What Are Seneca County Public Records?
According to Section 86 of the Public Officers Law, public records in Seneca County are documents, books, maps, drawings, folders, rules, pamphlets, and examinations made by local agencies. Examples of public records include Seneca County arrest records, court records, criminal records, and vital records. Local and state agencies may provide these records online or in physical copies. Typically, a record access officer like the Rockland County clerk is responsible for maintaining and disseminating public records. Requesters can contact the county clerk to obtain these public documents. However, the clerk may reject the request if the records contain information that may:
- Be an unjustified breach of a person's privacy
- Be considered confidential by a federal or state court.
- Jeopardize bid or contract outcomes, as well as union negotiations.
- Negatively impact present or imminent bargaining negotiations or contract awards
- Interfere with the outcome of court proceedings.
- Have the potential to endanger the life of a state resident
Seneca County Crime Statistics
The Index Crimes Reported by all local government agencies in Seneca County and other areas in New York is published by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The report, which uses a similar method as the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting, classifies all crimes as either violent (rape, aggravated assault, robbery, and murder) or property-related (burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft). According to the latest DCJS report, there were 438 criminal cases in 2020. Seneca County crime statistics revealed that 55 violent crimes and 383 property crimes occurred in 2020.
The report also showed that 440 crimes were reported in 2019 by Seneca County law enforcement agencies. This includes 45 violent crimes and 395 property crimes. Compared to the 2020 crime statistics, violent crime in Seneca County increased by 22%, while property crimes decreased by 3%.
Are Seneca County Criminal Records Public?
According to New York FOIL, Seneca County criminal records are publicly accessible. As such, county residents and other interested persons seeking these records may visit or contact the sheriff's department. The Criminal Investigations Division of the Sheriff's Office is tasked with enforcing county laws in the community and hence, arresting offenders and violators. On the other hand, the county clerk is responsible for maintaining and disseminating all records in the county.
Requesters should note that sealed or expunged records are not available to the public. Obtainable criminal records at the state repository are maintained by the New York State Office of Court Administration. Interested persons can perform background checks using Online Direct Access. Alternatively, record seekers can download and complete the CHRS Application Form and send it via mail to the New York OCA. Each requested copy of the criminal record is $95.00. All methods of payment are accepted except cash. Requesters should make the money orders and check payable to the NYS Office of Court Administration.
How To Obtain Seneca County Police Reports And Arrest Records?
Interested Individuals can access Seneca County arrest records and police reports through the Seneca County Sheriff. Accident reports, crash reports, and arrest warrants are examples of Seneca County police reports/arrest records that are accessible by visiting the sheriff's office at:
Seneca County Sheriff' Office
6150 State Route 96
Romulus, NY 14541
(315) 220-3250
Alternatively, police reports and arrest records are obtainable at other police departments in Seneca County.
Interlaken Police Department
8369 North Main Street
Interlaken, NY
Seneca Falls Police Department
60 State Street
Seneca Falls, NY
Ovid Police Department
7160 Main Street
Ovid, NY
Waterloo Police Department
41 West Main Street
Waterloo, NY
How To Find Sex Offender Information In Seneca County
The Sheriff's Department of Seneca County, in collaboration with the county's district attorney, provides an online search tool for sex offenders. The webpage provides county residents with a link to the New York State Sex Offender Registry. Interested parties can search for sex offenders' information within Seneca County using the name, address, address type, city, zip code, and offender's compliance status. Interested parties can also register to receive an email notification for free and updated when a sex offender registers with Seneca County Sheriff's Office. Also, visitors can send out the search results to the email of a family or relative.
How To Find Seneca County Inmate Records
The Seneca County Sheriff's Office is in charge of the daily operations of the county jail. Parties interested in obtaining Seneca County inmate records can do so in person by contacting the following address:
Seneca County Sheriff' Office
6150 State Route 96
Romulus, NY 14541
(315) 220-3250
How Do I Visit An Inmate In Seneca County Jail?
