New York Public Records / New York County Arrest Records

New York County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in New York County

Arrest records in New York County are considered public information under the New York State Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. However, access to these records is subject to certain limitations and restrictions.

The New York State Committee on Open Government has determined that basic arrest information must be disclosed to the public. This includes:

The name of the person arrested
The charges filed
The date and location of the arrest
The arresting agency

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under New York law, an arrest without a subsequent conviction should not be used to deny employment, licensing, or other civil rights to individuals.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the official criminal history repository for the state, including records from New York County. Access to complete criminal history information is restricted to authorized agencies and individuals with specific statutory authority.

Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions are generally sealed from public view. This means that while basic arrest information may be initially available, records of arrests that end in dismissals, acquittals, or other favorable dispositions are typically not accessible to the general public.

What's in New York County Arrest Records

New York County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Home address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
New York State Identification (NYSID) number
FBI number (if applicable)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Arrest number or case number
Type of arrest (warrant, on-view, citizen's arrest)
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
New York Penal Law citation
Description of alleged criminal activity
Victim information (with personal identifiers redacted)
Incident report number

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Judge who signed the warrant
Reason for warrant issuance

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Booking officer
Property inventory
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Docket or case number
Scheduled court appearances
Court disposition (if resolved)

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Immigration detainer information
Special custody requirements
Risk assessment scores

It should be noted that pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records to protect privacy, safety, or ongoing investigations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in New York County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in New York County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the New York Police Department (NYPD)
- Complete the FOIL request form available on the NYPD Records Access page
- Specify the exact records being requested, including names, dates, and locations if known
- Submit the request online, by mail, or in person
- Allow up to 20 business days for an initial response as required by law
Visit the NYPD's Central Records Division in person

New York Police Department - Central Records Division
One Police Plaza
New York, NY 10038
(646) 610-5000
NYPD Records Access

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Contact the New York County District Attorney's Office

New York County District Attorney's Office
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013
(212) 335-9000
Manhattan District Attorney

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Check with the New York County Criminal Court

New York County Criminal Court
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-4500
New York State Unified Court System

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide:

The full name of the person whose records are being sought
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Valid government-issued photo identification
Notarized authorization if requesting records on behalf of another person

Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, typically 25 cents per page. Some agencies may offer certified copies for an additional fee.

How To Find New York County Arrest Records Online

New York County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official government portals. The following online methods are available to the public:

New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) WebCriminal System
- Visit the New York State Unified Court System website
- Create a user account or log in as a guest
- Search by name and date of birth
- Pay the required search fee ($95.00 per name search)
- Receive results showing pending and disposed cases in criminal courts throughout New York State
New York City Department of Correction Inmate Lookup Service
- Access the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup portal
- Search by name, NYSID number, or book and case number
- View current custody status and facility location for individuals in NYC DOC custody
- Note that this system only shows current inmates, not historical arrest data
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup
- Visit the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup website
- Search by name or Department Identification Number (DIN)
- Access information about individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities
- View conviction charges, sentence information, and custody status
NYPD Online FOIL Request System
- Submit a Freedom of Information Law request through the NYC OpenRecords portal
- Select the New York Police Department as the agency
- Provide specific details about the arrest records being requested
- Track the status of the request online
- Receive electronic copies of approved records

When conducting online searches, users should be aware that:

Not all arrest records are available online
Records that have been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 will not appear in public searches
Some online systems may have a delay in updating information
Certain personal identifying information may be redacted from online records

For the most comprehensive and current arrest record information, combining online searches with direct agency contact is recommended.

How To Search New York County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing New York County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:

Visit the New York County Criminal Court Clerk's Office

New York County Criminal Court
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-4500
New York State Unified Court System

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

At the clerk's office, individuals may:

Request to view public court files related to criminal cases
Access the public terminal computers to search for case information
Obtain basic case status information without charge
Note that while viewing is free, copying fees may apply (typically 25 cents per page)

