SYRACUSE PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Syracuse Public Records?

Pursuant to New York Freedom of Information Law, Syracuse public records include any document or information produced, filed, held, maintained, or reproduced by local or state agencies - except where restricted by law. Syracuse public records may be typewritten, handwritten, or in electronic format. However, there are grounds for which certain parts of a public record will be redacted. They include:

• Personal privacy
• Interference with contract awards or union negotiations
• Law enforcement records, but only if disclosure would:
• Interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings
• Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication
• Identify a confidential source or disclose confidential information related to a criminal investigation
• Reveal criminal investigative techniques or procedures, except routine techniques and procedures.
• Inter-agency or intra-agency materials (internal communications or memos), except the agency, must disclose:
• Factual information
• Instruction to staff that affect the public
• Final agency policy or determinations
• External audits

Syracuse Crime Statistics

The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) provides crime statistics for all cities and counties in the state. In 2018, it was reported that Syracuse City had a total of 5,426 crimes, including 1,006 violent crimes and 4,420 property crimes. The violent crimes reported include 23 murders, 92 rapes, 285 robberies, and 606 aggravated assaults. The property crimes reported were 831 burglaries, 3,083 larcenies, and 506 motor vehicle thefts.

These figures, when compared with 2014, show a massive drop in reported crimes in Syracuse City. In 2014, the total number of violent crimes reported were 1,143, including 20 murder (15%), 46 rapes (100%), 406 robberies (-30%), and 668 aggravated assaults (-9%). Property crimes reported were 5,755, including 1,404 burglaries (-41%), 3,986 larcenies (-23%), and 365 motor vehicle thefts (29%).

Are Syracuse Criminal Records Public?

Not all New York criminal records are public records. The custodian of the criminal records determines if the record qualifies as a public record. For example, the New York Criminal Justice Services Division provides requesters with access to suppressed (sealed) or unsuppressed (unsealed) criminal records through a personal record review system. This service is offered to the subject of the record and to some law enforcement agencies only. It includes detailed information about the owner of the record. At the same time, the New York State Office of the Court of Administration (OCA) permits third parties to perform criminal record searches (CHRS) on behalf of another person. Individuals apprehended or detained by the Syracuse Police Department can request copies of their criminal records from the Police Department's Office.

How to Obtain Syracuse Police Reports and Arrest Records?

The Syracuse Police Department produces and processes requests for Syracuse arrest records and police reports. To obtain copies of Syracuse arrest records or police reports, interested people can either visit the Police Department in person, send a mail request, or call the Records Division at (315) 442-5277. To make an in-person or mail request, use the address and contact details below:

Syracuse Police Department
Public Safety Building
511 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 442-5277
Phone: (315) 442-5250
Phone: (315) 442-5200
Fax: (315) 442-5198

Residents of Syracuse can receive accident reports online, by mail, or in person through the Department of Motor Vehicles of New York State. Online requests cost $7 to carry out a search and $15 for a report. Interested persons should use the online platform to manage their requests. Mail requests cost $10 per search and $15 per report. To make a mail request, a requester should fill out the Request for Accident Report Copy form (MV-198C). The information required includes:

• The date of the accident;
• The county where the accident occurred;
• And one of the following information:
• The plate number of the car involved in the accident
• The driver’s license number of the person involved in the accident
• The name and date of birth of the person who was involved in the accident

To make a request in person, take a written request to:

NYSDMV, MV-198 C Processing
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Syracuse?

All information about registered sex offenders in Syracuse is held in the New York State Sex Offender Registry. The registry is maintained by the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services. Sex offender information is classified into risk levels, between Levels 1-3. A judge determines the risk level of a registered sex offender. The sex offenders registry offers information about sex offenders with risk levels 2 and 3 only. The registry provides the location, compliance status, sex offender identity, other important information on the history of the offender’s conviction. Syracuse residents can search the registry by the first or last name of the offender, the address of the offender, the zip code, or a unique registration number. They can also apply to the New York Alert System, which offers free email alerts based on sex offender-related information, in particular where they relate to changes in their location or enforcement status.

To get information on registered sex offenders with level 1 risk, call (800) 262-3257. The call should be made between Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Provide the following information when making the request:

• The individual’s name, and one of:
• The individual’s address
• Date of birth
• Driver’s license number, or
• Social Security number

How to Find Syracuse Inmate Records?

