New York Arrest Records

New York Public Records /New York Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in New York?

Yes. Arrest records in New York are generally considered public records under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Public Officers Law §§ 84–90, which grants the public the right to access government records. Basic arrest information—such as arrest blotters, booking details, and court case filings—is available through local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, and the New York State Unified Court System. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) serves as the central repository for criminal history information.

However, public access is limited. Full criminal history records, including fingerprint-based “rap sheets,” are restricted and may only be obtained by the individual involved, law enforcement, or authorized agencies. Juvenile arrest records are confidential under the Family Court Act § 381.2, and sealed or expunged arrests under Criminal Procedure Law §§ 160.50, 160.55, and 160.59 are not open to the public. Additionally, records tied to ongoing investigations or containing sensitive personal information may be withheld to protect privacy and law enforcement integrity.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in New York?

Access to arrest records in New York is primarily governed by the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which is codified in Article 6 of the New York Public Officers Law §§ 84-90. FOIL provides the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests.

Additionally, several other laws and regulations impact access to arrest records:

New York Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) - Contains provisions regarding the sealing and expungement of criminal records
New York Executive Law § 296(16) - Prohibits discrimination based on arrest records that did not result in conviction
New York Correction Law Article 23-A - Governs employment discrimination based on criminal records
Family Court Act - Contains provisions regarding juvenile records

The Personal Privacy Protection Law also plays a role in protecting certain personal information that might be contained in arrest records.

Court decisions and advisory opinions from the Committee on Open Government further shape the interpretation and application of these laws. The Committee regularly issues opinions that clarify how FOIL applies to specific types of records, including arrest information.

What Information Is Included in a New York Arrest Record?

A typical New York arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records generally include:

Personal Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Address at time of arrest
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Charges filed
- Statute citations for alleged violations
Case Processing Information:
- Booking details
- Court appearance dates
- Case numbers
- Disposition of charges (if available)
- Court of jurisdiction
Bail/Bond Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Conditions of release

Arrest records represent allegations, not findings of guilt. The record may also include information about the disposition of the case, such as whether charges were dismissed, reduced, or resulted in conviction.

For more serious offenses, the record might contain additional details such as incident reports, witness statements, or property information. However, some of this information may be redacted or restricted, particularly if it relates to ongoing investigations or contains sensitive personal information about victims or witnesses.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in New York in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in New York involves several potential methods, depending on the specific information needed and the purpose of the request. Here are the primary ways to access these records:

In-Person Requests

You can visit the relevant law enforcement agency or court where the arrest occurred or was processed:

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

For court records related to arrests:

New York State Unified Court System
Office of Court Administration
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
(800) 268-7869
New York State Unified Court System
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Written Requests

You can submit a written FOIL request to the appropriate agency. The request should include:

Your full name and contact information
Specific information about the records you're seeking
Time period covered by the request
Format in which you'd like to receive the records

For state-level records, submit requests to:

New York State Police
Records Access Officer
1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22
Albany, NY 12226
(518) 457-5837
New York State Police

Official Criminal History Record Checks

For a complete criminal history record (including arrests), you can request a fingerprint-based background check through DCJS. This requires:

Submission of fingerprints
Proper identification
Payment of applicable fees
Completion of required forms

Fingerprinting services are available at:

IdentoGO Centers
Various locations throughout New York
(877) 472-6915
IdentoGO
Hours: Vary by location

How to Find Arrest Records Online in New York

Several online resources are available for accessing arrest records in New York:

Official Government Websites

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
Inmate Lookup
This database provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and those under community supervision.

New York State Unified Court System
WebCriminal
Provides access to criminal case information from participating courts across New York State.

New York City Department of Correction
Inmate Lookup Service
Offers information on individuals currently in custody in NYC.

County Sheriff and Police Department Websites

Many county sheriff offices and police departments maintain online databases of recent arrests or inmate information:

Important Considerations for Online Searches

When searching for arrest records online:

Be prepared to provide identifying information such as name and date of birth
Understand that not all records may be available online
Verify the source of information to ensure accuracy
Be aware that some online systems may require registration or fees
Remember that online records may not reflect recent changes such as expungements or sealings

Who Can Access Arrest Records in New York?

