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Kings County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kings County

Arrest records in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York are generally considered public records under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Article 6 (Sections 84-90) of the New York State Public Officers Law. This law establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests, with certain exceptions and limitations.

Pursuant to § 87 of the Public Officers Law, each agency shall make available for public inspection and copying all records, except those specifically exempted. However, it is important to note that while arrest records are generally public, access may be restricted in certain circumstances as outlined in § 87(2) of the Public Officers Law, which provides exemptions for records that:

  • Would interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings
  • Would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
  • Would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  • Could endanger the life or safety of any person

It is essential to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through a legal proceeding. Under New York law, an arrest without a subsequent conviction should not be used to deny employment, licensing, or other civil rights.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the official criminal history records for the state, including those from Kings County. These records include arrests that resulted in fingerprinting, as required by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10.

What's in Kings County Arrest Records

Kings County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies operating within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Address at time of arrest
  • New York State Identification (NYSID) number
  • Fingerprint classification

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency (NYPD precinct or other law enforcement entity)
  • Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
  • Circumstances leading to arrest
  • Whether arrest was pursuant to warrant or probable cause

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed (including statute numbers)
  • Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
  • Description of alleged criminal activity
  • Complaint number or docket number

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date of issuance
  • Judge who signed the warrant
  • Information about arrest warrants can be obtained through the Criminal Court's information line

Booking Information:

  • Booking number
  • Date and time of booking
  • Facility where booking occurred
  • Property inventory
  • Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bail amount set
  • Whether bail was posted
  • Type of bail (cash, bond, etc.)
  • Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction (Kings County Criminal Court or Supreme Court)
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Case disposition (if resolved)
  • Sentence information (if convicted)

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility where detained (if in custody)
  • Expected release date (if sentenced)
  • Incarcerated person location can be verified through NYC Department of Correction

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history in Kings County
  • Probation or parole status at time of arrest
  • Immigration detainer information (if applicable)
  • Special custody considerations
  • Victim information (may be redacted in public versions)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency, the nature of the offense, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Some information may be redacted or withheld from public disclosure pursuant to exemptions under the Freedom of Information Law or other applicable statutes.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kings County in 2026

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

  1. Submit a FOIL Request to the NYPD

    The New York Police Department maintains arrest records for Kings County and accepts FOIL requests through several methods:

    • Online: Submit through the NYC OpenRecords portal
    • Email: Send request to foil@nypd.org
    • Mail: Direct written requests to:

    NYPD Records Access Officer
    One Police Plaza, Room 110C
    New York, NY 10038
    (646) 610-5296
    NYPD FOIL Unit

    Requests should include:

    • Requestor's name and contact information
    • Specific information sought (date of arrest, name of arrestee, etc.)
    • Preferred format for receiving records
    • Relationship to the subject of the records (if applicable)

  2. Visit the NYPD Criminal Records Section

    For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

    NYPD Criminal Records Section
    One Police Plaza, Room 300
    New York, NY 10038
    (646) 610-5000
    NYPD Record Requests

    Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (excluding holidays)

    Required documentation:

    • Government-issued photo ID
    • Completed request form (available on-site)
    • Payment for applicable fees ($25 for most record searches)

  3. Contact Kings County District Attorney's Office

    For information about prosecuted cases:

    Kings County District Attorney's Office
    350 Jay Street
    Brooklyn, NY 11201
    (718) 250-2000
    Kings County District Attorney

    Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  4. Access Kings County Criminal Court Records

    For court records related to arrests:

    Kings County Criminal Court
    120 Schermerhorn Street
    Brooklyn, NY 11201
    (347) 404-9400
    New York State Unified Court System

    Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Pursuant to New York 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 Kings County Arrest Records Online

Kings County arrest records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by government agencies. The following digital resources are available to the public:

  1. WebCriminal - New York State Unified Court System

    The WebCriminal database provides access to pending criminal cases in Kings County courts:

    • Navigate to the NYS Unified Court System website
    • Select "WebCriminal" from the eCourts section
    • Choose "Kings County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
    • Search by defendant name or case number
    • Note: This system only shows pending cases, not historical arrest records

  2. NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup

    For individuals currently in custody following an arrest:

    • Visit the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup portal
    • Enter the individual's name or NYSID number
    • System will display current custody status and facility information
    • Note: This only provides information on currently incarcerated individuals

