Monroe County Public Records / Monroe County Arrest Records

Monroe County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Monroe County in 2026

MonroeNYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Monroe County, New York. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, charge descriptions, bond information, and court case numbers. All information presented reflects data from public sources and may not represent complete or final legal outcomes.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Monroe County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate and booking information accessible to the public. Members of the public may search the Monroe County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup to find individuals currently held at the Monroe County Jail. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The inmate roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current detentions and releases.

2. Local Police Departments

The Rochester Police Department publishes arrest-related press releases and incident information through its official communications channels. Members of the public may access the Rochester Police Department's official website for publicly released arrest information. Monroe County also includes smaller municipal police agencies, including the Brighton Police Department and the Greece Police Department, each of which maintains its own records division for arrest-related inquiries.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in Monroe County. Members of the public may search the New York State Unified Court System's eCourts case search to locate criminal cases by defendant name. Court case records reflect charges filed following an arrest and provide information on case status, scheduled appearances, and dispositions.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the New York State DCJS criminal history record review process. A fee of $95.00 applies for fingerprint-based criminal history record reviews requested by individuals seeking their own records. The state repository includes arrest and disposition information from all jurisdictions within New York State.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office
130 Plymouth Avenue South
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4178
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Records Division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Members of the public must present valid government-issued photo identification
Copy fees apply per page; cash and money orders are accepted

Police Departments:

Rochester Police Department
185 Exchange Boulevard
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 428-7033
Rochester Police Department

Records requests are processed through the Records Bureau
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Standard copy fees apply per page

Clerk of Court:

Monroe County Clerk's Office
39 West Main Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1600
Monroe County Clerk

Criminal records division handles court case file inspection
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Copy fees: $0.65 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional fee
Members of the public may inspect case files at public access terminals on-site

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 130 Plymouth Avenue South, Rochester, NY 14614. Each written request must include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office: (585) 753-4178
Inmate status inquiries may be handled by phone for currently detained individuals
Callers must provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors may be directed to online systems or in-person visits

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access. Records obtained through discovery in criminal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules.

Information Needed for Search:

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

Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County

Arrest records in Monroe County are public records under New York's Freedom of Information Law, codified at New York Public Officers Law § 87, which establishes the right of members of the public to access government records. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, assist in background screening, and serve as evidence in 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
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under New York Family Court Act provisions
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing law enforcement activity
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

New York's public records framework reflects a balance between government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public interest. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

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 Human Rights Law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records in employment contexts. New York's "ban the box" provisions limit when employers may inquire about arrest history. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest without a conviction carries no presumption of guilt.

What's in Monroe County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the New York State Police
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
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
Classification as a felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is 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, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Monroe County Court or Rochester City Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is 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 disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge at public access terminals located at the Monroe County Clerk's Office and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Fees apply when copies are requested.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.65 per page
Certified copies (Clerk's Office)	$5.00 per document plus $0.65 per page
Sheriff's Office copies	Varies; contact office for current schedule
State criminal history record review (DCJS)	$95.00 per request (fingerprint-based)
Electronic records (where available)	No additional fee in most cases

Search fees are not separately charged for standard public records requests under New York Public Officers Law § 87
Accepted payment methods at the Monroe County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or qualifying nonprofit organizations upon written request
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost; fees apply only to copies

How To Delete Arrest Records in Monroe County

Under New York law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are sealing and expungement. These are distinct remedies. Sealing restricts public access to a record while the record continues to exist within law enforcement systems. Expungement results in the destruction or permanent removal of the record. New York law provides for both remedies under specific circumstances.

Sealing Under CPL § 160.59:

New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 permits eligible individuals to apply to seal up to two criminal convictions, of which no more than one may be a felony. Eligibility requires that at least ten years have elapsed since the later of the date of sentencing or release from incarceration. Certain serious offenses, including sex offenses and violent felonies, are not eligible for sealing. Upon sealing, the record is not accessible to the general public but remains available to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Expungement of Marijuana Arrests:

New York's Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act provides for the automatic expungement of certain marijuana-related arrest and conviction records. Individuals with eligible records do not need to file a petition; expungement occurs automatically under the statute.

Sealing of Dismissed and Acquitted Cases:

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that result in dismissal, acquittal, or a finding of no probable cause are automatically sealed. These records are not accessible to the general public following the triggering disposition.

Steps to Petition for Sealing:

Confirm eligibility under CPL § 160.59 by reviewing the nature and number of convictions and the time elapsed since sentencing
Obtain certified copies of all relevant court records from the Monroe County Clerk's Office
Complete the petition for sealing and file it with the court in which the conviction was entered
Serve copies of the petition on the Monroe County District Attorney's Office
Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition
If granted, the court issues a sealing order to all relevant agencies

Contact Information for Sealing and Expungement:

Monroe County Clerk's Office
39 West Main Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1600
Monroe County Clerk

Monroe County District Attorney's Office
47 South Fitzhugh Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4780
Monroe County District Attorney

Monroe County Public Defender's Office
10 North Fitzhugh Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4210
Monroe County Public Defender

