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Cattaraugus County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cattaraugus County

Arrest records in Cattaraugus County are 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, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The New York State Committee on Open Government oversees the implementation of this law, which applies to all municipalities and counties within the state, including Cattaraugus County.

It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under New York law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not lead to convictions may be subject to sealing under certain circumstances as provided by Criminal Procedure Law §160.59.

The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available through their police blotter and other public information channels. While basic arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile records.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office
303 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Phone: 716-938-2599 (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM) or 716-938-9111
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office

What's in Cattaraugus County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Cattaraugus County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Home address
  • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Fingerprints
  • Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
  • Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute numbers of alleged violations
  • Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
  • Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date of issuance
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number
  • Processing location

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bail amount set
  • Bond type
  • Whether bail was posted
  • Conditions of release

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Case/docket number

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility where detained
  • Projected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Known aliases
  • Vehicle information
  • Property seized during arrest
  • Statements made by the arrestee
  • Witness information (may be redacted)
  • Victim information (often redacted)

The Cattaraugus County Jail Division maintains records for individuals housed in the county's 148-bed maximum security facility, which accommodates both sentenced and unsentenced male and female prisoners.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cattaraugus County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cattaraugus County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for public access to these records in accordance with New York State's Freedom of Information Law.

To request arrest records in person:

  1. Visit the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
  2. Complete a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request form, which requires:
    • The requestor's full name and contact information
    • Specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
    • Requestor's signature and date
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
  4. Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (typically $0.25 per page).
  5. Allow time for processing, which may take up to five business days for an initial response.

To request arrest records by mail:

  1. Prepare a written FOIL request including all information listed above.
  2. Address the request to the Records Access Officer.
  3. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response.
  4. Mail the request to:

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office
Records Access Officer
303 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Phone: 716-938-2599
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office

To request arrest records by email:

  1. Compose an email containing all required information for a FOIL request.
  2. Send the email to the designated Records Access Officer email address available on the Sheriff's Office website.
  3. Include "FOIL Request" in the subject line.

Pursuant to Public Officers Law §89(3), the agency must acknowledge receipt of the request within five business days and provide an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.

How To Find Cattaraugus County Arrest Records Online

Cattaraugus County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest record information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with New York State public records laws.

The primary online resources include:

  1. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Police Blotter: The Sheriff's Office maintains a police blotter on their official website that lists recent arrests, including basic information about arrestees and charges. This resource is updated regularly and provides the most current arrest information.

  2. New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup: For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup database provides information on current inmates, including their location, crimes of conviction, and sentence information.

  3. New York State Police Blotter Reports: The NYSP Media Reports portal contains arrest information for cases handled by the New York State Police, including those in Cattaraugus County.

  4. New York State WebCrims: This statewide system provides information on criminal cases in courts throughout New York, including Cattaraugus County. Users can search by name to find case information, including charges and court dates.

To conduct an online search:

  1. Select the appropriate database based on the information needed.
  2. Enter the required search criteria (typically name, date of birth, or case number).
  3. Review the results, noting that some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons.
  4. For complete records not available online, follow up with a formal FOIL request.

Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, and information found online should be verified through official channels when needed for legal or employment purposes.

How To Search Cattaraugus County Arrest Records for Free?

Cattaraugus County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic arrest information while complying with New York State public records laws.

Free search methods include:

  1. County Sheriff's Office Website: The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office police blotter provides free access to recent arrest information. This resource is updated regularly and includes names, charges, and basic case information.

  2. Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals available at the Cattaraugus County Courthouse allow visitors to search court records related to arrests at no charge. These terminals are accessible during regular business hours.

Cattaraugus County Courthouse
303 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Phone: 716-938-9111
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  1. New York State Police Public Information: The NYSP Media Reports website offers free access to arrest reports for cases handled by state police in Cattaraugus County.

  2. Public Library Resources: Local libraries in Cattaraugus County offer free internet access where residents can search public databases and government websites for arrest information.

  3. FOIL Requests for Inspection: While copies of records may incur fees, New York's Freedom of Information Law allows for free inspection of records. Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office and request to view specific records without obtaining copies.

When conducting free searches, requestors should note:

  • Information may be limited compared to official record requests
  • Some details may be redacted in publicly available versions
  • Records may not be certified for official purposes
  • Older records may not be available through online systems

For comprehensive searches requiring official documentation, fees may apply for certified copies or extensive record retrieval.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cattaraugus County

New York State law provides specific mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under certain circumstances. In Cattaraugus County, as throughout New York State, individuals must follow procedures established by state statute to limit public access to arrest records.

It is important to understand the distinction between record sealing and expungement:

  • Sealing: Restricts public access to records but does not completely destroy them. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
  • Expungement: Complete destruction or deletion of records. New York State law rarely permits true expungement except in limited circumstances.

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law §160.59, individuals may be eligible to have certain criminal records sealed if:

  1. At least 10 years have passed since the individual's last criminal conviction
  2. The individual has no more than two criminal convictions, with no more than one felony
  3. The conviction is not for a sex offense, violent felony, or certain other serious crimes

Additionally, under Criminal Procedure Law §160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions (such as dismissals, acquittals, or declined prosecutions) are eligible for sealing.

