Richmond County Public Records / Richmond County Arrest Records

Richmond County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Richmond County in 2026

RichmondCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Richmond County, New York — also known as Staten Island. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and court case data through official government sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, inmate rosters, and criminal history summaries. Access and completeness vary by agency and record type.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the New York City Sheriff's Office, the Richmond County Criminal Court, online public access terminals, and state-level databases. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The New York City Sheriff's Office serves Richmond County and maintains records related to arrests, warrants, and civil enforcement actions. The Sheriff's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) handles criminal matters within its jurisdiction. Members of the public may access inmate location and booking information through the NYC311 incarcerated person lookup, which provides the following data points:

Book and case number
Jail mailing address
New York State Identification Number (NYSID)
Holding location
Release date
Bail or bond amount

The NYC Department of Correction also maintains an online inmate lookup tool that is updated regularly and reflects current custody status for individuals held in New York City facilities, including those arrested in Richmond County.

2. Local Police Departments

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is the primary law enforcement agency serving Richmond County. The NYPD's Staten Island precincts — the 120th, 121st, 122nd, 123rd, and 5th Precincts — process arrests within their respective patrol zones. Arrest-related press releases and public notifications are issued through the NYPD Newsroom at nypdnews.com. Members of the public seeking arrest logs or incident-level data may submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the NYPD's Legal Bureau.

New York City Police Department – Staten Island Precincts
120th Precinct: 78 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 876-8500
NYPD Official Website

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Richmond County Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search case records through the New York State Courts e-filing and case search portal. Searching by an individual's name returns associated court case numbers, charge descriptions, appearance dates, and case dispositions. Criminal court records in Richmond County are filed with the Richmond County Criminal Court and the Supreme Court, Criminal Term.

Richmond County Clerk's Office
130 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8700
Richmond County Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Individuals may request their own criminal history record through the DCJS criminal history record review process. Third-party access to another individual's full criminal history is restricted under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 and related statutes. The DCJS charges a processing fee for official record requests; current fees are listed on the DCJS website.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

New York City Sheriff's Office – Staten Island
350 St. Marks Place, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 815-8407
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
NYC Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and booking number. Fees for copies of records are assessed per page in accordance with New York Public Officers Law.

Police Departments:

NYPD records requests are processed through the NYPD's Records Access Office. Requestors must submit a FOIL request in writing or online. Processing times vary based on request volume.

New York City Police Department – Records Access Office
One Police Plaza, Room 1406, New York, NY 10038
Phone: (646) 610-5000
NYPD FOIL Requests

Clerk of Court:

Richmond County Criminal Court
67 Targee Street, Staten Island, NY 10304
Phone: (718) 390-5391
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Case files may be inspected at the clerk's window during business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page pursuant to applicable court rules.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the NYC Sheriff's Office at 350 St. Marks Place, Staten Island, NY 10301. Each written request should include:

Arrestee's full legal name
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the agency's current workload and statutory response deadlines under New York Public Officers Law.

By Phone:

NYC Sheriff's Office: (718) 815-8407
NYC Department of Correction Inmate Inquiry: (718) 546-0700
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors are directed to online tools or in-person visits

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest and booking records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be directed to the custodial agency. Defense counsel has statutory access to arrest records under New York Criminal Procedure Law as part of the discovery process.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (which precinct or agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Richmond County

Arrest records in Richmond County are subject to public disclosure under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified at New York Public Officers Law § 87, which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. As the New York Committee on Open Government has stated, "The public has a right to know about the activities of government, including law enforcement actions taken in the community's name." Arrest records serve government transparency, public safety awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under New York Family Court Act)
Expunged or sealed arrest records under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
Active investigation information that would interfere with law enforcement
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

New York's public records framework reflects a balance between government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information, and due process principles require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of criminal proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. New York State's Article 23-A of the Correction Law restricts employers from automatically disqualifying applicants based on arrest or conviction records. New York City's Fair Chance Act further limits when employers may inquire about criminal history. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Richmond County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (NYPD precinct, Sheriff's Office, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
New York Penal Law statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- Remand (no bond)
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Criminal Court or Supreme Court, Criminal Term)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests processed in the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charge information
Not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely disclosed
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Richmond County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest and court records at no charge at public access terminals located in Richmond County court facilities. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under New York Public Officers Law, agencies may charge for copies of records, and current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (court records)	$5.00 per certification
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency
DCJS criminal history record (self-request)	$65.00 processing fee
NYPD FOIL copies	$0.25 per page

