Arrest records are public documents in Rome, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This statute establishes the legal framework for public access to government records throughout New York State, including those maintained by municipal law enforcement agencies. The Rome Police Department and Oneida County Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records as part of their official duties and must make these records available to the public with certain statutory exceptions.
Under FOIL, members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of government records, including arrest logs, booking information, and related documentation. This transparency requirement serves multiple public interests, including governmental accountability, informed civic participation, and public safety awareness. The presumption of access under FOIL applies to all government records unless they fall within specific exemptions outlined in § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with § 87(2)(b) of the Public Officers Law, which protects against unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, and § 87(2)(e), which shields information compiled for law enforcement purposes under specified circumstances.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Rome, New York have multiple methods available for accessing this information in 2025. The City of Rome and Oneida County maintain several channels through which arrest records may be obtained in accordance with New York Public Officers Law § 84-90. The following options are available:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Rome Police Department Records Division located at 301 North James Street, Rome, NY 13440. The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors must complete a FOIL request form and present valid identification.
Online Access: The Oneida County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information portal provides current detention status and basic arrest information for individuals in county custody. This resource is updated daily and includes booking information and charges.
Mail Requests: Written FOIL requests may be submitted to: Records Access Officer, Rome Police Department, 301 North James Street, Rome, NY 13440. Requests must include the requestor's name, contact information, and specific records being sought.
County Clerk's Office: The Oneida County Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions. These records can be accessed at 800 Park Avenue, Utica, NY 13501, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Emergency Services Records: Recent law enforcement activity can be monitored through the 911 Center Live Activity Feed and 911 Summary Report maintained by Oneida County.
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records, not to exceed 25 cents per page for photocopies or the actual cost of reproduction for other formats.
Arrest records maintained by the Rome Police Department and Oneida County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. 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, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of New York Penal Law for which the individual was arrested, including statute numbers, offense classifications (felony, misdemeanor, or violation), and brief descriptions of the alleged criminal conduct.
Case Identifiers: Unique booking number, case number, and other administrative identifiers used by law enforcement and court systems to track the case.
Biometric Data: Fingerprint classification information and reference to mugshot photographs taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned court, and preliminary hearing schedules if applicable.
These records are maintained in accordance with the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which requires law enforcement agencies to retain arrest records for a minimum of 10 years after the case is closed or final disposition.
The expungement and sealing of arrest records in Rome follows procedures established under New York Criminal Procedure Law Article 160. Recent amendments to state law have expanded eligibility for record sealing and expungement, providing mechanisms for individuals to limit public access to certain arrest records under qualifying circumstances.
Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, when a criminal action terminates in favor of the accused (such as dismissal, acquittal, or declined prosecution), the arrest record shall be sealed. This process occurs automatically in many cases but may require a motion to the court in others. When records are sealed under this provision:
For certain conviction records, Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 establishes a sealing mechanism for eligible offenses after a 10-year waiting period from the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later. Eligible individuals may file a motion with the court that entered the conviction, and the court will consider factors including:
Certain serious offenses, including most violent felonies, sex offenses, and homicides, are ineligible for sealing under this provision. The Rome City Court, located at 100 West Court Street, Rome, NY 13440, processes applications for record sealing for cases within its jurisdiction.
Additionally, pursuant to New York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act of 2021, certain marijuana-related convictions have been automatically expunged, with affected records either destroyed or marked as expunged and segregated from publicly accessible records.
Rome Police Department
301 North James Street
Rome, NY 13440
(315) 339-7780
Official Website
Oneida County Sheriff's Office
6065 Judd Road
Oriskany, NY 13424
(315) 736-0141
Official Website
Oneida County Clerk's Office
800 Park Avenue
Utica, NY 13501
(315) 798-5776
Official Website