All inmate information related to the City of Syracuse is handled by the Onondaga Justice Center based in Syracuse but maintained by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. Information on inmates and inquiries about the jail can be made by calling the Jail Inmate Information Unit at (315) 435-1781. Alternatively, interested persons can use the Correction Inmate Lookup Tool or the Justice Center Inmate Lookup to search inmate information.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Syracuse Jail?

Inmates are allowed up to two 30 minutes remote video visits per day. The visitation days are from Sunday to Thursday, between 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Prospective visitors should look up inmate visitation information.

Jamesville Correctional Facility
6660 East Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078

Court Records

The Onondaga County and Syracuse court system belongs to the 5th Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System. The courts provide the general public with access to a variety of Syracuse court records. These records are held by the courts or their respective clerks and are made available to members of the public upon request. They include civil records, administrative records, criminal records, domestic relations records, probate records, and traffic records. It is however important that the requester provides information about the record of interest including the case file number, the names of the parties involved, and the filing date of the record.

Location of Courts in Syracuse

Onondaga County Supreme Courts
Onondaga County Supreme Court
Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-1030
Fax: (315) 671-1176

Onondaga County Supreme Court - Dedicated Matrimonial Part
Hughes State Office Building
333 East Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 728-7237
Phone: (315) 728-7238

Onondaga County Supreme Court - Integrated Domestic Violence Court
Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Room 203
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-2050
Fax: (315) 671-1170

Onondaga County Court
Onondaga County Court
Onondaga County/City of Syracuse Criminal Courthouse
505 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-1020
Fax: (315) 671-1191

Onondaga County Family Court
Onondaga County Family Court
Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-2000
Fax: (315) 671-1163

Onondaga County Surrogate’s Court
Onondaga County Surrogate’s Court
Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-2100
Fax: (315) 671-1162

Onondaga County City Court
Syracuse City Court
Onondaga County/City of Syracuse Criminal Courthouse
505 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-2700
Fax: (315) 671-2740

Onondaga County Town Courts and Village Courts
Baldwinsville Village Court
16 West Genesee Street
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Phone: (315) 635-6355
Fax: (315) 638-7328

Camillus Town Court
4600 West Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13219
Phone: (315) 487-0600 (Justice Poli)
Fax: (315) 487-1537 (Justice Poli)
Phone: (315) 487-7066 (Justice Petosa)
Fax: (315) 487-8878 (Justice Petosa)

Cicero Justice Court
8236 Brewerton Road
Cicero, NY 13039
Phone: (315) 699-8478
Fax: (315) 699-7017

Clay Town Court
4401 Route 31
Clay, NY 13041
Phone: (315) 652-3800
Fax: (315) 622-7259

DeWitt Town Court
5400 Butternut Drive
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: (315) 446-7136 (Justice Jokl)
Phone: (315) 446-9180 (Justice Gideon)

East Syracuse Village Court
204 North Center Street
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: (315) 437-3541, extension 3300

Elbridge Town Court
5 State Route 31
P.O. Box 568
Jordan, NY 13080
Phone: (315) 689-7380, extension 3
Fax: (315) 689-6395

Fabius Town Court
7786 Main Street
P.O. Box 164
Fabius, NY 13063
Phone: (315) 683-9847

Fayetteville Village Justice Court
425 East Genesee Street
Fayetteville, NY 13066
Phone: (315) 637-8070
Fax: (315) 637-0107

Geddes Town Court
1000 Woods Road
Solvay, NY 13209
Phone: (315) 468-3613
Fax: (315) 487-5819

Jordan Village Court
7 Mechanic Street
P.O. Box 561
Jordan, NY 13080
Phone: (315) 689-3483

LaFayette Town Court
2577 US Route 11
P.O. Box 135
LaFayette, NY 13084
Phone: (315) 677-9350
Fax: (315) 677-4622

Liverpool Justice Court
Village Hall
310 Sycamore Street
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 457-5379, extension 7
Fax: (315) 453-2070

Lysander Town Court
8220 Loop Road
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Phone: (315) 638-1308
Fax: (315) 638-2369

Manlius Town Court
301 Brooklea Drive
Fayetteville, NY 13066
Phone: (315) 637-3251
Fax: (315) 637-9807

Manlius Village Court
1 Arkie Albanese Avenue
Manlius, NY 13104
Phone: (315) 682-7245
Fax: (315) 682-6121

Marcellus Town Court
24 East Main Street
Marcellus, NY 13108
Phone: (315) 673-3269, extension 3

Minoa Village Court
240 North Main Street
Minoa, NY 13116
Phone: (315) 656-2203
Fax: (315) 656-3642

