Westchester Public Records / Westchester County Arrest Records

Westchester County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Westchester County

Arrest records in Westchester County are generally considered public information under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Members of the public may access basic arrest information, including:

Name of the arrested individual
Age and address
Date and time of arrest
Charges filed
Arresting agency

It is important to note that while arrest records are public, they differ significantly from conviction records. An arrest record merely documents that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime. In contrast, a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense through due process of law. Pursuant to New York State law, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and an arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the official repository of criminal history information for the state, including records from Westchester County. Access to complete criminal history records is restricted to authorized agencies and individuals with specific statutory authority. Law enforcement agencies in Westchester County follow the guidelines established by the New York State Committee on Open Government regarding what arrest information may be disclosed to the public.

Certain arrest records may be subject to restrictions or exemptions under § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law, particularly when disclosure would:

Interfere with an ongoing investigation or judicial proceeding
Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Endanger the life or safety of any person

What's in Westchester County Arrest Records

Westchester County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into police custody. These records are maintained by various law enforcement agencies throughout the county, including the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. The content of these records typically includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations of alleged violations
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Facility where booking occurred
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Whether bail was posted
Type of bail (cash, bond, etc.)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case/docket number

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Immigration status
Probation or parole status
Risk assessment scores
Medical or mental health alerts

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with the New York State Criminal Procedure Law.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Westchester County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Westchester County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Requests must be made in writing and should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific information being requested
Contact the Westchester County Department of Public Safety directly:

Westchester County Department of Public Safety
1 Saw Mill River Parkway
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914-864-7700
Westchester County Department of Public Safety

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Visit the Records Unit of the arresting police department in person. Most departments maintain public counters where records requests can be submitted. Identification will be required.
Contact the Westchester County Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests:

Westchester County Clerk's Office
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
914-995-3070
Westchester County Clerk

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Request records from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for official criminal history information:

NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
518-457-5837
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

Pursuant to § 89(3) of the Public Officers Law, agencies must respond to requests within five business days of receipt. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, typically 25 cents per page. Some records may be available electronically at reduced or no cost.

How To Find Westchester County Arrest Records Online

Westchester County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. Members of the public may utilize the following online methods:

Westchester County Department of Public Safety Website - The county's official law enforcement agency maintains an online portal where recent arrest information may be accessed. Users can search by name, date range, or case number. The system primarily contains records from unincorporated areas of the county and areas where the Department provides police services.
New York State WebCrims Database - This statewide system provides access to pending criminal cases in courts throughout New York, including Westchester County. The WebCrims portal allows searches by defendant name or case number. Information includes charges, court appearances, and case status.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Inmate Lookup - For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state prison, the Incarcerated Lookup system provides custody status, facility location, and other basic information.
Individual Municipal Police Department Websites - Several local police departments within Westchester County maintain their own online arrest logs or blotters. These typically include recent arrests within their jurisdiction.
Westchester County Jail Inmate Lookup - The Westchester County Department of Correction maintains an online system to verify if an individual is currently in custody at the county jail.

When conducting online searches, users should note that:

Information may be limited compared to official records obtained through formal requests
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
Some sensitive cases may be excluded from public online access
Juvenile records are generally not available online
Information accuracy should be verified through official channels

Online access to arrest records is governed by the same legal framework as physical records, including the provisions of New York's Freedom of Information Law and relevant privacy protections under § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law.

How To Search Westchester County Arrest Records for Free?

Westchester County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several public resources. The following methods provide cost-free options for obtaining basic arrest information:

Visit the Westchester County Clerk's Office in person to review publicly available court records related to criminal cases. While copying fees may apply, viewing records on-site is typically free of charge.