The Sheriff's Office of Seneca County grants family and relatives visitation privileges to inmates held in the county jail. Visitors must confirm visiting times from the visitation rules. In Seneca County, visitation hours are arranged according to housing units in the jail. As such, visitors are required to know the inmate's housing unit to schedule their visit. Also, it is essential to arrive at the facility 15 minutes before the scheduled time. They must also present a valid photo ID before entering the premises. Children that are not up to 18 years may visit provided they are with a registered parent or guardian.
Seneca County Court Records
Seneca County court records details of court proceedings like names of plaintiffs and defendants, court dockets, evidence, affidavits, court transcripts, etc. According to the New York FOI Law, court records in Seneca County are open to the public. Like all other counties in New York, the Seneca County court system consists of the supreme court, the county court, family court, surrogate court, and smaller town and community courts. Generally, the county clerk is responsible for disseminating Seneca County court records.
Seneca County Supreme Court
48 West Williams Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 835-6229
Fax: (315) 835-6234
Seneca County Court
48 West Williams Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 835-6229
Fax: (315) 835-6234
Seneca County Family Court
48 West Williams Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 835-6231
Fax: (315) 835-6234
Seneca County Surrogate's Court
48 West Williams Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 835-6232
Fax: (315) 835-6234
Covert Town Court
8469 South Main Street
P.O. Box 220
Interlaken, NY 14847
Phone: (607) 532-4091
Fax: (607) 294-4032
Fayette Town Court
1439 Yellow Tavern Road
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 585-6285
Fax: (315) 585-6283
Junius Town Court
655 Dublin Road
Clyde, NY 14433
Phone: (315) 539-4667
Fax: (315) 539-4317
Lodi Town Court
8440 North Main Street
P.O. Box 403
Lodi, NY 14860
Phone: (607) 582-7730
Ovid Town Court
8440 North Main Street
P.O. Box 33
Lodi, NY 14860
Phone: (607) 869-9845
Fax: (607) 582-7731
Romulus Town Court
1435 Prospect Street
P.O. Box 274
Willard, NY 14588
Phone: (607) 869-9650
Fax: (607) 869-9670
Seneca Falls Town Court
81 West Bayard Street
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Phone: (315) 568-9234
Fax: (315) 568-5870
Tyre Town Court
1695 State Route 318
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 539-3690
Fax: (315) 539-1037
Varick Town Court
4782 State Route 96
Romulus, NY 14541
Phone: (315) 585-6018
Waterloo Town Court
66 Virginia Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 539-3213
Fax: (315) 539-5803
Waterloo Village Court
41 West Main Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 539-2512
Fax: (315) 539-3333
Are Seneca County Court Records Public?
Yes, according to the FOI Law in New York, court records in Seneca County are available to the public. The state's judiciary maintains court records at the state level, while the county clerk is responsible for storing court records in the county. Requesters should note that the county clerk may deny access to information like social security numbers and driver's licenses from the court records. Other confidential records that may threaten an individual's life or affect court proceedings may be restricted from public view.
How To Obtain Seneca County Civil Court Case Records
The Seneca County circuit court and other smaller courts are in charge of handling civil court cases. On the other hand, the clerk of court maintains the court records for the county. Individuals interested in Seneca County court case records can go to the County Clerk website. Requesters can also visit the office at:
Seneca County Clerk
1 DiPronio Drive
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 539-1771
Email: clotz@co.seneca.ny.us
How To Obtain Seneca County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records are records detailing the court proceedings of a criminal case. In Seneca County, a deputy clerk is present in all court cases and records the proceedings. These documents are obtainable for all interested persons. Requesters can contact the clerk online via the county clerk webpage. Also, interested parties can get Seneca County criminal court records from the Supreme & County Court Clerk's office at:
Seneca County Clerk
1 DiPronio Drive
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 539-1771
Email: clotz@co.seneca.ny.us
What Are Seneca County Vital Records?
