Sharon Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Sharon, Massachusetts government websites.

About Sharon

The governing body of Sharon, Massachusetts, is the Sharon Board of Selectmen, which consists of five elected members. Each member serves a term of three years, with elections held annually for staggered seats to ensure continuity in governance. The Board of Selectmen is responsible for overseeing the town's executive functions and implementing policies set by the town's residents. For the fiscal year 2023, Sharon's approximate annual operating budget is $38.5 million.
This budget supports various municipal services, including public safety, education, and infrastructure maintenance, reflecting the town's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its approximately 18,000 residents. Regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen are held on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Sharon Town Hall, located at 90 South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Sharon, Norfolk County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Quincy Police Department, Brookline Police Department, and Norwood Police Department. Each city department has jurisdiction over its respective area, handling local law enforcement duties and community policing. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often working together on task forces and joint operations to enhance public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Norfolk County Correctional Center, located in Dedham, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require prior scheduling, with strict adherence to security protocols.

Court Records

Norfolk County is served by the Norfolk County Superior Court, located in Dedham. This court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies and significant civil disputes. Additionally, the county has several District Courts, such as the Quincy District Court, which handle lesser criminal cases, civil cases, and small claims. Access to court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be obtained through the court's administrative offices, with some records available online through the Massachusetts Court System's portal.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Norfolk County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Massachusetts Bureau of Investigation. Residents can conduct background checks through the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, which provides access to criminal history information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Norfolk County are maintained by the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Massachusetts Public Records Law. A typical arrest record in Norfolk County includes details such as the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency. The process for obtaining these records may involve submitting a written request to the relevant law enforcement agency, with some records accessible through online portals.

Public Records Access

Public records in Norfolk County can be accessed under Massachusetts's open records law, known as the Public Records Law. The Norfolk County Clerk's Office, located in Dedham, provides access to a variety of records, including property records, marriage licenses, and probate records. The Probate and Family Court handles records related to family law matters, such as divorces and wills. Requests for records can be made in person or online, with typical turnaround times varying depending on the type of record and the method of request.

Economy & Demographics

Norfolk County's economy is characterized by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and technology. Major employers in the county include healthcare institutions, educational facilities, and technology companies, contributing to a robust and diverse economic landscape. The county's proximity to Boston enhances its economic opportunities, attracting businesses and professionals seeking access to the metropolitan area's resources. This economic diversity distinguishes Norfolk County from neighboring areas, providing a stable economic environment for its residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Sharon, Norfolk County, Massachusetts to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Sharon, Massachusetts, you will be transported to the Norfolk House of Correction for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Norfolk District Court. Under Massachusetts law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Massachusetts State Police. The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.mass.gov/doc/inmate-search where you can look up current detainees.
The Sharon Public Schools district serves the town of Sharon, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district's overall performance rating for the 2018-2019 school year was a Level 2, which is considered to be "Meeting Expectations." The district's four-year graduation rate for the same school year was 95.2%.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, there were a total of 1,845 reported crimes in Sharon, Norfolk County, Massachusetts in 2019. Of those reported crimes, there were 1,717 property crimes and 128 violent crimes.
The Sharon Public Library in Norfolk County, Massachusetts provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Massachusetts government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which governs access to government documents in Massachusetts. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Sharon Massachusetts Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Contact the Sharon Public Library reference desk at (339) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Sharon, Norfolk County, Massachusetts Library is located at 11 North Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067.
Fingerprinting services for Sharon, Massachusetts residents are provided at the Sharon Police Department, which serves Norfolk County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Sharon Police Department at (339) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Massachusetts State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Massachusetts State Police at https://www.mass.gov/criminal-record-checks.
To obtain vital records for Sharon, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, you will need to contact the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The Registry of Deeds is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.

To obtain a copy of a vital record, you will need to submit a written request to the Registry of Deeds. The request should include the full name of the person whose record is being requested, the date of the event, and the type of record being requested. You will also need to include a copy of a valid photo ID and a check or money order for the applicable fee.

The records provided by the Registry of Deeds will include the full name of the person, the date of the event, and the names of the parents or spouses, if applicable.
Police reports from Sharon, Massachusetts can be obtained from the Sharon Police Department, located in Norfolk County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, most police reports are public records in Massachusetts, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Sharon Police Department Records Division at (339) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.mass.gov/criminal-record-checks.
A background check in Sharon, Norfolk County, Massachusetts typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Massachusetts. Criminal background checks are processed through the Massachusetts State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Massachusetts residents. The Massachusetts State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.mass.gov/criminal-record-checks. Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.