Richmond County Public Records /Richmond County Inmate Search

Richmond County Inmate Search

How To Search for Inmate Records in Richmond County in 2026

RichmondCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Richmond County, New York. Members of the public may find data pertaining to current custody status, booking details, charges, bond information, and facility assignments. The following record categories are accessible through official channels:

Current inmate rosters
Booking and arrest records
Charge and case information
Bond and bail status
Court scheduling data

Records can be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the New York City Department of Correction and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Online Search Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

Richmond County (Staten Island) is one of the five boroughs of New York City, and inmate custody is administered by the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC) rather than a county sheriff. Members of the public may use the Person in Custody Lookup tool maintained by NYC DOC to locate individuals currently held in the city jail system.

To conduct a search:

Navigate to the Person in Custody Lookup page on the NYC DOC website
Select a search type: by name, book-and-case number, or NYSID number
Enter the required search criteria, including the individual's first and last name or identification number
Review the results list for matching records
Select a specific record to view detailed custody information

The search results display the following information:

Full legal name
Book-and-case number
Facility location
Custody status
Charges
Next court date
Bail/bond information

The NYC DOC updates the online lookup tool on a continuous basis. No mobile application is currently offered as a standalone service, though the lookup page is accessible via mobile browser.

2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)

Individuals sentenced to more than one year of incarceration are transferred from city or county facilities to the custody of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). The DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup tool allows members of the public to search for individuals held in state correctional facilities.

To search the DOCCS database:

Visit the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup page
Enter the individual's Department Identification Number (DIN) or last name
Review results for current facility assignment, sentence information, and projected release date

The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less remain in NYC DOC custody, while those serving longer sentences are transferred to DOCCS facilities. Transfer from city custody to state custody typically occurs within several weeks following sentencing.

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)

Individuals convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP Inmate Locator is the appropriate resource when an individual is believed to be in federal custody. This tool provides the individual's current facility, projected release date, and register number. It is available at no cost and requires no registration.

Phone Search:

Members of the public may contact the NYC Department of Correction directly for inmate information:

Phone: (718) 546-0700
An automated system is available for basic custody inquiries
Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available
Staff assistance is available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In-Person Inquiry:

New York City Department of Correction – Borough Office (Staten Island)
350 St. Marks Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 546-0700
New York City Department of Correction

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a government-issued photo identification. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status and facility location for individuals in NYC DOC custody.

By Mail:

Written requests for inmate information may be directed to:

New York City Department of Correction
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Requests should include the individual's full legal name, date of birth, and book-and-case number if known. Processing times vary; written responses are not guaranteed for general custody inquiries.

Search Tips:

Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official identification
Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
Include the date of birth to narrow results
Search by booking or book-and-case number when available
Check both current custody records and recently released individuals
Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
Individuals who have been transferred to state or federal custody may not appear in the NYC DOC system

What If You Can't Find an Inmate:

The individual may have been transferred to a New York State prison; search the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup
The individual may be in federal custody; search the BOP Inmate Locator
The individual may have been released
The individual may be held in another jurisdiction
A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
Name spelling variations may affect search results
Members of the public may contact the NYC DOC directly at (718) 546-0700

Are Inmate Records Public in Richmond County?

Inmate records maintained by the New York City Department of Correction are subject to public disclosure under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Public Officers Law § 87, which establishes the right of members of the public to access government records. Under current law, basic custody information — including an individual's name, charges, facility location, and bond status — is considered a matter of public record and is accessible without a formal FOIL request through the NYC DOC's online lookup tool.

Information That Is Public:

Current inmate roster and population data
Booking information, including date and arresting agency
Criminal charges and charge descriptions
Bond and bail amounts
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Current custody status
Facility location
Scheduled court dates

Information With Restricted Access:

Medical records and health conditions
Mental health evaluations and treatment information
Detailed disciplinary records
Visitor contact lists
Confidential informant status
Juvenile detention records
Witness protection participant information
Specific cell or housing unit assignments for security reasons

Why Inmate Records Are Public:

The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in state custody. Public safety considerations support the disclosure of custody status and charge information. Families and legal representatives rely on inmate records to locate individuals and coordinate legal proceedings. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to bond and charge information to fulfill its statutory obligations.

