Search New York Public Records

How to Conduct New York Criminal Records Search

The NYk state criminal justice department handles all criminal and arrest records. They allow individuals to get a copy of their own for a fee of $15 per file. They process New York arrest records via a fingerprint-based search. However, they do not release records to anyone other than the subject unless they have a “statutory authority to access the information or pursuant to a judicial order or subpoena.”

What Information Does Criminal Records New York Report Include?

A New York arrest records report, also known as a RAP sheet will show a ton of useful background information like name, address, phone, email, gender, race, height, weight, physical description, tattoos, scars, mug shots, and sometimes even fingerprints. Along with that, it will also contain arrest details, charges, convictions, dispositions, jail time, fines, fees, bond, and bail paid, pleas, the dates of arrest, location and time. If any vehicles were involved in the crime and the arresting officer’s name and agency will also show up on a report.

New York State Police Reports and Mugshots

Are New York State Police Reports Public Record?

In an effort towards transparency, all police reports in New York are public records. The initiative began in 2015 as part of the Open Data for All movement. New York has set up a specific website where anyone can create a free account and review police records and incident reports from crimes all over the state. The information is organized into categories of crime: murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, grand larceny, and auto theft.

Some of the information contained with the reports is:

• The name(s) and ages of the people involved.
• The date, time, and location of the incident.
• A very detailed description of the event, including the names of police officers involved.
• Cash or damages involved.
• Charges filed and the detention center or jail the perpetrators were taken to.

Additionally, New York residents can also pick up copies of car crash reports (that they were directly involved in) by visiting the precinct who filed the report. You have 30 days to pick yours up.

New York Mugshots

Mugshots in New York are public records and historically have always been generously supplied to the news and media outlets. The Times of Wayne County has published mugshots of arrests each week for more than 30 years. However, in April of 2019, the state government announced a ban on the release of mugshots. The language is confusing and not very explicit. Therefore, police departments around the state are still handing them over freely to anyone with a legitimate request.

Mugshots originated in the 1800s after photography was invented. A French policeman standardized the use of mugshots during the booking process, and other countries soon followed suit. They are useful in getting the word out about a fugitive, identifying suspects with witnesses and victims, and for use during an investigation. They are typically taken from two angles, a front shot, and a side shot.

New York Arrest Booking Process

Anyone arrested in New York knows it is not a fun process. Depending on where you are arrested, you will be taken to the precinct where the officers are stationed, and you will be questioned. You do not have to answer any questions related to the crime. Additionally, the booking process may consist of the following:

• Police will ask you basic demographic information like name, address, phone number, and age.
• You may or may not be charged with a crime.
• You may get one phone call.
• You will be fingerprinted, and mugshots will be taken.
• A medical professional may give you a physical and mental health exam.
• Officers will do a complete background check to look for any outstanding warrants.
• You will be searched, and your belongings are taken and stored.

Most suspects will remain in jail at least 24 hours until they see a judge or pay the bail/bond.

Violent Crime Rates for the last 10 years

The crime rate has decreased over the past decade in New York, going from 74,035 crimes in 2006 to 62,703 by 21% lower than it was back in 2006. The largest percentage of violent crimes falls into the Aggravated Assault category, with Revised Rape being the least popular crime in the state.

Arrest Law

NY police officers can arrest someone with a valid arrest warrant. They can also arrest someone when a crime has been committed, and they believe that a suspect has committed it. They can arrest someone when they commit a crime in the presence of the officer. A police official can also arrest someone in this city when they have reasonable cause to believe a felony has been committed either in their presence or not. NY police officers can arrest someone within the geographic guidelines of the entire state. Police can also arrest someone they suspect of child or domestic abuse.

The Arrest Rate in New York

In 2017, New York recorded 449,386 arrests for the state. Of that total, 142,571 were felonies, and 306,815 were misdemeanors. The breakdown for felonies is as follows: 24,282 were for drug charges, 38,299 were violent crimes, 5,490 were DWIs, and 74,500 were other offenses. The breakdown for misdemeanors is as follows: 66,408 were for drugs, 32,324 for DWIs, 99,699 were property crimes, and 108,384 were for other charges.

New York Arrest Records by Type of Crime

The popular arrests for 2017 in New York was for Drug Abuse Violations - 73,248, the same popularity of the arrest type was seen in New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. The least popularity had Embezzlement arrests - with only 51 crimes a year.