What are Lynn City Public Records?
Lynn public records include all documentary materials or data received or made by any employee or officer of a Massachusetts governmental agency. The law states that these records, regardless of characteristics or physical form, should be issued to interested persons upon request. The law also provides some exemptions, allowing public agencies to withhold public records in specific instances. Some examples of exempt records include:
- Records considered private under law
- Some internal personnel agency rules
- Certain medical records
- Any records where disclosure may cause an unnecessary invasion of personal privacy
Lynn Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publishes annual reports of crime statistics for Lynn City. In 2019, the report showed 1,347 property crimes, including 302 burglaries, 1 arson, and 908 cases of larceny-theft. The total number of violent crimes was 465, including 103 robberies, 321 cases of aggravated assault, and 8 murder and nonnegligent manslaughter incidents. The total number of burglaries increased by 61.5%. Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter incidents also increased, by 167%. However, rape (-35.3%), robbery (26.4%), aggravated assault (-13%), larceny-theft (-4.82%), motor-vehicle thefts (-37.2%) and arsons (-80%) all reduced.
Are Lynn City Criminal Records Public?
Lynn criminal records are public records. Massachusetts law provides public access to criminal history information on all Lynn residents. These records are obtainable from the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) through name-based and fingerprint-based searches. A name-based criminal record check (CORI) provides arraignment information, searching provided details against Massachusetts court records. Fingerprint-supported searches provide arrest information by matching the submitted fingerprints against those collected by law enforcement. Interested persons may begin by creating accounts on the iCORI Service or contact the DCJIS for more information:
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street
Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4600
TTY: (617) 660-4606
Fax: (617) 660-4613
How to Obtain Lynn City Police Reports and Arrest Records
Residents may contact the Lynn Police Department (LPD) to obtain copies of police reports and arrest records. Through its Records Office, the LPD entertains requests for Lynn arrest records and police reports by mail, email, or in person. Record seekers may send written applications describing the desired record. Interested parties should visit the Records Office or send requests using the following details:
Lynn Police Department
Records Office
300 Washington Street
Lynn, MA 01902
Phone: (781) 595-2000
Email: records@lynnpolice.org
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lynn City
The Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) maintains a searchable online registry with details of all registered offenders in the state. To find Lynn sex offender records, residents may select Lynn on the "City/Town" menu and Essex from the "County" menu. This search method displays a list of all sex offenders in the city. The search result provides each offender's name, level, address, and address type. Additional information includes a physical description and photographs.
The SORB registry also allows users to search by the offender's details or perform a geographical search. The database only contains information on Level 2 sex offenders classified after July 12, 2013, and Level 3 offenders. For additional information on registered sex offenders, contact the Lynn Police Department or the:
Sex Offender Registry Board
P.O. Box 392
North Billerica, MA 01862
Phone: (978) 740-6400
How to Find Lynn City Inmate Records
The Essex County Sheriff's Department maintains records of persons detained at the Essex County Jail. To obtain inmate records, requestors should contact the:
Essex County Sheriff's Department Headquarters
20 Manning Avenue
Middleton, MA 01949
Phone: (978) 750-1900
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Lynn City Jail?
The Essex County Sheriff's Department offers video visits to inmates' families and friends. Interested visitors must begin by completing a one-time registration process and waiting 24 hours for approval. Each visit lasts a maximum of 20 minutes and costs $5. Note that visitors must plan intended visits according to the facility's visitation schedule. Inmates on the 120B Unit use a different schedule. 120A Unit inmates may only receive visits between 12:45 pm and 3:45 pm. For in-person visits, complete the Request to Visit Inmate Form. Prospective visitors must fill the form and submit it in person before the intended visit.
The Essex County Correctional Facility enforces a strict dress code for all persons. At the discretion of the Visit Officer, visitors who flout the dress code may lose visitation privileges.
Court Records
Depending on case type, matters are handled by different courts. The courts serving the City of Lynn include the following:
Essex County Superior Court – Salem
J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center
56 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-5500
Fax: (978) 741-0691
Email: essex.clerksoffice@jud.state.ma.us
Lynn District Court
580 Essex Street
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: (781) 598-5200
TTY: (781) 581-2707
Fax: (781) 592-5521
Email: cmlynndc@jud.state.ma.us
Northeast Housing Court – Lynn Session
56 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 825-4920
Email: northeasthousingcourt@jud.state.ma.us
Lynn Juvenile Court
139 Central Avenue
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: (781) 586-0415 x4
Email: essex-jccallctr@jud.state.ma.us
Essex Probate and Family Court
36 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-1020
TTY: (978) 745-0350
Email: essexcorrespondences@jud.state.ma.us
Are Lynn Court Records Public?
Most Lynn court records are considered public. Massachusetts law provides residents with public access to case and docket information on proceedings held in any of the courts that serve the city. Some records, such as juvenile court records, are not open to the general public.
Can You Look up a Lynn Court Case Online?
The Massachusetts Court System provides online access to public court records in the state. Persons seeking Lynn court records may use the Electronic Case Access (eAccess) to find records by court department, division, and location. Users may then search the online database by name, case type, case number, ticket, or citation number.
