Westchester County, New York Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Westchester County, New York?
Warrant records in Westchester County, New York are considered public records pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records maintained by state and local agencies, including those related to law enforcement activities such as warrants.
The accessibility of warrant information serves multiple public interests:
- Promotes transparency in judicial proceedings
- Enables individuals to verify their legal status
- Supports public safety through awareness of wanted persons
- Facilitates accountability of law enforcement agencies
It should be noted that certain warrant records may be sealed or redacted under specific circumstances as provided by New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, which addresses the sealing of records upon termination of criminal actions in favor of the accused. Additionally, warrants related to ongoing investigations or juvenile matters may have restricted access in accordance with Family Court Act § 381.3.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Westchester County?
Warrant records maintained by Westchester County authorities typically contain comprehensive information about the subject and the alleged offense. Standard elements included in these official documents are:
- Full legal name of the subject (including aliases when applicable)
- Physical description (height, weight, distinguishing features)
- Date of birth and age
- Last known address
- Detailed description of the alleged criminal offense
- Statutory citation of violated laws
- Date of warrant issuance
- Name and title of the issuing judicial officer
- Case or docket number for reference
- Bail amount, if specified
- Instructions to law enforcement regarding execution
The specificity of information varies according to warrant type (arrest, bench, search) and the nature of the underlying offense as classified under New York Penal Law.
How to Check For Warrants in Westchester County For Free
Members of the public seeking to determine the existence of warrants in Westchester County may utilize several no-cost resources provided by local government agencies:
- Visit the Westchester County Clerk's Office located at 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Contact the Westchester County Department of Public Safety at (914) 864-7700 for general warrant status inquiries
- Access public terminals at the Westchester County Courthouse at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601
- Review the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Warrant Watch list for information on fugitives
Individuals conducting warrant searches should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and address to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to New York State law, certain identification may be required when requesting records in person.
Westchester County Sheriff Warrants
The Westchester County Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with the Sheriff's Office, maintains and executes various types of warrants within the jurisdiction. These legal instruments are categorized as follows:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 120.10 when there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed a criminal offense
- Bench Warrants: Authorized under Criminal Procedure Law § 530.70 when defendants fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings
- Search Warrants: Granted under Criminal Procedure Law § 690.05 to permit examination of specified locations for evidence
- Family Court Warrants: Issued in accordance with Family Court Act § 153 for various family-related proceedings
The Westchester County Sheriff's Warrant Squad, operating from 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601, is responsible for executing these warrants throughout the county's municipalities. This specialized unit works in coordination with local police departments and the Department of Public Safety to apprehend wanted individuals.
For inquiries regarding Sheriff's warrants, members of the public may contact:
Westchester County Department of Public Safety
1 Sawmill River Parkway
Hawthorne, NY 10532
(914) 864-7700
Westchester County Department of Public Safety
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Westchester County in 2025
As of 2025, Westchester County has implemented several methods for individuals to verify their warrant status. The county's digital modernization initiative has expanded access options while maintaining compliance with New York State disclosure regulations.
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant may:
- Utilize the Westchester County Integrated Justice Portal, accessible through public computer terminals at the County Clerk's Office (110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601)
- Submit a formal records request through the Westchester County Department of Public Safety's Records Division at 1 Sawmill River Parkway, Hawthorne, NY 10532
- Consult with the Clerk of Court at the appropriate courthouse where proceedings may have originated
- Contact the Westchester County Department of Probation at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601, (914) 995-3500, for warrants related to probation violations
For tax warrants specifically, individuals may access the New York State Tax Warrants search system, which provides information on open tax warrant records without requiring an account.
Pursuant to New York Civil Rights Law § 50-a and applicable privacy statutes, certain identifying information may be redacted from publicly accessible warrant records.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Westchester County
Westchester County maintains multiple channels through which outstanding warrants may be verified. These official resources are designed to provide accurate information while protecting both public safety interests and individual privacy rights.
For comprehensive outstanding warrant searches, the following procedures are available:
- Submit a written request to the Records Access Officer at the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, 1 Sawmill River Parkway, Hawthorne, NY 10532
- Visit the Westchester County Courthouse Records Division at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Contact the Warrant Division of the Westchester County Sheriff's Office at (914) 995-2111
- Check municipal court records in the specific jurisdiction where the alleged offense occurred
Individuals conducting searches should note that pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain information may be withheld if disclosure would interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings.
Search Warrant Records in Westchester County
