Erie County Public Records / Erie County Arrest Records

Erie County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Erie County

Arrest records in Erie County are 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, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of this law, which applies to all municipalities and government agencies within Erie County.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under New York law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for sealing under certain circumstances.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for individuals processed through their facilities. These records become part of the public record upon booking, though certain information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations pursuant to exemptions under § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law.

Law enforcement agencies in Erie County follow the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services guidelines regarding the dissemination of criminal history information. While basic arrest information is public, comprehensive criminal history reports (commonly called "rap sheets") are subject to stricter access controls under New York State Executive Law § 837.

What's in Erie County Arrest Records

Erie County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. The Erie County Central Police Services maintains these records in coordination with local law enforcement agencies. A typical arrest record includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or known nicknames
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Address at time of arrest
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
New York Penal Law citation
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking facility
Booking number
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case/docket number

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if detained)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Immigration detainer information
Medical or mental health alerts
Risk assessment scores

The Erie County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster provides a regularly updated list of individuals currently in custody, which includes some of the information contained in arrest records.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Erie County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Erie County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The process typically involves the following steps:

Determine the appropriate agency: Identify which law enforcement agency made the arrest. This could be the Erie County Sheriff's Office, Buffalo Police Department, or one of the many town and village police departments within the county.
Submit a FOIL request: Under New York's Freedom of Information Law, individuals must submit a written request to the records access officer of the relevant agency. Requests should include:
- The requestor's name and contact information
- Specific information being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Preferred format for receiving records
Pay applicable fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records (typically $0.25 per page) or for electronic records as permitted by law.
Provide identification: For in-person requests, government-issued photo identification is typically required.

Erie County Sheriff's Office
10 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-7618
Erie County Sheriff's Office
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For court records related to arrests, contact:

Erie County Clerk's Office
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-8785
Erie County Clerk's Office
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Requests may be subject to review to ensure compliance with privacy laws and applicable exemptions under Public Officers Law § 87(2). Response times vary but agencies must acknowledge receipt of requests within five business days and provide records or a determination within a reasonable timeframe as required by law.

How To Find Erie County Arrest Records Online

Erie County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic services enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with New York State disclosure laws.

The primary online resources for Erie County arrest records include:

Erie County Clerk's Online Public Record Search: The Erie County Clerk's Office maintains an online database of court records, which often include information related to arrests that resulted in court proceedings. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date.
Erie County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office publishes a regularly updated inmate roster in PDF format. This document lists individuals currently in custody at Erie County correctional facilities, including their names, dates of birth, facility location, and booking dates.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision: For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup provides custody status and facility information.
WebCrims: The New York State Unified Court System's WebCrims database allows searches of pending criminal cases in participating counties, including Erie County. This system requires registration and provides case status information.

When conducting online searches, users should note:

Information may be limited compared to complete records available through formal requests
Some records may require creation of user accounts or payment of access fees
Certain sensitive information is redacted from online records in accordance with New York Public Officers Law § 89(2)
Records of sealed cases or juvenile matters are not available online

For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals must still submit formal requests to the appropriate agencies or utilize the New York State Office of Court Administration's criminal history search service, which requires fingerprint submission and applicable fees.

How To Search Erie County Arrest Records for Free?

Erie County residents and other interested parties can access certain arrest record information without payment through several public resources. These no-cost options provide basic information while maintaining compliance with New York State public records laws.

Free resources for arrest record searches include:

Public Access Terminals: The Erie County Clerk's Office provides computer terminals at their physical location where members of the public can search court records at no charge. These terminals offer access to the same database available online but without associated fees.
Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster: The Erie County Sheriff's Office publishes a daily inmate roster that lists individuals currently in custody. This document is freely available on their website and provides basic information including names, birth dates, facility locations, and booking dates.
FOIL Requests for Specific Records: While copying fees may apply, submitting a Freedom of Information Law request for specific arrest records does not require an initial fee. Narrowly tailored requests for limited information may result in minimal or waived fees, particularly if electronic delivery is requested.
Court Calendars: Daily court calendars are public documents that list scheduled appearances, including arraignments for recently arrested individuals. These calendars are typically posted at courthouse entrances and may be available on the New York State Unified Court System website.
Public Library Resources: Several Erie County public libraries offer free access to public records databases through their computer systems. Library staff can assist patrons in navigating these resources.

When utilizing these free resources, requestors should note:

Information may be limited in scope compared to comprehensive records
Some records may be subject to redaction under Public Officers Law § 87(2)
High-volume requests may still incur reasonable fees
Records related to sealed cases, youthful offenders, or juvenile matters have restricted access under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50

For individuals seeking their own criminal history information, the New York State Office of Court Administration offers one free record review per year as provided by statute.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Erie County

New York State law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes fall into two distinct categories: sealing (restricting public access) and expungement (complete removal or destruction). It is important to note that true expungement is limited in New York, with sealing being the more common remedy.

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, individuals may apply to have certain criminal records sealed if:

At least 10 years have passed since their sentencing or release from incarceration
They have no more than two criminal convictions, with no more than one felony
The conviction(s) are not for sex offenses, violent felonies, or certain other serious crimes

Additionally, Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 provides for automatic sealing of records when:

A criminal action is terminated in favor of the accused (dismissal, acquittal, etc.)
A conviction for certain violations or traffic infractions (after a waiting period)
The conviction is vacated due to legal error

The process for sealing records in Erie County typically involves:

Obtain a Certificate of Disposition: Request this document from the court where the case was handled.
File a Motion to Seal: Submit the appropriate motion with supporting documentation to the court of conviction. Forms are available through the New York State Unified Court System.
Notification to District Attorney: The District Attorney's Office must be notified and has an opportunity to object to the sealing.
Court Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing to determine if sealing is appropriate.
Court Order: If granted, the court issues an order directing all agencies to seal the records.

For marijuana-related convictions, New York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions.

Individuals seeking to seal records should consult with an attorney, as the process can be complex and outcomes depend on specific case details. The Erie County Bar Association offers referral services for those needing legal assistance with record sealing.

What Happens After Arrest in Erie County?

The post-arrest process in Erie County follows a standardized sequence of events governed by New York State Criminal Procedure Law. This process ensures due process rights while moving cases through the criminal justice system.

Following physical arrest, the typical progression includes:

Booking and Processing: The arrestee is transported to a police station or the Erie County Holding Center where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services through systems maintained by Erie County Central Police Services.
Criminal History Check: Law enforcement conducts a background check to identify any prior arrests or outstanding warrants.
Arraignment: Within approximately 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a judge for arraignment. During this proceeding:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination is made pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 510.10
- Legal representation is assigned if the defendant qualifies
Bail Consideration: Following 2020 bail reform legislation, judges must impose the "least restrictive means" to ensure court appearance. For many misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, release on recognizance is presumed.
Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases where the defendant is in custody, a preliminary hearing must be held within 144 hours (6 days) of arrest unless waived or an indictment is obtained.
Grand Jury Proceedings: Felony cases proceed to a grand jury, which determines if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment. This process is confidential as required by Criminal Procedure Law § 190.25.
Discovery: The prosecution must provide evidence to the defense within specific timeframes established by Criminal Procedure Law § 245.10.
Plea Negotiations: Many cases are resolved through plea agreements negotiated between the Erie County District Attorney's Office and defense counsel.
Trial: Cases not resolved through plea agreements proceed to trial, either before a judge (bench trial) or jury.
Sentencing: Following conviction, the court imposes a sentence based on New York Penal Law guidelines and pre-sentence investigation reports prepared by the Erie County Probation Department.

Throughout this process, arrest records are updated to reflect case progression and outcomes. These updates are critical for maintaining accurate criminal justice records within Erie County's information systems.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Erie County?

Arrest records in Erie County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which governs local government records management. These schedules establish minimum retention periods, though records may be kept longer at agency discretion.

Key retention periods for arrest-related records include:

Arrest Reports: Maintained for a minimum of 5 years after the arrest date
Booking Information: Retained for 5 years after the individual's release from custody
Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention when part of a case file
Mugshot Photographs: Minimum 5-year retention, though typically maintained longer
Case Investigation Files: For felonies, 25 years; for misdemeanors, 5 years; for violations, 1 year
Warrant Files: 5 years after warrant is executed or becomes inactive

These retention periods serve several important purposes:

Legal Requirements: Compliance with state-mandated records management laws
Evidentiary Value: Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or related cases
Administrative Needs: Support for ongoing law enforcement operations
Statistical Analysis: Data for crime trend analysis and resource allocation
Accountability: Documentation of law enforcement actions and decisions

It is important to note that sealed records under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 or § 160.59 remain in existence but with strictly limited access. These records are not destroyed but are segregated from public access and can only be viewed under specific court orders or statutory exceptions.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county maintain their records in compliance with these retention schedules, with oversight from the Erie County Records Management Department. Digital records are increasingly replacing paper files, but retention requirements remain the same regardless of format.

How to Find Mugshots in Erie County

Mugshot photographs, formally known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing. In Erie County, these images are maintained as part of the official arrest record.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These images serve both administrative and investigative purposes within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

The primary custodians of mugshot photographs in Erie County include:

Erie County Sheriff's Office
10 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-7618
Erie County Sheriff's Office
Buffalo Police Department
74 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 851-4444
Erie County Central Police Services
45 Elm Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 858-6100
Central Police Services

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of mugshot photographs, individuals must submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest. Requests should include:

The full name of the individual
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest
Case or arrest number (if available)
Requestor's contact information

Agencies may charge reasonable reproduction fees for providing copies of mugshots.

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Erie County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing databases of mugshot photographs. While some commercial websites publish mugshots obtained from various sources, these are not official government resources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining authentic mugshot photographs is through direct request to the arresting agency. The New York State Committee on Open Government has determined that mugshots are generally subject to disclosure under FOIL, though exceptions may apply in specific circumstances.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted when:

The record has been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 or § 160.59
The subject was adjudicated as a youthful offender
Disclosure would interfere with an ongoing investigation
The subject is a juvenile (under 18 years of age)
The photograph is part of a confidential law enforcement technique or procedure

New York State Executive Law § 837-t, enacted in 2019, prohibits law enforcement agencies from releasing mugshots unless there is a specific law enforcement purpose, though this has been interpreted differently by various agencies.