To initiate the sealing process in Cattaraugus County:

  1. Obtain and complete the appropriate application form from the court where the case was adjudicated
  2. Gather supporting documentation, including certificates of disposition
  3. File the application with the Cattaraugus County Court Clerk
  4. Pay any required filing fees
  5. Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the application

Cattaraugus County Court
303 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Phone: 716-938-9111
Cattaraugus County Courts

For marijuana-related convictions, New York's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions without requiring individual applications.

Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records are strongly advised to consult with legal counsel, as the process can be complex and eligibility requirements are strictly enforced.

What Happens After Arrest in Cattaraugus County?

Following an arrest in Cattaraugus County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process includes several key stages that occur in a prescribed sequence.

The post-arrest procedure typically unfolds as follows:

  1. Booking Process: Upon arrival at the Cattaraugus County Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:

    • Photographing (mugshot)
    • Fingerprinting
    • Personal property inventory
    • Medical screening
    • Background check
    • Collection of personal information

  2. Arraignment: Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a judge who:

    • Formally reads the charges
    • Advises of constitutional rights
    • Determines bail or release conditions
    • Assigns counsel if the defendant qualifies for public defense

  3. Bail Determination: The court considers:

    • Severity of the alleged offense
    • Prior criminal history
    • Community ties
    • Flight risk factors
    • Public safety concerns

  4. Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a hearing may be held within 144 hours of arrest to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed.

  5. Grand Jury Proceedings: Serious felony cases in Cattaraugus County are presented to a grand jury, which determines whether to issue an indictment.

  6. Plea Negotiations: The District Attorney's office and defense counsel may engage in discussions regarding potential plea agreements.

  7. Pre-Trial Motions: Defense attorneys may file motions to:

    • Suppress evidence
    • Dismiss charges
    • Address procedural issues

  8. Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be heard by:

    • A judge alone (bench trial)
    • A jury of peers (jury trial)

  9. Sentencing: Following conviction (either by plea or trial verdict), the court imposes penalties, which may include:

    • Incarceration
    • Probation
    • Fines
    • Community service
    • Restitution

  10. Appeals Process: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to higher courts based on legal errors in the proceedings.

Throughout this process, individuals are housed at the Cattaraugus County Jail unless released on bail or their own recognizance. The jail facility accommodates both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of up to one year.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cattaraugus County?

Arrest records in Cattaraugus 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 categories of law enforcement records, including arrest documentation.

The standard retention periods for arrest-related records in New York State include:

  • Arrest Reports: Minimum retention of 5 years after the arrest date
  • Booking Information: Minimum retention of 5 years after the arrest date
  • Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention for convicted individuals; return or destruction for non-convicted individuals as required by Criminal Procedure Law §160.50
  • Mugshot Photographs: Minimum retention of 5 years; longer for serious offenses
  • Investigation Files: Minimum retention of 5 years; permanent retention for homicide or other serious cases
  • Incident Reports: Minimum retention of 5 years from the date of the incident

Different agencies within Cattaraugus County maintain separate record systems with potentially different retention practices:

  • The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for cases they handle directly
  • Local police departments within the county maintain their own arrest records
  • The New York State Police maintain records for their arrests within the county
  • The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records related to arrests

Records retention serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
  • Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
  • Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
  • Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
  • Supports historical research and analysis

It should be noted that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, digital traces of arrest information may persist in various databases. Additionally, records that have been sealed pursuant to court order follow special handling procedures that restrict access but do not necessarily result in destruction of the records.

How to Find Mugshots in Cattaraugus County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are taken during the arrest processing procedure at the Cattaraugus County Jail. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of two images: a front-facing (portrait) photograph and a profile (side) view of the arrestee. These photographs are taken in a standardized format against a plain background with the individual holding an identification placard displaying their name, booking number, and arrest date.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Cattaraugus County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

  • The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Jail Division
  • Local police departments for arrests they process
  • The New York State Police for their arrests within the county

Finding Mugshots

To locate a mugshot in Cattaraugus County, interested parties may:

  1. Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the arresting agency, specifically requesting the booking photograph. The request should include:

    • The full name of the arrested individual
    • Date of birth (if known)
    • Approximate date of arrest
    • Case or incident number (if known)

  2. Check the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office police blotter, which occasionally includes mugshots for recent arrests.

  3. Review the New York State Police Media Reports for cases handled by state police.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some law enforcement agencies publish mugshots online, Cattaraugus County has limited official online publication of booking photographs. Mugshots may appear:

  • On official law enforcement websites for wanted individuals
  • In press releases about significant arrests
  • In news media coverage of arrests

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal FOIL request submitted to:

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office
Records Access Officer
303 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Phone: 716-938-2599
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile arrestees (under 18 years of age)
  • Sealed records pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law
  • Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
  • Cases involving confidential informants
  • Arrests for certain offenses where privacy concerns outweigh public interest

Requestors should be aware that commercial use of mugshots, particularly for "mugshot websites" that charge removal fees, has been restricted by New York State law in recent years.

Lookup Arrest Records in Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Police Blotter

New York State Incarcerated Lookup Database

Cattaraugus County Jail Division Information

New York State Police Blotter Reports

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