Bronx County, New York Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bronx County, New York?
Arrest records in Bronx County, New York are considered public documents pursuant to the New York Public Officers Law, Article 6, §§ 84-90, commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout New York State, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies in Bronx County. Under FOIL, members of the public have the legal right to inspect and obtain copies of government records unless specifically exempted by statute.
The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of FOIL and provides guidance on public access to records. Arrest records maintained by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and other law enforcement agencies operating within Bronx County are generally accessible to the public, with certain limitations established to protect ongoing investigations, personal privacy, and other legally protected interests as outlined in Public Officers Law § 87(2).
It should be noted that certain arrest records may be sealed or expunged pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 or § 160.55, which provide for the sealing of records in cases resulting in favorable dispositions to the accused, or under the provisions of Youthful Offender adjudications. In such instances, these records are removed from public access and are not subject to disclosure under FOIL.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Bronx County?
Bronx County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by government agencies and authorized third-party services. The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) maintains WebCriminal, an online database that provides access to pending and disposed criminal cases in courts throughout New York State, including those in Bronx County. This system allows for searches based on defendant name and case information.
The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) maintains an inmate lookup system that provides information on individuals currently in custody, including those arrested in Bronx County. This database includes basic information such as the inmate's name, booking date, and facility location.
Additionally, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) offers an incarcerated individual lookup service that provides information on individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities, which may include persons arrested in Bronx County who have been subsequently convicted and sentenced to state incarceration.
It should be noted that online access to arrest records may be limited in scope and comprehensiveness compared to records obtained directly from the arresting agency or the court. Certain information may be redacted or omitted from online databases in accordance with privacy laws and administrative policies.
How to Look Up Bronx County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Bronx County arrest records may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are established for accessing arrest records in Bronx County:
Submit a FOIL request to the NYPD Records Access Officer at One Police Plaza, Room 110C, New York, NY 10038. Requests may also be submitted online through the NYPD's FOIL request portal.
Visit the Bronx County Criminal Court located at 215 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451. Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are maintained at this facility and are available for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Access the New York State Unified Court System's WebCriminal database, which provides information on criminal cases filed in courts throughout New York State, including Bronx County.
Contact the Bronx County District Attorney's Office at 198 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451, phone: (718) 590-2000, for information regarding prosecutions resulting from arrests in Bronx County.
Utilize the NYC Department of Correction's inmate lookup system for information on individuals currently in custody following arrest.
Access the NYC Sheriff's Office records for information on civil enforcement actions and certain arrests within their jurisdiction. The Bronx Sheriff's Office is located at 3030 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10455, phone: (718) 993-3880.
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records. The standard fee for photocopies not exceeding 9 by 14 inches is 25 cents per page, or the actual cost of reproduction for larger documents or electronic records.
Contents of a Bronx County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Bronx County typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of an individual's arrest. Standard components of these records include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, any known aliases, date of birth, address, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the names and badge numbers of the arresting officers.
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the specific sections of the New York Penal Law or other applicable statutes allegedly violated.
Booking information, including fingerprints, photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots"), and the assignment of identification numbers such as the New York State Identification (NYSID) number.
Custody status information, including whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, bail or bond amounts if applicable, and detention facility information if the individual was remanded to custody.
Preliminary court appearance details, including arraignment date and initial plea information.
Prior criminal history information, if applicable and legally permissible to include.
It should be noted that pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure to protect personal privacy, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected interests.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Bronx County
The State of New York provides statutory mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The primary legal frameworks governing these processes in Bronx County include:
Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 provides for the sealing of records in cases where criminal charges were terminated in favor of the accused, including acquittals, dismissals, and certain declined prosecutions. Under this statute, when a criminal action terminates in favor of the accused, all official records and papers relating to the arrest and prosecution are sealed and not made available to any person or public or private agency.
Criminal Procedure Law § 160.55 allows for the sealing of records related to certain non-criminal dispositions, such as convictions for violations or traffic infractions following arrest for misdemeanors.
Criminal Procedure Law § 160.58 establishes a mechanism for the conditional sealing of certain drug-related convictions for individuals who have successfully completed judicial diversion programs or similar substance abuse treatment programs.
New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, enacted as part of the 2017 Raise the Age legislation, provides for the sealing of certain criminal convictions after a 10-year waiting period, subject to eligibility requirements and judicial review.
Individuals seeking to have their Bronx County arrest records sealed or expunged must file a motion with the court that handled their case. The Bronx County Supreme Court is located at 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451, phone: (718) 618-1500. The Bronx County Criminal Court is located at 215 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451, phone: (718) 618-2460.
The sealing process typically requires the submission of a formal application, supporting documentation, and may involve a court hearing. If granted, the sealing order directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to seal those records from public access, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes as authorized by statute.
Search Arrest Records in Bronx County