  3. New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

    For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison following conviction:

    • Access the Incarcerated Lookup database
    • Enter name or DIN (Department Identification Number)
    • System provides current status and location of incarcerated individuals
    • Note: This only includes individuals sentenced to state custody

  4. NYC Open Data Portal

    For aggregate arrest data (not individual records):

    • Visit the NYC Open Data Portal
    • Search for "NYPD Arrest Data"
    • Download or view arrest statistics by precinct, including those in Kings County
    • Note: This provides statistical information, not individual arrest records

  5. E-Courts Action Required

    For attorneys and registered users:

    • Log in to the NYS Courts Electronic Filing system
    • Access case information for Kings County criminal matters
    • View calendars, appearances, and case status
    • Note: Full access requires attorney credentials or party status

When using online systems, users should be aware that:

  • Not all arrest records are available online due to privacy protections
  • Some systems require registration or payment for full access
  • Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
  • Sealed or expunged records will not be accessible through public portals

Online access to criminal justice records is governed by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.40, which establishes parameters for the electronic sharing of criminal history information.

How To Search Kings County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Kings County arrest records without payment through several government resources. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:

  1. NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup System

    This free online database allows searches for currently incarcerated individuals:

    • Access the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup portal
    • Enter the individual's name or booking number
    • System provides custody status, facility location, and next court date
    • No registration or payment required

  2. Kings County Criminal Court Calendar

    Daily court calendars are publicly available at no cost:

    • Visit the Kings County Criminal Court building at 120 Schermerhorn Street
    • Check the public access terminals in the lobby
    • View daily arraignment and appearance schedules
    • Calendars list defendant names and case numbers for scheduled appearances

  3. Public Access Law Library Terminals

    The Kings County Supreme Court Law Library offers free access to court records:

    Kings County Supreme Court Law Library
    360 Adams Street, Room 349
    Brooklyn, NY 11201
    (347) 296-1144

    Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

    • Use public access terminals to search court cases
    • Library staff can provide assistance with searches
    • Print copies may incur nominal fees

  4. FOIL Requests for Specific Records

    Initial FOIL requests do not require payment:

    • Submit a written FOIL request to the NYPD Records Access Officer
    • Clearly identify the specific records sought
    • Initial request processing is free
    • Fees may apply only for copying or extensive searches

  5. Criminal Justice Agency Statistics

    Aggregate arrest data is available at no cost:

    • Access the NY Division of Criminal Justice Services website
    • View statistical reports on arrests in Kings County
    • Download PDF reports with arrest trends and demographics
    • Data is anonymized and does not contain individual arrest records

  6. Brooklyn Public Library Resources

    Several Brooklyn Public Library branches offer free access to legal databases:

    Brooklyn Public Library - Central Library
    10 Grand Army Plaza
    Brooklyn, NY 11238
    (718) 230-2100

    Hours: Vary by location, generally 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays

    • Access legal research databases with library card
    • Use public computers to search court records
    • Reference librarians can assist with navigating resources

When utilizing free resources, requestors should note that:

  • Free services may provide limited information compared to paid searches
  • Response times may be longer for free record requests
  • Some records may require in-person visits to view without charge
  • Certified copies of records typically require payment of statutory fees

Access to free public records is supported by New York's Freedom of Information Law, which states in § 87(1)(b)(iii) that agencies may charge fees only for the actual cost of reproduction.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Kings County

In Kings County, as throughout New York State, arrest records cannot be "deleted" in the literal sense, but they may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The following legal mechanisms are available:

Record Sealing Under CPL § 160.59

New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 allows for the sealing of certain criminal convictions:

  • Eligible offenses: Up to two misdemeanor convictions, or one felony and one misdemeanor
  • Waiting period: At least 10 years must have passed since the sentence or release from incarceration
  • Exclusions: Sex offenses, violent felonies, and certain other serious crimes are ineligible
  • Process:
    1. File a motion with the court where the conviction occurred
    2. Submit fingerprints for a criminal history review
    3. Notify the District Attorney, who may oppose the application
    4. Court hearing may be scheduled
    5. Judge determines whether to grant sealing

Automatic Sealing Under CPL § 160.50

When a criminal case results in a favorable disposition (dismissal, acquittal, etc.), records are eligible for automatic sealing under § 160.50:

