Erie County Public Records / Erie County Arrest Records

Erie County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Erie County in 2026

ErieCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Erie County, New York. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, and court case data through official government sources. The following record categories are accessible through various channels:

Arrest and booking records
Inmate roster and custody status
Court case filings linked to arrests
Criminal history summaries
Mugshot and bond information

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The Erie County Sheriff's Office, the Erie County Clerk of Courts, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services each maintain separate but complementary databases. Members of the public are encouraged to use the methods outlined below to locate arrest-related information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Erie County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that is updated regularly and made available to the public. The roster includes each detainee's name, date of birth, booking date, facility assignment, and booking number. Members of the public may access the Erie County Sheriff's Office inmate roster directly through the Sheriff's official website. The roster reflects real-time custody status and is refreshed on a daily basis.

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipal police departments within Erie County maintain their own arrest logs and press release archives. The Buffalo Police Department publishes arrest-related press releases through its official communications office. The Cheektowaga Police Department and the Amherst Police Department similarly release arrest information through public affairs channels. Members of the public may contact each department's records division directly to request copies of arrest logs.

Buffalo Police Department
74 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 851-4444
Buffalo Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Erie County Clerk. Members of the public may search criminal case records by defendant name through the New York State Courts e-filing system and the eCourts public access portal. Court case records include arraignment dates, charge descriptions, and case disposition information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record review through the DCJS criminal history record search portal. A processing fee applies to non-fingerprint-based name searches. Fingerprint-based searches, which yield more comprehensive results, are available to authorized agencies and individuals with a statutory right of access.

In-Person Access:

Erie County Sheriff's Office — Records Division
10 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-7608
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Erie County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copies of records are subject to applicable fees.

Police Departments:

Cheektowaga Police Department
3 Harlem Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Phone: (716) 686-3500
Cheektowaga Police Department

Amherst Police Department
500 John James Audubon Parkway
Amherst, NY 14228
Phone: (716) 689-1311
Amherst Police Department

Clerk of Court:

Erie County Clerk's Office
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-8865
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Erie County Clerk

The criminal records division maintains case files that correspond to arrest records. Members of the public may inspect case files at the public access terminals located within the Clerk's office. Certified copies are available for a fee.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Erie County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 10 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. Each request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time for mailed requests is approximately 5–10 business days.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office Records Division may be reached at (716) 858-7608 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries yield limited information; callers are advised to have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Staff may direct callers to the online inmate roster or to submit a written request for detailed records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. In active criminal proceedings, defense counsel may obtain arrest records through the discovery process governed by New York Criminal Procedure Law.

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 municipality or agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Erie County

Arrest records in Erie County are public records under New York's Freedom of Information Law, codified at N.Y. Pub. Off. Law § 87, which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. The Erie County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments are required to make arrest records available upon request, subject to limited statutory exceptions.

Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, journalistic investigation, academic research, background screening, and legal proceedings. As the New York Committee on Open Government has stated, "The Freedom of Information Law is based upon a presumption of access. Blanket denials of access are contrary to the intent of the law."

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current 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 arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records pursuant to N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.50 (records sealed upon acquittal or dismissal)
Active investigation information that would endanger a person or impede an investigation
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 the balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record, which reflects an accusation, and a conviction record, which reflects an adjudicated finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
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 (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. New York State law further restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction. New York's Human Rights Law prohibits employers from denying employment based solely on an arrest record that did not result in a conviction, reflecting the legal distinction between an arrest and a finding of guilt.

What's in Erie 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/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks (scars, 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 (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, State Police, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information (if applicable)

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation (if applicable)

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public 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, or no bond)
Release date and time (if released)
Release conditions (if public)

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment (if available at time of record)

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
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 more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate FOIL requests
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including court and law enforcement databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Erie County varies by agency and record type. Under New York's Freedom of Information Law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of reproduction. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:

Record Type	Fee
Photocopies (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copies	$5.00 per document (Erie County Clerk)
Electronic records (where available)	No charge in many cases
Inmate roster (online)	Free
Court case search (online)	Free
DCJS name-based criminal history	$65.00 (state fee)

Accepted payment methods at the Erie County Sheriff's Office Records Division include cash, money order, and certified check. The Erie County Clerk's Office accepts cash, check, and credit card for copy fees. Online access to the inmate roster and court case search portals is provided at no charge.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, such as by journalists or nonprofit organizations, pursuant to the provisions of N.Y. Pub. Off. Law § 87. Requesters seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation with their records request.

Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Erie County Clerk's office or the Sheriff's Records Division without charge; fees apply only to copies.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Erie County

Under New York law, arrest records may be sealed or, in limited circumstances, expunged. Sealing restricts public access to a record while preserving it within law enforcement systems; expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record. The distinction is significant: sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies, while expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes.

