Arrest records in Macedon, 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 through which members of the public may access records maintained by governmental agencies, including those pertaining to arrests. The statute operates under the presumption that government records should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of FOIL and provides guidance on public access to government records. Under FOIL, law enforcement agencies in Macedon are required to disclose arrest records, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with Public Officers Law § 87(2).
Residents and non-residents alike may request arrest records from the appropriate agencies in Macedon. However, requesters should be aware that certain information within these records may be withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, interfere with law enforcement investigations, or compromise public safety as determined by the custodian of records.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Macedon have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining necessary administrative controls:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may visit the Macedon Police Department located at 1620 N Wayneport Road, Macedon, NY 14502, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to submit a FOIL request for arrest records. Proper identification may be required, and applicable fees for document reproduction may apply.
Written Correspondence: Written FOIL requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Access Officer at the Macedon Police Department or the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include specific information about the records sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
Electronic Submission: The Town of Macedon maintains an online portal through which FOIL requests may be submitted electronically. This system allows for efficient processing and tracking of requests in accordance with statutory timeframes established in Public Officers Law § 89(3).
Wayne County Sheriff's Records Division: For arrests made by county law enforcement, requests may be directed to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 7376 Route 31, Lyons, NY 14489. The division processes requests during regular business hours and requires completion of a standardized request form.
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days by either providing the records, denying access with written explanation, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Macedon typically contain standardized information as prescribed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. These documents generally include the following components:
Demographic Information: The full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks.
Arrest Circumstances: The date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed against the individual, including the specific sections of the New York Penal Law or other applicable statutes allegedly violated, and whether the charges are classified as violations, misdemeanors, or felonies.
Processing Information: Details regarding the booking procedure, including fingerprinting, photographing, and assignment of identification numbers within the local and state criminal justice information systems.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determinations, release conditions, or detention status following the initial appearance before a judicial officer.
Case Disposition: The ultimate resolution of the case, which may include dismissal, acquittal, conviction, sentencing information, or diversion to alternative programs.
It should be noted that pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions may be sealed under certain circumstances, thereby restricting public access to such information.
The State of New York provides statutory mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under specific conditions. The legal framework governing these procedures is primarily found in New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 and related provisions.
Effective October 2017, New York State implemented expanded record sealing provisions that allow individuals to apply for sealing of certain criminal convictions after a waiting period of 10 years from the date of sentencing or release from incarceration. The following criteria and procedures apply to residents of Macedon seeking expungement:
Eligibility Requirements: Individuals may qualify for record sealing if they have no more than two criminal convictions, only one of which may be a felony. Certain offenses, including sex offenses, violent felonies, and class A felonies, are categorically ineligible for sealing.
Application Process: Petitions for sealing must be filed with the court in which the conviction was entered. The application must include a sworn statement of reasons supporting the sealing request and documentation of rehabilitation efforts.
Notification Requirements: Upon receipt of a sealing application, the court must notify the District Attorney's Office, which has 45 days to file objections. If objections are filed, the court must conduct a hearing before making a determination.
Judicial Discretion: Courts consider various factors when evaluating sealing applications, including the time elapsed since the offense, the nature of the crime, the individual's subsequent conduct, and the potential impact on public safety.
Effect of Sealing: When records are sealed pursuant to CPL § 160.59, they become unavailable to the public but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and certain licensing authorities under limited circumstances.
Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Macedon are advised to consult with legal counsel familiar with New York's record sealing provisions to ensure compliance with procedural requirements and maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Macedon Town Police Department
1620 N Wayneport Road
Macedon, NY 14502
Phone: 315-986-4121
Fax: 315-986-2825
Macedon Town Justice Court
32 Main Street
Macedon, NY 14502
Phone: 315-986-5932