Tompkins County Public Records / Tompkins County Arrest Records

Tompkins County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Tompkins County

Arrest records in Tompkins County are generally considered public information under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, §§84-90). This law establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. However, it is important to note that public access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations and exemptions.

The New York State Committee on Open Government has determined that basic arrest information must be disclosed to the public, as established in Public Officers Law §87(2)(b). This includes the name of the person arrested, the charges filed, and other fundamental details about the arrest. However, it is crucial to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and charged with an offense. These records do not indicate guilt.
Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime, either through a trial or by pleading guilty.

Under New York State law, specifically Criminal Procedure Law §160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions may be sealed under certain circumstances. When records are sealed, they are not accessible to the general public, though they may still be available to law enforcement agencies and certain authorized entities.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the state's official criminal history repository and has established policies governing the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records.

What's in Tompkins County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Tompkins County contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to the arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
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 number
Processing location
Fingerprinting and photographing details

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Whether bail was posted
Type of bail (cash, bond, release on recognizance)
Bail conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case/docket number
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Criminal history summary
Risk assessment information
Medical screening information
Property inventory from booking

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the New York State Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which establishes minimum retention periods for local government records.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Tompkins County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Tompkins County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing arrest records:

Submit a request to the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office. Individuals may file a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the Sheriff's Office, which maintains records of arrests made by county deputies.

Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1345
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office

Requesters must complete the county's FOIL request form, providing specific details about the records sought, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information.
Contact the municipal police department that made the arrest. Each police department within Tompkins County maintains its own records of arrests.

Ithaca Police Department
120 East Clinton Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-3245
Ithaca Police Department
Visit the Tompkins County Clerk's Office to review court records related to arrests that have proceeded to court action.

Tompkins County Clerk's Office
320 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-5431
Tompkins County Clerk

The County Clerk maintains court records that may contain information about arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. Public access terminals are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Submit a request to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for a comprehensive criminal history record, which would include arrests throughout New York State.

NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services

Pursuant to Public Officers Law §89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days by either providing the records, denying access with reasons, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.

How To Find Tompkins County Arrest Records Online

Tompkins County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following methods are currently available for electronic access to arrest information:

Tompkins County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup. The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates housed at the Tompkins County Jail. This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody.

To access this information:
- Visit the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Corrections Division" or "Jail" section
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" or similar option
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
New York State WebCrims. The New York State Unified Court System offers an online database called WebCrims that provides information about criminal cases in participating courts, including those in Tompkins County.

To use WebCrims:
- Visit the New York State Unified Court System website
- Create a user account or log in as a guest
- Select Tompkins County from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Inmate Lookup. For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state prison, the DOCCS Inmate Lookup provides information about their current status.
E-Courts. The New York State Unified Court System's E-Courts platform provides access to court calendars and case information for cases that have been filed in court.

When using online resources, users should be aware that pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law §160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions may be sealed and therefore not accessible through public online databases. Additionally, the information available online may be limited compared to what can be obtained through formal records requests.

How To Search Tompkins County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Tompkins County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:

Visit the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office in person. The public may inspect certain arrest records at no cost by visiting the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.

Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1345
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office

Visitors should be prepared to present identification and complete a records request form. While inspection of records is typically free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested.
Access the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office website. The Sheriff's Office provides free access to basic information about recent arrests and current inmates through their online portal.
Review court records at the Tompkins County Courthouse. Court records related to arrests that have proceeded to court action can be viewed at no cost using public access terminals.

Tompkins County Courthouse
320 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-5511
Tompkins County Court
Check local news sources. Many local news outlets report on significant arrests in Tompkins County, providing a free source of basic arrest information.
Submit a FOIL request. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law, individuals may submit requests for public records. While the initial request is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying documents.

It is important to note that pursuant to Public Officers Law §87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may charge up to 25 cents per page for photocopies of records. However, inspection of records is generally available at no cost. Additionally, if records are maintained electronically and can be transmitted electronically, agencies are encouraged to provide them in that format at no charge when possible.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Tompkins County

In New York State, including Tompkins County, individuals cannot typically "delete" arrest records in the conventional sense. However, under certain circumstances, individuals may be eligible to have their records sealed or expunged through legal processes. The distinction between these options is important:

Record sealing restricts public access to arrest and conviction records but does not completely destroy them. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain authorized entities.
Expungement is a more complete form of record erasure, though true expungement is limited in New York State.

Pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law §160.50, records of arrests that did not result in criminal convictions are eligible for sealing. This includes cases that were:

Dismissed
Acquitted at trial
Declined for prosecution
Resolved with a non-criminal disposition

For cases resulting in convictions, the following options may be available:

Sealing under CPL §160.59. Under Criminal Procedure Law §160.59, individuals with no more than two criminal convictions (only one of which can be a felony) may apply to have their records sealed if at least 10 years have passed since their last conviction or release from incarceration.
Youthful Offender adjudication. Individuals who received Youthful Offender status for offenses committed when they were 16-18 years old have their records automatically sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law §720.35.
Marijuana conviction expungement. Under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, certain marijuana-related convictions are automatically expunged.

To pursue record sealing in Tompkins County, individuals should:

Obtain a Certificate of Disposition for each case from the court where the case was handled.
Complete the appropriate application for sealing (forms available from the NYS Unified Court System).
File the application with the court that handled the original case.
Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the application.

