Massachusetts Public Records Key Terms

Know Massachusetts public records jargon and terms

Online searches for public records are now easy to do via the Internet. Many states have their public records online, thereby making research on records easy, and in most cases, free.

Public records can be a valuable resource in finding important information about a person including birth, death, unpaid bills, locating a registered sex offender's address, state government jobs and unclaimed property. Knowing the jargon of public record searching can make the search easier.

 

Sex offenders

A sex offender is defined as a person convicted of crimes that include rape, sexual harassment, molestation and the production and/or distribution of pornographic media. Massachusetts maintains a searchable database on the Internet that lists predators/offenders registration information as well as their photographs.
Try: The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) administers the website that allows for a search on sex offenders. This site also gives public education and outreach information as well as community participation and coordination of efforts by various involved agencies in this outreach effort.

Abandoned Property Division

The Abandoned Property Division manages unclaimed property, which is an asset left unclaimed, inactive or abandoned by its owner. Some examples of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, stocks, insurance proceeds, deposits, dividends, credit refunds and uncashed checks that have been inactive for more than three years.
Try: The Massachusetts Department of State Treasurer Abandoned Property Division maintains custody of any type of unclaimed property until the owner claims it.

Commonwealth Employment Opportunities (CEO)

The State of Massachusetts is one of the largest employers in Massachusetts. The Human Resources Division (HRD) maintains the Commonwealth Employment Opportunities (CEO) website that lists many different types of career options within the government. Those who elect to work within the State system have to meet certain requirements and qualifications, which can help the job seeker to choose the best type of employment for them.
Try: The search for state employment in Massachusetts has been made much easier by utilizing the Internet to post and advertise these positions which can be found at the Commonwealth Employment Opportunities (CEO) website.

VINELink

The Massachusetts Department of Corrections provides a database, VINELink, that allows for a search on inmates in an effort to help keep the public safe and informed. It also gives crime victims free, confidential and accurate information about a specific inmate's escape, release or transfer.
Try: To access the search option for inmate information for Massachusetts, the VINELink website is available 24 hours a day to all consumers and victims. Further information about the additional services provided can be found on the website as well.

Attorney search

A search for Massachusetts attorney information can be done online and includes information such as whether an attorney, has been the subject of any public discipline and/or disability and their license to practice law in the State. This information can help consumers when making a choice about the type of representation they require.
Try: The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers maintains an extensive database that is accessible by the public and includes a listing of attorneys registered to practice in the State of Massachusetts.

Division of Professional Licensure Boards

Massachusetts has 31 boards of registration regulating nearly 50 healthcare trades and professions such as doctors, chiropractors, podiatrists, osteopathic physicians, registered nurses, electricians and alarm system installers, hearing instrument specialists and other professions listed on the website.
Try: The Division of Professional Licensure Boards within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business maintains a searchable database that has practitioner's practice information such as license, disciplinary actions, suspensions and other important professional information.

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