  • Eligible cases: Acquittals, dismissals, declined prosecutions, certain non-criminal dispositions
  • Process:
    1. Court issues sealing order upon favorable disposition
    2. Order sent to NYPD, District Attorney, and NY Division of Criminal Justice Services
    3. Fingerprints, photographs, and arrest records sealed from public view
    4. Records remain available to law enforcement and certain agencies

Marijuana Conviction Expungement

Pursuant to the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA):

  • Automatic expungement for certain marijuana convictions
  • No application required for eligible cases
  • Process:
    1. Office of Court Administration identifies eligible convictions
    2. Records automatically suppressed from public view
    3. Notification sent to affected individuals when available

Youthful Offender Adjudication

For eligible defendants who were 16-18 years old at the time of arrest:

  • Records are automatically sealed if granted Youthful Offender status
  • Not considered a criminal conviction for most purposes
  • Process is handled during the original court proceedings

To initiate a sealing application, individuals should:

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Disposition from:

Kings County Criminal Court Clerk's Office
120 Schermerhorn Street, Room 101
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 404-9400

  1. Complete a sealing application (available from court or legal aid)

  2. Submit application to:

Kings County Supreme Court
320 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 296-1000

It is important to note that even when records are sealed:

  • They remain accessible to law enforcement agencies
  • They may be considered in future criminal proceedings
  • Certain licensing and employment contexts may still have access
  • Federal immigration authorities may still have access to the information

Legal assistance for record sealing is available through:

Brooklyn Defender Services
177 Livingston Street, 7th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 254-0700

What Happens After Arrest in Kings County?

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

1. Booking and Processing

After physical arrest, the individual is transported to the local NYPD precinct where:

  • Personal information is recorded
  • Fingerprints and photographs are taken
  • Criminal history is checked
  • Property is inventoried and secured
  • Medical screening may be conducted

2. Central Booking

The arrestee is transferred to Central Booking at:

Kings County Central Booking
120 Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Here, the following occurs:

  • Case is assigned a docket number
  • Fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the Division of Criminal Justice Services
  • Rap sheet is generated showing prior criminal history
  • Defendant is interviewed by a representative from the Criminal Justice Agency for bail recommendation

3. Arraignment

Within approximately 24 hours of arrest, the defendant appears before a judge at:

Kings County Criminal Court - Arraignment Part
120 Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

During arraignment:

  • Charges are formally read
  • Defendant enters initial plea (typically not guilty)
  • Bail is set or defendant is released on recognizance
  • Temporary orders of protection may be issued
  • Next court date is scheduled

4. Case Processing

Depending on the severity of charges:

For misdemeanors:

  • Case remains in Criminal Court
  • May proceed to hearings and trial
  • Typically resolved within 90-180 days

For felonies:

  • Case begins in Criminal Court
  • District Attorney presents evidence to Grand Jury
  • If indicted, case transfers to Supreme Court
  • Pre-trial hearings address evidence and procedure
  • Case may proceed to trial or plea negotiation

5. Possible Dispositions

Cases may conclude through various means:

  • Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues
  • Plea agreement: Defendant pleads guilty, often to reduced charges
  • Trial verdict: Determination of guilt or innocence by judge or jury
  • Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD): Case is paused and dismissed after 6-12 months if conditions are met
  • Diversion: Defendant completes treatment or program instead of traditional prosecution

6. Sentencing (if convicted)

Sentencing options may include:

  • Incarceration in city jail or state prison
  • Probation supervision
  • Conditional discharge with specific requirements
  • Fines and restitution
  • Community service
  • Treatment programs

7. Post-Conviction

After case conclusion:

  • Appeal rights are explained
  • Incarcerated individuals are transferred to appropriate facility
  • Probationers report to:

Kings County Department of Probation
345 Adams Street, 8th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 802-4201

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. Those who cannot afford an attorney may be represented by:

Brooklyn Defender Services
177 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 254-0700

or

Legal Aid Society - Brooklyn Office
111 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 722-3100

The entire process is governed by the New York Criminal Procedure Law, which establishes timeframes, procedures, and rights for all parties involved.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kings County?

Arrest records in Kings County are maintained according to New York State's records retention policies, which establish different retention periods based on record type and disposition. These retention schedules are governed by New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.05, which authorizes the Commissioner of Education to develop records retention schedules for local governments.

NYPD Arrest Records Retention

The New York Police Department maintains arrest records according to the following schedule:

  • Arrest reports (general): Minimum 10 years after case closure
  • Felony arrest records: Minimum 25 years after case closure
  • Homicide and sex offense arrests: Permanent retention
  • Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 21, unless sealed earlier
  • Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention by DCJS, unless sealed or expunged

Court Records Retention

The New York State Unified Court System maintains court records related to arrests according to the following schedule:

  • Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 6 years after case disposition
  • Felony case files: Minimum 25 years after case disposition
  • Homicide case files: Permanent retention
  • Sealed case records: Maintained but not publicly accessible
  • Court calendars and indices: Minimum 10 years

Department of Correction Records

For individuals who were detained following arrest:

  • Inmate files: Minimum 7 years after release from custody
  • Booking information: Minimum 7 years after release
  • Visitor logs: Minimum 3 years

District Attorney's Office Records

The Kings County District Attorney's Office maintains:

  • Case files for prosecuted cases: Minimum 25 years for felonies, 10 years for misdemeanors
  • Declined prosecution files: Minimum 5 years
  • Grand jury records: Sealed by law, maintained permanently

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic records are increasingly maintained for longer periods or permanently. Additionally, even when original records are destroyed pursuant to retention schedules, summary information may be maintained in databases indefinitely.

The retention of criminal justice records serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
  • Maintains information for law enforcement investigations
  • Provides statistical data for criminal justice planning
  • Ensures accountability of the criminal justice system
  • Supports background checks authorized by law

Individuals seeking information about specific records should contact:

NYPD Records Access Officer
One Police Plaza, Room 110C
New York, NY 10038
(646) 610-5296

Records retention practices are subject to change based on legislative updates, administrative policies, and technological capabilities. The New York State Archives maintains current records retention schedules for all government agencies in the state.

How to Find Mugshots in Kings County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. In Kings County, these photographs typically include:

  • Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
  • Side profile (lateral) view of the arrestee
  • Identification information displayed on a placard or digitally embedded
  • Date of booking
  • Arresting agency information

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Kings County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

  1. The New York Police Department (NYPD) - for arrests made by NYPD officers
  2. The NYC Department of Correction - for individuals held in custody
  3. The Kings County District Attorney's Office - as part of case files

These photographs are stored in both digital databases and, historically, in physical files. They are considered law enforcement records and their release is governed by the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and departmental policies.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain booking photographs from Kings County law enforcement agencies, individuals may:

  1. Submit a FOIL request to the NYPD Records Access Officer:

NYPD Records Access Officer
One Police Plaza, Room 110C
New York, NY 10038
(646) 610-5296

The request should include:

  • Full name of the arrested individual
  • Date of birth (if known)
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • Arrest number or complaint number (if known)
  • Requestor's contact information
  • Relationship to the subject (if applicable)
  1. For individuals currently in custody, contact:

NYC Department of Correction
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718) 546-1500

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, New York City agencies, including those in Kings County, do not maintain public online databases of mugshots. This policy is consistent with New York Executive Law § 837-c, which restricts the disclosure of booking photographs by law enforcement agencies.

In 2019, New York State amended the Freedom of Information Law to specifically address mugshots, adding a presumption against their release unless there is a specific law enforcement purpose. This change was codified in Public Officers Law § 89(2)(b).

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

Official channels for obtaining mugshots include:

  1. Criminal defense attorneys may obtain mugshots through discovery in criminal proceedings
  2. Media organizations may request mugshots through FOIL for specific newsworthy cases
  3. Researchers may request anonymized or historical mugshots for academic purposes with appropriate institutional review

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Kings County is restricted by several legal provisions:

  • Public Officers Law § 87(2)(b) - permits agencies to withhold records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  • Public Officers Law § 89(2)(b) - creates a presumption against the release of booking photographs
  • Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 - requires sealing of photographs when cases result in favorable dispositions
  • Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35 - protects photographs of youthful offenders

These restrictions reflect New York State's policy balance between public information access and privacy protections for individuals who have been arrested but not necessarily convicted of crimes.

Lookup Arrest Records in Kings County

P.I.C Lookup

Arrest Warrant Information

Criminal Justice Statistics

Incarcerated Person Lookup

Incarcerated Person Location and Information

NYPD Record Requests

NYPD FOIL Requests

Police Report Information

Criminal History Records and Background Checks

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

Freedom of Information Law Guide

Public Officers Law Article 6

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