Suffolk County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Suffolk County
Arrest records in Suffolk County are generally considered public information pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under New York Public Officers Law § 87. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
However, it is important for requestors to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and does not constitute proof of guilt. Conviction records, by contrast, indicate that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings. Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions may be sealed from public view.
The Suffolk County Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies. While basic arrest information is generally available to the public, certain details may be withheld if disclosure would:
- Interfere with law enforcement investigations
- Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Reveal confidential source information
- Endanger the life or safety of any person
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services provides additional guidance on the accessibility of criminal justice records throughout the state, including Suffolk County.
What's in Suffolk County Arrest Records
Suffolk County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identification numbers (state ID, FBI number if applicable)
- Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Arrest circumstances and probable cause statement
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Charge severity (violation, misdemeanor, felony)
- Charge descriptions
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility location
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Release conditions if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case/docket numbers
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration if detained
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history references
- Risk assessment scores
- Protective order information
- Immigration status notations
- Special custody requirements
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the alleged offense, as outlined in the New York State Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Suffolk County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Suffolk County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:
- Submit a FOIL Request to the Suffolk County Police Department
- Complete the department's FOIL request form, available on the Suffolk County Police Department website
- Specify the exact records being requested, including names, dates, and case numbers if available
- Submit the request via mail, email, or in person
Suffolk County Police Department Records Section
30 Yaphank Avenue
Yaphank, NY 11980
631-852-6000
Suffolk County Police Department
- Contact the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
- For records related to individuals currently or previously in county custody
- Request inmate information through the Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
100 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2200
Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
- For information about criminal cases being prosecuted
- Submit a written request specifying the case information needed
Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
William J. Lindsay County Complex
725 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-853-4161
Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
- Check with Suffolk County Court Clerk
- For court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings
- Request case files by providing case numbers or defendant names
Suffolk County Criminal Court
400 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, NY 11722
631-208-5800
Suffolk County Criminal Court
When requesting arrest records, requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records sought. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 89, agencies have five business days to acknowledge receipt of requests and approximately twenty business days to provide the requested records or explain why access is denied.
Fees may apply for document reproduction, typically $0.25 per page for photocopies, as permitted under state law. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive searches.
How To Find Suffolk County Arrest Records Online
Suffolk County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest record information online. These electronic systems offer varying levels of detail and accessibility:
-
Suffolk County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup System
- Provides current custody information for individuals held in Suffolk County correctional facilities
- Searchable by name or booking number
- Displays basic information including charges, booking date, and custody status
- Updated daily
- Available at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office website
-
New York State WebCrims Portal
- Offers access to pending criminal cases in Suffolk County courts
- Requires creation of a free user account
- Provides case status, upcoming court dates, and charge information
- Does not include complete arrest records or dismissed cases
- Accessible through the New York State Unified Court System
-
New York State Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup
- For individuals sentenced to state prison from Suffolk County
- Provides current incarceration status and facility information
- Includes basic conviction information
- Available through the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
-
Suffolk County Police Department Press Releases
- Contains information about significant arrests and police activity
- Updated regularly but not comprehensive
- Available on the Suffolk County Police Department website
When using online systems, users should note that:
- Information may be limited compared to official records obtained through formal requests
- Some systems may have search limitations or require specific identifiers
- Online records may not include sealed or expunged cases
- Data accuracy should be verified through official channels for legal purposes
For comprehensive arrest record information, users are advised to supplement online searches with formal record requests through the appropriate agencies as described in the previous section.
How To Search Suffolk County Arrest Records for Free?
Suffolk 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 basic arrest record searches:
- Visit the Suffolk County Clerk's Office in Person
- Review public court files related to criminal cases
- Access terminals for searching basic case information
- No fee for in-person inspection of publicly available records
Suffolk County Clerk's Office
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2000
Suffolk County Clerk
-
Use Public Library Resources
- Many Suffolk County public libraries offer free access to public records databases
- Library staff can assist with navigating available resources
- Some specialized legal databases may be accessible with a library card
-
Access the New York State Sex Offender Registry
- Free public access to information about registered sex offenders residing in Suffolk County
- Searchable by name, county, or zip code
- Provides conviction information, risk level, and current address
- Available through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
-
Monitor Suffolk County Police Department Social Media
- Follow official accounts for information about recent arrests and police activity
- Includes public safety announcements and significant case updates
- Available on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
-
Review Court Calendars
- Daily court calendars are public documents listing scheduled appearances
- Available for viewing at courthouse locations
- May also be accessible through the New York State Unified Court System website
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than through formal record requests
- Some records may require identification or justification for access
- Older records may not be available through electronic systems
- Records subject to sealing orders will not be accessible
For more detailed information or certified copies, users may need to submit formal requests and pay applicable fees as outlined in New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii).
How To Delete Arrest Records in Suffolk County
Under New York State law, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The processes of sealing (restricting public access) and expungement (physical destruction or permanent removal from public view) are governed by different statutes and procedures.
