Buffalo Recent Arrests
Recent arrests in Buffalo are processed through the Buffalo Police Department and Erie County courts. Buffalo is the second largest city in New York State, with about 278,000 residents. The city has its own police department and city court system that handles misdemeanors and violations. Felony cases move to Erie County Court or Supreme Court. Buffalo City Court at 50 Delaware Avenue is where most arrest cases start. You can search for recent Buffalo arrests through the WebCrims system, the Erie County Clerk, or by making a records request to the Buffalo Police Department.
Buffalo Overview
Buffalo City Court and Recent Arrests
Buffalo City Court is the first stop for most arrest cases in the city. It sits at 50 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. The main phone number is 716-845-2600. Court hours run Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, closed on state holidays. Thirteen City Court judges preside over cases here.
The court has several divisions. Criminal Records can be reached at 716-845-2661. The Chief Clerk's Office number is 716-845-2689, where Erika Webb serves as Chief Clerk. For civil judgments call 716-845-2662. Small claims and commercial claims go through 716-845-2663. Housing Court is at 716-845-2642. The court offers a Children's Center with free daycare for kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years, which is helpful if you need to visit the court with children.
Language interpreters are available for free if you give advance notice. The EDDS electronic filing system is available for certain case types. Certificates of Disposition can be requested from the criminal records division. Felony cases that start here get transferred to Erie County Supreme Court after the preliminary hearing.
Buffalo City Court Contacts
| Division | Phone | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Main Number | 716-845-2600 | 50 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202 |
| Criminal Records | 716-845-2661 | 50 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202 |
| Chief Clerk | 716-845-2689 | 50 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202 |
| Fax | 716-847-8257 | 50 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202 |
Buffalo Police Department and Arrest Records
The Buffalo Police Department serves the entire city. It is based in the Public Safety Building and provides 24/7 emergency services. Records requests for police reports and arrest documentation can be made to the department. The BPD maintains incident reports and handles fingerprinting services for licensing and other needs.
For arrest information beyond what the police provide, the Erie County District Attorney's Office at 25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202, prosecutes criminal cases. Their phone is (716) 858-2400. The Erie County Sheriff's Office also plays a role. They run the Erie County Holding Center and handle active warrants. Records from the sheriff are available through formal request.
The Buffalo City Clerk, Gerald Chwalinski, maintains city records and council minutes. FOIL requests for city records go through this office. For police-specific records, direct your request to the Buffalo Police Department.
How to Search Recent Arrests in Buffalo
Use the WebCrims system for free online searches of Buffalo arrest cases. It covers Buffalo City Court and Erie County courts. Search by name or docket number. The eCourts portal shows court calendars and case scheduling.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services offers a statewide Criminal History Record Search for $95. The DOCCS Inmate Lookup is free and shows people in state prison. The Sex Offender Registry is also free to search. These tools cover Buffalo and all of New York State.
In person, go to Buffalo City Court at 50 Delaware Avenue. The criminal records window can pull up cases by name. Bring your ID. The Erie County Clerk's Office at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 also has court records. Their main number is 716-858-8785. Under CPL 160.50, sealed cases are not available to the public.
Recent Arrests and Erie County Court Records
The Erie County Clerk's Office maintains court records for Supreme Court and County Court cases. Michael P. Kearns serves as County Clerk. The office is at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. They handle land records, property titles, and court papers. E-recording is available through approved vendors.
The Criminal History Record Search checks court records statewide. For Buffalo-specific cases, the city court's criminal records division at 716-845-2661 is the direct source. Certified copies of documents come with a fee. The county clerk charges standard rates for copies and certifications.
FOIL Requests for Recent Arrests in Buffalo
Submit a FOIL request to get police records from the Buffalo Police Department or city records from the Buffalo City Clerk. Put your request in writing. Include the person's name, arrest date, and any case numbers. The agency must acknowledge within five business days and respond within 20 business days.
Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Some records may be redacted or withheld if they are part of an open investigation or sealed case. The Erie County Clerk handles requests for county-level court records. You have the right to appeal any denial of a FOIL request. Keep your request as specific as possible to speed up the process for getting Buffalo arrest records.
Legal Resources in Buffalo
Buffalo has several legal aid organizations. The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo provides free legal services to qualifying residents. The Erie County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program. The DCJS Record Review page explains how to check your own criminal history and dispute errors.
For arrest trends and data, the criminal justice statistics page from DCJS covers Erie County and the entire state. If you are looking to seal a record from a Buffalo arrest, consult with an attorney about the CPL 160.50 process. Cases that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal may qualify.
Erie County Arrest Records
Buffalo is the county seat of Erie County. All felony cases and many misdemeanor cases flow through the Erie County court system. Visit the Erie County page for full details on courts, the clerk's office, and arrest record search tools.
Nearby Cities
Other cities in the Buffalo area with searchable arrest records.