Genesee County, New York Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Genesee County, New York?
Arrest records in Genesee County, New York are classified as public documents pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. Members of the public may access these records subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect individual privacy, ongoing investigations, and public safety. The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of FOIL and provides guidance on public access to government records.
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes non-exempt portions available for public inspection. Pursuant to New York State law, certain information contained within arrest records may be redacted prior to disclosure, including but not limited to:
- Social Security numbers
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under § 89(2) of the Public Officers Law
- Information that could endanger the life or safety of any person
- Information that would interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings
Requesters seeking arrest records must submit a formal FOIL request to the appropriate records access officer within the county government structure. The county is required to respond to such requests within five business days, either providing the records, denying access with specific citation to applicable exemptions, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Genesee County?
Genesee County provides limited online access to arrest records through official government portals. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that includes certain arrest information as permitted under New York State law. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy considerations as mandated by state statutes.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the following conditions:
- Information available online typically includes basic arrest data such as names, charges, and court dates
- Detailed personal information is generally redacted in accordance with New York Public Officers Law § 89(2)
- Historical records may not be fully digitized and might require in-person requests
- Records related to sealed cases, juvenile offenders, or those otherwise protected by law are not accessible online
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office website serves as the primary official source for online arrest record information. Third-party aggregators may also compile and publish arrest data, though the accuracy and currency of such information cannot be verified by county officials. Persons seeking the most current and accurate information are advised to utilize official county resources.
How to Look Up Genesee County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking arrest records in Genesee County may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. The county has established specific protocols for public access to these records in compliance with New York State FOIL requirements.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Genesee County Sheriff's Office
165 Park Road
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: (585) 343-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Genesee County Sheriff's Office
Genesee County Clerk's Office
County Building #1
7 Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: (585) 815-7290
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Genesee County Clerk
For written requests, applicants must submit a completed FOIL request form that includes:
- Full name of the subject of the record search
- Date of birth and/or approximate date of arrest if known
- Case number if available
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Signature and date
Electronic requests may be submitted through the county's official website portal. Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and volume of records requested. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87, the county may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records, not to exceed 25 cents per page for photocopies not exceeding 9 by 14 inches, or the actual cost of reproduction for other records.
Contents of a Genesee County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Genesee County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services regulations. These documents serve as official accounts of arrests made within county jurisdiction and typically include the following elements:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases or known nicknames
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation to applicable sections of New York State law
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Arresting agency identification
- Booking information including fingerprints and photographs when collected
- Custody status and bail determination if applicable
- Case disposition information when available
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, arrest records may be sealed under certain circumstances, particularly when cases result in dismissals or acquittals. In such instances, the physical and electronic records are not destroyed but are removed from public access and maintained under restricted conditions as required by law.
The New York State Incarcerated Lookup system provides additional information regarding individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction. This resource is primarily intended for criminal justice agencies but offers limited public access to certain non-confidential information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Genesee County
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. In Genesee County, these processes are administered through the county court system in accordance with state statutes, primarily Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 and § 160.50.
Eligibility criteria for record sealing in Genesee County include:
- Completion of all terms of sentence at least 10 years prior to application
- No intervening criminal convictions during the waiting period
- No more than two eligible convictions total, with no more than one felony
- Exclusion of certain offenses including sex offenses, violent felonies, and class A felonies
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a motion with the court that handled the original case
- Provide notice to the District Attorney's Office
- Attend a hearing if ordered by the court
- Demonstrate that sealing the record would serve the interests of justice
Genesee County District Attorney's Office
County Building #1
7 Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: (585) 815-7340
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Genesee County District Attorney
Genesee County Court
County Building #1
7 Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: (585) 815-7800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Genesee County Courts
Upon successful petition, records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain licensed professions as permitted by statute. The sealing order extends to all records maintained by the court, prosecutor's office, law enforcement agencies, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
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