Warrants are considered public records in Manchester, New Hampshire, pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A). This statute establishes the legal framework for public access to governmental records, including warrants, to ensure transparency in governmental operations and judicial proceedings. The law recognizes the public's right to information about governmental activities as essential to democratic governance.
Law enforcement agencies and judicial bodies in Manchester maintain documentation of various types of warrants, including arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants. These records are generally accessible to members of the public unless specifically sealed by court order under provisions outlined in RSA 91-A:5, which enumerates exemptions to public disclosure. Sealed warrants typically involve ongoing investigations, matters of public safety, or cases involving minors.
The Hillsborough County Superior Court North, located at 300 Chestnut Street, Manchester, NH 03101, serves as the primary repository for warrant records in the Manchester jurisdiction. The court maintains these records in accordance with New Hampshire Judicial Branch record retention policies established under Supreme Court Rule 40.
Several official resources are available for individuals seeking to locate warrant information online in Manchester:
Manchester Police Department Website: The department maintains a digital database of wanted persons with active warrants. The Manchester Police Department is located at 405 Valley Street, Manchester, NH 03103 and can be reached at (603) 668-8711.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office, located at 329 Mast Road, Suite 109, Goffstown, NH 03045, maintains records of outstanding warrants within the county jurisdiction. The office can be contacted at (603) 627-5610 for warrant verification.
New Hampshire Judicial Branch: The state's court system offers the New Hampshire Court Case Access Portal, which provides limited information about court cases that may include warrant status. This resource is accessible through the Judicial Branch website or at the courthouse located at 300 Chestnut Street, Manchester, NH 03101.
New Hampshire Department of Safety: The Department maintains certain warrant information through its Division of State Police. Their headquarters is located at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305, and can be reached at (603) 223-3800.
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, governmental agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records, including electronic access to warrant information.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Manchester may utilize several official channels for verification:
Online Verification: The Manchester Police Department's website provides a searchable database of individuals with active warrants. This resource is updated regularly in accordance with departmental policies established under RSA 106-B.
Direct Contact with Law Enforcement: Individuals may contact the Manchester Police Department Records Division at (603) 668-8711 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to inquire about warrant status. The department is located at 405 Valley Street, Manchester, NH 03103.
Courthouse Inquiry: The Hillsborough County Superior Court North (300 Chestnut Street, Manchester, NH 03101) maintains warrant records and can provide information during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
Legal Representation: Licensed attorneys can access certain court records and perform warrant checks on behalf of clients through the New Hampshire Bar Association's court access protocols.
Individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification, including full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information when making inquiries about warrant status. Under RSA 651:5, certain warrant information may be subject to annulment or expungement procedures after specified time periods.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Manchester requires adherence to established protocols designed to protect both public safety and individual privacy rights:
Online Database Search: The Manchester Police Department maintains a public database of wanted persons that can be searched by name. This database is updated in accordance with departmental policy and RSA 106-B:14 regarding public notification of wanted individuals.
In-Person Records Request: Citizens may submit a formal records request at the Manchester Police Department Records Division (405 Valley Street, Manchester, NH 03103) during business hours. Requests must comply with RSA 91-A:4 procedures for public records access.
Telephone Verification: The Warrant Division of the Manchester Police Department can be reached at (603) 792-5431 for limited warrant information. Per departmental policy, certain identifying information must be provided to process these requests.
Court Records Search: The Hillsborough County Superior Court North (300 Chestnut Street, Manchester, NH 03101) maintains a public terminal for searching court records that may include warrant information. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, agencies may require written application for access to governmental records, including warrant information, and may establish reasonable fees for document reproduction.
Manchester warrant records contain specific information as required by New Hampshire law and judicial procedures. These records typically include the following elements:
Subject Identification: Full legal name of the subject, date of birth, last known address, and other identifying characteristics as required by RSA 594:14 for proper identification of the named individual.
Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) in accordance with RSA 594:2 and applicable sections of the New Hampshire Criminal Code.
Judicial Authority: Name and title of the issuing judge or magistrate, court of jurisdiction, and case number as assigned by the Hillsborough County Superior Court North or Manchester District Court.
Issuance Information: Date of issuance, expiration parameters if applicable, and territorial jurisdiction limitations pursuant to RSA 594:10 regarding warrant execution boundaries.
Statutory Basis: Citation of the specific New Hampshire statutes allegedly violated, including classification of offense (violation, misdemeanor, or felony) as defined in RSA 625:9.
Factual Allegations: Brief statement of probable cause supporting the warrant issuance as required by Part I, Article 19 of the New Hampshire Constitution and the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Execution Instructions: Specific directives to law enforcement regarding service procedures, bail conditions if applicable, and any special considerations pursuant to RSA 594:9.
These records are maintained in accordance with the New Hampshire Court Rules and the records retention schedule established by the Administrative Office of the Courts.