How to Obtain Lynn City Civil Court Case Records
Residents may obtain Lynn civil court records from the court that heard the case. Interested persons may contact the court by visiting in person or sending a written application. Ensure that the application carries a full description of the record, including names, dates, charge information, and a case number. Record seekers may send requests by mail or visit the court.
Persons requesting Essex County Probate and Family Court records are to complete the court's request for copies form (PFC 18). Request fees range from $1 to $25, depending on the case type and the number of pages. Payment is accepted by money order, bank certified check, attorney's check, or bank cashier's check payable to the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Interested parties should send requests to:
Essex Probate and Family Court
36 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-1020
TTY: (978) 745-0350
Email: essexcorrespondences@jud.state.ma.us
How to Obtain Lynn City Criminal Court Case Records
Interested parties may obtain Lynn criminal court records by contacting the court that handled the case. Requestors must provide details of the desired records in written applications or visit the relevant courts in person. Note that sealed or expunged criminal court records are not available to the public. Record seekers are advised to contact the court in advance to confirm required copy fees.
What are Lynn City Vital Records?
Lynn vital records contain details on births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that take place in the city. These records are created and maintained by government bodies that entertain requests for copies. Lynn vital records are available with the Essex County Probate and Family Court and the Lynn City Clerk's Office.
Where and How to Obtain Lynn City Divorce Records
The Essex County Probate and Family Court issues copies of Lynn divorce records. Interested persons may request by mail or in person. Obtaining a divorce record requires the case docket number. If this number is unknown, the requestor must call the court and provide the full names of both parties and other requested details.
After receiving the docket number, complete the Request for Copies form. A certified copy of a judgment of divorce costs $20 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Lynn divorce certificates are also obtainable at $20 per document. Make payments by bank cashier's checks, money orders, bank certified checks, or attorney's checks made out to the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Residents may send requests by mail or visit the court using the following details:
Essex Probate and Family Court
36 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-1020
TTY: (978) 745-0350
Email: essexcorrespondences@jud.state.ma.us
Where and How to Get Public Lynn City Marriage Records
Most Lynn City marriage records are public records. All persons may send requests to the Lynn City Clerk's Office for marriage records if either married party was born to wedded parents. To request a Lynn marriage certificate by mail, an interested party must complete the Request for Marriage Certificate Form with both parties' names and the date of marriage. Each record costs $20, payable by checks or money orders made out to the "City of Lynn." Requestors should enclose the form with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, a check or money order, and a valid government-issued ID. Residents may send enclosed requests to the:
Lynn City Clerk's Office
Lynn City Hall
3 City Hall Square
Room 201
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: (781) 586-6726
Fax: (781) 477-7032
The Clerk's Office may require up to 14 days to process each request. Persons who need the records on the same day of request may call the Clerk's Office and pay via a credit or debit card. These expedited requests cost $30 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy.
Where and How to Get Confidential Lynn City Marriage Records
The City Clerk's Office issues copies of confidential Lynn City marriage records. Lynn marriage records are not public if the married party was born to unwed parents. Access is restricted to the following persons:
- Either party to the marriage
- Parents
- A legal representative or legal guardian
An eligible person may complete a Request for Marriage Certificate Form with both parties' names and the date of marriage. Each record costs $20, payable by check or money order made out to the "City of Lynn." The requestor must send a completed form, payment, a copy of a valid government-issued ID, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope to the:
Lynn City Clerk's Office
Lynn City Hall
3 City Hall Square
Room 201
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: (781) 586-6726
Fax: (781) 477-7032
The Clerk's Office may take up to 14 business days to process the request. However, residents may call for expedited requests and receive desired records on the same day. The first copy of an expedited request costs $30. Each additional copy costs $20.
Where and How to Find Lynn City Birth Records
Lynn City birth records are available at the city Clerk's Office. While most records are considered public, access to birth records of persons born to unwed parents is restricted to the following:
- The child
- Parents
- Father not listed on the record if there is documentation of paternity
- Legal guardian or representative
To request a Lynn birth certificate, an eligible party may send a completed Request for Birth Certificate Form to the Lynn Clerk's Office. Each record costs $20. Mail requests require checks or money orders payable to the "City of Lynn." Each request should also include a copy of a government-issued ID, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Requestors may send documents to:
Lynn City Clerk's Office
Lynn City Hall
3 City Hall Square
Room 201
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: (781) 586-6726
Fax: (781) 477-7032
Interested persons may also make expedited orders by calling the Clerk's Office for same-day regular mailing. The first copy of an expedited request costs $30 and $20 for each additional copy.
Where and How to Find Lynn City Death Records
Residents may obtain Lynn city death records from the Clerk's Office. Each record costs $20. Checks and money orders payable to the "City of Lynn" are required for mail requests. To order a Lynn death certificate, a record seeker may send a completed Request for Death Certificate Form to the Clerk's Office. Each request should include a valid government-issued ID and a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and should be sent to the:
Lynn City Clerk's Office
Lynn City Hall
3 City Hall Square
Room 201
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: (781) 586-6726
Fax: (781) 477-7032
Requestors may also use the Clerk's Office's expedited service option at $30 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy.
