Nassau County police records are official documents created by the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and other law enforcement agencies in Nassau County, New York. These records include incident reports, arrest logs, accident reports, criminal history files, and booking photos.
New York State’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) gives every person the right to request these records, with limited legal exemptions. This page covers what records exist, how to get them, who can request them, and what to expect during the process.
Nassau County Police Department Overview
The Nassau County Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for Nassau County, New York. It serves over 1.3 million residents across the county, excluding the cities of Long Beach and Glen Cove, which operate their own police departments. NCPD operates out of its main headquarters in Mineola, New York, and uses a precinct-based system to manage patrol operations, investigations, and specialized units.
NCPD Jurisdiction and Structure
NCPD holds jurisdiction over most towns, villages, and hamlets in Nassau County. The department divides its patrol operations into multiple precincts, each covering specific geographic areas. NCPD also runs bureaus for detectives, highway patrol, narcotics, homicide, and forensic services. Any incident handled by NCPD officers, including arrests, traffic stops, and criminal investigations, creates a police record held by the department.
NCPD Headquarters and Contact Details
NCPD’s main headquarters sits at 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501. The Records Bureau, which handles most public record requests, operates during normal business hours from Monday through Friday, generally 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Residents and requesters can contact the department’s main line at (516) 573-7000 for general questions. Specific record requests often go through the FOIL unit or the Records Bureau, which processes hundreds of requests each year.
Types of Police Records Available
Nassau County police records include several categories of documents. The exact type of record you need depends on the situation. Some records cover criminal acts, others cover traffic matters, and others focus on incident documentation. Each type has its own access rules under New York law.
Incident Reports
An incident report is a written account created by a police officer who responded to a call. It includes the date, time, location, names of people involved, a description of what happened, and the officer’s observations. Incident reports cover a wide range of events, including theft, vandalism, assault, fraud, and suspicious activity. NCPD creates these reports through its Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and stores them in the department’s records database.
Arrest Records and Booking Information
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody, the reason for the arrest, the charges filed, and the arresting officer. Booking information includes fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and personal details recorded at the time of arrest. NCPD forwards arrest data to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), which maintains a statewide criminal history database. NCPD also keeps its own arrest and booking records at headquarters.
Accident and Crash Reports
Crash reports document motor vehicle accidents on roads within NCPD’s jurisdiction. New York State law requires a report for any crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. NCPD officers complete these reports using the New York State DMV MV-104 form. The report includes vehicle information, driver details, witness statements, diagrams, and the officer’s conclusions about fault.
911 Calls and Dispatch Records
Calls placed to 911 in Nassau County go through the NCPD Communications Bureau. These calls generate audio recordings and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs. The recordings and logs are police records, but they often fall under specific FOIL exemptions related to ongoing investigations or personal privacy. Requesters can still ask for these records, but the department may withhold some or all of the content.
Criminal History Records
Criminal history records compile a person’s arrests, charges, and dispositions in New York State. DCJS maintains the statewide record through the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. NCPD contributes arrest data to this system but does not issue statewide criminal history reports itself. For a full background check, requesters must go through DCJS or an approved private service.
How to Request Nassau County Police Records
New York State FOIL gives every person the legal right to request government records, including police records. The requester does not need to live in New York, give a reason, or prove a specific interest. NCPD must respond to FOIL requests within five business days, either by providing the records, denying the request, or giving a timeline for when the records will be ready.
FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) Requests
A FOIL request is a written ask for government records. For NCPD, the request can be sent by mail, email, or delivered in person to the FOIL officer. The request must clearly describe the records sought. Helpful details include names, dates, locations, case numbers, and the type of incident. The more specific the request, the faster NCPD can locate the records.
Online Request Methods
NCPD accepts FOIL requests through its official online portal or by email to the records office. Some routine requests, like accident reports, are also available through third-party vendors that NCPD uses for electronic document delivery. Requesters can visit the NCPD website, navigate to the records section, and submit a digital form. A confirmation email usually arrives within one business day.
In-Person Requests at NCPD
People can visit the Records Bureau at NCPD headquarters in Mineola during business hours. Staff can help locate records, accept payment, and provide copies on the spot for many routine documents. For records not immediately available, staff will start the FOIL process and give a written acknowledgment of the request.
Mail-In Request Process
Mail requests work well for people who live outside the area or cannot visit in person. The requester sends a written FOIL request to the NCPD Records Bureau at the headquarters address. The letter should include all identifying details, a return address, and a daytime phone number. NCPD processes mail requests in the order received, with response times ranging from a few days to several weeks.
Fees, Processing Times, and Required Information
FOIL allows agencies to charge fees for copying records, but not for search time or review. NCPD’s standard copying fee is $0.25 per page. Some specialized records, like body-worn camera footage or redacted investigation files, may cost more due to the time required to review and prepare the documents. NCPD will provide a fee estimate before completing the request if the total exceeds a certain dollar amount.
