Hempstead Police Records

Hempstead police records come from two main sources in Nassau County. The Hempstead Village Police Department handles incidents within village limits from its station at 99 James A. Garner Way. The Nassau County Police Department also has jurisdiction over parts of the broader Hempstead area. Whether you need an incident report, arrest record, or accident report, understanding which agency to contact is the first step to getting the records you need through New York's Freedom of Information Law.

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How to Request Hempstead Police Records

The Hempstead Village Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the village. Their station is at 99 James A. Garner Way, Hempstead, NY 11550. The non-emergency phone number is 516-483-7400. For emergencies, always dial 911.

To get police records, you need to file a FOIL request. Put your request in writing and send it to the Village Clerk's office. Include dates, names, locations, and any report numbers you have. Be as specific as you can. The village must respond within five business days under state law.

Many people also need records from the Nassau County Police Department. The county police handle a large portion of Nassau County, including areas near Hempstead. Their headquarters is at 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501. The non-emergency line is 516-573-7000. Nassau County has one of the few county police departments in New York, separate from the sheriff.

Types of Police Records in Hempstead

Incident reports are the most common type of police record. These document calls for service, crimes reported, and other events the police respond to. Each report has a case number, date, location, and summary of what happened.

Arrest records show who was taken into custody and the charges filed. Accident reports cover motor vehicle crashes within village limits. If the crash happened on a state road, the State Police may have the report instead. Background check records are also kept on file, though these are not public records under FOIL.

The Village Police also maintain patrol logs, dispatch records, and evidence files. Not all of these are available to the public. Active investigation files are exempt from release. Records that could identify a confidential source or reveal non-routine investigative techniques can be withheld as well.

FOIL Process for Hempstead Records

New York's Freedom of Information Law gives you the right to request police records. The law is found in Public Officers Law Sections 84 through 90. It applies to all government agencies in the state, including village police departments.

When you submit a FOIL request, the village has five business days to respond. The response can grant your request, deny it with a written reason, or send a note saying they need more time. If your request is denied, you can appeal within 30 days. The appeal goes to a designated officer who must respond in ten business days.

If the appeal fails, you may file a lawsuit within four months. The Committee on Open Government can also help. They issue advisory opinions on FOIL disputes and can guide you through the process. Their guidance is not legally binding, but agencies often follow it.

Fees for Police Records

Copy fees for police records in Hempstead follow the state standard. The rate is $0.25 per page for copies up to 9 by 14 inches. Larger items or different formats may cost the actual reproduction price. If a request takes more than two hours of staff time, the agency can charge the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work.

There is no charge to look at records in person. You only pay when you want copies. Most simple requests stay under the two-hour threshold, so the page fee is the only cost. Always ask the agency to confirm current fees before you send payment. Accepted forms of payment vary by agency.

State Resources for Police Records

The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) keeps official criminal history records for all of New York State. These are fingerprint-based and not public. You can only get your own rap sheet by submitting prints to DCJS. The Record Review Unit can be reached at 518-457-9847.

The New York Sex Offender Registry is free to search. It lists Level 2 and 3 offenders by name, address, or county. Level 1 offender data must be obtained by calling local police or the toll-free line at 1-800-262-3257.

The DOCCS Incarcerated/Parolee Lookup covers people currently in state prison or on parole. County jail inmates are not included. For that, contact the Nassau County Sheriff.

Motor vehicle accident reports from any agency in the state can be ordered through the DMV Crash Report Sales Portal. The search fee is $7.00 plus $15.00 per report for online orders. Reports take 14 to 30 days to appear after electronic filing.

Court Records in Nassau County

Criminal court cases in Nassau County can be found through WebCrims. This free database shows pending criminal cases including charges, court dates, and case status. Sealed cases do not appear.

The Nassau County Court handles felonies. The District Court handles misdemeanors and small claims on Long Island. Civil cases in Supreme Court are searchable through eCourts WebCivil Supreme. For records not available online, visit the Nassau County Clerk's office in Mineola.

The OCA Criminal History Record Search is a statewide name-based search that costs $95.00. It matches exact name and date of birth. Processing takes about two weeks. This is separate from the fingerprint-based DCJS records.