Seneca County vital records consist of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued by state or local agencies. Court clerks must create and maintain these vital records. The Seneca County Historian administers some of these records in the county. Alternatively, the records are obtainable from the New York Health Department.
Where And How To Obtain Seneca County Divorce Records
A divorce certificate is the court document issued by a court legally ending a marriage. Seneca County divorce records are available to the public. In New York, requesters can only obtain a divorce decree from the court that issued it. Seneca County divorce records can be obtained from the county office 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday at:
Seneca County Family Court
48 West Williams Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 835-6231
Fax: (315) 835-6234
The state health department also issues New York divorce certificates. However, divorce certificates for marriages that were dissolved before 1963 are not available. Online/phone call requests cost $45.00 (plus an $8 processing fee). Requesters can make payments using electronic checks, American Express, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard. To order a copy, requesters should visit the state health department website. In-person costs $45 and is payable in cash, money order, or check. The address to visit is:
New York Department of Health (Certification Unit)
Vital Records Section, 2nd floor
800 North Pearl Street
Menands, NY 12204
Email requests cost $30 and are payable via personal check, money order, or certified check. Requesters are to fill a form and send it to:
New York Department of Health
Vital Records (Certification Unit)
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
It is critical to note that these documents are accessible only to either the spouse or a person with an order from a New York Court. Also, requesters will need to submit a valid means of identification along with the telephone or utility bills.
Where And How To Get Public Seneca County Marriage Records
Marriage records are only obtainable by the record holders, legal representatives, or persons with a court order in Seneca County. Requesters of a marriage record can mail the Seneca County Historian at:
Seneca County Clerk
1 DiPronio Drive,
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 539-1771
Email: clotz@co.seneca.ny.us
Alternatively, requesters can order Seneca County marriage records online from the New York health department office. It is vital to note that these documents are accessible to either the spouse, a legal representative or a person with a New York Court order. Requests can be made online, by phone call requests, via mail-in requests, or in person. Online and phone call requests cost $45.00 (plus an $8 processing fee). This is payable in electronic check, American Express, Discover, and Visa, or MasterCard. To order a copy, requesters should visit the marriage certificate request page. In-person requests cost $45 and are payable in cash, money order, or check. The address to visit is:
New York Department of Health (Certification Unit)
Vital Records Section/2nd floor
800 North Pearl Street
Menands, NY 12204
Email requests cost $30 and are payable via personal check, money order, or certified check. Interested individuals will be required to fill a form and send it to:
New York Department of Health
Vital Records (Certification Unit)
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Where And How To Obtain Confidential Marriage Records In Seneca County
Confidential marriage records do not exist in New York; all marriages in Seneca County are public records.
Where And How To Find Seneca County Birth Records
The New York Health Department issues Seneca County birth records. These documents are only available to the record holder, the parents, and a spouse or child (must have a New York court order). Requesters can obtain marriage records by completing a birth certificate request form and submitting it in person or by mail. Requesters should send the forms along with the payment payable in money orders or checks to:
New York Department of Health
Vital Records (Certification Unit)
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Certified birth records ordered via mail cost $30.00, online and phone requests cost $45.00 (plus $8 processing fee), while in-person requests cost $45.00. Only requesters making in-person requests can pay in cash, and all payments are to be made to the Health Department.
Where And How To Find Seneca County Death Records
Death records in Seneca County are only obtainable by the deceased's parent, spouse, sibling, or child. Eligible parties may access death records by completing a death record request form and submitting it in person or by mail. Requesters should send these with the payments to:
New York Department of Health
Vital Records (Certification Unit)
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Death records ordered via mail cost $30.00, online and phone requests cost $45.00 (plus an $8 processing fee), while in-person requests cost $45.00. Mail-in and online requesters should submit payments as checks, money orders, and Visa/MasterCard (only online). Only in-person requesters can pay with cash.
