Buffalo Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Buffalo, New York?
Arrest records are public documents in Buffalo, 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 presumption that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations, facilitating public oversight of the criminal justice system, and maintaining accountability of public officials.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with FOIL exemptions under § 87(2), particularly when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or interfere with ongoing law enforcement investigations. The Buffalo Police Department maintains these records in accordance with New York State record retention schedules as established by the State Archives.
How to Look Up Buffalo Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Buffalo provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. As digital infrastructure continues to evolve, the accessibility of these records has improved significantly. The following official methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Buffalo:
Buffalo Police Department Records Division: Citizens may submit requests in person at police headquarters. Records personnel process these requests in accordance with FOIL guidelines.
Buffalo Police Department
68 Court Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-851-4444
Buffalo Police Department Official WebsiteErie County Clerk's Office: This office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through their electronic system.
Erie County Clerk's Office
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-8785New York State Office of Court Administration: For arrest records that have proceeded to court action, the OCA maintains a centralized database of criminal history information.
NYS Office of Court Administration
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 800-374-8432Buffalo Open Data Portal: The City of Buffalo maintains a digital repository of crime incident data that includes information about arrests and reported crimes. This resource is updated regularly and is accessible without charge.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record retrieval, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any available case numbers. Pursuant to FOIL § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days, either by providing the records, denying access with explanation, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.
Contents of a Buffalo Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Buffalo Police Department and associated agencies typically contain the following categories of information as prescribed by New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services standards:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency responsible for the arrest
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of New York State Penal Law or Buffalo City Code alleged; classification of offenses (violation, misdemeanor, or felony)
Booking Information: Unique booking identification number, fingerprint classification data, and mugshot photographs taken during processing
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond determinations, release conditions, or detention status
Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned court, and docket or case number
In accordance with New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records pertaining to arrests that resulted in favorable dispositions (such as acquittals or dismissals) may be sealed and thus unavailable through standard public record requests. Additionally, records involving youthful offenders or juvenile delinquents are subject to confidentiality provisions under Family Court Act § 375.1 and Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Buffalo
The State of New York provides statutory mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records. The Buffalo Police Department and Erie County courts implement these provisions in accordance with state law. The following provisions govern expungement eligibility:
Automatic Sealing: Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions (including acquittals, dismissals, and declined prosecutions) are automatically sealed from public view.
Marijuana Conviction Expungement: Under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act of 2021, certain marijuana-related convictions were automatically expunged. The Buffalo City Court has implemented procedures to process these expungements.
Sealing of Eligible Convictions: Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 permits individuals to apply for sealing of up to two eligible criminal convictions (one felony maximum) after a 10-year waiting period from sentence completion.
Youthful Offender Adjudications: Records of cases where individuals received youthful offender status are automatically sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35.
Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records not covered by automatic provisions must file a formal application with the court of original jurisdiction. The application process requires submission of Form DCJS-2010 to the Buffalo City Court or Erie County Supreme Court, depending on the level of the original charge. The District Attorney's Office must be notified of the application and has 45 days to file any objections.
Erie County Supreme Court
25 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-845-9301
Buffalo City Court
50 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-845-2600
The Buffalo Traffic Violations Agency can provide guidance on the expungement of records related to traffic infractions, which follow separate procedures from criminal arrests.
Search Arrest Records in Buffalo