For legal assistance with record sealing, individuals may contact:

Tompkins County Assigned Counsel Program
171 East State Street, Suite 119
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-7487
Tompkins County Assigned Counsel

What Happens After Arrest in Tompkins County?

Following an arrest in Tompkins County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:

Booking and Processing. After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a law enforcement facility where they undergo the booking process. This includes:
- Recording personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
- Medical screening
Arraignment. Within 24 hours of arrest (pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law §140.20), arrestees must be brought before a judge for arraignment. During this initial court appearance:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is arranged if needed
- Bail or release decisions are made
- Temporary orders of protection may be issued
Bail Determination. The judge decides whether the defendant will be:
- Released on their own recognizance
- Released under supervision
- Required to post bail
- Remanded to custody without bail
Preliminary Hearing. For felony cases where the defendant is in custody, a preliminary hearing may be held within 120 hours of arrest (or 144 hours if the arrest occurred on a weekend) to determine if sufficient evidence exists to hold the defendant for grand jury action.
Grand Jury Proceedings. Felony cases proceed to a grand jury, which determines whether sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment. This process is conducted in private, pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law Article 190.
Discovery. The prosecution must disclose evidence to the defense, including police reports, witness statements, and other relevant materials, as required by Criminal Procedure Law Article 245.
Plea Negotiations. Many cases are resolved through plea bargaining, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty, often to reduced charges, in exchange for a recommended sentence.
Trial. If the case is not resolved through a plea agreement, it proceeds to trial, where:
- A jury is selected (except in bench trials)
- Evidence is presented
- Witnesses testify
- Arguments are made
- The jury or judge renders a verdict
Sentencing. If convicted, the defendant returns to court for sentencing, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution
- Treatment programs
Appeals. Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to higher courts based on legal errors that may have occurred during the proceedings.

Throughout this process, cases may be handled in various courts depending on the severity of the charges:

Tompkins County Court
320 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 216-6633
Tompkins County Court

Ithaca City Court
118 East Clinton Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 216-6660
Ithaca City Court

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tompkins County?

Arrest records in Tompkins County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives. The primary governing document for records retention is the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which applies to all local government entities in New York State, including law enforcement agencies in Tompkins County.

Under current retention requirements:

Arrest reports and booking information must be retained for a minimum of 5 years after the arrest date, pursuant to Section 1246 of the LGS-1 schedule.
Criminal history files maintained by local law enforcement agencies must be retained for 5 years after the death of the individual or 90 years after the individual's date of birth, whichever is shorter, as specified in Section 1247 of the LGS-1 schedule.
Case investigation records for cases that result in arrests must be maintained for 7 years after the case is closed or the arrest is made, according to Section 1245 of the LGS-1 schedule.
Fingerprint cards and photographs (mugshots) are retained according to the requirements of Executive Law §837(8), which mandates their retention until the individual's death or 90th birthday, whichever comes first, unless legally sealed or expunged.

Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Law enforcement agencies (Sheriff's Office, police departments) maintain arrest reports, booking information, and investigation files.
The District Attorney's Office maintains case files related to prosecutions, which must be retained for 25 years after the case is closed.
The County Clerk's Office maintains court records indefinitely for felony cases and for varying periods for other cases.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the official state repository of criminal history information, including fingerprints and arrest data from all jurisdictions within the state.

It is important to note that even when the minimum retention period has expired, agencies may choose to maintain records for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law §160.50 or other statutory provisions are not destroyed but are removed from public access and maintained separately with restricted access.

How to Find Mugshots in Tompkins County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are images taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Tompkins County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

The arresting law enforcement agency (Tompkins County Sheriff's Office or local police departments)
The Tompkins County Jail for individuals who are detained
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services as part of the state's criminal history repository

Finding Mugshots

Access to mugshots in Tompkins County is governed by the New York State Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6). To request a mugshot, individuals may:

Submit a FOIL request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Requests should include:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Any other identifying information
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1345
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
Specify in the request that you are seeking the booking photograph (mugshot) associated with a specific arrest.

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Tompkins County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online. The New York State Mugshot Law, enacted in 2019, prohibits the release of mugshots unless there is a specific law enforcement purpose, such as seeking the public's assistance in locating a wanted individual.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain a mugshot:

Complete the appropriate FOIL request form, available from the law enforcement agency's website or office.
Submit the request in person, by mail, or electronically if the agency offers that option.
Pay any applicable fees for reproduction of the photograph if the request is approved.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Several important restrictions apply to mugshot access:

Pursuant to Public Officers Law §89-b, law enforcement agencies may withhold mugshots unless disclosure serves a specific law enforcement purpose.
Mugshots associated with sealed cases are not accessible to the public. Cases may be sealed under:
- Criminal Procedure Law §160.50 (cases not resulting in conviction)
- Criminal Procedure Law §160.55 (certain non-criminal dispositions)
- Criminal Procedure Law §160.59 (certain conviction records after 10 years)
Mugshots of youthful offenders (individuals adjudicated under Criminal Procedure Law Article 720) are confidential and not subject to public disclosure.
Commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal may be in violation of General Business Law §380-t, which prohibits such practices.

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