Use the New York City Department of Correction Inmate Lookup
- The NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup service is available at no cost
- Search by name or identification number to find current custody status
- Access information about facility location and upcoming court dates
- This resource is limited to individuals currently in custody
Access the New York State DOCCS Incarcerated Individual Lookup
- The DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup database is free to use
- Search for individuals currently or previously in state custody
- View conviction information, sentence details, and release dates
- This system does not include local jail records or arrests that did not result in state incarceration
Review Court Calendars
- Daily court calendars are publicly posted at the New York County Criminal Court
- These calendars list scheduled appearances, including arraignments for recent arrests
- This method provides limited information but can confirm recent arrest activity
Submit a FOIL Request
- Filing a Freedom of Information Law request with the NYPD or other agencies is free
- While copying fees may apply, agencies must provide records for inspection at no cost
- Requests can be submitted through the NYC OpenRecords portal

When utilizing these free resources, individuals should be aware that:

Complete criminal history information is not available through free public searches
Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in public searches
Some information may be redacted to protect privacy or security interests
Free searches may not provide the most comprehensive or up-to-date information

For the most thorough search results, combining multiple free resources is recommended.

How To Delete Arrest Records in New York County

New York State law provides several mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through sealing or, in limited circumstances, expungement. The distinction between these remedies is significant:

Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for certain authorized agencies, while expungement involves the physical destruction or permanent deletion of records.

Under current New York law, the following options are available:

Sealing Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
- Applies automatically to arrests that did not result in conviction
- Includes cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or declined prosecution
- Records are sealed from public view but maintained for law enforcement purposes
- No application is typically required as sealing occurs by operation of law
- If records were not properly sealed, individuals may file a motion with the court
Sealing Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59
- Allows for sealing of certain conviction records after a 10-year waiting period
- Eligible offenses include most misdemeanors and certain non-violent felonies
- Limited to individuals with no more than two convictions, only one of which may be a felony
- Requires filing an application with the court where the conviction occurred
- Certain convictions are ineligible, including sex offenses, violent felonies, and serious offenses
Marijuana Conviction Expungement
- Pursuant to the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
- Provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions
- Includes possession of small amounts and other minor marijuana offenses
- Process occurs automatically without application in most cases
- For cases not automatically expunged, individuals may file a motion with the court
Youthful Offender Adjudication
- Records of cases where the defendant received youthful offender status are automatically sealed
- Applies to eligible individuals who were under 19 at the time of the offense
- Records remain accessible to courts and certain agencies but not the general public

To initiate the sealing process for eligible convictions, individuals must:

Obtain a Certificate of Disposition for each conviction from the court
Complete the sealing application form (available from the New York State Unified Court System)
File the application with the court where the conviction occurred
Serve a copy on the District Attorney's office
Attend a hearing if one is scheduled by the court

New York County Supreme Court
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-3600
New York State Unified Court System

Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records may benefit from legal assistance. The Legal Aid Society of New York and Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem offer services to eligible individuals.

What Happens After Arrest in New York County?

Following an arrest in New York County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:

Arrest and Booking
- The individual is taken into police custody
- Personal information is recorded, including fingerprints and photographs
- Property is inventoried and temporarily confiscated
- Criminal history check is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in a holding cell pending arraignment
Arraignment
- Must occur within 24 hours of arrest pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 140.20
- Takes place at the New York County Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street
- Charges are formally read to the defendant
- Defendant enters an initial plea (typically not guilty)
- Judge makes determination regarding bail or release
- Temporary orders of protection may be issued if applicable
Bail Determination
- Judge considers factors including:
  - Severity of the charges
  - Criminal history
  - Community ties
  - Flight risk
  - Public safety concerns
- Options include:
  - Release on recognizance (ROR)
  - Non-monetary conditions
  - Cash bail
  - Secured bond
  - Remand (detention without bail for serious offenses)
Case Processing
- Misdemeanors:
  - Prosecuted by the District Attorney's office
  - May involve plea negotiations
  - Trial held in New York County Criminal Court
- Felonies:
  - Grand jury presentation (unless waived)
  - Indictment if grand jury finds sufficient evidence
  - Case transferred to New York County Supreme Court
  - Pre-trial hearings on evidence and statements
  - Trial if no plea agreement is reached
Disposition Options
- Dismissal of charges
- Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)
- Plea agreement
- Trial verdict (guilty or not guilty)
- Diversion to specialized court (Drug Court, Mental Health Court, etc.)
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation conducted by Probation Department
- Sentencing options include:
  - Conditional discharge
  - Probation
  - Jail time (up to 1 year for misdemeanors)
  - Prison time (for felonies)
  - Fines and restitution
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days of sentencing
- Supervision by Probation or Parole if applicable
- Payment of fines and restitution
- Completion of mandated programs

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including:

Right to counsel (provided by New York County Defender Services or Legal Aid Society if indigent)
Right to a speedy trial
Right against self-incrimination
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present evidence in their defense

The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services oversees various aspects of this process and maintains statistical data on case outcomes.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in New York County?

