Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
In Massachusetts, you can request an amendment to a police report when it contains inaccurate or incomplete information. You must show clear evidence that a specific detail in the report is wrong. The state’s Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law outlines how to correct errors in a criminal history record. See M.G.L. c.6 §178C for definitions and correction procedures.
Key Sources of Evidence
- Certified Court Documents: Court dockets, disposition orders, dismissal notices or transcripts that show the true outcome of an incident.
- Fingerprint Cards: If the report misidentifies you, a FD-258 fingerprint card helps the Criminal History Systems Board match your identity correctly.
- Witness Affidavits: Sworn statements from eyewitnesses or involved parties who can attest to the correct facts.
- Video or Audio Recordings: Body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, 911 calls, or dispatch recordings that contradict the report’s version.
- Medical Records: Emergency room notes, doctor’s reports, or injury evaluations that clarify timing, severity, or location of any injury described incorrectly.
- Photographs or Diagrams: Images of the scene, damage, injuries or physical evidence that show what really occurred.
- Expert Reports: Forensic analyses (e.g., ballistics, autopsy, accident reconstruction) that dispute factual statements in the report.
How to Submit Your Request
- Obtain a copy of the police report from the agency that created it.
- Gather all supporting evidence described above in legible, certified form.
- Complete the CORI correction form available at the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board.
- Mail the form and your documentation to the address listed on the CORI Board website.
- If the board denies your correction, you may request an administrative hearing within 30 days of the decision.
Helpful Hints
- Double-check that all court documents are certified copies with the court clerk’s stamp.
- Label each piece of evidence clearly, noting which section of the report it contradicts.
- Keep copies of everything you send and use a trackable mailing service.
- Be concise but thorough in your written explanation—focus on one inaccuracy per page.
- If you hit a procedural snag, consider consulting a qualified attorney familiar with CORI law.
- Follow up after 30 days to confirm receipt and to check the status of your request.