Arrest records are public documents in Westchester County, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. These records are generated and maintained by government agencies during the arrest process and subsequent criminal proceedings. The public nature of these documents reflects New York State's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
The Westchester County Department of Public Safety maintains arrest records for cases under their jurisdiction, while municipal police departments maintain records for arrests within their respective jurisdictions. Under FOIL provisions, members of the public may request access to these records, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, personal privacy, and public safety.
Westchester County Department of Public Safety
1 Sawmill River Parkway
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Phone: (914) 864-7700
Official Website
Westchester County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital records varies significantly. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the state's official criminal history repository, which includes arrest data from Westchester County law enforcement agencies. However, pursuant to Executive Law § 837, complete criminal history information is available only to authorized entities and the subjects of the records themselves.
Members of the public seeking arrest information may access limited data through:
It should be noted that online records may not be current or complete, as the digitization and publication of arrest data is subject to administrative processing times and statutory restrictions under New York State law.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Westchester County arrest records, as prescribed by New York Public Officers Law § 89. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Visit the records division of the arresting agency during normal business hours. Identification may be required, and fees for document reproduction may apply.
Written FOIL Requests: Submit a formal Freedom of Information Law request to the records access officer of the relevant law enforcement agency. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and may be subject to processing fees.
County Clerk's Office: For cases that have proceeded to court, the Westchester County Clerk maintains court records that may contain arrest information.
New York State Criminal History Record Review: Individuals may request their own criminal history record from the Division of Criminal Justice Services through a fingerprint-based background check process.
Westchester County Clerk's Office
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
Phone: (914) 995-3070
Official Website
Pursuant to New York State law, certain arrest records may be subject to sealing or limited disclosure, particularly in cases involving youthful offenders, certain drug offenses eligible for conditional sealing under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.58, or arrests that did not result in conviction.
Westchester County arrest records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. In accordance with New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services standards, these records generally include:
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited by applicable privacy laws and exemptions under the Freedom of Information Law. Specifically, pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain information may be redacted, including but not limited to: social security numbers, dates of birth, and information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy if disclosed.
New York State law provides mechanisms for the sealing and expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The 2017 New York State Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 established expanded record sealing provisions that may apply to Westchester County arrests. Individuals may be eligible for record sealing if:
Additionally, pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in conviction (e.g., cases resulting in dismissal, acquittal, or declined prosecution) are eligible for sealing. The sealing process requires the filing of a formal application with the court of jurisdiction, and may require a hearing before a judge.
For marijuana-related offenses, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act of 2021 provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions. The Office of Court Administration is mandated to identify and expunge eligible records pursuant to this legislation.
Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of Westchester County arrest records should consult with the court where their case was adjudicated:
Westchester County Supreme and County Courts
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
Phone: (914) 824-5100
Official Website