Arrest records in New York County are subject to specific retention requirements established by state law and administrative regulations. The New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1 governs how long law enforcement agencies must maintain various types of records.

Under current retention schedules, the following timeframes apply:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information
- Permanent retention for felony arrests
- Minimum 25-year retention for misdemeanor arrests
- Minimum 5-year retention for violation/petty offense arrests
- These timeframes apply unless the records are sealed or expunged
Fingerprint Records
- Maintained permanently by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
- Local copies may be destroyed once transmitted to the state repository
- Fingerprints for cases resulting in non-conviction are destroyed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
Photographs (Mugshots)
- Retained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest records
- Must be returned or destroyed for sealed cases under CPL § 160.50
- May be maintained in separate identification files for law enforcement purposes
Investigation Reports
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: Minimum 25-year retention
- Misdemeanors: Minimum 10-year retention
- Violations: Minimum 5-year retention
Court Records Related to Arrests
- Criminal court records: Permanent retention
- Supporting documentation: Minimum 6-year retention after case disposition
- Sealed records remain in existence but with strictly limited access

Different agencies maintain separate record systems with varying retention periods:

The New York Police Department maintains arrest records according to departmental policies and state requirements
The New York County District Attorney's Office preserves case files according to their retention schedule
The New York State Office of Court Administration maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions
The New York City Department of Correction keeps records of individuals held in custody

It is important to note that even when records are eligible for destruction under retention schedules, agencies may choose to maintain them longer. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be preserved indefinitely due to the minimal storage costs associated with electronic records.

The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
Provides documentation for background checks authorized by law
Supports statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
Maintains historical information for research purposes
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system

Individuals with concerns about the retention of their arrest records should consult with legal counsel regarding sealing or expungement options.

How to Find Mugshots in New York County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are images taken by law enforcement agencies during the arrest booking process. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In New York County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

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

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Finding Mugshots

Access to mugshots in New York County is significantly restricted compared to many other jurisdictions due to privacy protections under New York law. The primary methods for obtaining mugshots include:

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests
- Submit a written request to the NYPD Records Access Officer
- Specify the exact record being sought, including name and date of arrest
- Provide justification for the request
- Be aware that many requests are denied based on privacy exemptions
Criminal Court Records
- Visit the New York County Criminal Court Clerk's Office
- Request to view the case file for a specific criminal case
- Note that mugshots are not routinely included in publicly accessible court files
District Attorney's Office
- Contact the New York County District Attorney's Office
- Request specific case information through their Records Access Officer
- Be prepared to demonstrate a legitimate purpose for accessing the mugshot

Can They Be Found Online

New York State has enacted significant restrictions on the online publication of mugshots. Pursuant to New York Civil Rights Law § 50-a, which was amended in 2020, and Executive Law amendments, the publication of mugshots is restricted in the following ways:

Law enforcement agencies are generally prohibited from releasing mugshots unless there is a specific law enforcement purpose
Commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal are specifically prohibited
The NYPD and other agencies do not maintain public-facing databases of mugshots
Mugshots related to sealed cases under CPL § 160.50 are not legally available to the public

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially request a mugshot in New York County:

Complete the FOIL request form available on the NYPD website
Submit the request online, by mail, or in person
Provide specific details about the arrest (date, name, charges)
Explain the purpose for requesting the mugshot
Allow up to 20 business days for an initial response

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Significant legal restrictions limit access to mugshots in New York County:

Mugshots from sealed cases are not available to the public
Law enforcement agencies have broad discretion to withhold mugshots based on privacy concerns
The 2019 amendments to the New York Public Officers Law created additional protections against the release of mugshots
Commercial use of mugshots is heavily restricted
Mugshots of juvenile offenders (under 18) are generally not available to the public

These restrictions reflect New York State's policy determination that the potential harm from widespread publication of mugshots outweighs the public interest in routine access to these images, particularly for arrests that did not result in convictions.

Lookup Arrest Records in New York County

Record Requests - NYPD

Department of Correction Inmate Lookup

New York State Incarcerated Lookup

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

Official Incarcerated Lookup Portal

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