Arrest records are public in Oswego County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Article 6 of the Public Officers Law §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. The law operates under the presumption that all government records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Oswego County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available to the public in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests to the Records Division of the Sheriff's Office. The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of FOIL and provides advisory opinions regarding public access to records.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted under Public Officers Law § 87(2). Such exemptions include information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or information that could interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings.
Oswego County provides limited online access to arrest records through official government portals. The Oswego County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that includes recent arrest information and inmate status at the county jail. This database is updated regularly and serves as a resource for the public to access basic arrest information without submitting a formal request.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services also maintains electronic records that may include Oswego County arrests. However, comprehensive criminal history information typically requires formal requests and may involve fees as prescribed by state regulations.
Online access to arrest records is governed by the Electronic Signatures and Records Act (ESRA), which establishes the legal framework for electronic records maintained by government agencies in New York State. The Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) oversees the implementation of ESRA and ensures that electronic records meet legal standards for authenticity and accessibility.
Third-party websites may aggregate public arrest information, but these sources are not official government records and may contain inaccuracies or outdated information. Members of the public seeking authoritative arrest records should utilize official government sources.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Oswego County:
Oswego County Sheriff's Office Records Division
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 349-3302
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Records Division processes FOIL requests for arrest records. Requestors must complete a records request form specifying the information sought. Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and current workload.
New York State Police Troop D
Route 5, PO Box 30
Oneida, NY 13421
(315) 366-6000
New York State Police Troop D
Troop D covers Oswego County and maintains records of arrests made by state troopers within the county. Requests for these records must be submitted in writing to the Records Access Officer.
Oswego County Clerk's Office
46 East Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 349-8621
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Clerk maintains court records that may include information about arrests that led to court proceedings. These records are accessible through public terminals at the clerk's office.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
Incarcerated Individual Lookup
This online database provides information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, including those arrested in Oswego County who have been sentenced to state prison.
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, not exceeding 25 cents per page for photocopies not exceeding 9 by 14 inches, or the actual cost of reproducing other records.
Arrest records maintained by Oswego County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as required by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10:
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains standardized arrest reporting procedures that all law enforcement agencies in the state, including those in Oswego County, must follow. These procedures ensure consistency in record-keeping and facilitate information sharing between agencies.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:
The Oswego County Sheriff's Office Records Division is responsible for ensuring that arrest records are maintained accurately and that appropriate information is made available to the public in accordance with state law.
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 mandates the sealing of records when criminal actions terminate in favor of the accused, such as acquittals or dismissals.
Additionally, pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, individuals may apply to have certain criminal convictions sealed after a waiting period of 10 years from the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later. This provision applies to most non-violent felonies and misdemeanors, with specific exceptions enumerated in the statute.
The process for seeking expungement or sealing in Oswego County requires:
The Oswego County District Attorney's Office reviews all applications for record sealing and may contest applications that do not meet statutory requirements. The final determination rests with the court.
Oswego County District Attorney's Office
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 349-3200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The New York State Office of Court Administration maintains a database of sealed records that is not accessible to the public but may be accessed by law enforcement agencies for specific purposes authorized by law.
Marijuana-related convictions may be eligible for automatic expungement under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act of 2021, which created an expedited process for clearing certain cannabis-related offenses from criminal records.