Warrants are public records in Rochester, New York, pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which governs public access to government records. Under New York Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90, warrant information is generally accessible to the public unless specifically sealed by court order or exempted under statutory provisions. The City of Rochester maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements.
The public nature of warrant records serves multiple governmental functions, including:
While warrants are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or public safety. Sealed warrants, particularly those related to juvenile cases or certain sensitive investigations, may not be accessible through standard public record channels.
Rochester residents seeking warrant information online may access several official resources. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains a database that includes certain warrant information, though not all warrants may be published online due to investigative considerations.
Available online resources include:
Monroe County Sheriff's Office Website: Provides a searchable database of active warrants within the jurisdiction Monroe County Sheriff's Office 130 S. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14614 Phone: 585-753-4178
New York State Unified Court System: Offers WebCrims and eCourts platforms that may contain warrant information related to specific cases
Monroe County Clerk's Office: Maintains court records that may reference warrants issued within the county jurisdiction Monroe County Clerk's Office 39 West Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614 Phone: 585-753-1600
Pursuant to §1-21 of the City Charter, certain judicial inspection warrants may also be searchable through municipal databases.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Rochester may utilize several official channels. The Rochester Police Department maintains current warrant information and provides verification services to the public.
Methods to verify warrant status include:
Direct Contact with Law Enforcement: Individuals may contact the Rochester Police Department directly Rochester Police Department 185 Exchange Blvd., Rochester, NY 14614 Phone: 585-428-7210
Monroe County Sheriff's Office Inquiry: The Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive warrant database Monroe County Sheriff's Office 130 S. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14614 Phone: 585-753-4178
Court System Verification: The Rochester City Court can verify the existence of bench warrants Rochester City Court 99 Exchange Blvd., Rochester, NY 14614 Phone: 585-371-3416
Online Verification Systems: The New York State Office of Court Administration provides electronic access to certain court records that may indicate warrant status
Individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification when making inquiries about warrant status. Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.80, law enforcement officers are required to execute an arrest warrant upon confirming its existence and the identity of the named individual.
Rochester residents and interested parties may conduct searches for outstanding warrants through several official channels. The process is governed by New York's public records laws and specific departmental procedures.
Authorized search methods include:
Online Database Search: The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of active warrants
In-Person Records Request: Individuals may visit the Records Division of the Rochester Police Department Rochester Police Department Records Division 185 Exchange Blvd., Rochester, NY 14614 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Phone: 585-428-7210
Written Records Request: Formal FOIL requests may be submitted to the appropriate records custodian City of Rochester Records Access Officer City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 109A, Rochester, NY 14614
Court Records Search: The Monroe County Clerk's Office maintains court records that may reference warrants
When conducting warrant searches, requestors should provide accurate identifying information including full legal name and, if possible, date of birth. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and search services.
Rochester warrant records contain standardized information as required by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10 for arrest warrants and § 690.45 for search warrants. The code enforcement division also maintains records of inspection warrants issued under municipal authority.
Standard warrant record components include:
Case Identification: Court docket number, case reference numbers, and filing dates
Subject Information: Full legal name of the subject, last known address, date of birth, physical description, and other identifying information
Warrant Classification: Designation as arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or inspection warrant
Issuing Authority: Name of the judge or magistrate who issued the warrant and the court of jurisdiction
Legal Basis: Citation of the specific laws or ordinances allegedly violated
Execution Parameters: For search warrants, the specific location, items to be seized, and execution timeframe
Bail Information: Any pre-set bail amounts or release conditions, if applicable
Status Information: Whether the warrant is active, executed, or recalled
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 690.50, return of service documentation is also maintained with warrant records, detailing the execution of the warrant, any property seized, and the disposition of persons or property.