Accepted payment methods vary by agency and include cash, money order, and credit card at certain offices. New York Public Officers Law permits agencies to waive fees when disclosure is in the public interest. Indigent requestors and certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for fee waivers upon written request. Inspection of records at a public terminal is available at no cost; fees apply only when physical or electronic copies are produced.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Richmond County

Under New York law, arrest records may be sealed or expunged depending on the circumstances of the case. Sealing restricts public access to a record while the record is retained by law enforcement; expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record. The primary mechanism in New York is sealing under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, which provides for the sealing of records when a criminal action is terminated in favor of the accused — including dismissals, acquittals, and cases where no charges were filed.

Additionally, New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 permits individuals with certain eligible convictions to apply to seal up to two convictions (no more than one felony) after a ten-year waiting period following sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later. Marijuana-related convictions may be eligible for automatic expungement under the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

Steps to Seal or Expunge an Arrest Record in Richmond County:

Obtain a copy of the criminal court disposition from the Richmond County Criminal Court Clerk at 67 Targee Street, Staten Island, NY 10304
Confirm eligibility based on the outcome of the case and the applicable waiting period
Complete the petition for sealing (CPL § 160.59 application) available from the court clerk
File the petition with the Richmond County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, and serve copies on the Richmond County District Attorney's Office
Attend any scheduled hearing; the court will notify the applicant of the decision
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the record

Richmond County District Attorney's Office
130 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 876-6300
Richmond County District Attorney

Richmond County Supreme Court, Criminal Term
26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8700

Individuals seeking sealing or expungement are advised to consult with a licensed New York attorney or contact the Legal Aid Society of New York for assistance with the petition process.

Legal Aid Society of New York – Staten Island Office
60 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 233-6480
Legal Aid Society

What Happens After Arrest in Richmond County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Richmond County, the arrested individual is transported to a New York City Department of Correction facility. Staten Island arrests are processed through the NYPD precinct booking system before transfer to a DOC facility, which may include the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island or another designated facility depending on classification and capacity.

New York City Department of Correction – Central Operations
75-20 Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Phone: (718) 546-0700
NYC Department of Correction

2. Booking Process

The booking process at the precinct and intake facility includes the following steps:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to DCJS and the FBI
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

The booking process at a New York City precinct takes approximately two to four hours under normal volume conditions, after which the individual is transferred to a DOC facility for arraignment processing.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law, arraignment must occur within 24 hours of arrest for individuals held in custody. At arraignment:

Formal charges are read
The defendant is advised of rights
Counsel is assigned if the defendant is indigent
Bail or remand is determined by the arraignment judge

Arraignments in Richmond County are conducted at the Richmond County Criminal Court, 67 Targee Street, Staten Island, NY 10304. Night and weekend arraignments are conducted on a rotating schedule.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bail:

Full amount paid in cash or by credit card
Refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the arraignment judge

Partially Secured Bond:

A percentage of the total bail amount is deposited
Remainder secured by property or surety

Personal Recognizance (ROR – Released on Own Recognizance):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary deposit required
Based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and nature of charges

Remand (No Bail):

Held without bail
Applied in cases involving serious violent offenses, flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or immigration holds

Conditions of Release:

Mandatory check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Electronic monitoring in certain cases
Drug and alcohol testing

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bail Posted:

Processing and release takes approximately two to eight hours
Personal property returned
Written court date provided
Conditions of release explained in writing

If Bail Not Posted:

Individual remains in DOC custody
Housing assignment made
Commissary, phone, and visitation privileges explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Legal Aid Society – Criminal Defense (Staten Island)
60 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 233-6480
Legal Aid Society

Eligibility for assigned counsel is based on financial need. Applications are processed at arraignment.

Private Attorney:

The New York State Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service accessible at (800) 342-3661 or through the NYSBA website. Private counsel may visit clients at DOC facilities during designated attorney visitation hours.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Richmond County District Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or modify the charges. This review occurs within days of arraignment for misdemeanors and within a longer period for felony matters subject to grand jury presentation.

Grand Jury (Felonies):

Felony charges in New York require presentation to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to indict. The grand jury process is conducted without defense counsel present and results in either an indictment or a dismissal of the felony charges.