North Syracuse Village Court
Municipal Building
600 South Bay Road
North Syracuse, NY 13212
Phone: (315) 458-4695
Fax: (315) 458-5197

Onondaga Justice Court
5020 Ball Road
Syracuse, NY 13215
Phone: (315) 469-1674
Fax: (315) 469-3094

Otisco Town Court
1924 Barker Street
Tully, NY 13159
Phone: (315) 696-6771
Fax: (315) 696-4678

Pompey Town Court
8354 US Route 20
Manlius, NY 13104
Phone: (315) 682-1168
Fax: (315) 682-3659

Salina Town Court
201 School Road
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 457-4251 (Justice Piraino)
Phone: (315) 457-4252 (Justice Carey)

Skaneateles Justice Court
Town Hall
24 Jordan Street
Skaneateles, NY 13152
Phone: (315) 685-5880
Fax: (315) 685-4779

Solvay Village Court
Village Hall
1100 Woods Road
Solvay, NY 13209
Phone: (315) 468-1608
Fax: (315) 468-1600

Spafford Justice Court
1984 State Route 174
Skaneateles, NY 13152
Phone: (315) 673-0710
Fax: (315) 673-9835

Tully Town Justice Court

Town Hall
5883 Meeting House Road
P.O. Box 126
Tully, NY 13159
Phone: (315) 696-5884
Fax: (315) 696-0114

Van Buren Town Court
7575 Van Buren Road
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Phone: (315) 635-3523
Fax: (315) 635-5083

Are Syracuse Court Records Public?

Most of the Syracuse court records are open and accessible to the public. The court records are made available to the general public based on the provision of Section 255 of the New York Judiciary Act. However, under some exceptional circumstances, these court records are exempted from public viewing. An example is when the court record has elements of confidentiality in it. Here, access to the court record will be restricted.

Can you look up a Syracuse Court Case Online?

Online access to Syracuse court cases is provided by the New York Unified Court System through the E-filed Case Records Guest Search. It can be searched by case identifier, name, tax cert/SCAR, and new cases. For case identifier searches, the user should provide the case number, year, county, and filing start and end date. Where it is a name search, provide the name type, business/organization, and first, middle, and last name.

In addition to this, the New York State Supreme Court and the County Clerk of New York provide the public with free access to court records on the Supreme Court Records On-Line Library (SCROLL).

How to Obtain Syracuse Civil Court Case Records?

Syracuse civil court case records are maintained by the court that decided the particular case. To obtain civil case records, requesters have to visit the court and provide relevant and specific information about the case. The Clerk of the Court will provide the appropriate cost of each record and copy requested, as well as acceptable payment methods. Hence, requesters should contact the appropriate court to make inquiries.

For Syracuse civil court case records handled by the Onondaga County Supreme Court or County Court, make contact with the Clerk with the information below:

Onondaga Supreme & County Court Clerk’s Office
505 South State Street
Suite 110
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-1030 (Civil)
Fax: (315) 671-1191

How to Obtain Syracuse Criminal Court Records?

Public access to Syracuse criminal court records is made possible by the OCA through criminal history record searches (CHRS). This public access is subject to certain exceptions to the information that is accessible. Requests can carry out CHRS online, by mail, or in person. For online requests, use the Criminal History Record Search - Direct Access website to request for criminal court records. If a requester is using the website for the first time, create an account before carrying out searches. To carry out a search, provide the full name and date of birth of the record’s subject. Each search request costs $95. The accepted methods of payment are credit or debit card, or by using a checking account (ACH).

To make a mail or in-person request, complete the Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) application form and submit it to:

Criminal History Record Search
NYS Office of Court Administration
Office of Administrative Services
Criminal History Record Search
25 Beaver Street (Room 840 - Front Desk)
New York, NY 10004

The OCA office is open from Monday to Friday; between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A criminal court record costs $95. Pay for this service with a check or money order to the NYS Office of Court Administration. It takes one business day to process a request.

If the criminal case was handled by the Onondaga Supreme Court or County Court, it is in the custody of the Clerk. To obtain the criminal court record, submit a written request in person or by mail to:

Onondaga Supreme & County Court Clerk’s Office
505 South State Street
Suite 110
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-1020
Fax: (315) 671-1191

What are Syracuse Vital Records?

Syracuse vital records are official documents that consist of recorded information about vital events that happened in the city. These Syracuse vital records include divorce records, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and death certificates. They are maintained by government officials and departments at the city, county, and state levels. The Syracuse City Clerk maintains copies of Syracuse marriage records. The Onondaga County Family Court holds Syracuse divorce records. The Onondaga County Office of Vital Statistics is the primary custodian of birth and death records.