Access to arrest records in New York varies depending on who is requesting the information and for what purpose:

General Public Access

Under FOIL, members of the general public can access basic arrest information, including:

Name of the person arrested
Date and location of arrest
Charges filed
Case disposition (if available)

However, access may be limited if disclosure would:

Interfere with law enforcement investigations
Deprive a person of a fair trial
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Endanger someone's life or safety

Criminal Justice Agencies

Law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors, and other criminal justice entities have broader access to complete arrest records for official purposes, including:

Criminal investigations
Prosecution
Sentencing decisions
Probation and parole supervision

Employers and Licensing Agencies

Certain employers and licensing agencies may access arrest records, but with significant restrictions:

Under New York Executive Law § 296(16), employers generally cannot inquire about or consider arrests that did not lead to conviction
Public employers and licensing agencies may consider arrest records only in limited circumstances
For certain positions (such as law enforcement, childcare, or financial services), more comprehensive background checks may be permitted

The Individual of Record

The subject of an arrest record has the right to access their own records by:

Requesting a copy of their criminal history from DCJS
Submitting fingerprints and proper identification
Paying applicable fees

Researchers and Media

Researchers and media organizations may access arrest records with certain limitations:

Personal identifying information may be redacted
Statistical or anonymized data may be provided instead of individual records
Special arrangements may be made for legitimate research purposes

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in New York?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining arrest records in New York, though they vary depending on the type of record requested and the agency providing it:

State-Level Record Fees

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)

Personal Criminal History Record Search: $65.00
Fingerprint processing fee: $99.00 (includes FBI processing)
Certified copies of records: $10.00 per certification

New York State Police

Incident/Accident Reports: $15.00
FOIL requests: First 20 pages free, then $0.25 per page

Court Record Fees

New York State Unified Court System

Criminal case file review: No fee to inspect
Copies of court records: $1.00 per page
Certified copies: $8.00 per document
Exemplified copies: $10.00 per document

County and Local Agency Fees

Fees vary by jurisdiction, but typical charges include:

Arrest reports: $10-25
Booking photos: $10-20
Background checks: $25-50
Certified copies: Additional $5-10

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances:

Indigent individuals may request fee waivers for their own records
Non-profit organizations may qualify for reduced fees
Public interest requests may receive consideration for fee reduction

Payment Methods

Most agencies accept:

Credit/debit cards
Money orders
Certified checks
Cash (in person only)
Electronic payments (for some online services)

It's advisable to contact the specific agency in advance to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods, as these may change over time.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in New York

New York State maintains arrest records for extensive periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record and the outcome of the case:

Standard Retention Periods

Felony Arrests: Permanent retention for most serious offenses
Misdemeanor Arrests: Typically kept for 25 years from date of arrest
Violation/Infraction Arrests: Generally maintained for 5-10 years
Juvenile Records: Special rules apply; many are sealed automatically when the individual turns 16 or 18

Record Retention by Outcome

The disposition of a case affects how long records are maintained:

Convictions: Records of convictions are generally permanent unless sealed or expunged
Dismissals: Records may be eligible for sealing after specified waiting periods
Acquittals: Records may be sealed upon request following acquittal
Declined Prosecution: Records may be maintained but with restricted access

Agency-Specific Retention

Different agencies maintain records according to their own schedules:

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

Maintains the official state repository of criminal history information
Retains records according to the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule established by the State Archives

Local Police Departments

May maintain arrest records for periods ranging from 5 years to permanently
Follow municipal records retention schedules

Court System

Court records of criminal proceedings are typically permanent
Electronic case management systems have extended the practical retention period

Digital Records

With the digitization of records, practical retention periods have increased:

Electronic databases may maintain information indefinitely
Even when official retention periods expire, information may persist in various systems
Commercial background check companies may retain information beyond official retention periods

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in New York Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released in New York, certain information is commonly redacted or restricted to protect privacy rights and sensitive information:

Personal Identifying Information

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Date of birth (may be partially redacted)
Home addresses of certain protected individuals
Phone numbers and email addresses

Sensitive Case Information

Names and identifying information of victims, especially in sex crimes
Information about confidential informants
Juvenile information (generally sealed by default)
Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
Grand jury proceedings (which are confidential by law)
Medical and mental health information

Law Enforcement Sensitive Information

Undercover officer identities
Tactical information about law enforcement methods
Information that could endanger officer safety
Internal affairs investigations (unless formally concluded)

Protected by Specific Statutes

Certain information is protected by specific laws:

Domestic violence victim information (NYS Family Protection and Domestic Violence Intervention Act)
HIV status information (Public Health Law Article 27-F)
Substance abuse treatment records (protected under federal 42 CFR Part 2)
Mental health information (Mental Hygiene Law)

Sealed or Expunged Information

Records that have been legally sealed or expunged pursuant to:

Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 (sealing after favorable dispositions)
Criminal Procedure Law § 160.55 (sealing after certain misdemeanor convictions)
Criminal Procedure Law § 160.58 (conditional sealing for drug offenses)
Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 (sealing of certain convictions after 10 years)

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in New York

New York provides several pathways for sealing or destroying arrest records, depending on the circumstances of the case:

Automatic Sealing

Some records are sealed automatically without requiring application:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal are sealed under CPL § 160.50
Certain non-criminal offenses (violations and traffic infractions) are sealed under CPL § 160.55
Juvenile delinquency records are generally sealed when the individual turns 16 or 18

Sealing by Application

For other cases, individuals must apply for sealing:

General Conviction Sealing (CPL § 160.59)