Westchester County Clerk's Office
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
914-995-3070
Westchester County Clerk
Access the New York State Unified Court System's WebCrims public access portal. This free online resource provides basic case information for criminal matters pending in courts throughout Westchester County.
Review police blotters and press releases published by local law enforcement agencies. The New York State Police Newsroom and local department websites often publish information about significant arrests.
Monitor the Westchester County government website for public safety announcements and press releases about major criminal cases and arrests. The Westchester County official site includes public safety updates.
Utilize public library resources in Westchester County. Many libraries provide free access to public records databases and newspaper archives that may contain arrest information.
Attend public court proceedings in Westchester County courts. Court calendars are public information, and most criminal proceedings are open to public observation.
Contact the Records Unit of the relevant police department directly. Basic arrest information may be provided verbally without charge, though formal written records typically incur fees.

Westchester County Department of Public Safety Records Unit
1 Saw Mill River Parkway
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914-864-7683

When utilizing these free resources, members of the public should be aware that:

Information may be limited compared to complete official records
Some sensitive cases may have restricted public access
Records related to ongoing investigations may not be available
Juvenile records are generally not accessible to the public

These free access options are provided in accordance with New York's commitment to government transparency as outlined in the Freedom of Information Law.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Westchester County

In Westchester County, as throughout New York State, individuals may have options to limit public access to arrest records through legal processes of sealing or expungement. These processes are governed by specific provisions of New York State law, primarily under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 and related statutes.

Sealing vs. Expungement:

Sealing restricts public access to records but does not completely destroy them. Sealed records remain accessible to certain government agencies and under specific circumstances.
Expungement involves the complete destruction of records, effectively erasing them from existence. New York State law provides limited circumstances for true expungement.

Eligibility for Record Sealing: Under current New York law, individuals may be eligible to have arrest records sealed if:

The arrest resulted in a dismissal, acquittal, or other favorable disposition
The conviction was for certain eligible misdemeanors or felonies
At least 10 years have passed since the individual's last criminal conviction
The conviction was not for a sex offense, violent felony, or certain other serious crimes

Process for Sealing Records:

Obtain a Certificate of Disposition from the court where the case was handled
Complete the Application for Sealing form (available from the court)
File the application with the court that handled the original case
Serve copies of the application on the District Attorney's Office
Attend a hearing if one is scheduled by the court
Receive the court's decision on the sealing application

Automatic Sealing: Certain marijuana-related convictions have been automatically sealed under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Additionally, some non-criminal violations and traffic infractions are automatically sealed after specified time periods.

Youthful Offender Records: Cases where individuals received youthful offender treatment are automatically sealed under Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35.

Certificate of Relief from Disabilities: While not removing the record, a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities can help mitigate the impact of a criminal record on employment and licensing. Applications are submitted to the court of conviction for misdemeanors or to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for felonies.

Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records should consult with a qualified attorney, as the process can be complex and outcomes depend on specific case details. The Westchester County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in criminal record sealing.

What Happens After Arrest in Westchester County?

Following an arrest in Westchester County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Processing
- The arrested individual is transported to a police station or booking facility
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- A search of criminal history databases is conducted
Arraignment
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest in most cases
- The defendant appears before a judge
- Charges are formally read
- The defendant enters an initial plea (typically not guilty)
- Bail or release conditions are determined
- A public defender is appointed if the defendant qualifies
Bail Determination
- The judge considers factors including:
  - Severity of the alleged offense
  - Criminal history
  - Community ties
  - Flight risk
- Under New York's bail reform laws, many non-violent offenders are released without cash bail
- Those detained are transferred to the Westchester County Jail
Preliminary Hearing
- For felony cases, occurs within 5-7 days if the defendant is in custody
- Prosecution must demonstrate sufficient evidence to proceed
- Judge determines if probable cause exists to continue the case
Grand Jury (for felonies)
- Prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury
- Grand jury determines if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment
- Proceedings are confidential
Discovery
- Prosecution must share evidence with the defense
- Under New York's discovery reform laws, this must occur early in the process
- Defense may file motions based on discovered evidence
Plea Bargaining
- Negotiations between prosecution and defense
- May result in reduced charges or sentencing recommendations
- Approximately 90% of cases resolve through plea agreements
Trial
- If no plea agreement is reached, case proceeds to trial
- Misdemeanors are tried in local criminal courts
- Felonies are tried in Westchester County Court or Supreme Court
- Defendant may choose jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
Sentencing
- Follows conviction by plea or trial verdict
- Judge considers:
  - Severity of offense
  - Criminal history
  - Pre-sentence investigation report
  - Victim impact statements
  - Sentencing guidelines
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible probation supervision
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Payment of fines, restitution, or court fees

