Auburn Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Auburn, New York?
Arrest records are public documents in Auburn, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to governmental records throughout New York State, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies in Auburn. The statute operates under the presumption that all government records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The principle of transparency in government operations serves as the foundation for this accessibility, enabling citizens to monitor the activities of public officials and law enforcement agencies. Public access to arrest records also facilitates community awareness regarding criminal activity within Auburn and supports the constitutional right to due process by preventing secret arrests and detentions.
How to Look Up Auburn Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Auburn have several official channels through which they may obtain this information:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Auburn Police Department Records Division, located at 46 North Street, Auburn, NY 13021. The Records Division maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
The Cayuga County Clerk's Office, situated at 160 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021, maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. Public access hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via certified mail to either agency, with appropriate identification and specific information regarding the requested records.
The New York State Office of Court Administration provides electronic access to certain court records through its online portal, though some information may be redacted in accordance with NY Judiciary Law § 212.
Requestors should note that pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2), agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, not exceeding 25 cents per page for photocopies or the actual cost of reproducing records maintained in other formats.
Contents of an Auburn Arrest Record
Auburn arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. These official documents typically include:
Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at the time of arrest.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
Criminal charges filed, with reference to the specific sections of New York Penal Law allegedly violated.
Arresting officer's identification information, including name, badge number, and departmental affiliation.
Booking information, including fingerprint classification data, mugshot photographs, and unique identification numbers assigned to the case.
Preliminary statements regarding the circumstances of the arrest, though these narratives may be redacted if they contain information that could compromise an ongoing investigation pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2)(e).
Custody status information, indicating whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, posted bail, or was remanded to the Cayuga County Jail pending further proceedings.
Court appearance dates and locations for arraignment and subsequent hearings related to the case.
It should be noted that certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Personal Privacy Protection Law § 96.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Auburn
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 and § 160.59, which establish the legal framework for limiting public access to arrest information.
Individuals seeking expungement in Auburn must file a formal application with the court that handled their case. The eligibility criteria include:
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal qualify for automatic sealing under CPL § 160.50, though the individual must often verify that this process has been completed.
Pursuant to New York's 2017 "Raise the Age" legislation, individuals with certain juvenile offenses may petition for sealing of records when they reach adulthood.
The 2019 marijuana decriminalization law (S.6579A/A.8420) provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana possession convictions.
Under CPL § 160.59, individuals may apply for sealing of up to two eligible criminal convictions (one felony maximum) after a waiting period of 10 years from sentencing or release from incarceration.
The application process requires submission of forms to the Cayuga County Court, located at 152 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021. The District Attorney's Office, situated at 95 Genesee Street, 3rd Floor, Auburn, NY 13021, must be notified of the application and has the right to contest the sealing request.
Upon successful expungement or sealing, the records become unavailable to the general public, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain licensing authorities as specified in CPL § 160.50(1)(d).
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