Arrest records in Nassau County, New York are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84-90, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Pursuant to this legislation, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Nassau County are considered public information to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in the criminal justice system.
The Nassau County Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request. However, certain information within arrest records 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 specified under § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law.
Nassau County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains a comprehensive database that includes arrest information from Nassau County. Members of the public may access certain arrest information through the Nassau County Sheriff's Office website and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Incarcerated Lookup service.
Digital access to these records is provided in accordance with New York State's commitment to government transparency while maintaining compliance with privacy protection statutes. The online availability of these records facilitates public access without requiring in-person visits to government offices, though some limitations may apply to sensitive information pursuant to FOIL exemptions.
Members of the public seeking Nassau County arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The following methods are authorized for obtaining arrest record information:
Nassau County Police Department Records Bureau
1490 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 573-7100
Nassau County Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Nassau County Clerk's Office
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-2664
Nassau County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Nassau County Sheriff's Department
100 Carman Avenue
East Meadow, NY 11554
(516) 572-3800
Nassau County Sheriff
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
New York State Office of Court Administration
Individuals may request a criminal history record search by submitting a request form and the required fee to:
Office of Court Administration
Criminal History Record Search
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 428-2810
NYS Unified Court System
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth. Pursuant to New York State law, certain fees may apply for record searches and document reproduction.
Nassau County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by New York State law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:
It should be noted that pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records pertaining to cases that resulted in favorable dispositions (such as acquittals or dismissals) may be sealed and therefore unavailable through standard public record searches.
Access to Nassau County arrest records is subject to certain statutory limitations designed to protect individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice process. The following restrictions apply to arrest record access:
Law enforcement agencies, courts, and prosecutors maintain access to complete arrest records, including sealed information, for official purposes as authorized by law.
Nassau County follows New York State law regarding the expungement and sealing of arrest records. Individuals seeking to have their arrest records expunged or sealed must meet specific statutory criteria and follow established legal procedures:
Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records may file petitions with the court of original jurisdiction. The Nassau County District Court handles applications for most misdemeanor cases:
Nassau County District Court
99 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 572-2200
Nassau County Courts
Felony cases are processed through:
Nassau County Supreme Court
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-2800
NYS Unified Court System