Niagara County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Niagara County
Arrest records in Niagara County are generally considered public information under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The New York State Committee on Open Government has determined that basic arrest information is subject to public disclosure. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and charged with an offense. These records do not constitute proof of guilt.
- Conviction Records: Document the final disposition of a case where an individual has been found guilty of an offense, either through trial or plea.
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, arrest records may be sealed if the case was terminated in favor of the accused (e.g., dismissal, acquittal). In such instances, the records are no longer accessible to the general public.
Law enforcement agencies in Niagara County, including the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records in accordance with state regulations. While basic information about arrests is public, certain details may be withheld if disclosure would:
- Interfere with law enforcement investigations
- Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Reveal confidential source information
- Disclose non-routine criminal investigative techniques or procedures
What's in Niagara County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Niagara County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identification numbers (e.g., state ID, driver's license)
- Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
- Whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant or probable cause
Charge Information:
- Criminal offenses charged
- Statutory citations for each charge
- Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Basis for the warrant
Booking Information:
- 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, release on recognizance)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case/docket numbers
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained, if applicable
- Release date, if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Risk assessment scores
- Probation or parole status
- Immigration detainer information, if applicable
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services may contain additional information not included in local records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Niagara County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Niagara County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Contact the Niagara County Sheriff's Office directly to request arrest record information:
Niagara County Sheriff's Office
5526 Niagara Street Extension
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-3370
Niagara County Sheriff's Office
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Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. FOIL requests must be submitted in writing and should include:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific records being sought
- Time period covered by the request
- As much identifying information as possible about the subject of the records
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Visit the Niagara County Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests:
Niagara County Clerk's Office
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-7022
Niagara County Clerk
- Contact municipal police departments within Niagara County for arrests made by those agencies:
Niagara Falls Police Department
1925 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
(716) 286-4500
Niagara Falls Police Department
- Request records from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for comprehensive criminal history information:
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87, 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 Niagara County Arrest Records Online
Niagara County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. Members of the public may utilize the following electronic methods to search for arrest records:
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Niagara County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates housed in the Niagara County Jail. This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, including:
- Name and booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
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New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup - For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup provides information on current inmates and those released within the past year.
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New York State Unified Court System WebCrims - The WebCrims database allows users to search for pending criminal cases in participating counties, including Niagara County. Users can search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Court and judge
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New York State Sex Offender Registry - Maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services, this online registry provides information about registered sex offenders residing in Niagara County and throughout New York State.
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Niagara County Clerk's Office Records Search - The County Clerk's Office provides online access to court records through their official website. Users can search for:
- Criminal court records
- Civil court records
- Family court records (with restrictions)
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:
- Not all arrest records are available online
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Complete criminal history information typically requires formal requests
How To Search Niagara County Arrest Records for Free?
Niagara County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment of fees through several public resources. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:
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Niagara County Sheriff's Office Website - The Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate lookup service that displays basic information about individuals currently detained in the county jail. This resource is updated regularly and accessible to the public without charge.
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Public Access Terminals - Computer terminals available at the following locations provide free access to certain public records:
Niagara County Courthouse
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Niagara Falls City Court
1925 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Law Enforcement Agency Websites - Many local police departments in Niagara County post recent arrest information on their official websites or social media pages, including:
- Niagara Falls Police Department
- North Tonawanda Police Department
- Lockport Police Department
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New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision - The DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup provides free information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities.
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Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests - While agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, the initial FOIL request process is free. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), agencies may only charge the actual cost of reproduction.
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Court Calendars and Dockets - Daily court calendars listing scheduled appearances are public documents available at no cost at courthouse locations or through the New York State Unified Court System website.
When utilizing free resources, requestors should note that:
- More comprehensive criminal history information may require payment of statutory fees
- Some records may only be available through formal request processes
- Free resources typically provide basic information rather than complete records
How To Delete Arrest Records in Niagara County
New York State law provides specific mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of certain arrest records under qualifying circumstances. The following information outlines the available processes for limiting public access to arrest records in Niagara County:
Record Sealing vs. Expungement
- Sealing: Restricts public access to records but does not completely destroy them. Sealed records remain accessible to certain government agencies and under specific circumstances.
- Expungement: Complete destruction or deletion of records. New York State law generally provides for sealing rather than true expungement.
Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, arrest records are eligible for sealing when:
- The criminal action terminated in favor of the accused (e.g., acquittal, dismissal)
- The conviction was vacated
- The case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal (ACD) and the adjournment period has concluded
Additionally, pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, individuals with certain criminal convictions may apply for sealing after a 10-year waiting period if they have no subsequent convictions.
Steps to Seal Arrest Records:
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Determine Eligibility: Review the specific provisions of CPL § 160.50 and § 160.59 to determine if the arrest record qualifies for sealing.