Privacy Considerations:

New York law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89, agencies may withhold records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including medical information, mental health records, and information that could endanger an individual's safety. The release of booking photographs and personal identifiers is subject to agency discretion in certain circumstances.

What Is Inmate Records in Richmond County?

Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, legal status, and administrative classification of individuals held in detention. In Richmond County, which is administered as part of New York City, these records are created and maintained by the New York City Department of Correction for individuals held in city jails, and by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for individuals serving state sentences.

The purpose of maintaining inmate records is to ensure accurate tracking of individuals in custody, support the administration of justice, facilitate court proceedings, and provide accountability in the correctional system. As stated by the NYC Department of Correction, the agency is committed to "operating a safe and secure correctional system" that upholds the rights of individuals in custody while maintaining public transparency.

The following distinctions apply to the types of records maintained:

Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including personal identification information, charges, and bond status
Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during detention, including facility assignment, classification, and court dates
Incarceration history encompasses prior bookings, charges, and custody periods within the system
Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody

The official custodian of inmate records for individuals held in New York City facilities is the New York City Department of Correction. For individuals transferred to state custody, the official custodian is the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less. State prison records apply to individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences exceeding one year. Federal prison records are maintained by the Bureau of Prisons for individuals convicted of federal offenses.

What's Included in Inmate Records in Richmond County

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Inmate or book-and-case number
Date of birth and age
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height, weight, and physical description
Booking photograph
Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos

Custody Information:

Current facility location
Housing unit or cell block (subject to security restrictions)
Custody date and booking date
Expected release date, when available
Actual release date following discharge
Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred

Charges and Legal Information:

Current criminal charges
Charge descriptions and penal law citations
Case numbers
Court jurisdiction
Arrest date and arresting agency
Warrant information

Bond and Bail Information:

Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type: cash, surety, or remand (no bond)
Bond status: posted or pending
Bail bondsman information, where applicable

Court Information:

Scheduled court dates
Court location and part or division
Hearing types
Attorney of record, in some cases

Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):

Conviction charges
Sentence length
Sentence commencement date
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date, where applicable
Good time credit calculations

Previous Custody History:

Prior bookings within the NYC DOC system
Previous charges and case numbers
Historical custody dates

Administrative Information:

Security classification level
Special housing needs or designations
Program participation records
Work assignments, in some cases

What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:

Medical history or active health conditions
Mental health evaluations or treatment records
Prescription medication information
Detailed disciplinary incident reports
Visitor contact information
Inmate account balances
Phone call logs
Specific cell assignments for active security reasons

Richmond County Prison System

Overview of the County Corrections System:

Richmond County is part of New York City, and the city's jail system is operated by the New York City Department of Correction. The NYC DOC operates one of the largest urban jail systems in the United States. The system houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences of one year or less, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. The primary detention complex serving the city is located on Rikers Island, with additional borough-based facilities.

As noted by the New York City Department of Correction, the agency "operates facilities that house approximately 5,500 individuals on any given day" across its network of jails, with a staff of approximately 9,000 correction officers and 1,500 civilian employees.

Administration:

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

Facility Operations:

The NYC DOC houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving city sentences, individuals subject to immigration detainers, and individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities. The average length of stay varies by case type. The classification system assigns individuals to security levels based on charge severity, prior record, and behavioral assessments.

Inmate Services:

Medical and dental care provided by NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services
Mental health services and crisis intervention
Substance abuse treatment programs
Educational programs including GED preparation and literacy instruction
Vocational training opportunities
Religious services and chaplaincy
Library access and legal research materials
Recreation and physical activity programs

Legal Services:

Law library access is provided in accordance with constitutional requirements
Public defender coordination through the Legal Aid Society and other assigned counsel providers
Attorney visitation is available during designated hours

Reentry Programs:

Pre-release planning and case management
Job placement and workforce development assistance
Housing referral services
Continuation of substance abuse treatment upon release

Oversight and Accountability:

The NYC DOC is subject to oversight by the New York State Commission of Correction, which inspects county and city jails statewide. The Board of Correction, a mayoral advisory board, provides additional civilian oversight. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody pursuant to Correction Law § 139.

Types of Correctional Facilities in Richmond County

Anna M. Kross Center (AMKC) and Rikers Island Complex

The primary detention facility serving Richmond County residents is the Rikers Island complex, which houses multiple jails on a single island in the East River. Individuals arrested in Richmond County are processed and held at Rikers Island facilities pending court proceedings.