Standard Fees
The typical fee structure for NCPD records requests covers the following:
- Standard paper copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per document plus copy fees
- Audio or video copies: Actual cost of the medium
- Accident reports through third-party vendor: $10 to $15 per report
- Fingerprint cards: Set fee per card
Processing Timeframes
NCPD must acknowledge a FOIL request within five business days. Simple requests, like a single incident report, often finish within 10 business days. Complex requests, such as those involving multiple reports, body camera footage, or extensive redactions, can take 30 days or longer. NCPD will issue a written response either providing the records, denying access with a legal reason, or setting a specific date for completion.
Required Identifying Information
To help NCPD locate the correct records, requesters should provide as much of the following as possible:
- Full name of the person involved
- Date or approximate date of the incident
- Location of the incident (street, town, or village)
- Type of incident (theft, accident, arrest, etc.)
- Case number or report number if known
- Name of the precinct or unit involved
Records Exempt from Public Disclosure
Not every police record is open to the public. New York State law lists specific exemptions under FOIL. NCPD must withhold or redact information that falls under these categories. Common exemptions include active investigation files, juvenile records, intelligence and counterterrorism files, and information that would invade personal privacy or endanger witnesses. Medical records, Social Security numbers, and details about confidential informants are also protected. NCPD will provide a written explanation when it denies or redacts a record, citing the specific legal exemption.
New York State Criminal Records (DCJS)
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the state’s central criminal history database. Anyone can request a copy of their own criminal history record through DCJS. The fee for a standard review is $60, which includes fingerprinting if required. Requests for criminal history records go directly to DCJS, not NCPD. NCPD does not control the statewide database and cannot release records that belong to other agencies or jurisdictions.
Common Use Cases for Police Records
People request Nassau County police records for many reasons. Insurance companies need crash reports to process claims. Employers request background checks for hiring decisions. Lawyers gather records for court cases. Victims of crimes want copies of incident reports for their own records or for restraining order hearings. Journalists use police records to report on local crime trends. Landlords and tenants sometimes need records related to disturbances or property damage. Whatever the reason, New York law treats most requesters the same way, with no preference based on purpose.
Official Contact Information for NCPD Records
For all FOIL requests and police record questions in Nassau County, contact the NCPD Records Bureau. The office address, phone number, and hours are listed below.
- Address: 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501
- Phone: (516) 573-7000 (main line)
- FOIL Email: foil@nassaucountyny.gov
- Website: www.pdcn.org (NCPD official site)
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Records Bureau: Located on the first floor of NCPD headquarters
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Nassau County police records, FOIL requests, and NCPD procedures. These answers reflect current New York State law and NCPD policies. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always contact the NCPD Records Bureau directly.
Can I view Nassau County police records for free?
Yes, New York State FOIL allows you to inspect records at no cost. You can visit the NCPD Records Bureau in Mineola and view documents on-site without paying a fee. However, if you want copies, NCPD charges $0.25 per page. For records sent electronically, the cost depends on the file size and format. Inspection is free, but reproduction costs apply.
How long does NCPD take to respond to a FOIL request?
NCPD must acknowledge your request within five business days. The actual fulfillment time depends on the complexity of the request. A single incident report often takes 10 business days. Larger requests involving multiple documents or extensive redactions can take 30 days or more. NCPD will provide a written timeline if it needs more than 20 business days to complete the request.
Can I get crash reports online?
Yes, NCPD works with third-party vendors that allow online purchase of crash reports. You can search by name, date, or report number. The fee is usually between $10 and $15. NCPD also accepts in-person and mail requests for crash reports. The DMV MV-104 form is the standard crash report used in New York State.
Are arrest records from Nassau County public?
Yes, arrest records are public under New York law once the case reaches a final disposition. Active investigations and pending cases are exempt. Mugshots and booking photos taken at the Nassau County Correctional Center are public records. You can request these through NCPD or through the New York State DCJS for a full criminal history.
What if NCPD denies my FOIL request?
NCPD must provide a written explanation citing the specific FOIL exemption. If you believe the denial is wrong, you can appeal to the NCPD FOIL Appeals Officer. If the appeal also fails, you can bring the matter to the New York State Committee on Open Government, which issues advisory opinions. You also have the right to challenge the denial in court under Article 78 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules.
Do I need to be a New York resident to request records?
No. New York State FOIL applies to any person, whether they live in New York, another state, or another country. NCPD cannot deny a request based solely on the requester’s location or citizenship status. The only requirements are that the request be written, describe the records sought, and comply with standard FOIL procedures.
Can I get body camera footage from NCPD officers?
Yes, but it requires a FOIL request and may take longer due to redaction requirements. NCPD must review the footage and remove images of victims, juveniles, and private citizens who are not part of the incident. The cost depends on the length of the video and the time required to process it. Body camera footage tied to an active investigation is exempt from release until the case closes.