Arraignment on Indictment:

Following indictment, the defendant is arraigned in the Richmond County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, where a formal plea is entered and the case proceeds to the pretrial phase.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings between prosecution and defense, governed by New York's expanded discovery statute
Pretrial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
Pretrial Conferences: Scheduled meetings to assess case readiness and explore resolution

Plea Negotiations:

The Richmond County District Attorney's Office may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug treatment court, mental health court, or veterans court — successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Guilty or no-contest plea to agreed charges with a negotiated sentence
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Typical Timeframe
Arrest to arraignment	Within 24 hours
Arraignment to grand jury (felony)	Within 45 days (if in custody)
Arraignment to trial (misdemeanor)	90 days (if in custody)
Arraignment to trial (felony)	6 months (if in custody)
Speedy trial rights	CPL § 30.30 governs readiness requirements

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to speedy trial under CPL § 30.30
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

NYC Sheriff's Office – Staten Island
350 St. Marks Place, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 815-8407
NYC Sheriff

Richmond County Criminal Court Clerk
67 Targee Street, Staten Island, NY 10304
Phone: (718) 390-5391

Richmond County District Attorney's Office
130 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 876-6300
Richmond County DA

Legal Aid Society – Staten Island
60 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 233-6480
Legal Aid Society

NYC Pretrial Services
100 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 374-5880
NYC Criminal Justice Agency

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely stating so
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or a bondsman for bail assistance if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Richmond County?

Records retention in Richmond County is governed by New York State law and the policies of the New York State Archives, which publishes retention schedules applicable to local government agencies. As the New York State Archives states in its municipal records retention schedule, "Records documenting arrests, bookings, and criminal proceedings must be retained in accordance with the applicable schedule to ensure accountability and legal compliance."

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, NYPD, Clerk of Court, DCJS, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by DCJS and court records systems
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of seven years under applicable New York State retention schedules

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Sealed under CPL § 160.50 upon termination in favor of the accused
Local law enforcement retains sealed records but access is restricted
Court records remain but are not accessible to the public

Acquittals:

Records sealed under CPL § 160.50
Court records often retained permanently in sealed status
Not accessible to the public or most employers

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum of three years under local retention schedules
May be eligible for sealing upon petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records retained per applicable schedule
Often eligible for sealing under CPL § 160.50

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum three to seven years depending on case outcome
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently by DCJS and FBI
Photographs: Retained per agency policy, often permanently in digital systems

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Permanent for felonies; seven or more years for misdemeanors
Mugshot databases: Vary by agency; may be retained indefinitely

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records may not be updated following sealing or expungement
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy

Retention by Agency:

NYC Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum seven years
Arrest reports: Minimum seven years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Phone: (718) 815-8407

NYPD:

Arrest records: Minimum seven years; permanently for felonies
Incident reports: Minimum five years
Retention policies governed by the New York City Department of Records and Information Services

Richmond County Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum seven years
Electronic records: Permanent
Phone: (718) 675-8700

DCJS State Repository:

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the statewide criminal history repository
Felony arrests: Permanent
Misdemeanor arrests: Permanent unless sealed
Sealed records: Retained but access restricted

FBI Database:

NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records permanently
Accessible to law enforcement nationwide
Used for employment background checks for sensitive positions and firearms purchases

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Public Access	Law Enforcement Access	Retention
Conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Permanent
Dismissal (sealed)	Restricted	Retained	Per schedule
Acquittal (sealed)	Restricted	Retained	Per schedule
No charges filed	Restricted	Retained	Minimum 3 years
Expunged (marijuana)	Removed	Limited	Destroyed

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through NYC311 and DOC inmate lookup tools
Updated in near real-time

Older Arrests (More Than Seven Years Ago):

May require in-person request at the relevant agency
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Longer processing time

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per retention schedule
Contact the NYPD Records Access Office or Richmond County Clerk for guidance

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. New York State law and New York City's Fair Chance Act impose additional restrictions on the use of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions, prohibiting consideration of sealed records and limiting inquiry into non-conviction information.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the NYPD Records Access Office at (646) 610-5000 or submit a FOIL request to the relevant agency to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Richmond County

Incarcerated individual locators for county jails, NYC jails, and state prisons — New York State Commission of Correction
NYC Sheriff's Office criminal investigation and court services — NYC Department of Finance
Incarcerated person location, book and case number, NYSID, holding location, and release date — NYC311
New York State incarcerated individual lookup by name or DIN number — NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision