What are Oswego County Public Records?
As stated under the New York Freedom of Information Law, an Oswego County public record is any physical form of documentation created, maintained, used, or duplicated by and for a public body or legislature. Oswego County public records could take the form of written reports, maps, memoranda, cards, photographs, audiotapes, and designs, among others. New York law makes it an obligation for all public agencies in Oswego County to release their records when requested by any public member unless the documents do not fall under the state's open records law. Some of the listed exemptions include:
- any information that could threaten an individual's right to privacy
- records exempted under federal or another state statute
- documents that could interfere with bidding, union negotiations, or contract awards if released
- trade secrets and financial or commercial data
- law enforcement records which, if disclosed, would:
- interfere with court proceedings and criminal investigations
- deprive an individual of impartial adjudication or a fair trial
- provide information on a confidential source in connection with a criminal investigation
- disclose criminal investigative procedures that are confidential
- information that could pose a threat to the life or safety of any individual
- inter-and intra-agency documents that are open for discussion or advisory and consultative
- examination questions and answers or tools used to score or determine a test result
- technical or administrative data that may compromise a public body's computer security
- any recorded images created under N.Y. Veh. & Traf. § 1111-a
Oswego County Crime Statistics
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (NYS DCJS) provides annual crime statistics for Oswego County. According to its report, law enforcement in Oswego County reported 1,890 index crimes for 2019. Of this total, there were 181 violent crimes and 1,709 property crimes. Compared to the previous year, the county's index total, violent, and property crime counts dipped by 6.9%; violent crime counts reduced by 3.7%, 7.2%, respectively. Oswego County index crime breakdown for 2019 includes; one murder, 88 rape, nine robberies, 83 aggravated assaults, 235 burglaries, 1,390 larcenies, and 84 motor vehicle thefts. In all, rape and motor vehicle theft counts were the only two categories that saw an increase from the previous year. Oswego County's total index crime rate was 1,619.1 crimes per 100,000 persons, representing a 7.7% decrease from the previous year. Crime rates for violent and property crimes also dropped by an estimated 4.5% and 8.1%, respectively.
Are Oswego County Criminal Records Public?
Oswego County criminal records (or rap sheets) are considered confidential records and as such not open to third-party review. In other words, members of the public cannot examine an individual's offense history. However, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) allows people to make copies and have access to their criminal records. New York State citizens can conduct fingerprint-based background checks to provide a comprehensive list of their offense history. Interested parties will need to schedule an appointment with a live scan fingerprinting provider online or by putting a call through to (877) 472-6915.
A fingerprint-based criminal background check will cost $62. The record seeker can make payments by using a credit card or money order. A successful background check will show no results if there are no prior offenses committed or will display
- the individual's first and last name
- known aliases
- age
- birth date
- sex
- physical descriptors
- fingerprints
- offense history
- pending indictments
- arrest information
Record seekers may also query the New York State Office of Courts Administration for uncertified copies of their criminal records. A criminal record requested from this office will cost $95, and requesters can purchase documents online or submit a Criminal History Record Search Application form 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
How to Obtain Oswego County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Oswego arrest records and police reports are obtainable from different local law enforcement agencies. The Oswego County Sheriff's Office, the county's principal law enforcement, can provide incident and accident reports to public members. Interested parties can obtain incident reports by sending an email or calling (315) 349-3320. They can also request accident reports by filling a form online.
Oswego County Sheriff
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 349-3302
Oswego arrest records and police reports are also available with the local police department in the municipality where the event occurred:
Central Square Police Department
3325 East Avenue
Central Square, NY 13036
Phone: (315) 676-4303
Fulton Police Department
141 S 1st Street
Fulton, NY 13069
Phone: (315) 598-2111
Oswego Campus Police
PathFinder Hall
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 312-5555
Oswego Police Department
169 West 2nd Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 342-8120
Phoenix Police Department
455 Main Street
Phoenix, NY 13135
Phone: (315) 695-2001
Pulaski Police Department
4917 North Jefferson Street
Pulaski, NY 13142
Phone: (315) 298-7525
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Oswego County
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) compiles data on all sex offenders living in Oswego County under the New York Sex Offender Act. Members of the public can access the New York Sex Offender Registry to find Level 2 (moderate risk) and Level 3 (high risk) sex offenders. The record seeker can search for offenders by name and zip code and will need to select "Oswego" as the county option. A successful search will display the offender's name, offense committed and may provide a photograph.
The DCJS also provides an email notification system for monitoring sex offenders. Interested individuals can subscribe to this service using a valid email account.
How to Find Oswego County Inmate Records
The Corrections Division of the Oswego County Sheriff's Office maintains inmate records. Record seekers can find information regarding detained persons by accessing the Jail Inmate Listing. This tool allows people to find inmates by name and I.D. number.
Search results will display the inmate's name, sex, race, physical descriptors, and arrest information.
How Do I Visit an inmate in Oswego County Jail?
Family and friends can visit incarcerated individuals in the Oswego County Correctional Center. Anyone intending to visit an inmate must schedule an appointment in advance by calling the Jail Receptionist on (315) 349-3346 anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors can only reserve one session per time but can do so several days in advance. Visitors must sign in with the jail receptionist before entering the facility.
Detainees can only receive visitors two times a week, and each session lasts for one hour. Visiting hours are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for close custody. The scheduled period for other visiting classifications is Wednesday through Sunday, from:
- 8:30 a.m. up until 9:30 a.m.
- 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Visitors must come along with an acceptable means of identification. Individuals below 16 years of age can only visit if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and will need an original birth certificate with a certified raised seal. Any person aged 16 and 17 will need to submit a photo identification and Juvenile Permission Form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Court Records
New York's trial court system comprises Supreme, County, Family, Surrogate's, District, City, Town, and Village Courts. There are 29 court locations in Oswego County:
Oswego County Supreme Court
Oswego County Courthouse
25 East Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 207-7500
Fax: (315) 266-4519
Oswego County Court
Oswego County Courthouse
25 East Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 207-7504
Fax: (315) 266-4519
Oswego County Family Court
Public Safety Center
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 207-7533
Fax: (315) 266-4770
Oswego County Surrogate's Court
Oswego County Courthouse
25 East Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 207-7566
Fax: (315) 266-4784
Fulton City Court
Municipal Building
141 South 1st Street
Fulton, NY 13069
Phone: (315) 207-7231
Fax: (315) 266-4753
Oswego City Court
Conway Municipal Center
20 West Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 207-7251
Fax: (315) 266-4752
Albion Town Court
15 Bridge Street
P.O. Box 127
Altmar, NY 13302
Phone: (315) 298-6325
Fax: (315) 298-5793
Amboy Town Court
822 State Route 69
Williamstown, NY 13493
Phone: (315) 964-7799
Fax: (315) 964-7799
Boylston Town Court
580 County Route 13
Lacona, NY 13083
Phone: (315) 387-5530
Fax: (315) 387-5530
Central Square Village Court
3125 East Avenue
P.O. Box 509
Central Square, NY 13036
Phone: (315) 668-8228
Fax: (315) 668-7037
Constantia Town Court
14 Frederick Street
P.O. Box 214
Constantia, NY 13044
Phone: (315) 440-2842
Phone: (315) 243-2600
Fax: (315) 623-9623
Granby Justice Court
820 County Route 8
Fulton, NY 13069
Phone: (315) 598-2958
Fax: (315) 593-6987
Hannibal Town Court
824 County Route 34
Drawer B
Hannibal, NY 13074
Phone: (315) 564-6698
Fax: (315) 564-6372
Hastings Town Court
1134 US Route 11
Central Square, NY 13036
Phone: (315) 668-2382
Fax: (315) 668-2382
Phone: (315) 676-4317
Fax: (315) 668-8439
Mexico Town Court
3245 Main Street
P.O. Box 98
Mexico, NY 13114
Phone: (315) 963-3785
Fax: (315) 963-8806
Minetto Town Court
Town Hall
6 Community Drive
P.O. Box 220
Minetto, NY 13115
Phone: (315) 326-0030
Fax: (315) 326-0030
New Haven Justice Court
4279 State Route 104
P.O. Box 141
New Haven, NY 13121
Phone: (315) 963-8886
Fax: (315) 963-3900
Orwell Town Court
1999 County Route 2
Orwell, NY 13426
Phone: (315) 298-3040
Oswego Town Court
Oswego Town Fire Station
640 County Route 20
Suite 2
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 343-0588
Fax: (315) 216-6530
Phone: (315) 343-7249
Fax: (315) 216-6984
Palermo Town Court
53 County Route 35
Fulton, NY 13069
Phone: (315) 593-2333 ext. 222
Fax: (315) 598-5194
Parish Town Court
2938 East Main Street
Parish, NY 13131
Fax: (315) 625-7282
Fax: (315) 625-7064
Redfield Town Court
P.O. Box 121
Redfield, NY 13437
Phone: (315) 599-7013
Fax: (315) 599-7468
Richland Town Court
1 Bridge Street
Pulaski, NY 13142
Phone: (315) 298-5174
Fax: (315) 298-7348
Sandy Creek Town Court
1992 Harwood Drive
P.O. Box 341
Sandy Creek, NY 13145
Phone: (315) 387-5456 ext. 9
Fax: (315) 387-6233
Schroeppel Justice Court
69 County Route 57A
Phoenix, NY 13135
Phone: (315) 695-6177
Fax: (315) 695-3530
Scriba Town Court
Justice Center
45 Creamery Road
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 343-1503
Fax: (315) 342-8601
Volney Town Court
1445 County Route 6
Fulton, NY 13069
Phone: (315) 598-7082
Fax: (315) 598-8713
West Monroe Town Court
46 County Route 11
West Monroe, NY 13167
Phone: (315) 676-3521 ext. 118
Fax: (315) 676-4910
Williamstown Town Court
2912 County Route 17
P.O. Box 141
Williamstown, NY 13493
Phone: (315) 964-0144
Fax: (315) 964-0144
Are Oswego County Court Records Public?
Oswego County court records are open to the public, although access to court records is not absolute. Accessibility to Oswego court records depends on the provisions stated in New York Jud. Law 255 to 255-B. Under state statutes, a court may seal portions of a court record on the grounds of confidentiality. Examples of court information that may be unavailable for public inspection include adoption records, criminal court cases still under investigation, or those about not-guilty defendants, some marital agreements, and civil commitments. Although sealed court records are generally unavailable to the public, an individual may still request to access these documents under 22 NYCRR § 216.1.
How to Obtain Oswego County Civil Court Case Records
The Oswego County Clerk's Office serves as the Oswego County Supreme and County courts’ court administrator. This office can provide copies of a civil court case record filed during court proceedings. Interested parties should contact the office on (315) 349-8615 for civil court documents. Uncertified copies of a civil court case record cost 65 cents each. The cost to prepare and certify a document is $5 for every four pages requested, while the cost to insure a framed copy is $5.20 per eight pages (additional pages cost $1.25 each). Alternatively, they can visit the Clerk's office at:
46 East Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
How to Obtain Oswego County Criminal Court Records
Oswego County criminal court records are within the County Clerk's purview. Record seekers can obtain certified copies of a criminal court record for $5 each and an uncertified copy for 65 cents per page. The Clerk can help certify an already prepared document for $5.20 per first four pages, while additional pages requested will cost $1.25 each. Interested parties should call (315) 349-8615 to place an order. Alternatively, they can visit the Clerk's office at:
46 East Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Business hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
What are Oswego County Vital Records?
Oswego County vital records are official documents that provide information on life events, such as birth records, death records, marriage certificates, and divorce records. The New York Consolidated Laws, Public Health Law, vital records are not public records and are only available to the record subject(s), close relatives, and anyone with a court order from a New York Court. The New York State Department of Health grants access to vital records. At the local level, the Oswego County Clerk's Office or the Municipal Clerk of the city or town where the event occurred can provide essential documents. Requesters can forward mail requests for vital records to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
The Health Department provides a different address for those requesting priority handling. Vital records requested with this option can take two to four weeks to process, while regular handling takes ten to twelve weeks. For priority handling, send the completed application form to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
800 North Pearl Street
Menands, NY 12204
Where and How to Obtain Oswego County Divorce Records
The Oswego County Clerk's Office can provide copies of divorce records. Oswego County divorce records are not open to the public. Interested parties can obtain these documents by calling (315) 349-8621 or visiting the office at:
46 East Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
A copy of a divorce record costs 65 cents per page, while certified copies cost $5 each. The requesting party will need to provide a valid means of identification to access divorce records. At the state level, the New York State Department of Health provides divorce certificates to eligible individuals, such as divorcees or individuals with a New York State Court Order. Record seekers can apply for copies in person by visiting the Vital Records Office located at:
800 North Pearl Street
2nd Floor - Room 200
Menands, NY 12204
The state office offers walk-in services between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday. Walk-in requests cost $45 each. A second option is to mail a completed Application for Copy of Divorce Certificate form, together with a valid I.D. and a $30 check or money order to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
For quick delivery, eligible parties may order copies online. Online orders cost $45 plus an additional $8 fee, payable by credit or debit card. Requesting parties will need to fill a form online and provide payment information to apply for divorce certificates.
Where and How to Get Public Oswego County Marriage Records
In New York State, marriage records that are more than 50 years are open to the public because state laws consider these documents historic. Interested parties can look up public marriage records on the New York State Archives or the Archival Index of Oswego County. The State Archives will provide indexes of public marriage records, while the County Archives has records of marriages from 1908 to 1935 only. Secondly, record seekers can query any of these offices through writing or visit:
The New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Oswego County Archives
46 East Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Oswego County
Oswego County marriage records since 1880 are obtainable from the New York State Health Department. In New York, marriage records that are less than 50 years old are confidential and only available to the spouses or anyone with a New York State Court Order or who wants to obtain certificates for documented judicial purposes. Eligible individuals can purchase marriage certificates online for $45 per copy plus $8 for processing fee (billed only once). Applicants will need to provide information about the record and submit e-payment on the request portal.
The Vital Records Office can also process walk-in requests for $45 per requested copy. Interested parties can visit the office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office location is:
800 North Pearl Street
2nd Floor - Room 200
Menands, NY 12204
A second alternative is to send a completed Application for Copy of Marriage Certificate form, a valid I.D., and a $30 check or money order by mail to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
The Clerk of the town or city where the event occurred also has marriage records
Where and How to Find Oswego County Birth Records
The New York State Health Department keeps Oswego County birth records for events that occurred from 1881 to the present. In the State of New York, only the registrant, the parent named on the form, and a spouse, child, or any individual with a New York State Court Order can request copies of a birth certificate.
Interested parties can order an Oswego County birth certificate online for $45 (an additional $8 transaction fee). Record seekers are to complete the order form and provide payment using a credit card or debit card. Secondly, individuals can mail a completed and signed Birth Certificate Application Form, a copy of a valid means of identification, and a $30 check or money order to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Walk-in services are also available. Eligible parties can copy a copy of a birth certificate at the Vital Records Office for $45. Requesters must come along with a valid photo I.D.
800 North Pearl Street
2nd Floor - Room 200
Menands, NY 12204
The Clerk in the city or town where the event occurred can also provide birth certificates.
Where and How to Find Oswego County Death Records
Oswego County death records since 1881 are within the purview of the New York State Health Department, Vital Records Office. Under New York law, death records are only open to the deceased's spouse, parent, children, siblings, and anyone who has a New York State Court Order, lawful right or claim or needs it for medical purposes.
Eligible individuals can place an order for a certified death record online by filling an order form and providing electronic payment. A death record purchased online will cost $45 plus an additional $8 processing fee. Requesters can also obtain death certificates by visiting the Vital Records Office in person. The State Office will request to see a copy of a valid I.D. before it can process any request. Walk-in purchases cost $45 per copy. The Vital Records Office is at:
800 North Pearl Street
2nd Floor - Room 200
Menands, NY 12204
Individuals who want to place an order by mail should submit a completed Death Certificate Application Form, a valid photo I.D, and a $30 check or money order to:
Mailing Address
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
The Local Registrar of Vital Statistics in the municipality where the event occurred can also provide death records.
