Cambridge Police Records Database
Cambridge police records are managed by the Cambridge Police Department and the city's records access officer. Located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge handles a steady flow of incident reports, arrest records, and public records requests each year. The city has an active public records program with over 118 MuckRock requests on file, which shows how often people use this system. You can submit requests online through the city website or reach out by mail and phone. This page covers how to find, request, and get Cambridge police records from the right office.
Cambridge Overview
Cambridge Police Department Records
The Cambridge Police Department is at 125 Sixth Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. The CPD serves the city and handles all incident reports, arrest records, and police documents for Cambridge. The department works closely with the city's records access officer to process public records requests.
Cambridge's Records Access Officer is Seah Levy. You can reach her at (617) 349-4121 or by fax at (617) 349-4134. She handles requests for records from the police department and other city offices. The city follows M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10 and must respond to requests within 10 business days. Cambridge has a strong track record with public records, and the process is fairly smooth for most requests.
The Cambridge Police Department website has information about the department, its divisions, and how to reach specific units.
The CPD site includes news, community programs, and links to records resources.
Note: Cambridge has processed over 118 public records requests tracked through MuckRock, showing the system gets regular use.
Search Cambridge Police Records
To search for Cambridge police records, you can start with the city's online request form. The Cambridge public records request page lets you submit a request through the city website. You fill out a form with what you need, and the RAO routes it to the right department. This works for police reports, arrest records, and other city documents.
The Cambridge city directory is another helpful resource for finding the right office or contact for your request.
The directory lists all city departments and their contact details, which helps if you are not sure where to send your request.
Court records from Cambridge cases are on MassCourts. You can search the Cambridge District Court for case numbers, party names, and docket entries. The system covers criminal and civil cases but does not include actual police reports. You need to go through the CPD or the RAO for those.
Cambridge Records Request Process
You can request Cambridge police records in a few ways. The online form at cambridgema.gov is the fastest option. You can also mail a written request to City Hall at 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 or fax it to (617) 349-4134. Include as much detail as you can about the records you need. The date of the incident, names of people involved, and report numbers all help staff find your records faster.
Once the city gets your request, they have 10 business days to respond under state law. They may ask for more details if your request is too broad. If the records need review for exempt material under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), that can add time to the process. The RAO will keep you updated on the status.
Crash reports from Cambridge are available through BuyCrash.com for about $20 per report. The RMV is another option for the same cost.
Cambridge Police Records Fees
Cambridge uses the state fee schedule for records. Copies are $0.05 per page. The first two hours of search time are free. After that, the city charges $25 per hour for staff time under 950 CMR 32.08. Most requests for a single incident report or arrest record fall within the free window.
There is no fee to inspect records in person. You only pay for copies. If a request is going to cost more than you expect, the RAO will let you know before the work begins. You can then choose to narrow your request or go ahead with the full scope. Crash reports through BuyCrash are about $20 each.
Legal Resources for Cambridge Records
If your request for Cambridge police records gets turned down, you have options. Under M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10A, you can file a petition with the Supervisor of Records. They will review the denial and issue a ruling within 10 business days. If that does not resolve things, you can take the matter to Superior Court. The court may award legal fees if you win.
CORI records for Cambridge are handled through the state's Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. These criminal history records are separate from local police reports and require their own process under M.G.L. Chapter 6, Sections 167-178. The Secretary of State's website has guides on the public records law and how to file appeals.
Middlesex County Police Records
Cambridge is in Middlesex County, the most populous county in Massachusetts. The county includes many cities and towns in the greater Boston area. For more on county-level records and resources, check the Middlesex County page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Cambridge with police records pages on this site.