Criminal History Systems Board

Criminal History Systems Board
Victim Service Unit
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
617-660-4690
617-660-5973 fax
TTY: 617-660-4606

The Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) manages the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) process, which allows for certain information about offenders to be shared with the criminal justice community, crime victims and the general public. Any member of tthe public can request information about the status of an inmate and certain information about the offender’s criminal record. On certain situations victims of previous crimes can file a citizen initiated petition to be notified when the offenders is going to be released.

Victims have the right to be notified of an offender’s release from custody and the right to get additional criminal record information about an offender. These rights to notification and information are not automatic; they are provided only upon request. When victims request this petition and if it is granted, they become certified petitioners. Victims must be certified to receive this notification and information by the Criminal History Systems Board. The Victim Services Unit of CHSB is responsible for processing these certification applications from crime victims. All applications are kept confidential and it is up to the victim to keep CHSB notified of changes in contact information so that CHSB can provide the requested inmate status notifications.