What Are Springfield City Public Records?
According to the Massachusetts Public Information Act, any document that a Springfield City official creates, uses, receives, or stores is a public record - regardless of its form or characteristics. Therefore, Springfield City public records could include letters (typed or handwritten), books, photographs, financial statements, video or audio recordings, computed statistics, or maps. However, the Public Information Act exempts certain portions of city records from public viewership if they happen to include:
- Records that state or federal law exempt from public disclosure;
- Records that would reveal a government agency’s internal personnel rules and procedures;
- Personnel and medical documents, information, or records;
- Information whose disclosure would constitute an invasion of personal privacy;
- Drafts of inter-agency or intra-agency meetings or decision-making processes;
- Government officials personal notebooks and other documents;
- Information related to an ongoing law enforcement investigation;
- Any information which, if released, could prevent an individual from receiving a fair trial in court;
- Trade secrets, commercial or financial information;
- Information regarding proposals and ongoing bids for government contracts;
- Information regarding real estate while the subject is under negotiation or litigation;
- Personal information on weapon licenses;
- Records under attorney-client privilege;
- Student records;
- Contracts for hospital or related health care services;
Springfield City Crime Statistics
The Springfield City Police Department sends all crime and arrests data to the Massachusetts State Police, who create an annual, publicly viewable report of all state crimes. In 2019, the State Police reported 1,397 violent crimes and 4,005 property crimes in Springfield City. A breakdown of the recorded property crimes revealed 746 burglaries, 2,766 cases of larceny-theft, 493 vehicular thefts, and 31 cases of arson. Among the violent crimes were twenty murders, 81 rape cases, 358 robberies, and 938 cases of aggravated assault.
The 2019 Springfield City crime figures were 3.9% lower than the previous year. In 2018, Springfield City police officers made 1543 violent crimes and 4089 property crime arrests. Among the violent crimes were nineteen murders, 104 rape cases, 475 robberies, and 936 cases of aggravated assault. With 2752 reports, larceny-theft was the most recurrent property crime, closely followed by 910 burglaries, 427 instances of vehicular theft, and twenty arson cases.
Are Springfield City Criminal Records Public?
Most Springfield City criminal records are publicly accessible, per state statutes. Interested individuals may obtain name-based criminal records and fingerprint-based criminal records. The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) makes both records available to interested persons. The CJIS, however, will not provide public access to the following types of criminal records:
- Juvenile criminal records
- Sealed criminal records
- Civil offense records
- Records of non-incarcerable offenses
How to Obtain Springfield City Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Springfield City Police Department maintains Springfield arrest records under its jurisdiction and provides an online log of arrests in the city over seven days, from Sunday through Saturday. Interested persons may view Springfield City arrest records by checking the arrest log for arrested persons’ names, arrest dates, charges, and current status.
For other Springfield City police reports, requesters may visit the Clerk’s Office in person or send a written request by email or US mail. The office responds to in-person and email requests between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In-person requests:
Springfield Police Department Headquarters
130 Pearl Street,
Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: (413) 787-6302
Mail-in requests:
Attn: Clerk’s Office,
Springfield Police Headquarters,
130 Pearl Street,
Springfield, MA 01105
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Springfield City
Anyone interested in getting Springfield City sex offender information may query the statewide Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB). The SORB maintains information on all convicted sex offenders that live or work in Massachusetts and makes the data publicly accessible through its Sex Offender Search Website. Interested persons may search the website for information on Springfield Sex Offenders using their full names. Researchers may also search for offenders by city, county, zip code, or specific address. Finally, the registry allows researchers to find sex offenders in Springfield City or any of its neighborhoods and popular play areas.
How to Find Springfield City Inmate Records
Individuals arrested and convicted of crimes in Springfield City serve time at the Hampden County Correctional Center, which the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department oversees. While the Hampden County Sheriff does not provide online inmate information to the public, anyone looking for Springfield City inmate records may query the Hampden County Correctional Center in person.
Hampden County Correctional Center
627 Randall Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Phone: (413) 858-0000
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Springfield City Jail?
The Hampden County Correctional Center allows its inmates to receive visits from individuals on their pre-approved visiting list, between 2:40 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. and 7:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Potential visitors must fill out a Visitor Application Form and return it to the Correctional Center for processing.
