What Are Lowell City Public Records?
The Massachusetts Public Information Act considers any government-generated document used, received, or stored in Lowell City as a public record. These include books, handwritten or typewritten letters, financial statements, computer statistics, maps, photographs, video, and audio recordings. Although public records are generally available, the Public Information Act denies public access to portions of government-generated records that contain:
- Records exempted from public disclosure by state or federal law;
- Records disclosing the internal personnel rules and procedures of a government agency;
- 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;
Lowell City Crime Statistics
The Lowell City Police Department collates all crime and arrest data and makes it publicly viewable in its Compstat Crime Report. Compstat crimes consist of crime categories that indicate violence, quality of life, crime levels, and disorder within the city. According to a 2017 report, the police department recorded 696 combined cases of violent crimes (domestic assault, aggravated assault, and robbery) the previous year. These numbers decreased by 12%, dropping to 613 in 2017 and reflecting a crime rate of 0.005 violent crimes per person. The department recorded a combined number of 2116 burglaries, car breaks, shoplifts, and vandalism (also known as property crimes) in 2016. The number of property crimes dropped by 9% in 2017, and the police recorded 1920 property crimes at a rate of 0.017 per person. There were 200 disorderly conduct crimes in 2016, and they increased in 2017 by 8%.
Are Lowell City Criminal Records Public?
According to the Massachusetts Public Information Act, most Lowell City criminal records are in the public domain, and interested persons may obtain name-based or fingerprint-based versions. Interested persons may get either variant from the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS). However, the following types of criminal records are not available from the CJIS:
- Juvenile criminal records
- Sealed criminal records
- Civil offense records
- Records of non-incarcerable offenses
How to Obtain Lowell City Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Lowell City Police Records Department provides public access to police reports at the department’s main desk. Interested persons can pick up reports from Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and midnight. Requesters must provide information such as the incident date and location, the involved persons, and officers’ names. Each report costs $1.
Lowell City Police Department
50 Arcand Drive
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 674-4508
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lowell City?
In Massachusetts, the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) maintains information on convicted sex offenders who work and live in any of its counties or cities. It provides that information through its Sex Offender Search Website. Individuals interested in obtaining Lowell City sex offender information may query the sex offender search website using the offenders’ full names. They may also query the site using specific cities, counties, zip codes, or addresses. Finally, the registry allows researchers to look for sex offenders in Lowell City or any of its neighborhoods and popular play areas.
How to Find Lowell City Inmate Records?
The Middlesex County Jail and House of Correction houses men arrested in Lowell City and other parts of the county. Most people in this facility are either awaiting trial or serving sentences up to 2.5 years. The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office keeps a record of all resident inmates but does not make it available online. Individuals interested in obtaining Lowell City inmate records may make in-person visits to the Middlesex County Jail and House of Correction.
Middlesex County Jail and House of Correction
269 Treble Cove Rd.
Billerica, MA 01862
Phone: (978) 667-1711
Interested persons may also search the statewide, third-party website for information on individuals incarcerated in Lowell City and Massachusetts in general.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Lowell City Jail?
The Middlesex County Jail and House of Correction houses men arrested in Lowell City and other Middlesex county parts. The facility allows inmates’ family and friends to visit them by sending a completed visitation request form. All visitors may see inmates according to the official schedule. The customary period per visit is forty-five minutes. Individuals with prior convictions must complete and submit a Former Inmate Request to Visit Form - and receive permission - before visiting the facility. In contrast, minors may visit inmates only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The House of Corrections prohibits unnecessary personal items within its walls and advises visitors to leave personal items locked in their vehicles. Visitors may not wear excessive jewelry, bring in mobile phones or other digital devices, or carry guns, knives, or any type of weaponry. All visitors must successfully pass through a metal detector and will not gain entry to the facility otherwise.
All visitors must dress conservatively when coming to the facility, and the staff will not admit any visitor wearing revealing, offensive, or suggestive clothing. All visitors must cover their upper bodies and may not wear halter tops, tank tops, tube tops, body T-shirts, see-through tops, and bathing suits. Visitors may not arrive barefoot and must wear covered shoes or sandals. Everyone must wear undergarments, although underwire bras that contain metal may not pass through the metal detector. All dresses, skirts, and skirt slits must not exceed 3" above the knee. While religious headwear is permitted, bandanas, face-caps, and other headgear are not.
