Search Rockland County Police Records

Rockland County police records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in New City and by several local police departments across the county. The county sits just north of the New Jersey border in the lower Hudson Valley. Records from law enforcement agencies cover arrests, incident reports, crash reports, and criminal investigations. The public can request police records through FOIL from any agency in Rockland County.

Rockland County Sheriff's Office Police Records

The Rockland County Sheriff's Office is at 55 New Hempstead Road, New City, NY 10956. The phone number is 845-638-5400. The Sheriff runs road patrol, criminal investigations, civil process, and the county jail. Police records from deputies are kept at this office.

To get a report, file a written FOIL request with the Records Access Officer. Include the date, location, and names tied to the incident. The office must respond within five business days under Public Officers Law Section 89. Copies cost $0.25 per page.

Several towns in Rockland County have their own police forces. The Clarkstown Police Department, Ramapo Police Department, Orangetown Police Department, and Spring Valley Police all handle calls in their areas. If the incident you need records for happened in one of those jurisdictions, contact that agency instead. Each department keeps its own set of police records.

FOIL Requests in Rockland County

The Freedom of Information Law is in Article 6 of the NYS Public Officers Law. It covers all state and local government agencies, including police departments and sheriff offices. Records are open to the public unless a specific exemption applies.

Write your request. State what you want, when the event happened, and who was involved. Send it to the right agency. The agency has five business days to respond. They can provide the records, deny the request with written reasons, or acknowledge receipt and give a time estimate.

If denied, appeal within 30 days to the agency's designated appeals officer. That person has ten business days to decide. If the appeal fails, you can file a lawsuit within four months. The Committee on Open Government provides guidance and advisory opinions on FOIL matters.

Police Records Available in Rockland County

Incident reports are the most common type of police record. These document each call or event. Arrest records show charges, booking details, and bail information. Accident reports cover motor vehicle crashes. Investigation files contain case notes, evidence, and witness statements.

Some records are exempt under Public Officers Law Section 87(2). Records tied to active investigations, confidential sources, or non-routine police methods can be held back. Records that could put someone in danger are also exempt. Agencies must still release non-exempt parts. Sealed court records and juvenile records are not available.

The county jail, run by the Sheriff, holds pre-trial detainees and inmates serving short sentences. Booking records, inmate logs, and release information are available through FOIL requests to the Sheriff's Office. County jail inmates are not in the state DOCCS system, which only tracks state prison and parole. New York's Clean Slate Act took effect November 16, 2024. It directs automatic sealing of certain old conviction records over three years. Sex crimes and non-drug Class A felonies are not eligible for sealing. Law enforcement agencies retain full access to all records regardless.

Statewide Resources for Rockland County

The WebCrims system shows pending criminal cases. The eCourts WebCivil Supreme portal covers civil cases. The DCJS is the only source of official criminal history records by fingerprint.

The Sex Offender Registry lists Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. The DOCCS Lookup covers state prison and parole. The State Police handle cases statewide at $15.00 per report. Crash reports are available from the DMV portal.

The Clean Slate Act went into effect November 16, 2024. Certain old convictions will be automatically sealed. Sex crimes and non-drug Class A felonies are excluded. Law enforcement retains full access.

Rockland County Police Records Fees

Standard fees are $0.25 per page. State Police reports cost $15.00 each. The OCA criminal history search is $95.00 per name. DMV crash reports are $7.00 search fee plus $15.00 per report. Confirm fees with the agency before sending payment.

Cities in Rockland County

Several towns in Rockland County have populations large enough for dedicated pages. Each has its own police department or contracts for police services.

Nearby Counties

Rockland County borders Orange County to the north and Westchester County across the Hudson River.