Search Monroe County Background Check

Monroe County background check records are held by the county clerk and court system in Rochester, the county seat and largest city in the region. With a population of about 759,000, Monroe County is the most populous county in western New York. The 7th Judicial District covers the area. Criminal case records from Supreme Court and County Court are on file with the clerk. Rochester City Court handles a large share of misdemeanor cases. State databases from DCJS and OCA include Monroe County data. Public access to records follows the Freedom of Information Law.

Monroe County Clerk Records

The Monroe County Clerk is at the Hall of Justice, 99 Exchange Boulevard in Rochester. The clerk maintains criminal case records for Supreme Court and County Court. Walk-in visitors can inspect the criminal case index during business hours. There is no charge to view records in person. Copies cost about 65 cents per page. Certified copies are $8 per document.

A name search through the clerk runs $5 for two years. Each additional two years costs $1.25. Monroe County handles a high volume of filings, so the criminal case index is extensive. For a mail request, send a written letter with the full name and date of birth of the person you want searched. Include a check payable to the Monroe County Clerk. Specify the years you want covered. The clerk also processes land records, pistol permits, and notary filings.

Given the size of the county, the clerk's office is busier than most upstate offices. Plan for slightly longer wait times if you visit in person. Call ahead to confirm current hours and procedures. The office can also point you to other county resources that may help with a background check.

Background Check Through Monroe County Courts

Monroe County is in the 7th Judicial District. The county has Supreme Court, County Court, and Rochester City Court, plus town and village courts across the suburbs. Rochester City Court at the Hall of Justice handles misdemeanors and violations within city limits. Town courts in places like Greece, Irondequoit, Brighton, and Henrietta handle local offenses. Felonies get transferred to County Court.

The OCA Criminal History Record Search covers all Monroe County courts for $95 per name. This statewide search pulls results from county, supreme, city, town, and village courts across all 62 counties. Sealed records are excluded. Town court data from May 1991 through 2002 may be incomplete. For a local-only search, the Monroe County Clerk is a more affordable option.

Sealing rules apply across all courts. CPL 160.50 seals dismissed and acquitted cases. CPL 160.55 covers certain violation convictions. CPL 160.59 permits petition-based sealing of up to two eligible older convictions. The Clean Slate Act will add automatic sealing once OCA builds the system. Eligible misdemeanors seal after three years. Felonies seal after eight years from sentence completion. Convictions for sex offenses under SORA and non-drug Class A felonies are never eligible for sealing.

State Criminal History Records for Monroe County

The Division of Criminal Justice Services holds the official criminal history database for New York under Executive Law Article 35. Monroe County arrests, convictions, and sentences reported by the Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff, and local courts all flow into the DCJS system. A fingerprint-based check is the most accurate method.

A personal record review costs about $62 to $65 and requires fingerprint submission. Results come as a rap sheet or "no record." Two report types exist. Suppressed versions leave out sealed cases under CPL 160.50, CPL 160.55, CPL 160.58, and CPL 160.59. Unsuppressed versions show everything. You cannot get someone else's record without legal authority. Contact DCJS at 518-457-9847 or RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov.

Monroe County Sheriff and Law Enforcement Records

The Monroe County Sheriff provides law enforcement in areas outside Rochester city limits. The office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and runs the Monroe County jail. Records are available through FOIL requests. Under Public Officers Law Sections 84 through 90, anyone can request records. The agency has five business days to respond. Standard copy fees are 25 cents per page.

The Rochester Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits. RPD maintains its own arrest records and incident reports, which are also subject to FOIL. For a thorough background check covering all of Monroe County, you may need to request records from both the sheriff and RPD depending on where the person has lived.

The sheriff also provides fingerprinting for DCJS background checks and other purposes. The county jail holds pretrial detainees and inmates serving up to one year. Jail booking records can be requested through FOIL.

Public Records and FOIL in Monroe County

FOIL applies to all Monroe County agencies. Any person can request records from the clerk, sheriff, district attorney, or other offices. In-person inspection of court records is free. Copy fees are 25 cents per page. DCJS records are excluded from FOIL. If a request is denied, appeal within 30 days. A denied appeal can be taken to Supreme Court under Article 78.

Monroe County processes a high number of FOIL requests given its population. Response times may vary. Complex requests can take longer than simple ones. Agencies are required to give a reasonable timeline for completion if they need more than five business days. FOIL is useful for incident reports, arrest logs, and other law enforcement records not filed with the court.

Sex Offender Registry in Monroe County

The Sex Offender Registry from DCJS covers Monroe County under SORA. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are in the public online directory. For Level 1 information, call 800-262-3257 with the name and one identifier. Public data includes addresses, conviction details, and photos. Level 3 offenders verify their address every 90 days. Sexual predators register for life. All others register for 20 years. Sign up through NY-ALERT for notifications when a registrant in the area changes address.

Corrections and Incarceration Records

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision manages all state prisons. The inmate lookup at nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov covers every facility. Search by name, DIN, or NYSID number. Results include facility, sentence details, and parole dates. A parolee lookup and VINE notification system are also available. Additional DOCCS records beyond the lookup can be requested through FOIL. The Monroe County jail holds pretrial detainees and those serving short sentences.

Cities and Towns in Monroe County

Monroe County includes Rochester and several large suburban towns. Background check records for residents of these areas go through the Monroe County court system. Select a city or town below for more information about local resources.

Nearby Counties

Monroe County borders several counties in western New York. Records from neighboring areas may be relevant for a background check if someone has lived or worked across county lines.