Record Sealing Under CPL § 160.59
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, individuals may apply to have certain criminal convictions sealed after a waiting period of 10 years from the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later. To qualify:
- No more than two eligible convictions total, with no more than one felony
- Eligible offenses exclude sex offenses, violent felonies, and certain other serious crimes
- No pending criminal charges
- No convictions during the waiting period
The sealing process requires:
- Filing an application with the court where the conviction occurred
- Notifying the District Attorney's office, which may oppose the application
- Attending a hearing if ordered by the court
- Receiving a judicial determination
Automatic Sealing Under CPL § 160.50
Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions are eligible for automatic sealing when:
- Cases resulted in acquittal
- Charges were dismissed
- Proceedings were terminated in favor of the accused
- Certain violations or traffic infractions after a one-year waiting period
While this process is technically automatic, individuals may need to verify completion by:
- Contacting the court where the case was heard
- Requesting a Certificate of Disposition showing the favorable outcome
- Ensuring all agencies have complied with sealing orders
Youthful Offender Records
Individuals adjudicated as youthful offenders under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35 have their records automatically sealed, though verification may be prudent.
Marijuana Conviction Expungement
Following the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, certain marijuana-related convictions have been automatically expunged. Individuals may verify this status by requesting a Certificate of Disposition from the court of conviction.
For assistance with record sealing or expungement in Suffolk County, individuals may contact:
Suffolk County Legal Aid Society
400 Carleton Avenue, Suite 2070
Central Islip, NY 11722
631-853-5212
Suffolk County Legal Aid Society
What Happens After Arrest in Suffolk County?
Following an arrest in Suffolk County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
-
Booking and Processing
- Arrestee is transported to police station or holding facility
- Fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Criminal history check conducted
- Property inventory and temporary storage
- Medical screening performed
-
Arraignment (Within 24 Hours of Arrest)
- First court appearance before a judge
- Formal reading of charges
- Determination of counsel (private attorney or public defender)
- Bail or release decision pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 510.10
- Temporary orders of protection may be issued if applicable
-
Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery process where prosecution shares evidence with defense
- Motion hearings to address legal issues
- Plea negotiations between prosecution and defense
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
-
Grand Jury (For Felony Cases)
- Presentation of evidence by District Attorney
- Determination if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment
- Defendant may testify but is not required to
- Requires at least 12 of 23 grand jurors to vote for indictment
-
Trial
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Opening statements by prosecution and defense
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
-
Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation report prepared
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Potential penalties include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative programs
-
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days of sentencing
- Transfer to appropriate correctional facility if incarcerated
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Payment of fines, restitution, or court fees
Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process. The Suffolk County criminal justice system operates under the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For cases involving misdemeanors and violations, proceedings typically occur in local criminal courts. Felony cases are generally transferred to Suffolk County Supreme Court after indictment.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Suffolk County?
Arrest records in Suffolk County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records, though agencies may retain records longer than required.
The primary retention periods for arrest-related records include:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Minimum 5 years after case closure
- Fingerprint Cards: 5 years after death of individual or 90 years after date of creation
- Photographs/Mugshots: 5 years after death of individual or 90 years after date of creation
- Case Investigation Files:
- Felonies: 25 years after completion of investigation or prosecution
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after completion of investigation or prosecution
- Violations: 1 year after completion of investigation or prosecution
- Warrant Files: 5 years after warrant is satisfied or recalled
- Incident Reports: 5 years
Different agencies within Suffolk County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- The Suffolk County Police Department maintains arrest records according to departmental policies and state mandates
- The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office retains booking and custody records
- The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office preserves prosecution files
- The Suffolk County Clerk maintains court records related to criminal proceedings
Records retention serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
- Facilitates research and historical documentation
It is important to note that sealed records, while retained, are not accessible to the general public. Pursuant to New York Executive Law § 296(16), employers and licensing agencies are generally prohibited from inquiring about arrests that did not result in convictions or that have been sealed.
How to Find Mugshots in Suffolk County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system. In Suffolk County, mugshots are created pursuant to standard law enforcement protocols and are considered part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Suffolk County are primarily maintained by:
- The Suffolk County Police Department Records Section
- The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office for individuals processed at county correctional facilities
- Local municipal police departments for arrests within their jurisdictions
These photographs are stored in departmental records management systems and may be linked to case files, booking records, and identification databases.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Suffolk County must generally submit formal requests through established channels:
- Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the arresting agency
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- State the purpose for requesting the mugshot
- Pay any applicable fees for reproduction
Can They Be Found Online
Suffolk County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing databases of mugshots accessible online. Unlike some jurisdictions, Suffolk County does not publish booking photos on official websites as a matter of routine practice. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media coverage of high-profile arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate public records
- Court records if entered as evidence in proceedings
The absence of an official online mugshot database reflects privacy considerations and the recognition that publication of booking photos can have lasting consequences for individuals, particularly in cases that do not result in convictions.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially obtain a mugshot in Suffolk County, requestors should:
- Contact the Records Section of the arresting agency
- Complete the agency's FOIL request form
- Submit the request with required identification
- Receive determination within the statutory timeframe
- Pay applicable fees if the request is approved
Suffolk County Police Department Records Section
30 Yaphank Avenue
Yaphank, NY 11980
631-852-6000
Suffolk County Police Department
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under several circumstances:
- Cases involving juveniles under New York Family Court Act § 381.3
- Sealed records pursuant to CPL § 160.50 or § 160.59
- Active investigations where disclosure could interfere with proceedings
- Cases where privacy interests outweigh public disclosure interests
- Youthful offender adjudications
Law enforcement agencies evaluate FOIL requests for mugshots on a case-by-case basis, balancing public information rights against privacy and law enforcement considerations.