Rockland County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Rockland County provide a formal account of when law enforcement takes an individual into custody due to suspected criminal activity. Arrests generally become necessary under New York Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) §140.10, which outlines that an officer may arrest someone if they have probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime, are present during the commission of a crime, or if an arrest warrant has been issued. Inmates in Rockland County are typically held at the Rockland County Correctional Facility or other local detention centers, depending on the arrest circumstances.

Following an arrest, suspects are typically booked and processed, meaning their details and the arrest details are documented. It is from this booking process that the arrest records are generated. The information to be documented during booking includes the date and location of arrest, including the time, the arrestee's name, gender, date of birth and identifying physical features, the charges for which the individual is arrested, the bail conditions and requirements, as well as the arresting agency. Also, fingerprints are taken for cross-referencing to find out the criminal record of the arrestee. The mugshot is also documented.

Arrest records in the county are generated by the Rockland County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and other law enforcement agencies. These records are often tied to other public records such as Rockland County Court Records, criminal history files, and investigative records managed by the District Attorney’s office.

Are Arrest Records Public in Rockland County?

In New York, arrest records are considered public under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The act ensures that public records, including arrest documents, are accessible to individuals upon request, subject to certain exemptions. Notably, arrest records may be withheld if releasing them would:

• Interfere with an ongoing investigation (CPL § 160.50)
• Endanger the safety of Individuals involved,
• Reveal the identity of Confidential informants or,
• Disclose sensitive information, such as the identities of Juvenile offenders.

Access to these records may also be restricted if they contain medical information or details that may violate personal privacy laws in compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Rockland County generally contain the following

• Personal details of the arrestee, such as full name, gender, date of birth, and physical description
• Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of arrest
• Booking information, including mugshots, fingerprints, and charges filed against the individual
• Offense information specifying the alleged crime or violation that led to the arrest
• Court details, including any upcoming date or bail conditions a judge sets.

The records do not typically contain sensitive or non-public information, such as the names of the victims and witnesses unless those details are part of the court filing or public testimony.

Rockland County Arrest Statistics

According to recent UCR Data, Rockland County experiences arrests primarily for offenses such as theft, assault, drug-related crimes, and driving under the influence (DUI). For example, in 2022, Rockland County reported over 600 arrests for drug possession. In 2018, the total arrests were 3,443, with misdemeanors and felony arrests taking over 2,000.

Find Rockland County Arrest Records

There are several resources available for individuals seeking to locate arrest records in Rockland County:

• Rockland County Sheriff's Office: This Office maintains arrests and inmate information records. Requests for arrest records may be made via FOIL to the Records Unit.
• New York State Unified Court System, an online platform provides access to court records, which include arrest information linked to criminal cases.
• New York State Department and Community Supervision (DOCCS): Through their inmates Lookup Tool, users may search for individuals who are currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities.
• FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and FBI UCR may also be used to access arrest records at the federal level, although some records may be limited to authorized personnel.

Free Arrest Record Search in Rockland County

Several free resources are available for conducting arrest record searches in Rockland County:

• Rockland County Clerk's Office: Members of the public may make FOIL requests for arrest records, although there may be minimal processing fees
• New York State Court System: Through its free public access terminals, users may search for court cases, which often include associated arrest records.
• Third-party websites also offer free searches, although official government platforms remain the most reliable sources for arrest records.

Rockland County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and criminal records in Rockland County. An arrest record documents an individual's apprehension but does not imply guilt. It simply notes that a person was taken into custody based on suspicion of criminal activity.

On the other hand, a criminal record reflects an individual's formal conviction of crimes and sentencing or punishment resulting from those convictions. Criminal records also include details on parole or probation status and may indicate a history of repeated offenses. Arrest records are usually part of criminal records, but an individual may have an arrest record without having a criminal record if they were acquitted.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In New York, arrests remain on an individual's record unless expunged or sealed. Under CPL §160.50, arrests that do not result in a conviction, such as cases where charges are dropped or the individual is acquitted, may be sealed. Once sealed, the arrest is no longer visible to the general public, but law enforcement and other government agencies may still access the record. Sealed records may also be available to employers in specific industries, such as law enforcement or childcare.

Arrests resulting in convictions remain on a person's criminal record indefinitely unless expunged (though New York rarely allows full expungement). Under CPL § 160.59, certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may be sealed after 10 years if the individual meets specific eligibility requirements.

Expunge Rockland County Arrest Records

Grounds for expungement of arrest records in Rockland County, New York, may occur in some cases, such as when the case involves some Marijuana. Otherwise, the law provides for the Sealing of arrest and Criminal records, which means that although the records still exist, apart from the digital fingerprint, all documents relating to the arrest will be returned to you or destroyed.

The following cases are automatically sealed without the arrestee having to do anything:

• Cases where the arrestee got a good result. By good results, it means that the case was either dismissed or acquitted.
• Juvenile crimes
• Crimes by Youthful Offenders.
• Traffic infractions and violations like trespassing and disorderly conduct are partially sealed.

Felonies and Misdemeanors convictions may be sealed on the following grounds:

• Individuals have been crime free for 10 years and have no more than 2 misdemeanors, one felony and one misdemeanor convictions.
• Individuals have successfully completed a drug treatment program.
• Marijuana Misdemeanors may be expunged and treated as if they never existed, as provided by the law.

Generally, the following persons may access a sealed record.

• The individual (with ID).
• A designate of the individual (with ID).
• Employer where the individual is required to carry a gun.
• Individual parole officers, if arrested in parole or probation
• Prosecutor in case an individual moves for an ACD on a Marijuana charge.
• Law enforcement officers following a request from the court.

Rockland County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual suspected of committing a crime. Under CPL § 120.20, arrest warrants are issued when a judge determines there is sufficient evidence or probable cause to justify the arrest. Arrest warrants are typically issued for individuals who fail to appear in court, have violated probation, or have been identified as suspects in a criminal investigation.

A warrant includes:

• The name of the person to be arrested
• The charges or offenses for which they are sought
• Instructions for law enforcement regarding the arrest
• The signature of the issuing judge or magistrate

Law enforcement officers execute arrests by apprehending the individual and transporting them to a detention facility or jail.

Do Rockland County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Rockland County do not have a specific expiration date. Once issued, they remain active until the individual is arrested or the court withdraws the warrant. However, the urgency with which a warrant is executed may depend on factors such as the severity of the crime. Minor offenses may not prompt immediate action, but warrants for serious felonies or violent crimes are prioritized. Warrants may only be quashed by court order.