Find Police Records in Delaware County

Delaware County police records are kept by the Sheriff's Office in Delhi, New York. The county sits in the western Catskill region and relies on the sheriff for most law enforcement needs across its rural towns and villages. To get police records here, you file a FOIL request with the Sheriff's Office. State-level tools from the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the New York State Police can also help you track down records tied to this area. This page walks through how to request records, what fees to expect, and where else to search.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office Records

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement body in the county. It is at 280 Phoebe Lane, Suite 1, Delhi, NY 13753. Call them at 607-832-5555. The office holds incident reports, arrest records, and accident reports for the areas it patrols. There is no separate police department for most of the county, so the sheriff handles the bulk of calls and case files.

To get a copy of a police record, you need to file a written request under New York's Freedom of Information Law. FOIL applies to all local agencies in the state, and that includes the Delaware County Sheriff. You can send your request by mail or drop it off in person at the sheriff's office. Put your request in clear terms. Include the date of the incident, names of those involved, and the type of record you want. The more detail you give, the faster the staff can find what you need.

Fees are $0.25 per page for standard copies. That rate comes from the Public Officers Law. If your request takes more than two hours of staff time, they may charge the hourly wage of the lowest-paid worker who can pull the files. The office must respond to your request within five business days. They can grant it, deny it, or send a note saying they need more time. If denied, you have 30 days to appeal. The appeal goes to the County Attorney.

State-Level Police Records Resources

The New York State Police maintain records for incidents they handle in Delaware County. State troopers patrol state highways and rural areas here. Their records are separate from the sheriff's files. To request a State Police report, use their GovQA online form or send mail to the Central Record Bureau at 1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22, Albany, NY 12226-2252. Each report costs $15.00 under Public Officers Law Section 66-a.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services is the sole source for official New York criminal history records. These are fingerprint-based records and are not public. You can only get your own rap sheet by submitting fingerprints to DCJS. Contact them at 518-457-9847 or mail the Record Review Unit at 80 South Swan St., 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12210.

For court records in Delaware County, the eCourts WebCivil Supreme system covers civil cases in all 62 counties. You can search by name or index number. The WebCrims tool shows pending criminal cases in most courts. Both are free to use online. For older cases not in these systems, contact the Delaware County Clerk.

How FOIL Works for Delaware County Police Records

FOIL is found in Article 6, Sections 84 through 90 of the NYS Public Officers Law. It gives you the right to see records held by any state or local government body. This includes the sheriff, town courts, and county offices. A "record" under FOIL covers reports, statements, memos, files, photos, maps, letters, and computer data. If the agency made it or keeps it, you can ask for it.

Not all records can be released. Police records tied to an open investigation may be held back. The same goes for records that could reveal a confidential source or put someone at risk. Juvenile records and sealed cases are off limits. When an agency denies a request, it must state which exemption applies. The agency still has to release any parts of a record that are not protected. Redacting is common. They black out the exempt portions and give you the rest.

If you get a denial, appeal within 30 days. The appeal goes to the designated officer. That officer has ten business days to rule on it. If the appeal fails, you can file a lawsuit within four months. The Committee on Open Government also issues advisory opinions on FOIL disputes and can provide guidance.

Other Police Records Databases for Delaware County

The New York Sex Offender Registry lists offenders in Delaware County who must register under Correction Law Article 6-C. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders show up on the public site. For Level 1 details, call the sheriff. You can search by name, address, or county. The registry shows photos, addresses, offense details, and risk levels. A toll-free line at 1-800-262-3257 runs around the clock.

The DOCCS Incarcerated/Parolee Lookup covers people in state prison or on parole. It shows name, date of birth, custody status, and facility. It does not include county jail inmates. For jail info in Delaware County, contact the sheriff's office directly. The database updates daily.

The DMV Crash Report Sales Portal lets you order motor vehicle accident reports filed by police agencies across the state. Reports are ready 14 to 30 days after an electronic filing, or 30 to 60 days for paper. The fee is $7.00 to search plus $15.00 per report. You need a NY.gov ID to use the portal.

Police Records Fees in Delaware County

Most fees in Delaware County follow state guidelines. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. If a request requires more than two hours of staff work, the agency can bill at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid worker who can do the task. State Police reports run $15.00 each. The OCA name-based criminal history search costs $95.00 per name. DMV crash reports cost $7.00 for the search plus $15.00 per report.

Payment methods vary by agency. The sheriff's office accepts checks and money orders. State Police payments go by check or money order to the "Superintendent of State Police." Online credit card payments to the State Police carry a 2.99% service fee. Always confirm fees with the agency before sending payment, since rates can change.

Nearby Counties

Delaware County borders several other counties in the Catskill and Southern Tier regions. If your search extends beyond Delaware County, these neighboring sheriff offices may have the records you need.

Towns in Delaware County

Delaware County is made up of small towns and villages. None meet the population threshold for a separate city page. The sheriff's office serves all of these communities. Towns include Delhi, Walton, Sidney, Margaretville, Stamford, Hancock, and Fleischmanns. For police records from any town in the county, contact the Delaware County Sheriff at 607-832-5555.