Available for most misdemeanors and certain felonies
Requires a 10-year waiting period since sentencing or release
Limited to two eligible offenses (only one can be a felony)
Excludes sex offenses, violent felonies, and certain other serious crimes
Application filed with the court where the conviction occurred

Drug Treatment Sealing (CPL § 160.58)

Available for individuals who completed judicial diversion or drug treatment programs
Applies to certain drug-related offenses
Application filed with the court that handled the case

Marijuana Conviction Sealing

Under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), certain marijuana convictions are automatically expunged
For cases not automatically addressed, individuals can file motions to vacate and dismiss

Application Process

To apply for sealing under CPL § 160.59:

Obtain a Certificate of Disposition for each conviction
Complete the Notice of Motion and Affidavit for sealing
File with the court where the conviction occurred
Serve copies on the District Attorney's office
Attend a hearing if one is scheduled by the court

Legal Assistance

Free or low-cost legal assistance is available through:

Legal Aid Society
199 Water Street
New York, NY 10038
(212) 577-3300
Legal Aid Society

New York State Bar Association
One Elk Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 463-3200
New York State Bar Association

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in New York?

New York law places significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment and housing contexts:

Employment Limitations

Under New York Executive Law § 296(16), employers are prohibited from:

Asking about arrests that did not result in conviction
Considering sealed arrest records in employment decisions
Discriminating based on arrests that did not lead to conviction

The New York City Fair Chance Act further restricts employers by:

Prohibiting criminal history questions on initial job applications ("Ban the Box")
Requiring employers to delay background checks until after a conditional offer
Mandating a specific evaluation process before withdrawing a job offer

Housing Limitations

Similar protections exist in housing:

Landlords generally cannot deny housing based on arrests that did not result in conviction
The New York City Fair Chance Housing Act provides additional protections for housing applicants

Licensing Limitations

For professional licensing:

Licensing agencies must consider specific factors under Correction Law Article 23-A before denying a license
These factors include time elapsed, age at offense, and rehabilitation evidence
A direct relationship between the offense and the license sought must be established

Commercial Background Checks

Companies providing background checks must comply with:

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
New York State Fair Credit Reporting Act
Restrictions on reporting sealed or expunged records

Penalties for Misuse

Violations of these limitations can result in:

Civil liability
Administrative fines
Damages in private lawsuits
Enforcement actions by the New York State Division of Human Rights or NYC Commission on Human Rights

Lookup Arrest Records in New York

State Repository for Criminal History Records

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

State Police

New York State Police
1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22
Albany, NY 12226
(518) 457-6721
New York State Police

State Department of Corrections

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
1220 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12226
(518) 457-8126
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

State Court System

New York State Unified Court System
Office of Court Administration
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
(800) 268-7869
New York State Unified Court System

New York State Supreme Court
Various locations throughout the state
New York State Supreme Court

New York State Appellate Courts
New York State Appellate Courts

Attorney General's Office

New York State Attorney General's Office
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
(800) 771-7755
New York State Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

New York City Sheriff's Office
30-10 Starr Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 707-2100
New York City Sheriff's Office

Nassau County Sheriff's Department
100 Carman Avenue
East Meadow, NY 11554
(516) 572-3000
Nassau County Sheriff's Department

Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
100 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 852-2200
Suffolk County Sheriff's Office

Westchester County Department of Public Safety
1 Saw Mill River Parkway
Hawthorne, NY 10532
(914) 864-7700
Westchester County Department of Public Safety

Erie County Sheriff's Office
10 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-7618
Erie County Sheriff's Office

Monroe County Sheriff's Office
130 South Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, NY 14614
(585) 753-4178
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Onondaga County Sheriff's Office
407 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-3044
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office

Albany County Sheriff's Office
16 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 487-5400
Albany County Sheriff's Office

Dutchess County Sheriff's Office
150 North Hamilton Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 486-3800
Dutchess County Sheriff's Office

Orange County Sheriff's Office
110 Wells Farm Road
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 291-4033
Orange County Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments

New York City Police Department (NYPD)
One Police Plaza
New York, NY 10038
(646) 610-5000
New York City Police Department

Buffalo Police Department
74 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 851-4444
Buffalo Police Department

Rochester Police Department
185 Exchange Boulevard
Rochester, NY 14614
(585) 428-7210
Rochester Police Department

Syracuse Police Department
511 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 442-5111
Syracuse Police Department

Albany Police Department
165 Henry Johnson Boulevard
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 438-4000
Albany Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in New York

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10278
(212) 384-1000
FBI New York Field Office

U.S. Marshals Service - Southern District of New York
500 Pearl Street, Suite 400
New York, NY 10007
(212) 331-7100
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - Northeast Regional Office
U.S. Custom House, 7th Floor
2nd and Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 521-7301
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. Courts – PACER
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
One Columbus Circle NE
Washington, DC 20544
(800) 676-6856
PACER