Rochester Arrest Records
Rochester arrest records are kept by the Rochester Police Department and Monroe County agencies. The city runs its own police force, and records go through the department's FOIL portal or can be requested in person at the Public Safety Building. Monroe County courts, the Sheriff's Office, and the DA's office also hold records tied to Rochester arrests. This page covers how to find what you need.
Rochester Quick Facts
Rochester Police Department Records
The Rochester Police Department is the main source for arrest records in the city. For general inquiries or non-emergencies, call 3-1-1 or (585) 428-6720. The main police contact number is (585) 428-7033. For arrest information specifically, call (585) 428-5990.
Crime reports are only given to the victim or the person who filed the report. You need ID to pick up a copy. There may be a fee of $0.25 per page. If you are not the victim or reporting person, you must file a FOIL request. FOIL requests can be completed online at cityofrochester.gov/FOIL, in person at City Hall, or at Accident Records at the City Public Safety Building. For general FOIL inquiries, call (585) 428-7493.
The City of Rochester Records Access Officer is at City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 202A, Rochester, NY 14614. The phone number is 585-428-7135. The office is open 9 AM to 5 PM. Standard FOIL fees are $0.25 per page, $1.00 per disc, and $6.25 per map.
Criminal History Checks
The Rochester Police Department offers in-person criminal history checks for a $25 fee. To get one, you must complete an application in person and bring two forms of ID. The first must be an official photo ID like a driver license, learner permit, non-driver photo ID, or passport. The second is your social security card.
Payment is accepted by cash, credit card, or money order payable to the City Treasurer. Background checks will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you apply.
If you live out of state, you need a fingerprint card from your local police department. You also need a notarized photocopy of your photo ID and social security card. Call (585) 428-7493 for details on out-of-state requests.
Accident Reports
Copies of accident reports are given to involved parties in person for $0.25 per page. Involved parties can also get copies online at buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com. Insurance companies can use the same site. If you are not an involved party, you need to file a FOIL request.
Fingerprinting Services
The Rochester Police Department provides fingerprinting Monday through Friday, 1 PM to 3 PM. Bring your fingerprint cards if you have them. If not, the department can provide the FBI FD-258 applicant fingerprint form. You also need a photo ID.
The processing fee is $25, payable by cash, credit card, or money order to the City Treasurer. Personal checks are not accepted.
For pistol permit applications, all city residents must be fingerprinted by the RPD. Prints from IdentoGO will not be accepted by the Monroe County Clerk for pistol permits. The pistol permit fingerprinting fee is $125. You can get the application form at monroecounty.gov. To schedule a fingerprint appointment, call the 24-hour line at (585) 428-6702.
Monroe County Court Records
Criminal cases from Rochester are heard in Monroe County courts. You can search pending cases through WebCrims. This free tool shows cases with future court dates. It does not cover closed cases or sealed records.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is at 130 S. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14614. You can submit requests in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM), by phone at (585) 753-4178, or through their website. The Monroe County Jail Bureau is at the same address. Call 585-753-4000 between 9 AM and 12:15 PM or 1:30 PM and 3 PM for info on people currently in custody.
For Monroe County records, contact the Records Access Officer at 204 County Office Building, 39 West Main St., Rochester, NY 14614. Phone is 585-753-1080.
State Criminal History Records
The Division of Criminal Justice Services is the only source for official state criminal history records. DCJS keeps fingerprint-based records. Submit your prints through an IdentoGO location. The fee is $50 to $65, and results arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The NYS Office of Court Administration runs a Criminal History Record Search for $95 per name. This name-based search covers all 62 counties. It only finds exact matches on name and date of birth. Sealed records do not appear.
Anonymous Crime Reporting
To anonymously report criminal activity in Rochester, call (585) 423-9300 or visit roccrimestoppers.com. No one will ask for your name. You may earn a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.
Record Sealing in New York
Dismissals and acquittals are sealed automatically under CPL 160.50. For convictions, CPL 160.59 allows sealing if you have no more than two convictions total (one felony max) and 10 years have passed. The Clean Slate Act (effective November 16, 2024) will auto-seal eligible misdemeanors after 3 years and felonies after 8 years. Sex offenses and Class A felonies are excluded.
Monroe County Information
Rochester is the county seat of Monroe County. The county handles felony trials through the Supreme Court and maintains jail facilities through the Sheriff's Office. For county-level records, visit the Monroe County Clerk's Office at 39 West Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614, or call (585) 753-1600.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
For arrest records from areas near Rochester:
State Search Tools for Arrest Records
The Division of Criminal Justice Services is the only source for official New York State rap sheets. You must submit fingerprints through IdentoGO to get your own record. The cost runs $50 to $65. Results arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. No other agency or third party can provide the official state record. DCJS records are not available through FOIL requests.
The Criminal History Record Search costs $95 and covers all 62 New York counties. It matches on exact name and date of birth only. The DOCCS Inmate Lookup is free and shows people in state prison with live data. For pending cases, WebCrims lets you search as a guest at no cost. The Sex Offender Registry is free and searchable by name, county, or ZIP code.
Under CPL Section 160.50, arrests ending in dismissal or acquittal are sealed automatically. The Clean Slate Act seals eligible misdemeanor convictions after three years and felonies after eight years. Sex offenses and Class A felonies cannot be sealed. Marijuana convictions under Penal Law Sections 221.05 through 221.40 are expunged under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act and will not show on any search.