Massachusetts § 178P - Failure to comply with registration requirements; right to arrest; risk of reoffense information disclosure

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 178P — Failure to comply with registration requirements; right to arrest; risk of reoffense information disclosure, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 178P. Failure to comply with registration requirements; right to arrest; risk of reoffense information disclosure

Section 178P. Whenever a police officer has probable cause to believe that a sex offender has failed to comply with the registration requirements of sections 178C to 178P, inclusive, such officer shall have the right to arrest such sex offender without a warrant and to keep such sex offender in custody.

Whenever a police officer, district attorney or agent, employee or representative of the executive office of health and human services has information indicating that a sex offender is at risk to reoffend, the police department, district attorney or, to the extent permitted by federal law, the executive office of health and human services agent, employee or representative shall forward that information to the board; but a police department or district attorney shall not forward information to the board that the police department or district attorney believes will compromise an ongoing investigation. The board, after consulting the executive office of health and human services, shall adopt regulations to provide specific guidance concerning the type and location of information that might indicate that a sex offender is at risk to reoffend and the circumstances that require disclosure.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 178P

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 178P cover?

Section 178P ("Failure to comply with registration requirements; right to arrest; risk of reoffense information disclosure") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 178P?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 178P" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 178P apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.