All adult visitors must present a valid photo ID, which could be a state-issued picture ID with date of birth or picture ID and birth certificate. Minors do not need to show a photo ID but may only visit with an adult present. Visitors may not bring personal belongings such as coats, jackets, cellphones, purses, or keys into the visiting area and may leave them in the lobby’s coin-operated lockers. All visitors must walk through a metal detector to enter the facility and subject to a pat or strip search. Jail administrators will not allow visitors to bring in any of the following items:
- Gum or candy
- Food or drinks
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Guns, knives, or any other weapon
All visitors must dress comfortably but conservatively. The prison staff will not permit entry to any visitor wearing any of the following:
- Bathing suits
- See-through clothing
- Green or orange clothing or clothing resembling prison uniforms
- Bare feet or flip flops
- Clothing with lewd print or gang representation
- Excessively tight and or revealing clothing
All visitors must stay in their assigned booths and not use or perform obscene language or sexual acts. Parents or guardians must supervise children at all times in the lobby or visiting room and may face eviction if children exhibit disorderly behavior.
Springfield City Court Records
Springfield City is under the Hampden County Court System. The Hampden County Superior Court serves Springfield City and other areas in Hampden. However, the Springfield District Court is directly responsible for criminal and civil matters in Springfield City, while the Hampden Probate and Family Court handle probate and family matters.
Location of Courts in Springfield City
Hampden County Superior Court
Hampden County Hall of Justice
50 State Street,
P.O. Box 559,
Springfield, MA 01102
Phone: (413) 735-6016
Fax: (413) 737-1611
Springfield District Court
Hampden County Hall of Justice
50 State Street,
P.O. Box 2421,
Springfield, MA 01102
Phone: (413) 748-8600
Fax: (413) -747-4841 (Civil)
Fax: (413) 747-4842 (Criminal)
Hampden Probate and Family Court
Hampden County Hall of Justice
50 State Street,
P.O. Box 559,
Springfield, MA 01102
Phone: (413) 748-7760
Fax: (413) -781-5605
Western Housing Court - Springfield Session
37 Elm Street,
P.O. Box 559,
Springfield, MA 01102
Phone: (413) 748-7838
Fax: (413) 732-4607
Springfield Juvenile Court
80 State Street,
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: (413) 748-7860
Are Springfield City Court Records Public?
Per Massachusetts statutes, most Springfield City court records are in the public domain. However, the law restricts access to confidential cases, court records containing personal information, or court records sealed by statute or court order. Examples of closed Springfield City court records include:
- Juvenile court cases
- Sexual assault cases
- Juvenile dependency cases
- Child abuse cases
- Civil harassment cases
- Child custody cases
- Ongoing court proceedings
Can You Look Up a Springfield City Court Case Online?
Individuals interested in looking up Springfield City court cases online may visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal and the Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court of Massachusetts website. Both outlets offer researchers access to court dockets, electronic case information, and court calendars.
How to Obtain Springfield City Civil Court Case Records
The Springfield District Court deals with all civil disputes in the city. Individuals interested in obtaining Springfield City civil court records may access them online, in person, or by mailing a written request. Researchers may visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal for online access to civil court case records. Interested persons may also get online access to case records using the public access computer terminals at the Springfield District Court. These outlets provide researchers with viewing access to court records only. To obtain copies of civil court records, researchers may visit the Court Clerk’s office in person. Requesters must provide as much accurate information as possible to expedite the search, including the case number, the litigants’ name(s), and the case filing date. For mail-in requests, applicants must include a self-addressed and stamped envelope to facilitate the required document’s return.
Springfield District Court
Hampden County Hall of Justice
50 State Street,
P.O. Box 2421,
Springfield, MA 01102
Phone: (413) 748-8600
Fax: (413) 747-4841 (Civil)
How to Obtain Springfield City Criminal Court Records
The Springfield District Court deals with all criminal trials in the city. Individuals interested in obtaining Springfield City criminal court records may access them online, in person, or by mailing a written request. Researchers may visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal for online access to criminal court records. Interested persons may also get online access to case records using the public access computer terminals at the Springfield District Court. These outlets provide researchers with viewing access to court records only. To obtain copies of criminal court records, researchers may visit the Court Clerk’s office in person. Requesters must provide as much accurate information as possible to expedite the search, including the case number, the defendant’s name, and the case filing date. For mail-in requests, applicants must include a self-addressed and stamped envelope to facilitate the required document’s return.
Springfield District Court
Hampden County Hall of Justice
50 State Street,
P.O. Box 2421,
Springfield, MA 01102
Phone: (413) 748-8600
Fax: (413) 747-4842 (Criminal)
What Are Springfield City Vital Records?