What Happens After Arrest in Monroe County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Monroe County, the arrested individual is transported to the Monroe County Jail located at 130 Plymouth Avenue South, Rochester, NY 14614. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the arresting agency. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Monroe County Jail, the booking process begins. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical screening is conducted
A brief mental health screening is administered
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under New York law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay, and arraignment must occur within 24 hours of arrest for individuals held in custody. The first appearance serves the following purposes:

Formal notification of charges
Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
Bond and bail determination
Advisement of constitutional rights

Appearances may be conducted via video conference in certain circumstances. Court schedules are available through the New York State Unified Court System.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
The amount is set by a judge or magistrate at arraignment or pursuant to a bail schedule

Surety Bond:

The defendant or family engages a licensed bail bondsman
A non-refundable premium of approximately 10% of the bond amount is paid to the bondsman
The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond/ROR):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk

No Bond (Remand):

The individual is held without the possibility of bail
Grounds for remand include serious violent offenses, a determination that the individual poses a danger to the community, a significant flight risk, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision by the Monroe County Pretrial Services unit

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing time following bond payment is typically one to eight hours
Personal property is returned upon release
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear at any court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Monroe County Jail
A housing assignment is made
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to representation by the Monroe County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is determined based on income at the time of arraignment.

Monroe County Public Defender's Office
10 North Fitzhugh Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4210
Monroe County Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Monroe County Bar Association provides attorney referral services. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Monroe County Jail during designated visitation hours, and all attorney-client consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Monroe County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days of the arrest. The District Attorney may file formal charges by information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at arrest.

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in New York may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A finding of probable cause results in an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read, and the defendant enters a plea. Available pleas in New York include not guilty, guilty, and, in certain circumstances, no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and video or audio recordings. New York's discovery rules, substantially revised in recent years, require early and broad disclosure by the prosecution.

Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions related to discovery compliance. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Plea Negotiations may result in an offer of reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept a plea agreement or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dismissed for insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. Following dismissal, the record is automatically sealed under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in Monroe County's pretrial diversion programs, including drug court, mental health court, and 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 may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty results in a sentencing hearing; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release and automatic sealing of the arrest record.

Sentencing (if Convicted):

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

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours for individuals held in custody
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely based on charge severity and court scheduling
Misdemeanors: Typically resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: Typically resolved within several months to over a year
New York's constitutional speedy trial provisions require that the prosecution be ready for trial within specified timeframes based on the severity of the charges

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
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:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
130 Plymouth Avenue South
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4178
Inmate Information: (585) 753-4500
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Monroe County Clerk's Office
39 West Main Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1600
Monroe County Clerk

Monroe County District Attorney's Office
47 South Fitzhugh Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4780
Monroe County District Attorney

Monroe County Public Defender's Office
10 North Fitzhugh Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4210
Monroe County Public Defender

Monroe County Pretrial Services
47 South Fitzhugh Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4780
Monroe County Government

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 declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney, including cellmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Monroe County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Monroe 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 local government records retention schedule, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the outcome of the case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention is permanent across all relevant agencies
Records are maintained indefinitely by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Monroe County Clerk's Office, the New York State DCJS repository, and the FBI's national databases

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum period specified in the state retention schedule, with many agencies retaining records permanently
Court records are retained permanently in electronic form
The state repository retains records indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of several years, subject to the applicable retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently in electronic systems
Records are automatically sealed under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 following dismissal but may remain in law enforcement databases unless expunged

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records subject to the applicable retention schedule
Court records are often retained permanently in electronic form
Records are automatically sealed following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods
Records may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires
Individuals may petition for removal in appropriate cases

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained for the minimum period specified in the state retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the applicable minimum period
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the evidence

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum period specified by the state schedule
Records management systems often retain data permanently
Court electronic records are generally retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement or sealing
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the New York State Archives retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and charge severity
Contact: (585) 753-4178

Rochester Police Department and Municipal Departments:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable state schedule
Retention periods may vary slightly by department
Contact the Rochester Police Department Records Bureau at (585) 428-7033

Monroe County Clerk's Office:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for the period specified in the state retention schedule
Electronic records are generally retained permanently
Contact: (585) 753-1600

New York State Repository (DCJS):

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the state's criminal history repository and retains arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions within the state
Retention policy is governed by state law and DCJS administrative rules
Members of the public may access information about the state repository through the New York State DCJS

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention is typically permanent
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged or sealed. Dismissed charges are often not reported on standard background checks but may appear in raw database searches.

Expungement: Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level. The state repository updates its records. The FBI database may retain a notation. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies.

No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable period expires.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Monroe County Sheriff's inmate lookup and court case search systems
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division or the Monroe County Clerk's Office
A retrieval fee may apply
Processing time is longer for archived records

Very Old Arrests:

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form in archives
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (585) 753-4178 for information about specific historical records

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act cover a period of seven years for most positions, though convictions may be reported indefinitely
New York State law imposes additional restrictions on the reporting and use of non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions
New York's fair chance hiring provisions limit when and how employers may consider arrest history
Arrests without convictions may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in many circumstances

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (585) 753-4178 or submit a written public records request to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 130 Plymouth Avenue South, Rochester, NY 14614. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.