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Obtain Certificate of Disposition: Request this document from the court where the case was handled:
Niagara County Court
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-6400
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File a Motion to Seal: For records not automatically sealed, file a formal motion with the court that handled the case. This typically requires:
- Notice of Motion
- Supporting affidavit
- Proposed order
- Certificate of Disposition
- Criminal history report (if applicable)
-
Legal Representation: Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in record sealing. The Niagara County Bar Association can provide referrals:
Niagara County Bar Association
32 Franklin Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-7575
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Court Hearing: In some cases, the court may schedule a hearing to determine whether sealing is appropriate.
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Notification of Agencies: If sealing is granted, the court will notify relevant agencies to seal their records, including:
- Arresting agency
- District Attorney's Office
- New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
- FBI and other federal agencies that received the records
For juvenile records, separate procedures apply under Family Court Act § 375.1-3, which provides for the sealing of certain juvenile delinquency records.
What Happens After Arrest in Niagara County?
Following an arrest in Niagara County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:
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Booking and Processing
- Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a police station or the Niagara County Jail
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, personal information collection, and property inventory
- Arrestees are informed of charges against them
-
Arraignment
- The first court appearance, typically within 24 hours of arrest
- A judge formally reads the charges and advises the defendant of their rights
- Bail or release determinations are made pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 510.10
- For misdemeanors and violations, arraignments occur in local courts:
Niagara Falls City Court
1925 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
(716) 278-8610
Lockport City Court
One Locks Plaza
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-6773
- For felonies, arraignments may occur in local courts initially, with subsequent proceedings in:
Niagara County Court
175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-6400
-
Preliminary Hearing (felony cases only)
- Held within 5-7 days if the defendant is in custody
- Prosecutor must demonstrate sufficient evidence to proceed
- May be waived by the defendant
-
Grand Jury Proceedings (felony cases only)
- Prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury
- Grand jury determines whether to issue an indictment
- Proceedings are confidential under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 190.25
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Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery process where evidence is exchanged between prosecution and defense
- Motions may be filed to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Plea negotiations may occur throughout this phase
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Trial
- Defendants have the right to a jury trial for misdemeanors and felonies
- Bench trials (judge only) are available for violations and by waiver
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
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Sentencing (if convicted)
- Occurs after conviction by plea or trial
- May include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or alternative programs
- Sentencing guidelines are established by New York Penal Law Article 70
-
Appeals
- Defendants have the right to appeal convictions
- Appeals from local courts go to the Niagara County Court
- Appeals from County Court go to the Appellate Division, Fourth Department
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right against self-incrimination, and right to confront witnesses. The Niagara County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to eligible defendants.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Niagara County?
Arrest records in Niagara County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under the authority of Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement and court records.
The Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1 governs records retention for local government agencies in New York State, including those in Niagara County. Under this schedule:
- Arrest Records: Basic arrest information must be retained for a minimum of 5 years after the arrest date.
- Arrest Reports: Detailed reports must be maintained for 5 years after the case is closed or the arrest report is created.
- Booking Records: Information collected during the booking process must be retained for 5 years.
- Criminal History Records: Records of an individual's complete criminal history are typically maintained permanently by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
- Fingerprint Cards: 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.
- Photographs/Mugshots: Must be retained for 5 years after the death of the individual or 90 years after creation, whichever is shorter.
Different retention periods apply to records that have been sealed pursuant to:
- Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 (cases terminated in favor of the accused)
- Criminal Procedure Law § 160.55 (certain non-criminal dispositions)
- Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 (sealing of certain convictions after 10 years)
When records are sealed, they are not destroyed but are removed from public access and maintained separately with restricted access. Law enforcement agencies and courts may still access sealed records under specific circumstances authorized by law.
The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Records retention practices are subject to audit by the New York State Archives to ensure compliance with state regulations.
How to Find Mugshots in Niagara County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs 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 Niagara County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting law enforcement agency, such as:
Niagara County Sheriff's Office
5526 Niagara Street Extension
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-3370
Niagara Falls Police Department
1925 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
(716) 286-4500
- The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains a central repository of mugshots as part of its criminal history record information system.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Niagara County have several potential avenues:
-
Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Requests should:
- Be in writing
- Identify the specific mugshot being requested
- Include as much identifying information as possible (name, date of arrest, etc.)
- Explain the purpose of the request
-
Contact the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Records Division directly:
Sheriff's Office Records Division
5526 Niagara Street Extension
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-3370
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
The availability of mugshots online through official government sources in Niagara County is limited. Unlike some jurisdictions, Niagara County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots on their websites. However:
- Some recent arrest information, occasionally including mugshots, may be posted on law enforcement agency social media accounts for public safety purposes
- Third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests, though the accuracy and currency of such information cannot be guaranteed
- News media organizations may publish mugshots related to newsworthy arrests
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal FOIL request. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87, agencies must respond to requests within five business days. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for reproduction costs.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Mugshots associated with sealed records under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 are not publicly accessible
- Juvenile mugshots are generally confidential under Family Court Act provisions
- Agencies may withhold mugshots if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or interfere with an ongoing investigation
- New York State's Mugshot Law prohibits websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
When requesting mugshots, individuals should be aware that these photographs document an arrest, not a conviction, and all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.