Question regarding Public Records

[Ragin]

Can anyone answer this for me?

What constitutes a public record?
I am under the impression that criminal convictions are considered public records and may be disclosed to the general public.

But for some unknown reason, Erie County won't release information regarding criminal convictions even though they acknowledged the information is a public record.

Why won't Erie County allow me access to these public records and what do I need to do to gain access to records that are supposed to be public information?

[buffy]

Here's a link for you, have to submit a F.O.I.L
http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/nysa...h_access.shtml

[LHardy]

If the record is sealed a foil will not matter. They can tell you if the record is sealed. They just cannot tell you what is in the file.
A sealed record is stapled shut. No lookie.

[Ragin]

I'm not looking for information contained in sealed records or personal medical/psychological histories. I understand a patient's right to confidentiality.

All I wanted to know was if a particular person had any criminal convictions. That information is of public record and I can't understand why Erie County will not release this information.

[dtwarren]

What department did you ask?

[LHardy]

It is my understanding and I could be wrong but....
A criminal conviction can be part of a sealed record and they will not tell you anything.
It is only public info until it becomes sealed. At that point you will only know that a record exists. Not what is contained within.
People with criminal records such as DWI or any for that matter. Have their records sealed for privacy or employment reasons. They would have to sign a waiver for you to see what is in the record.
Don't count on that.

[Ragin]

What department did you ask?

For information reguarding Criminal History or Employment Review, the Erie County Sheriffs website directs one to call the Erie County Sheriff's Office, Patrol Headquarters: (716) 662-6150 ask for the I.D. Bureau

That's what I did.

[GeorgeB]

Several years ago I was a manager responsible for hiring and it was standard procedure to have the prospective candidates get a copy of their police record from their local police department. I personally never had to go to the county for this info, so I'm thinking that it might help to try the local municipality first...

I hope that helps!

George

[woodstock]

I found several links on the internet for you. I don't know if they link to all the same information...

http://www.uscriminalcheck.com/State...al-records.htm

http://www.publicrecordsinfo.com/

http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/

http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/

http://www.criminalbackgroundrecords...rd-search.html

http://www.backgroundferret.com/cata...8_products.htm

But I did find this

STATEWIDE CRIMINAL RECORDS REPOSITORY
The state of New York Criminal Records Repository records are not opened to the public without a court order.

But the link has more links within.
http://www.pimall.com/nais/pdf/pubre...D/PAGES/NY.HTM

Hope this helps.

[Ragin]

George ...

I already contacted the local police department based on this person's last known address. Unfortunately, people move around from town to town and dont necessarily get arrested and convicted in their own backyard.

[Ragin]

Thanks woody .. some links I've tried but some are new to me ... I'll check out these links as well.

[woodstock]

Thanks woody .. some links I've tried but some are new to me ... I'll check out these links as well.

Did you google the individual name as well?