>Suffolk County Arrest Records Online

Suffolk County, New York Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Suffolk County, New York?

Arrest records are public documents in Suffolk County, 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 arrest records, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute.

The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes:

Promotes transparency in the criminal justice system
Enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters

Certain exceptions to public access exist under New York law. Records may be sealed or restricted from public view in cases involving:

Youthful offenders (pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35)
Individuals granted conditional sealing under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.58
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal (pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50)
Certain marijuana offenses eligible for automatic expungement under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act

Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally public, specific components may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted under FOIL exemptions.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Suffolk County?

Suffolk County arrest records are partially available through online platforms, though comprehensive access often requires direct contact with county offices. The Suffolk County Police Department and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office maintain limited online databases that provide basic information about recent arrests and current inmate populations.

Digital access to arrest records in Suffolk County is governed by New York Public Officers Law § 89, which establishes parameters for electronic access to government records. Online availability is subject to the following conditions:

Recent arrest information may be viewable through the Suffolk County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup system
Historical arrest records typically require formal requests through appropriate agencies
Certain identifying information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy
Records subject to sealing orders are not available through public online portals

The Suffolk County Clerk's Office maintains an online records system, though this primarily contains civil court records rather than comprehensive criminal history information. For complete arrest records, requestors must typically submit formal applications through designated county offices.

How to Look Up Suffolk County Arrest Records in 2025

Suffolk County residents and other authorized parties may access arrest records through several official channels. The following procedures have been established for obtaining these public documents:

Suffolk County Police Department Records Section
30 Yaphank Avenue
Yaphank, NY 11980
Phone: (631) 852-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals seeking arrest records may submit requests in person, by mail, or through designated electronic systems. The following methods are available:

In-Person Requests: Requestors may visit the Suffolk County Police Department Records Section or the Suffolk County Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Valid government-issued identification is required, and applicable fees must be paid at the time of request.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate agency with required identification documentation and payment. Processing times for mail requests typically range from 10-15 business days.
Electronic Requests: Limited arrest information may be requested through the Suffolk County Government website using the FOIL request portal. Users must create an account and provide specific information about the records being sought.
Court Records: Criminal case records stemming from arrests may be accessed through the Suffolk County Clerk's Court Records division at:

Suffolk County Clerk's Office
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 852-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, typically $0.25 per page for photocopies or fees established by statute for certified copies.

Contents of a Suffolk County Arrest Record

Suffolk County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and last known address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer; and statutory authority for the arrest
Criminal Charges: Specific offenses charged, including New York Penal Law citations and classification (violation, misdemeanor, or felony)
Case Processing Information: Arrest number, docket number, court of jurisdiction, arraignment date, and bail/bond information if applicable
Biometric Data: Fingerprint classification information and reference to mugshot photographs (actual fingerprints and photographs may require separate requests)
Disposition Information: For closed cases, the outcome of criminal proceedings including dismissals, convictions, sentences imposed, or other resolutions

The comprehensiveness of arrest records varies based on case status, with active investigations potentially containing redactions pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2)(e). Records related to sealed cases or juvenile proceedings are generally not included in standard arrest record disclosures in accordance with applicable privacy statutes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Suffolk County

Suffolk County follows New York State law regarding the expungement and sealing of arrest records. Recent legislative reforms have expanded eligibility for record sealing and automatic expungement. The primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records include:

Automatic Sealing: Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions (including acquittals, dismissals, and declined prosecutions) are automatically sealed from public view. The arresting agency and court are required to seal these records without application from the arrested individual.

Conviction Sealing: Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, individuals with eligible criminal convictions may apply for record sealing after a 10-year waiting period from the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later. Eligibility restrictions include:

Maximum of two total convictions (only one may be a felony)
No sex offenses, violent felonies, or class A felonies
Completion of all sentencing requirements

Marijuana Expungement: The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (2021) provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana-related offenses. Qualifying convictions are automatically suppressed from public criminal history reports without requiring application.

Youthful Offender Records: Arrests resulting in youthful offender adjudications are automatically sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35.

Individuals seeking discretionary sealing must file applications with the court of conviction. The application process requires:

Suffolk County Supreme Court
400 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: (631) 740-3800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Applicants are advised that expungement and sealing in New York State generally restrict public access to records but do not physically destroy them. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for limited purposes as authorized by statute.