Walden Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Walden, New York?
Arrest records are public documents in Walden, 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 those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Village of Walden Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing records retention and public access. Members of the public may request and review these documents as part of their right to government transparency and accountability.
The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes, including:
- Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
- Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Facilitating background checks for employment or housing purposes
- Providing statistical data for policy analysis and development
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted under FOIL § 87(2).
How to Look Up Walden Arrest Records in 2025
The Village of Walden provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89, agencies must respond to record requests within five business days. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Walden:
- Submit a FOIL request in person at the Walden Police Department, located at 1 Municipal Square, Walden, NY 12586. Counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- File a written request via postal mail addressed to: Records Access Officer, Walden Police Department, 1 Municipal Square, Walden, NY 12586.
- Contact the Records Division by telephone at (845) 778-5595 to inquire about the status of previously submitted requests.
- Access the Village of Walden's official online portal, where some arrest information may be published in accordance with NY Public Officers Law § 89(2-a).
- Review the police blotter, which is typically updated weekly and contains basic information about recent arrests.
Requestors should note that processing fees may apply in accordance with FOIL § 87(1)(b)(iii), which permits agencies to charge for the reproduction of records. The standard fee is $0.25 per page for photocopies not exceeding 9 × 14 inches.
Contents of a Walden Arrest Record
Walden arrest records contain standardized information as required by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Arrest circumstance details:
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including New York Penal Law citations
- Brief narrative of the alleged criminal activity
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing
Case processing information:
- Arrest tracking number and case docket number
- Court of jurisdiction for the proceedings
- Bail or bond determination and conditions
- Preliminary hearing date, if applicable
- Disposition status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
The comprehensiveness of publicly available arrest records may vary based on case status, with records related to ongoing investigations potentially subject to partial redaction under FOIL § 87(2)(e).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Walden
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records through Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 and § 160.59. The Village of Walden Police Department complies with court orders directing the sealing or expungement of qualifying records. Individuals seeking expungement must understand the following procedural requirements:
Eligibility criteria for record sealing under NY CPL § 160.59:
- At least 10 years must have elapsed since the individual's last criminal conviction
- No more than two misdemeanor convictions or one felony and one misdemeanor conviction
- No sex offense convictions, violent felony convictions, or Class A felony convictions
- No pending criminal charges against the applicant
The formal expungement process requires:
- Filing a motion with the court of original jurisdiction
- Submission of a sworn affidavit detailing eligibility
- Notification to the District Attorney's Office, which has 45 days to file objections
- Judicial review and determination based on statutory criteria and public interest factors
Upon issuance of an expungement order, the Walden Police Department must:
- Remove all photographs, fingerprints, and other identification information from public access
- Return or destroy physical copies of such materials when practicable
- Seal electronic records in compliance with Division of Criminal Justice Services guidelines
- Respond to inquiries about expunged arrests as if they did not occur
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain legal assistance through the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, located at 14 Scotchtown Avenue, Goshen, NY 10924, telephone (845) 291-2454.
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