Springfield City officials and employees create vital records to mark important events throughout its residents’ lives. Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. The Hampden Probate and Family Court provide divorce records in Springfield City, while the Springfield City Clerk offers records for births, deaths, and marriages. Statewide, requesters can obtain birth, death, and marriage records from 1926 to date from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS). Similarly, vital records from earlier years are available from the State Archives.
Where and How to Obtain Springfield City Divorce Records
The Hampden Probate and Family Court handles Springfield City divorces. It also offers copies of Springfield City divorce records to interested persons. Individuals interested in obtaining copies of Springfield City divorce records may complete a Request for Copies form and submit it to the Probate and Family Court in person or by mail.
Hampden Probate and Family Court
Hampden County Hall of Justice
50 State Street,
P.O. Box 559,
Springfield, MA 01102
Phone: (413) 748-7760
Fax: (413) 781-5605
The fee for a certified copy of a divorce record is $20. The court staff will accept cash, checks, or money orders for in-person requests. However, they will not take cash for mail-in applications. Requesters must make checks or money orders payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Where and How to Get Springfield City Marriage Records
The Springfield City Clerk’s Office manages the city’s marriage register and offers Springfield City marriage certificate copies after February 1980. All Springfield City marriage records are in the public domain, and interested persons may obtain them through an online third-party provider or by querying the Clerk’s Office in person or by mail.
For in-person requests, interested persons must complete a marriage certificate application form and submit it to the Clerk’s Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The fee for a certificate is $20 per copy, payable in cash, money order, or certified bank check.
For mail-in requests, applicants must make payments by money order or certified bank check, made payable to the "City of Springfield." The City Clerk’s Office will not accept cash for mail-in requests. Applicants must also include a self-addressed stamped envelope to facilitate the requested record’s return.
Springfield City Clerk
City Hall,
36 Court Street
Room 123,
Springfield, MA 01103-1683
Statewide, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics holds Springfield City marriage records from 1926 to date and makes them available to the public. Interested persons may obtain copies of marriage certificates in person or by mail. Requesters must complete a vital records order form, attach a replica of a government-issued ID, and payment. In-person requesters may visit the Registry in person, between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m, Monday through Friday. The fee for in-person requests is $20, payable in cash. Applicants must attach a check or money order for $32 and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for mail-in requests.
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Where and How to Get Springfield City Birth Records
Springfield City birth records are available at the Springfield City Clerk’s Office. These are in the public domain, and interested persons may obtain them through an online third-party provider or by querying the Clerk’s Office in person or by mail. For in-person requests, interested persons must complete a birth certificate application form and submit it to the Clerk’s Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The fee for a certificate is $20 per copy, payable in cash, money order, or certified bank check.
For mail-in requests, applicants must make payments by money order or certified bank check, made payable to the "City of Springfield." The City Clerk’s Office will not accept cash for mail-in requests. Applicants must also include a self-addressed stamped envelope to facilitate the requested record’s return.
Springfield City Clerk
City Hall,
36 Court Street
Room 123,
Springfield, MA 01103-1683
Statewide, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics holds Springfield City birth records from 1926 to date and makes them available to the public. Interested persons may obtain copies of Springfield City birth certificates in person or by mail. Requesters must complete a vital records order form, attach a replica of a government-issued ID, and payment. In-person requesters may visit the Registry in person, between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m, Monday through Friday. The fee for in-person requests is $20, payable in cash. Applicants must attach a check or money order for $32 and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for mail-in requests.
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street,
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Where and How to Get Springfield City Death Records
The Springfield City Clerk’s Office manages the city’s death register and offers copies of certified Springfield City death records. All Springfield City death records are in the public domain, and interested persons may obtain them through an online third-party provider or by querying the Clerk’s Office in person or by mail.
For in-person requests, interested persons must complete a death certificate application form and submit it to the Clerk’s Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The fee for a certificate is $20 per copy, payable in cash, money order, or certified bank check.
For mail-in requests, applicants must make payments by money order or certified bank check, made payable to the "City of Springfield." The City Clerk’s Office will not accept cash for mail-in requests. Applicants must also include a self-addressed stamped envelope to facilitate the requested record’s return.
Springfield City Clerk
City Hall,
36 Court Street
Room 123,
Springfield, MA 01103-1683
Statewide, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics holds Springfield City death records from 1926 to date and makes them available to the public. Interested persons may obtain copies of death certificates in person or by mail. Requesters must complete a vital records order form, attach a replica of a government-issued ID, and payment. In-person requesters may visit the registry in person, between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m, Monday through Friday. The fee for in-person requests is $20, payable in cash. Applicants must attach a check or money order for $32 and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for mail-in requests.
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street,
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
