Find Tompkins County Arrest Records
Tompkins County arrest records are managed by the Sheriff's Office Civil Division, which serves as the central repository for all police reports. The county seat is Ithaca, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College. If you need to check on a booking, look up a case, or request records through FOIL, this page lays out each agency and what they can do for you.
Tompkins County Overview
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office Records
The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office is at 779 Warren Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. The records phone number is (607) 257-1345. The Civil Division phone is (607) 274-4486. The Civil Division is the central repository for all police reports and related records. The Lieutenant oversees the division and records administration.
Records held by the Civil Division include incident reports, traffic accidents, arrest records, criminal process, and all written information generated as part of police investigations. The office uses the Spillman Records Management System. FOIL requests are processed in consultation with the County Attorney's Office. The office maintains participation in the National Incident Base Report and Uniform Crime Report systems.
To request records, complete the county's FOIL request form. Give the name of the person, the approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information. Under Public Officers Law section 89(3), agencies must respond within five business days by either providing records, denying access with reasons, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date for fulfillment.
Copy fees are $0.25 per page under Public Officers Law section 87. For emergencies, call 911.
Court Records in Tompkins County
The Tompkins County Clerk is at 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. Call (607) 274-5431. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Clerk maintains court records and provides public access terminals during regular business hours. The office processes requests for criminal records, civil records, and certificates of disposition.
Name searches can be done using the online search portal by selecting "Case Name" as the search type. In-person requests require a records request form and proper identification. Copy fees are $0.25 per page. The office handles records for Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, and Surrogate's Court matters.
The Tompkins County Court is at 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. Phone is (607) 216-6600. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The court handles felony criminal prosecutions and major civil cases. Certificates of disposition can be obtained by contacting the court clerk with case information.
The Office of Court Administration runs a statewide Criminal History Record Search for $95 per name. You can also check WebCrims for pending criminal cases with future court dates. Guest access is free. The court participates in the eCourt system for online case lookup.
Tompkins County District Attorney
The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office is at 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. Phone is (607) 274-5471. The DA prosecutes all felony crimes and select misdemeanors in the county. The office includes specialized units for domestic violence, sex crimes, and drug offenses.
Victim services are available to help victims through the prosecution process. The office works with the Sheriff's Office, Cornell University Police, Ithaca Police, and other municipal agencies. Case information can be obtained by contacting the office during regular business hours with appropriate case details.
State Resources for Tompkins County Records
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is the only source of official state criminal history records. DCJS keeps fingerprint-based records. You cannot get your own rap sheet without submitting fingerprints through an authorized IdentoGO location. The fee is between $50 and $65. Results come by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Official DCJS records cannot be obtained through FOIL. Under CPL section 160.50, dismissed cases are sealed automatically. The Clean Slate Act, effective November 16, 2024, seals eligible misdemeanor convictions after 3 years and felony convictions after 8 years from sentence completion. Sex offenses and Class A felonies are not eligible.
The DOCCS Inmate Lookup tool lets you search for people in state prison. The Sex Offender Registry is free to search by name, county, or ZIP code for Level 2 and Level 3 offenders.
How FOIL Works in Tompkins County
Freedom of Information Law gives the public a right to see government records. In Tompkins County, you can file a FOIL request with the Sheriff's Office, the County Clerk, or the District Attorney. Each office has its own Records Access Officer. Put your request in writing. Be specific about what you need.
The agency has five business days to respond. Denials can be appealed within 30 days. Fees are $0.25 per page for copies. Some records are exempt, including ongoing investigations, sealed cases, and materials that would invade personal privacy. The agency must explain any denial in writing under Public Officers Law section 89.
Sealing and Expungement in Tompkins County
Under CPL section 160.50, arrests that end in dismissal, acquittal, or a non-criminal outcome are sealed automatically. No application is needed. For convictions, CPL section 160.59 lets you apply to seal up to two criminal convictions if at least 10 years have passed since your last sentence ended.
You can have no more than one felony. Sex offenses, violent felonies, and Class A felonies are not eligible. The NY Attorney General's office has more details on who qualifies and how to file.
Tompkins County Jail and Inmate Data
The Tompkins County Jail is at 779 Warren Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Call (607) 257-5316 for inmate information. The Sheriff's Office main line is (607) 257-1345. The jail holds people awaiting trial and those serving sentences under one year. Inmate information, including current custody status, charges, and bond details, is available through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system.
The facility provides medical care, mental health services, and educational programming. Visiting requires photo identification and adherence to facility dress code and security procedures. Mail must be properly addressed with the inmate's full name and booking number. Commissary is available through a contracted vendor. If someone has been moved to state prison, use the DOCCS lookup instead.
The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office website provides information about records requests and law enforcement services.
Nearby Counties
If you need records from areas next to Tompkins County, these neighboring counties each have their own Sheriff's Office and court system: