Change of Records Bureau Hours Effective July 1, 2007. 

Due to budgetary constraints the Records Bureau will no longer be open Monday through Friday 7:30 A.M. - 4:00.  Effective July 1st, 2007 the Records Bureau will be open for records requests Monday through Friday, 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM only.  We apologize for any inconvenience that this might cause. 

How do I obtain a copy of a record?

Copies of records can be obtained in person at the Records Bureau of the Amherst Police Department during normal business hours.     Business hours are Monday through Friday, 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM, starting July 1st, 2007.   The Records Bureau is located in the front lobby of the Police Department at 111 Main Street, Amherst.  Records requests can also be made via mail.  To request a copy of a record through the mail, a Records Request Form should be filled-out and sent to the records office, along with payment by check (payable to Town of Amherst), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.  This will expedite your request.  Please note that there is a nominal charge for all copies of records.

Can I receive a copy of any type of record?

No, under state law certain records are not available.  Examples of records which are NOT AVAILABLE include   1.   Accidents or incidents involving criminal charges which may result in incarceration and have not been adjudicated.  2.  Accidents or incidents which are still under investigation.   3. Records which are expressly prohibited from disclosure to the public by statute.  4.   Arrest records.  You may acquire a copy of your record from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Criminal History System's Board.  Forms for such a request are available at the Amherst Police Department, or information may be obtained by visiting their website.

What is the cost of a record?

Under Chapter 66 of Massachusetts General Law, the cost of a record is fifty cents (.50) for each side of a page.  For requests which require more than 20 minutes to complete, a prorated hourly fee for search time and segregation time expenses, as defined by CMR 32.03, may be assessed. For a detailed listing of our records fees please click on the button below.

How long will it take to obtain the record?

If the record is a public record and it is in our files, you may usually pick it up the next business day.  Unusually lengthy records or photographs may take longer.

How do I obtain copies of photographs?

Requests for photographs are made through the same means as copies of records.  Please contact the Records Office for a quote on the cost of photographs.