Ithaca Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ithaca, New York?
Arrest records in Ithaca, New York are classified as public documents pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to government transparency. The FOIL establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Ithaca Police Department maintains arrest records that typically contain information regarding individuals who have been taken into custody. These records document the enforcement actions of law enforcement agencies operating within the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County jurisdictions. Pursuant to New York State law, these records remain public regardless of case disposition, though certain information may be redacted to protect privacy in accordance with Public Officers Law § 87(2).
Certain categories of arrest records may be subject to limited access, including:
• Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) • Records sealed by court order pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 • Records containing information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy • Records that might interfere with ongoing law enforcement investigations
The Tompkins County Court maintains jurisdiction over criminal proceedings resulting from arrests within Ithaca city limits. Court records related to these arrests are generally accessible through the county clerk's office.
Ithaca City Court
118 East Court Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 216-6600
Town of Ithaca Court
How to Look Up Ithaca Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Ithaca, New York. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Records Division of the Ithaca Police Department. Requestors must complete a FOIL request form specifying the information sought. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(3), the department must respond to requests within five business days, either providing the records, denying access with written explanation, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.
Ithaca Police Department Records Division
120 East Clinton Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-3245
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Electronic requests may be submitted through the City of Ithaca's official website. The online portal allows for submission of FOIL requests and provides tracking capabilities for pending requests. Processing times vary based on the complexity and volume of the request.
The Tompkins County Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. These records may be accessed by visiting the clerk's office during regular business hours or by utilizing their online case management system.
Tompkins County Clerk's Office
320 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-5431
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii) and are as follows:
• Paper copies: $0.25 per page • Digital copies: $10.00 per CD/DVD • Certified copies: $10.00 per document plus copy fees
Payment must be made by cash, check, or money order payable to the City of Ithaca or Tompkins County, depending on the agency providing the records.
Contents of an Ithaca Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Ithaca Police Department and Tompkins County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services regulations. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical information of the arrested individual is documented, including:
• Full legal name and any known aliases • Date of birth and age at time of arrest • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color) • Residential address at time of arrest • Identification numbers (NY State ID, FBI number if applicable)
Arrest details are comprehensively documented, including:
• Date, time, and location of arrest • Arresting agency and officer identification • Booking photograph ("mugshot") • Fingerprint records • Method of arrest (warrant, probable cause, etc.) • Miranda warning acknowledgment
Criminal charge information is specified, including:
• Specific charges filed (with New York Penal Law citations) • Classification of offense (violation, misdemeanor, felony) • Incident report number • Weapon involvement (if applicable) • Presence of controlled substances (if applicable)
Case processing information is recorded, including:
• Court of jurisdiction • Arraignment date • Bail or bond information • Case disposition (if resolved) • Sentence information (if convicted)
Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, home addresses of victims, and information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Ithaca
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The legal framework governing these procedures is primarily established in New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 and § 160.59.
Automatic sealing occurs when criminal proceedings terminate in favor of the accused. Pursuant to CPL § 160.50, records are sealed when:
• The charge is dismissed • The accused is acquitted after trial • The prosecutor declines to prosecute (declined prosecution) • An order to dismiss in the interest of justice is issued • The conviction is vacated
The sealing process requires the court to notify all relevant agencies to seal records related to the arrest. These agencies include the Ithaca Police Department, Tompkins County Sheriff's Office, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and any other agencies that may possess records related to the arrest.
Discretionary sealing is available under CPL § 160.59 for certain convictions after a waiting period. Eligible individuals may apply for sealing if:
• At least 10 years have passed since the individual's last criminal conviction • The conviction is not for a sex offense, violent felony, or class A felony • The individual has no more than two misdemeanor convictions or one felony and one misdemeanor conviction
The application process requires filing a motion with the court that handled the original case. The District Attorney's Office has the right to oppose the motion, and a hearing may be conducted to determine eligibility.
Tompkins County District Attorney's Office
320 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-5461
Marijuana conviction expungement is now available pursuant to New York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. The law provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions without requiring application by the individual.
Legal assistance for expungement proceedings may be obtained through:
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
215 East State Street, Suite 200
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 273-3667
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