Chemung County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chemung County
Arrest records in Chemung County are considered public information under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Chemung County Public Information and Records Department oversees the release of such information from various county agencies, including law enforcement.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under New York law, both types of records are generally public, though certain protections exist for records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to specific statutory provisions.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the state's official criminal history repository and provides guidance on public access to criminal justice records. According to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, certain arrest records may be sealed if the case was terminated in favor of the accused, such as dismissals or acquittals, limiting public access to these specific records.
What's in Chemung County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Chemung County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested. The content of these records generally includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
- Identification numbers (e.g., booking number, case number)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statutory citations of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where booking occurred
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Type of bail (cash, bond, etc.)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case disposition (if resolved)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Gang affiliations (if documented)
- Probation or parole status
- Special custody considerations
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Chemung County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Chemung County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:
- Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest. For arrests made by the Sheriff's Office, requests should be directed to:
Chemung County Sheriff's Office
203 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2987
Chemung County Sheriff's Office
FOIL requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Date range of records sought
- Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
-
Visit the Records Division in person at the Sheriff's Office or local police department. Identification will be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of records.
-
Contact the Chemung County Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests:
Chemung County Clerk's Office
210 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2920
Chemung County Clerk
- Request criminal history information from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for a more comprehensive record search that includes arrests throughout the state:
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 457-5837
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87, agencies must respond to FOIL requests within five business days, either providing the records, denying access with reasons, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.
How To Find Chemung County Arrest Records Online
Chemung County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest record information online. The following methods are available for conducting electronic searches:
-
Chemung County Sheriff's Office Website - The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of recent arrests and inmate information. This resource is updated regularly and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office official website. Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" or "Recent Arrests" section to search by name.
-
City of Elmira Police Department Daily Logs - For arrests made by the Elmira Police Department, the Daily Activity Logs provide information about recent law enforcement activities, including arrests within city limits.
-
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision - For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state prison, the Incarcerated Lookup service provides custody status and facility information.
-
New York State Unified Court System WebCrims - This online database allows searches of pending criminal cases in participating courts throughout New York State, including Chemung County courts. Access is available at WebCrims.
-
New York State Sex Offender Registry - For individuals convicted of sex offenses, the registry maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services provides public information about registered sex offenders.
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Not all arrest records are available online
- Information may be limited compared to official records
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately
- Some online systems may require registration or fees
- Certain records may be excluded from online databases due to legal restrictions
How To Search Chemung County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Chemung County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:
-
Visit the Chemung County Sheriff's Office website - The Sheriff's Office provides free online access to basic inmate and recent arrest information. This resource is available 24/7 and requires no registration or payment.
-
Review police blotters and daily activity logs - The Elmira Police Department publishes daily activity logs that include arrest information. These logs are available online at no cost and provide a summary of recent law enforcement activities.
-
Access public terminals at government offices - The following locations offer free public access terminals for searching certain records:
Chemung County Clerk's Office
210 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(607) 737-2920
Steele Memorial Library
101 East Church Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Hours: Vary by day, check website
(607) 733-9173
- Attend court proceedings - Criminal court proceedings are open to the public in most cases. The court calendar is available at:
Chemung County Court
201 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2910
- Submit a FOIL request - While copying fees may apply for physical records, submitting a Freedom of Information Law request itself is free. Agencies may waive fees in certain circumstances, particularly if the request is determined to be in the public interest.
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:
- Information may be less comprehensive than paid services
- Recent arrests may not be immediately available
- Some records may be excluded due to ongoing investigations or legal protections
- Identification may still be required even for free access
How To Delete Arrest Records in Chemung County
Under New York State law, arrest records cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for sealing or expungement under specific circumstances. The distinction between these processes is important:
Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for limited official use by law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Expungement (or complete removal) is more limited in New York but may be available for certain marijuana convictions under recent legislation.
Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, individuals may apply to have certain criminal records sealed if:
- At least 10 years have passed since the individual's last criminal conviction
- The conviction is eligible for sealing (most non-violent felonies and misdemeanors qualify)
- The individual has no more than two misdemeanor convictions or one felony and one misdemeanor conviction
- The individual has no pending criminal charges
Additionally, under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50, records of arrests that did not result in convictions (such as dismissals, acquittals, or declined prosecutions) are eligible for sealing.
To initiate the sealing process:
- Obtain a Certificate of Disposition for each case you wish to have sealed from:
Chemung County Clerk's Office
210 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2920
-
Complete the Application for Sealing pursuant to CPL § 160.59, available from the New York State Unified Court System website.