Lowell City Court Records
The Middlesex County Superior Court serves Lowell City and other parts of Middlesex County. The Lowell District Court, however, deals directly with criminal and civil cases in Lowell City. Similarly, Lowell Juvenile Court is responsible for juvenile matters in the city.
Location of Courts in Lowell City
Middlesex County Superior Court - Lowell
360 Gorham Street,
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 453-0201 (Civil)
Phone: (978) 453-4181 (Criminal)
Fax: (978) 970-2386
Lowell District Court
41 Hurd Street,
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 459-4101
Fax: (978) 937-2486
Northeast Housing Court - Lowell Session
Courtroom 1, Superior Court
360 Gorham Street,
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 689-7833
Middlesex Probate and Family Court North - Lowell
370 Jackson Street,
5th floor,
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 656-7700
Lowell Juvenile Court
89 Appleton Street,
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 441-2630
Are Lowell City Court Records Public?
Most Lowell City court records are available for public viewership, per the Massachusetts Public Information Act. However, by law, access to confidential cases, court records containing personal information, or court records sealed by statute or court order is restricted. Examples of Lowell City court records that are unavailable for general viewing 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 Lowell City Court Case Online?
In Lowell City, individuals that wish to get court cases online may query the Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court of Massachusetts website or the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal. Both outlets allow interested parties to view Lowell City court records such as dockets, electronic case information, and court calendars.
How to Obtain Lowell City Civil Court Case Records
The Lowell District Court is responsible for handling civil proceedings within Lowell City. Anyone who wants to get copies of Lowell City city case court records may get them online, in person, or by sending the court a written request. To obtain civil court cases online, interested persons may query the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal. Persons without direct access to the internet may visit the Lowell District Court and use the public access computer terminals to get online access to case records. However, individuals that use the electronic case access portal will only receive viewing access to the courts’ records. To get official copies of Lowell City civil court case records, interested persons may make in-person visits to the District Court Clerk’s office. The Clerk’s office will need as much accurate information as possible to expedite the search, such as the case number, the litigants’ name(s), and the case filing date. Mail-in requesters must include a self-addressed and stamped envelope to ensure the required document’s return.
Lowell District Court
41 Hurd Street,
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 459-4101
Fax: (978) 937-2486
How to Obtain Lowell City Criminal Court Records
The Lowell District Court is responsible for handling criminal proceedings within Lowell City. Anyone who wants to get copies of Lowell City criminal court records may get them online, in person, or by sending the court a written request. To obtain criminal court records online, interested persons may query the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal. Persons without direct access to the internet may visit the Lowell District Court and use the public access computer terminals to get online access to criminal records. However, individuals that use the electronic case access portal will only receive viewing access to the courts’ records. To get official copies of Lowell City criminal court records, interested persons may make in-person visits to the District Court Clerk’s office. The Clerk’s office will need as much accurate information as possible to expedite the search, such as the case number, the defendant’s name, birth date, and the case filing date. Mail-in requesters must include a self-addressed and stamped envelope to ensure the required document’s return.
Lowell District Court
41 Hurd Street,
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 459-4101
Fax: (978) 937-2486
What are Lowell City Vital Records?
In Lowell City, vital records refer to government employees’ official documents that mark the residents’ essential events. These records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. In Lowell City, the Middlesex Probate and Family Court North - Lowell handles divorce decrees and provides copies of divorce records. The City Clerk, on the other hand, provides copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates. The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) also offers statewide access to birth, death, and marriage records from 1926 to date. The State Archives provides access to vital records from earlier years.
Where and How to Obtain Lowell City Divorce Records?
Lowell City is under Middlesex County’s judicial coverage, and the Middlesex Probate and Family Court North - Lowell is responsible for handling the city’s divorces. The court also provides interested persons with copies of Lowell City divorce records. Anyone who wants to get a copy of a Lowell City divorce decree must complete a Request For Copies form and submit it in-person to the Middlesex County Probate and Family Court or send it by US mail.
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.
