Syracuse Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Syracuse, New York?
Arrest records in Syracuse, New York are considered public documents 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 Syracuse. The Syracuse Police Department and Onondaga County Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records that may be accessed by members of the public, subject to certain statutory exemptions.
Under FOIL, government agencies must make records available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. Exemptions that may apply to arrest records include those involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in Public Officers Law § 87(2). Records related to arrests that resulted in sealed cases pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 are also generally not accessible to the public.
The Records Access Officer at the Syracuse Police Department processes FOIL requests for arrest records at:
Syracuse Police Department Records Division
511 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 442-5200
Syracuse Police Department Official Website
How to Look Up Syracuse Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Syracuse as of 2025. Individuals seeking these records may utilize several official channels depending on their specific needs and circumstances:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Syracuse Police Department Records Division or the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office. Requestors must complete a FOIL request form and present valid identification. The records division typically processes such requests within five business days, though complex requests may require additional time as permitted under Public Officers Law § 89(3).
Online access to certain arrest information is available through the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office website and the New York State Office of Court Administration's WebCriminal portal. These systems provide limited information about recent arrests and case status but may not include complete arrest records.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the appropriate records custodian. Such requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records sought, and the preferred format for receiving the records.
Third-party vendors authorized to access and distribute public records may provide arrest record information for a fee. However, the accuracy and completeness of records obtained through such services cannot be guaranteed by official agencies.
The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office processes requests for county-wide arrest records at:
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Records Division
407 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-3044
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Official Website
Contents of a Syracuse Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Syracuse contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system at the time of apprehension. These records typically include:
- Biographical information of the arrestee, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of applicable New York State Penal Law sections
- Narrative description of the alleged criminal activity as documented by the arresting officer
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking information, including unique identification numbers assigned to the case
- Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
- Fingerprint records and other biometric data collected during processing
- Custody status information, including bail determination and conditions of release if applicable
- Preliminary court appearance information, including arraignment date and initial plea
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.40, fingerprints and photographs taken in connection with an arrest become part of the official record maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. These records are subject to specific regulations regarding retention and dissemination as outlined in Executive Law § 837.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Syracuse
The process for expungement or sealing of arrest records in Syracuse operates under New York State law, specifically the provisions outlined in Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 and related statutes. Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access must navigate specific legal procedures established by state legislation.
New York State's sealing provisions allow for certain criminal records to be removed from public view under qualifying circumstances. As of 2025, the following conditions generally apply to expungement eligibility:
- At least 10 years must have elapsed since the individual's last criminal conviction
- The offense cannot be among those specifically excluded by statute, such as sex offenses, violent felonies, or certain other serious crimes
- The individual must not have pending criminal charges at the time of application
- The court must determine that sealing serves the interest of justice after considering factors including the circumstances of the offense and the individual's subsequent conduct
The application process requires filing a motion with the court where the case was adjudicated. The District Attorney's Office has the right to oppose the motion, after which a judicial determination will be made. If granted, the records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain authorized entities.
Applications for record sealing in Syracuse must be filed with:
Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-1020
New York State Unified Court System Official Website
The Onondaga County Justice Center provides additional information about local criminal justice procedures and resources for individuals navigating the expungement process.
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