-
File the application with the court where the conviction occurred:
Chemung County Court
201 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2910
- Serve a copy of the application on the Chemung County District Attorney's Office:
Chemung County District Attorney's Office
226 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2945
- Attend the hearing if one is scheduled by the court.
For marijuana-related convictions, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions, though implementation is ongoing.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the sealing process. The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York may provide assistance to eligible individuals.
What Happens After Arrest in Chemung County?
Following an arrest in Chemung County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New York State law. This process typically includes:
-
Booking and Processing - Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a law enforcement facility where they are:
- Photographed and fingerprinted
- Searched for contraband
- Asked for basic identifying information
- Medically screened
- Placed in temporary holding
-
Arraignment - Within 24 hours of arrest (in most cases), the arrested individual appears before a judge where:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is arranged if needed
- Bail or release decisions are made
- Plea of guilty or not guilty is entered
-
Bail Determination - The court decides whether to:
- Release the individual on their own recognizance
- Set bail (cash or bond)
- Order pretrial detention
- Impose conditions of release
-
Preliminary Hearing (for felonies) - Held within a specified timeframe to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed with prosecution.
-
Grand Jury Proceedings (for felonies) - The District Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment.
-
Discovery - Prosecutors must share evidence with the defense, including:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence
- Expert reports
- Exculpatory information
-
Plea Negotiations - Discussions between prosecution and defense that may result in:
- Reduced charges
- Sentencing recommendations
- Case dismissal
- Diversion programs
-
Trial - If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial where:
- A jury is selected (except in bench trials)
- Evidence is presented
- Witnesses testify
- Arguments are made
- Verdict is rendered
-
Sentencing (if convicted) - The court imposes penalties that may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution
- Treatment programs
-
Appeals Process - Following conviction, defendants have the right to appeal to higher courts based on legal errors in the proceedings.
Throughout this process, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The Chemung County Sheriff's Office and New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services provide additional information about the criminal justice process.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Chemung County?
Arrest records in Chemung County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under the authority of Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement records, including arrest documentation.
The Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1 governs records retention for local government agencies in New York State, including county sheriff's offices and police departments. Under this schedule:
- Arrest reports and investigation records must be retained for a minimum of 7 years after the case is closed or the investigation is terminated.
- Fingerprint cards and photographs (mugshots) are typically retained until the death of the individual or 90 years after the date of creation.
- Booking information and arrest logs must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.
- Warrant files must be kept until the warrant is satisfied, recalled, or expires, plus an additional 5 years.
Different retention requirements apply to records that have been sealed pursuant to court order or statute. When records are sealed under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 or § 160.59, they are not destroyed but are segregated from public records and access is strictly limited to authorized personnel under specific circumstances.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information indefinitely, unless records are specifically ordered expunged by a court.
It is important to note that:
- Different agencies may have different retention practices within the parameters of state requirements
- Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
- Records retention schedules serve to preserve evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Retention policies balance public safety needs with individual privacy concerns
How to Find Mugshots in Chemung County
Mugshots, or booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are considered part of the official arrest record in Chemung County. These photographs serve to document the physical appearance of arrested individuals at the time of booking.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These images are created for law enforcement identification purposes and become part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Chemung County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The Chemung County Sheriff's Office for arrests made by county deputies
- The Elmira Police Department for arrests within city limits
- The New York State Police for arrests made by state troopers
- Other local police departments for arrests within their jurisdictions
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may:
-
Submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the arresting agency, specifically requesting the booking photograph. Requests should include:
- The full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or arrest number (if known)
-
Contact the Records Division of the appropriate law enforcement agency:
Chemung County Sheriff's Office Records Division
203 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2987
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some jurisdictions publish mugshots online, Chemung County law enforcement agencies generally do not maintain public-facing databases of booking photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media reports about arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking information
- Court records that have been digitized
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
Official requests for mugshots are subject to FOIL review, and agencies may:
- Provide the requested photograph
- Deny access based on specific exemptions
- Redact certain information before release
- Charge reasonable fees for reproduction
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted when:
- The record has been sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law
- The arrested individual is a juvenile
- Release would interfere with an ongoing investigation
- The photograph is part of a record compiled for law enforcement purposes that meets specific exemption criteria under Public Officers Law § 87(2)(e)
Individuals concerned about unauthorized use of their mugshot by commercial websites may have remedies under New York State's Mugshot Law, which prohibits websites from charging fees to remove mugshots.
Lookup Arrest Records in Chemung County
Sheriff's Office arrest information
Chemung County public records access
Elmira Police Department daily activity logs