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Takoma Park Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Takoma Park, Maryland?

Arrest records are public documents in Takoma Park, Maryland, pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under §§ 4-101 through 4-601 of the General Provisions Article. The MPIA establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. These records typically contain information regarding the arrest incident, the individual in custody, and the circumstances surrounding the apprehension.

The Maryland Public Information Act operates under the fundamental principle that citizens have a right to information about government operations, including law enforcement activities. This legislative framework promotes transparency, accountability, and public oversight of governmental functions. The City of Takoma Park adheres to these regulations through its public records request process, which is administered by the City Clerk's office.

Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply to arrest records, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined under § 4-351 of the General Provisions Article. In such instances, records may be partially redacted or withheld in accordance with statutory provisions.

How to Look Up Takoma Park Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Takoma Park arrest records may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. The Takoma Park Police Department maintains these records and has established procedures for public access in compliance with state regulations. Available methods include:

In-person requests at the Takoma Park Police Department Records Division, located at 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written requests submitted to the Records Division or the City Clerk's office, which coordinates public records requests for all city departments.
Online access through the Takoma Park Police Department's data portal, which provides certain arrest statistics and information.
Consultation of weekly crime reports published by the department, which may include information about recent arrests.
Requests to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for comprehensive criminal history information at 6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215.

Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services, as authorized under § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article. The standard processing time for requests is approximately 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time as permitted by statute.

Contents of a Takoma Park Arrest Record

Takoma Park arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Maryland state regulations. These official documents generally include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s) and corresponding Maryland criminal code citations
Identity of the arresting agency and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information, including processing location and time
Photographic documentation (mugshot) and fingerprint records
Custody status information, including detention facility if applicable
Bail or bond determination and conditions
Case disposition information if available
Court docket numbers and scheduled hearing dates

The Takoma Park Police Department Records Division is responsible for maintaining these records in accordance with departmental policies and state recordkeeping requirements. Pursuant to Maryland law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and other protected personal identifiers.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Takoma Park

The expungement process in Takoma Park follows Maryland state law, specifically Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the Criminal Procedure Article. Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under certain qualifying circumstances. The legal framework for expungement is designed to provide relief from the collateral consequences of an arrest record when appropriate legal standards are met.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Takoma Park include:

Arrests that did not result in charges (must wait 3 years from date of arrest unless a waiver is obtained)
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Cases resolved through probation before judgment (after completion of probation)
Convictions for certain misdemeanors after specified waiting periods
Convictions for offenses that have been decriminalized
Pardoned offenses (after a waiting period of 5 years)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the District Court or Circuit Court for Montgomery County, located at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. Standard filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals. Upon receipt of a petition, the court forwards copies to the State's Attorney's Office and relevant law enforcement agencies, which have 30 days to file objections.

If the court grants the expungement petition, an order is issued directing all pertinent agencies, including the Takoma Park Police Department, to remove the records from public access. Pursuant to § 10-108 of the Criminal Procedure Article, agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days and file a certificate of compliance with the court.

Expunged records are not destroyed but are sequestered from public view and can only be accessed through a subsequent court order. Disclosure of expunged information is prohibited under § 10-109 of the Criminal Procedure Article and may result in criminal penalties.

Search Arrest Records in Takoma Park

Takoma Park Police Department
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
301-270-1100
Official Website