City of Lawrence;
• A self-addressed stamped envelope;

Mail all the required information to the location below;

City of Lawrence, MA
Attn: Office of the City Clerk
200 Common Street
Room 107
Lawrence, MA 01840

Likewise, the Registry of Vital Records Statistics (RVRS) collates and maintains records of all death events from 1926 to the present. Death records before 1926 are accessible via the State Archives. According to the RVRS, interested applicants must provide the following data to obtain Lawrence City death certificates:

• The record subject's name;
• The location of the event;
• The date of the event;
• Proof of identification, preferably a state or federal issued ID;

In addition to this, requesters may be required to provide documentation showing their relationship with the record subjects. Interested parties may access Lawrence City death records in person at the:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mt. Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20 for in-person services.

Requesters may also obtain death records via mail by sending a completed request form alongside a money order or check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125

The RVRS charges $32 for death records obtained via mail orders.