Middlesex Probate and Family Court North - Lowell
370 Jackson Street,
5th floor,
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 656-7700
Certified copies of divorce records cost $20, payable in cash, personal check, or money orders. Mail-in requesters must pay by personal check or money order alone, made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Where and How to Get Lowell City Marriage Records?
In Lowell City, the Clerk’s Office is responsible for the city’s marriage register. It provides the public with access to Lowell City marriage records, as all Massachusetts marriage records are in the public domain - per statutes. Interested persons may obtain certified copies of Lowell City marriage certificates by filling out a marriage certificate request form and submitting it to the Clerk’s office in person or by mail. The form requires applicants to provide the following information:
- The date of birth of either applicant
- The date of the marriage
- The names of the applicants
The Lowell City Clerk’s Office is open to the public per the following schedule:
- Monday/Wednesday/Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
- Tuesday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.;
- Friday 8 a.m. -12 p.m.
The Clerk’s office accepts payments by cash, check, or money order. At the same time, the office accepts only checks or money orders for mail-in requests. The fee for a certified copy of a Lowell City marriage certificate is $15.
Lowell City Hall
City Clerk's Office
Room 31
375 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Individuals within other parts of Massachusetts may obtain Lowell City marriage records by querying the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. The registry maintains marriage records from 1926 till date and offers them to public members upon request. Anyone who wants a copy must complete a vital records order form and take it to the Registry office or send it by mail. If submitting in-person, requesters may go to the registry anytime between 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m, Monday through Friday. The Registry charges in-person requesters $20 per copy, payable in cash. Mail-in requesters must pay $32 by check or money order and attach a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Where and How to Get Lowell City Birth Records?
In Lowell City, the Clerk’s Office is responsible for the city’s birth register. It provides the public with access to Lowell City birth records, as all Massachusetts birth records are in the public domain - per statutes. Interested persons may obtain certified copies of Lowell City birth certificates by filling out a birth certificate request form and submitting it to the Clerk’s office in person or by mail. The form requires applicants to provide the following information:
- The date of birth
- The name at birth (married women must provide their maiden names)
- The parents' names
The Lowell City Clerk’s Office is open to the public per the following schedule:
- Monday/Wednesday/Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
- Tuesday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.;
- Friday 8 a.m. -12 p.m.
The Clerk’s office accepts payments by cash, check, or money order. At the same time, the office accepts only checks or money orders for mail-in requests. The fee for a certified copy of a Lowell City birth certificate is $15.
Lowell City Hall
City Clerk's Office
Room 31
375 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Individuals within other parts of Massachusetts may obtain Lowell City birth records by querying the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. The registry maintains birth records from 1926 till date and offers them to public members upon request. Anyone who wants a copy must complete a vital records order form and take it to the Registry office or send it by mail. If submitting in-person, requesters may go to the registry anytime between 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m, Monday through Friday. The Registry charges in-person requesters $20 per copy, payable in cash. Mail-in requesters must pay $32 by check or money order and attach a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Where and How to Get Lowell City Death Records?
In Lowell City, the Clerk’s Office is responsible for the city’s death register. It provides the public with access to Lowell City death records, as all Massachusetts death records are in the public domain - per statutes. Interested persons may obtain certified copies of Lowell City death certificates by filling out a death certificate request form and submitting it to the Clerk’s office in person or by mail. The form requires applicants to provide the following information:
- The date of death
- The name of the deceased
- The parents of the decedent
The Lowell City Clerk’s Office is open to the public per the following schedule:
- Monday/Wednesday/Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
- Tuesday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.;
- Friday 8 a.m. -12 p.m.
The Clerk’s office accepts payments by cash, check, or money order. At the same time, the office accepts only checks or money orders for mail-in requests. The fee for a certified copy of a Lowell City death certificate is $15.
Lowell City Hall
City Clerk's Office
Room 31
375 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Individuals within other parts of Massachusetts may obtain Lowell City death records by querying the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. The registry maintains death records from 1926 till date and offers them to public members upon request. Anyone who wants a copy must complete a vital records order form and take it to the Registry office or send it by mail. If submitting in-person, requesters may go to the registry anytime between 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m, Monday through Friday. The Registry charges in-person requesters $20 per copy, payable in cash. Mail-in requesters must pay $32 by check or money order and attach a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