Throughout this process, cases may be diverted to specialized courts such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, or Veterans Court when appropriate. These alternative approaches focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than traditional punishment.

The entire process is overseen by the New York State Unified Court System, with cases prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Westchester County?

Arrest records in Westchester County are maintained according to retention schedules established by New York State law, primarily under the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, which authorizes the State Archives to establish records retention schedules for local government records. These schedules ensure proper documentation while balancing privacy concerns and administrative efficiency.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
Fingerprint Cards: Retained for 50 years after creation
Mugshot Photographs: Kept for 10 years after an individual's last contact with the criminal justice system
Incident Reports: Preserved for 10 years after the conclusion of the case
Investigation Files: Retained for 7 years after the case is closed or until the statute of limitations expires
Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special protections and typically sealed when the individual reaches adulthood
Dismissed Cases: Records may be sealed upon dismissal but are retained by agencies according to schedule

Different agencies within Westchester County's criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Law Enforcement Agencies (including the Westchester County Department of Public Safety) maintain arrest records, incident reports, and investigation files according to the Local Government Records Schedule (LGS-1).
The Westchester County District Attorney's Office preserves case files, typically for 25 years after case disposition for felonies and 10 years for misdemeanors.
The Westchester County Clerk maintains court records indefinitely for felony cases and for extended periods for other cases.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the official criminal history repository, with records kept for the lifetime of the individual unless specifically sealed or expunged by court order.

Records retention serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system
Supports historical research and analysis

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies should contact the relevant agency directly. The New York State Committee on Open Government provides guidance on records access and retention requirements.

How to Find Mugshots in Westchester County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. In Westchester County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include front-facing and profile views. Mugshots are considered part of the official arrest record and are maintained by the arresting agency.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Westchester County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

The arresting police department's records division
The Westchester County Department of Public Safety
The Westchester County Sheriff's Office for individuals processed at the county jail
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services as part of the state's criminal history repository

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Westchester County may utilize several methods:

Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. The request should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Specific request for the booking photograph
- Requestor's contact information
Contact the Records Unit of the relevant police department:

Westchester County Department of Public Safety Records Unit
1 Saw Mill River Parkway
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914-864-7683
Westchester County Department of Public Safety

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Westchester County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online. The New York State Police and local departments may occasionally include mugshots in press releases for significant cases or wanted individuals, but comprehensive online databases of mugshots are not maintained by official government sources in Westchester County.

New York State has enacted legislation (General Business Law § 518-a) restricting commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for their removal. This law reflects growing concerns about the impact of online mugshot publication on privacy and rehabilitation.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To obtain mugshots through official channels:

Complete the appropriate FOIL request form (available on most agency websites or in person)
Submit the request to the Records Access Officer at the relevant agency
Pay any applicable fees (typically $25 per photograph)
Allow 5-20 business days for processing as required by law

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Cases involving juveniles (under 18 years of age)
Sealed records pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law
Ongoing investigations where disclosure could interfere with proceedings
Cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Youthful offender cases (ages 16-18) that received special status

Agencies evaluate FOIL requests for mugshots on a case-by-case basis, balancing public access rights against privacy concerns and law enforcement needs. The Criminal History Records section of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services provides additional guidance on access to criminal history information.

Lookup Arrest Records in Westchester County

Westchester County Department of Public Safety

New York State Incarcerated Lookup

New York State Police Records Request

Westchester County Government

New York State County Jails Information

Criminal History Records and Background Checks

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

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