At the state level, the Vital Records Unit of the New York State Department of Health maintains records of vital events that occur within the state. Syracuse birth, marriage, death, and divorce records are issued by this state department.

Where and How to Obtain Syracuse Divorce Records?

The Onondaga County Family Court keeps all records of divorces within the county, including Syracuse divorce records. Only the divorced parties, immediate family members, and individuals with court order authorization only. Under New York law, divorce records are classified into two kinds: divorce decrees and divorce certificates. In-person or mail requests to obtain Syracuse divorce decrees can be made to the Onondaga County Family Court at:

Onondaga County Family Court
Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671-2000
Fax: (315) 671-1163

Syracuse divorce records from 1963 to date are available at the New York State Department of Health. This record is accessible to either spouse and person authorized by a New York State order. To request divorce records, an applicant should complete the divorce record application form. The completed form should be submitted with the applicable fees ($45 for walk-ins and $30 for mail request) and a valid ID by mail or in-person to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

Where and How to Get Public Syracuse Marriage Records?

The Syracuse City Clerk issues certified copies of Syracuse marriage records from 1908 to date to either spouse, with proper identification, for $10 per copy. A person with a Power of Attorney or document signed by either bride or groom giving permission to obtain copies of the record can obtain the record. Marriage records are available to persons other than the married couple after 50 years or when the married couple is deceased.

Interested persons can obtain a Syracuse marriage certificate by making in-person or mail requests. Simply fill out the Application for a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate. Attach payment and a valid ID and submit them to:

Office of the Syracuse City Clerk
233 East Washington Street
Room 231
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 448-8216

Syracuse marriage records are also in the custody of the New York State Department of Health. Access to Syracuse marriage records is restricted to the married couple and individuals with legal authorization to access the record. Interested persons can order Syracuse marriage certificates by making in-person requests to the Vital Records Certification Unit of the Department of Health. The requester will be required to provide information about the marriage, like the names of the spouses, the date of the marriage, the place of the marriage, and the marriage certificate number.

Requesters can also make mail requests by filling out the Application for a Marriage Certificate. The filled-out form, along with the applicable fees ($45 for walk-ins and $30 for mail request) and a valid ID, should be mailed to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Syracuse?

All marriage records in Syracuse are considered public.

Where and How to Find Syracuse Birth Records?

The Onondaga County Office of Vital Statistics keeps all records of births that happen within the county, including Syracuse birth records. The Vital Statistics Office offers Syracuse birth certificates to interested persons upon in-person, mail, or fax requests. Each request must be accompanied by a valid ID. The first copy of a Syracuse birth certificate costs $30, and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. A mail request is processed within 7-10 business days.

To make a request, complete the Birth Certificate Request Form. Include payment and a valid ID. Submit them in person, by mail, or by fax with the information below:

Onondaga County Office of Vital Statistics
421 Montgomery Street
Civic Center Basement Level
Room 20
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 435-3241
Fax: (315) 435-3614

Syracuse birth records can also be obtained from the Vital Records Certification Unit of the State Department of Health. The birth records can be requested only by the record owner, their parents, immediate family members, and legal representatives, or legally authorized persons. These eligible persons can request Syracuse birth certificates by completing and notarizing the Application for Copy of a Birth Certificate. Enclose payment ($45 for walk-ins and $30 for mail request) and a valid ID and submit them to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

Where and How to Find Syracuse Death Records?

The Onondaga County Office of Vital Statistics maintains copies of records of deaths registered within the county, including Syracuse death records. Interested persons can make in-person, mail, or fax requests for Syracuse death records. A requester must provide a valid ID to obtain a record. The first copy of a Syracuse death certificate costs $30. There is an additional $15 for each copy requested at the same time. For mail requests, it takes 7-10 business days to process.

To obtain a Syracuse death record, fill out the Death Certificate Request Form. Provide payment and a valid ID. Submit these documents in person, by mail, or by fax to:

Onondaga County Office of Vital Statistics
421 Montgomery Street
Civic Center Basement Level
Room 20
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 435-3241
Fax: (315) 435-3614

Interested persons can also obtain copies of Syracuse death records from the Vital Records Certification Unit of the State Department of Health. In line with the state laws, death records are available only to the parents of the deceased, immediate family members, and their legal representatives or legally authorized persons.

Fill out and notarize the Application for a Copy of a Death Certificate to obtain copies of the death record. The filled-out form, payment, and a valid ID should be submitted to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602