Sealing Under CPL § 160.50:

New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 provides for the automatic sealing of arrest records when a criminal action is terminated in favor of the accused — including dismissals, acquittals, and adjournments in contemplation of dismissal. Upon sealing, the record is not available to the public, and the individual may lawfully state that no such arrest occurred in most contexts.

Sealing of Certain Convictions Under CPL § 160.59:

New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 permits individuals with up to two convictions (no more than one felony) to petition for sealing after a ten-year waiting period following the later of sentencing or release from incarceration. Certain serious offenses, including sex offenses and violent felonies, are ineligible. The petition is filed with the court of conviction.

Steps to Petition for Sealing:

Confirm eligibility based on the nature of the conviction and the waiting period
Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the New York State DCJS
Complete the petition form available through the New York State Unified Court System
File the petition with the court of conviction along with supporting documentation
Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office
Attend the hearing if scheduled by the court

Marijuana Conviction Expungement:

The Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, enacted in 2021, provides for the automatic expungement of certain prior marijuana convictions in New York. Individuals with eligible convictions do not need to file a petition; the Office of Court Administration processes these expungements automatically.

Erie County District Attorney's Office
25 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-2424
Erie County District Attorney

Erie County Public Defender's Office
69 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1010
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-3400
Erie County Public Defender

What Happens After Arrest in Erie County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Erie County, the arrested individual is transported to the Erie County Correctional Facility (ECCF) or the Erie County Holding Center (ECHC), both operated by the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

Erie County Holding Center
40 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-7600
Erie County Sheriff's Office

Erie County Correctional Facility
11581 Walden Avenue
Alden, NY 14004
Phone: (716) 858-7600
Erie County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the arrested individual undergoes a standardized intake process that typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously given)
Mugshot photograph
Fingerprint collection
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventory and storage
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under New York law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in most cases within 24 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:

The court formally notifies the defendant of the charges
The right to counsel is confirmed, and a public defender is assigned if the defendant is indigent
Bond or bail is determined
The defendant is advised of rights

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bail amount is paid in cash to the court. The amount is returned at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bail amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by New York Insurance Law at a maximum of 10% of the bail amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order detention without bail for individuals charged with serious violent offenses, those deemed a flight risk or danger to the community, individuals on probation or parole, or those subject to immigration holds.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bail is posted, the release process typically takes one to eight hours. The released individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Individuals who do not post bail remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to facility rules and procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender: Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Erie County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income. The Public Defender's Office is located at 69 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1010, Buffalo, NY 14202, and may be reached at (716) 858-3400.

Private Attorney: Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Erie County District Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The options available to the prosecutor include filing an information or seeking a grand jury indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas in New York are guilty, not guilty, and, in limited circumstances, no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery. Pretrial motions — including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges — are filed and argued. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement at any point prior to verdict.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible for sealing under CPL § 160.50.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing follows.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Typical Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to weeks
Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor)	1–6 months
Arraignment to resolution (felony)	6–18 months or longer

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Erie County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
10 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-7608
Inmate Information: (716) 858-7600
Erie County Sheriff's Office

Erie County Clerk's Office
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-8865
Erie County Clerk

Erie County District Attorney's Office
25 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-2424
Erie County District Attorney

Erie County Public Defender's Office
69 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1010
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-3400
Erie County Public Defender

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Erie County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Erie County is governed by New York State law and the records retention schedules established by the New York State Archives. Under the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain arrest records for specified minimum periods depending on the nature of the offense and the outcome of the case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, and the New York State DCJS criminal history repository
Accessible to law enforcement nationwide through the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of several years per state retention schedules
Court records retained permanently in electronic form

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum period before potential destruction
Court records often retained permanently in electronic systems
Records may remain in databases unless sealed pursuant to CPL § 160.50 or expunged

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records often retained permanently
Law enforcement records subject to state retention schedules
Eligible for sealing upon application

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum period
May be eligible for earlier removal upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per state schedule
Photographs retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Records management systems often retain data permanently
Court electronic records are maintained indefinitely
Mugshot databases vary by agency policy

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but third-party sites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement or sealing

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports: Retained per New York State Archives schedule
Investigative files: Retained based on case outcome and offense classification
Contact: (716) 858-7608

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum period per state schedule
Electronic records: Permanent

New York State DCJS:

Maintains the statewide criminal history repository
Retention policy is governed by state law and includes all arrests from jurisdictions statewide
Members of the public may request their own criminal history record through the DCJS criminal history record review process

FBI Database:

The NCIC and III maintain federal records, which are typically permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Retention Outcome
Conviction	Permanent in most databases
Dismissal	Remains unless sealed or expunged
Acquittal	Eligible for sealing; court records often permanent
No charges filed	Shortest retention; may be purged after minimum period
Expungement	Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI may retain with notation

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 prohibits employers from denying employment based solely on an arrest that did not result in a conviction, providing additional protection beyond the federal baseline.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (716) 858-7608 or submit a written FOIL request to the Erie County Sheriff's Office at 10 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.

Lookup Arrest Records in Erie County

Erie County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster