Table of Contents
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New York Police Department Records
How to Request Police Records in New York
New York Police Departments
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Protective Service
- Fulton County
- New York
- NYCounty District Attorney's Office
- Office of the United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Nearby Cities
- 5 Safest Cities in New York
- Police Records Resources
New York Police Department Records
Police records in New York, New York are primarily maintained by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Records may include arrest records, incident and complaint reports, aided reports, accident and traffic collision reports, call-for-service information, booking records, summons information, and related case materials. The city has its own police department; the New York City Sheriff’s Office has separate enforcement duties and is not the primary local police agency. Other agencies, such as the Port Authority Police or MTA Police, may hold records for incidents in their jurisdiction. Members of the public may request records under New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), but release depends on record availability, agency custody, privacy protections, and whether an investigation or court matter is still active.
How to Request Police Records in New York
To request police records in New York, use the NYC OpenRecords portal for NYPD FOIL requests, or contact the appropriate precinct or records unit for guidance. Collision reports may be available through the NYPD collision report portal or by request if not posted online. Requests may also be submitted by mail or in person when the agency allows it; phone contact is usually for help identifying where to send the request, not for receiving records. Provide the incident date, report or complaint number if known, location, names of involved people, and the type of report requested. Agencies may charge fees for printed pages, copies, certified copies, or media, while electronic records may have lower or no copy fees. Under New York FOIL, an agency generally must acknowledge a request within 5 business days and then provide a response, records, a denial, or an estimated completion date. Staff may contact the requester by email, mail, or phone for clarification. Some records may be redacted, delayed, or denied, particularly those tied to open investigations, juvenile matters, protected personal information, or court restrictions, which is normal under New York public records law.
New York Police Departments
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Protective Service
Fulton County
New York
NYCounty District Attorney's Office
Office of the United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
FAQs
What is included in a police record from New York?
A police record may include an incident or complaint report, arrest information, traffic collision report, aided report, summons details, call-for-service information, booking details, and related notes or attachments held by the agency. The exact contents depend on the type of incident and what the NYPD or another responding agency created.
Are police records in New York public?
Many police records may be requested under New York’s Freedom of Information Law, but they are not always fully public. Agencies may withhold or redact records for reasons such as active investigations, privacy laws, juvenile information, sealed records, safety concerns, or court orders.
How long does it take to get a police report in New York?
Under New York FOIL, an agency generally must acknowledge a request within 5 business days. The time to receive the report depends on the record type, how specific the request is, agency workload, and whether legal review or redaction is needed.
How do I find arrest records in New York without going to the police station?
You can submit a FOIL request through the NYC OpenRecords portal for NYPD records. If the arrest led to a court case, some case information may also be available through New York State court resources. Availability depends on whether the record is sealed, restricted, or still connected to an active matter.
Can I look up someone’s arrest history in New York online?
Some arrest-related information may appear in court or agency records, but New York does not provide unlimited online access to every person’s complete arrest history. Sealed cases, juvenile matters, dismissed matters, and restricted records may not be available to the public.