Rikers Island Correctional Facility Complex
10-10 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Phone: (718) 546-0700
NYC Department of Correction – Rikers Island

Capacity: The Rikers Island complex has a total capacity of approximately 10,000 individuals across multiple facilities
Security levels: Minimum, medium, and maximum security units
Population served: Pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals subject to immigration detainers

Staten Island Courthouse Holding Facility

Short-term holding for individuals appearing in Richmond County courts is provided at the Staten Island Courthouse. This facility is used for temporary custody during court proceedings and is not a long-term detention facility.

Richmond County Supreme Court
26 Central Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8700
New York State Unified Court System

Alternative Custody Programs

Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring

The NYC DOC administers an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals as an alternative to pretrial detention. Eligibility is determined by the court and the DOC based on charge severity, prior record, and risk assessment. Members of the public seeking information about this program may contact the NYC DOC at (718) 546-0700.

Work Release

Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to leave the facility for employment during the day and return at night. Eligibility is determined by the DOC based on sentence length, behavior, and program availability.

State Prison Facilities

No New York State DOCCS correctional facility is physically located within Richmond County. Individuals from Richmond County who are sentenced to state prison are transferred to DOCCS facilities located elsewhere in New York State. The DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup tool allows members of the public to identify the specific state facility where an individual is currently housed.

Federal Detention Facilities

No federal detention facility is located within Richmond County. Individuals in federal custody from Richmond County may be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn or other federal facilities in the region. The BOP Inmate Locator provides current facility information for all federally incarcerated individuals.

Facility Contact Information Summary:

Facility	Address	Phone
NYC DOC Central Office	75-20 Astoria Blvd, East Elmhurst, NY 11370	(718) 546-0700
Rikers Island Complex	10-10 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370	(718) 546-0700
Richmond County Supreme Court	26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301	(718) 675-8700

How To Find an Inmate in Richmond County for Free?

Free Online Resources:

1. Official NYC DOC Person in Custody Lookup

The Person in Custody Lookup provided by the New York City Department of Correction is available at no cost and requires no registration. Members of the public may search by name, book-and-case number, or NYSID number. The tool displays:

Current custody status
Facility location
Charges and case information
Bond and bail status
Next scheduled court date
Booking photograph

The lookup tool is updated on a continuous basis throughout the day.

2. State Department of Corrections Free Search

The DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup is available at no cost for individuals held in New York State prisons. Historical incarceration information, including prior commitments and release dates, is accessible through this tool.

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator

The BOP Inmate Locator provides free access to information about individuals in federal custody, including current facility, projected release date, and register number.

4. Court Records Search

Court records maintained by the New York State Unified Court System may be used to verify custody status through case filings and may reflect upcoming court dates. The WebCrims system provides public access to criminal case information.

Free Phone Information:

Members of the public may call (718) 546-0700 to obtain basic inmate information through the NYC DOC. No charge is assessed for general custody inquiries. Staff assistance is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Free In-Person Search:

New York City Department of Correction – Borough Office
350 St. Marks Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 546-0700
NYC Department of Correction

Public access terminals and staff assistance are available during business hours at no cost.

What's Free vs. What Costs Money:

The following services are provided at no cost:

Online inmate search via the NYC DOC lookup tool
Current custody status and basic inmate information
Phone inquiry for basic information
In-person information at the borough office
State DOC and federal BOP inmate searches

The following services are subject to fees:

Sending funds to an individual in custody (processed through approved vendors)
Video visitation services
Phone calls initiated by individuals in custody
Commissary orders
Background checks or certified copies of booking records

Scam Warning:

Members of the public are advised that numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official government sources. The NYC DOC Person in Custody Lookup, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup, and the BOP Inmate Locator are the authoritative, free sources for inmate location information. Members of the public should verify that any website they use carries an official .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment.

Lookup Inmate Records in Richmond County

Search individuals incarcerated in county jails, New York City jails, and state prisons — New York State Commission of Correction
Incarcerated person location and information in the NYC Department of Correction jail system — NYC 311
Search for persons currently in custody in New York City jails — NYC Department of Correction
Search for individuals incarcerated in New York State correctional facilities — NY DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup