Cayuga County, New York Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cayuga County, New York?
Arrest records are public in Cayuga County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Article 6 of the Public Officers Law §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the public's right to access records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of FOIL, ensuring that government records remain accessible to citizens.
Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, government agencies must make all records available for public inspection and copying, except those specifically exempted by § 87(2). While arrest records are generally considered public documents, certain information may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, interfere with law enforcement investigations, or compromise public safety as determined by the records access officer.
The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes non-exempt portions available to the public in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while the records themselves are public, the process of obtaining them follows specific protocols established by county agencies.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cayuga County?
Arrest records can be found online in Cayuga County through various official and third-party platforms. The county has implemented digital record-keeping systems that allow for certain public records to be accessed electronically, in accordance with New York State's commitment to government transparency.
The Cayuga County Records Section maintains digital archives of arrest records and makes select information available through the county's official website. The online availability of these records is subject to the provisions of the New York Public Officers Law and may not include all details contained in the physical records.
Digital access to arrest records is provided through the following means:
- The Cayuga County online records portal, which allows users to search for specific public records
- The Auburn Police Department's publicly accessible warrant log
- The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office website, which may publish information about recent arrests and outstanding warrants
Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive or current in all cases. Some arrest records may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate county office, particularly for older cases or those with special handling requirements under state law.
How to Look Up Cayuga County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Cayuga County, each with specific procedures established by the relevant agencies. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89, agencies must respond to requests for public records within five business days of receipt.
In-Person Requests
Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the following agencies during regular business hours:
Cayuga County Sheriff's Office Records Section
7445 County House Road
Auburn, NY 13021
(315) 253-1222
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website
Cayuga County Clerk's Office
160 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021
(315) 253-1271
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website
When making an in-person request, requestors must:
- Complete a FOIL request form specifying the records sought
- Provide identification
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction (typically $0.25 per page)
Online Access
The county's public records portal provides access to certain arrest records. Users must:
- Navigate to the Cayuga County website
- Access the public records section
- Enter search criteria such as name, date of arrest, or case number
- Review available records subject to online access limitations
Written Requests
Written requests may be submitted to the Records Access Officer at:
Records Access Officer
Cayuga County Sheriff's Office
7445 County House Road
Auburn, NY 13021
Written requests must include:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific description of records sought
- Preferred format for receiving records
- Date range of records requested
Contents of a Cayuga County Arrest Record
Arrest records in Cayuga County contain standardized information as prescribed by New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services regulations. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Any known aliases or previous names
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity (as categorized by arresting agency)
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where arrest occurred
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Charges filed, including New York Penal Law citations
- Arrest number and booking reference
- Custody status following arrest
Case Processing Information
- Court of jurisdiction
- Docket or case number
- Arraignment date
- Bail or bond information
- Preliminary hearing schedules
- Case disposition (if available)
Supplemental Documentation
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory from booking process
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Statements provided by the arrested individual
The Cayuga County Jail, as a maximum security 212-bed facility, maintains custody records that may be included in comprehensive arrest documentation. These records are maintained in accordance with minimum standards established by the New York State Commission of Correction.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Cayuga County
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 and related statutes, which establish eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of arrest records in Cayuga County if:
- The arrest resulted in no criminal charges being filed (automatic sealing under CPL § 160.50)
- The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal (automatic sealing under CPL § 160.50)
- The conviction was for certain non-violent offenses, and at least 10 years have passed since the sentence completion (CPL § 160.59)
- The conviction was for certain marijuana offenses now eligible for expungement under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
- The individual received a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct
Certain serious offenses, including violent felonies, sex offenses, and class A felonies, are generally ineligible for expungement or sealing under New York law.
Application Process
The expungement process requires filing a motion with the court that handled the original case. Applicants must:
- Obtain a complete copy of their criminal history record from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
- File a motion for sealing with the Cayuga County Court or appropriate local court
- Serve notice of the motion on the Cayuga County District Attorney's Office
- Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
- Receive a court order directing the sealing or expungement of records if the motion is granted
Upon successful expungement, records are removed from public access, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes as permitted by law.
Search Arrest Records in Cayuga County
