About Kings County
Kings County, coterminous with the New York City county of Brooklyn, is the most populous county in New York State and one of the most densely populated counties in the United States. With an estimated population exceeding 2.7 million residents, Kings County is located on the western tip of Long Island and is bordered by Queens County to the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and separated from Staten Island and Manhattan by water. Kings County Seat is Brooklyn, and Kings County includes approximately 70 square miles of land area with an additional 26 square miles of water.
Major landmarks include the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park, Coney Island, the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. Originally one of six original counties established in New York in 1683, Kings County derives its name from King Charles II of England. Kings County consolidated with New York City in 1898, creating a unique governmental structure where county and county functions overlap.
Public records are maintained by various offices: the Office of the City Register handles property recordings with offices at 210 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201; Kings County Clerk, located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, maintains court records and business filings; and the NYC Department of Finance manages property assessment records. What makes Kings County unique is its extraordinary cultural diversity, with over 100 languages spoken, thriving ethnic neighborhoods, a world-renowned food scene, and a vibrant arts community that has made Brooklyn a global cultural brand. Kings County has transformed from an industrial manufacturing center to a hub for technology, media, creative industries, and small business entrepreneurship.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Kings County does not have a county sheriff in the traditional sense. Law enforcement is provided by the NYPD, which operates 23 precincts in Brooklyn (precincts 60-94). Jail services are provided by the NYC Department of Correction, which operates Rikers Island and the Brooklyn Detention Complex at 275 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn NY 11201. There is a Kings County Sheriff office but its role is limited to civil enforcement (evictions, court orders), not criminal law enforcement or jail operations.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Kings County is primarily managed by the New York City Police Department, which serves the entire county of Brooklyn. The NYPD is responsible for patrolling neighborhoods, investigating crimes, and maintaining public safety. Kings County Sheriff's Office handles civil enforcement tasks. The NYPD and the Sheriff's Office coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Kings County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Kings County is primarily the responsibility of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which operates multiple precincts throughout Brooklyn rather than a traditional county sheriff's office. Kings County Sheriff's Office, part of the New York City Department of Finance, focuses primarily on civil enforcement including evictions, warrants, and tax enforcement rather than criminal law enforcement, with offices at 210 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
- Arrest records in Kings County can be requested through the NYPD's Records Access Appeals Office under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84-90.
- Requests should be submitted in writing to the NYPD Legal Bureau, One Police Plaza, New York, NY 10038, or through the NYC OpenRecords portal at nyc.gov/openrecords.
- Mugshots and booking photos are not routinely made publicly available online by NYPD but may be requested through FOIL procedures, though requests are often denied under exemptions for law enforcement investigations.
For criminal matters, the NYPD's Brooklyn precincts (numbered 60 through 94) handle patrol, investigations, and arrests across the county. Inmate information for people in Kings County custody can be searched through the New York City Department of Correction's Inmate Lookup Service at nyc.gov/doc, which provides real-time information on inmates housed at facilities including the Anna M. Kross Center and other Rikers Island facilities, as well as Brooklyn detention facilities.
The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, located at 350 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, prosecutes criminal cases and maintains some public information on prosecutions. Court records of arrests resulting in prosecution become part of the public court file accessible through the New York State Unified Court System.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kings County include felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as entries in the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the NYPD. Residents can request background checks through the New York State Office of Court Administration, which provides access to statewide criminal history records. The New York Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Kings County residents seeking detailed criminal record information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kings County are maintained by the New York City Police Department. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the NYPD's Records Unit, following the guidelines set by the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). An arrest record in Kings County typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the date and location of the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility for Kings County is the Brooklyn Detention Complex, operated by the New York City Department of Correction. This facility handles the booking and processing of individuals arrested within Kings County. Inmates can be searched through the NYC Department of Correction's online inmate lookup tool, which provides information on charges, bail status, and court dates. Visitation at the Brooklyn Detention Complex is subject to specific rules, including scheduled visiting hours and identification requirements.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots for people arrested in Kings County are taken and retained by the New York City Police Department. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the NYPD's Records Unit. While the NYPD does not provide an online mugshot search, individuals can request copies through a formal records request. New York State has specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public view, particularly if charges are dropped or the individual is acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Kings County is served by multiple levels of courts within the New York State Unified Court System. Kings County Supreme Court, located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (phone: 347-296-1234), is the trial court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases (over $25,000) and felony criminal cases. Kings County Supreme Court also has a Criminal Term at 320 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The New York City Civil Court, Kings County branch, at 141 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, handles civil cases up to $50,000, small claims (up to $10,000), and housing matters.
- Court records can be searched online through the New York State Unified Court System's WebCivil Supreme and WebCriminal portals, though full access requires registration and fees.
- Copy fees are typically $0.25 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing $6.00 for the first two pages and $2.00 for each additional page, as established by court rules.
The New York City Criminal Court, Brooklyn location at 120 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, handles misdemeanors, violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Kings County Surrogate's Court at 2 Johnson Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, has jurisdiction over probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters. The New York City Family Court, Kings County at 330 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, handles child custody, support, juvenile delinquency, and family offense cases.
In-person searches are available at courthouse records rooms. Under New York Civil Rights Law Section 72 and Judiciary Law Section 255, most court records are presumptively public unless sealed by court order.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Kings County are maintained by the Office of the City Register, with the main Brooklyn office located at 210 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (phone: 718-802-3600). The City Register's office, known as the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS), maintains records of all real property transactions including deeds, mortgages, assignments, satisfactions, liens, easements, and other encumbrances affecting real property in Brooklyn.
- The ACRIS database provides free online access to digitized property documents dating back to the 1960s at nyc.gov/acris, where users can search by name, address, block and lot number, or document type.
- The system allows users to view and print recorded documents at no charge, though certified copies must be obtained in person or by mail for a fee of $4.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page.
- Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the NYC Department of Finance and can be accessed through the Property Access and Assessment Database (PAAD) and the Digital Tax Map at nyc.gov/finance.
- The online portal provides tax bill information, assessed values, exemptions, and payment history free of charge.
- For historical deed research or complex title searches, visitors can access the City Register's vault records in person.
Vital Records
Vital records for events occurring in Kings County (Brooklyn) are maintained by both local and state agencies. Birth certificates for births occurring in Brooklyn from 1910 to present can be requested from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Vital Records, 125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 133, New York, NY 10013 (phone: 311 or 212-639-9675). Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously, with processing times typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates for deaths in Brooklyn follow the same fee structure and are available from the same office.
- For expedited service, VitalChek provides online ordering at vitalchek.com with additional fees for rush processing and shipping.
- The marriage license fee is $35 and is valid for 60 days.
- Marriage certificates can be ordered after the ceremony for $15.
Walk-in service is available at the Worth Street location Monday through Friday. Marriage licenses must be obtained in person from the NYC Marriage Bureau, with the Brooklyn office located at 210 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (by appointment only). Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the County Clerk where the divorce was granted, with Kings County divorce records available from Kings County Clerk at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Under New York Public Health Law Article 41, vital records access is restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, or individuals with a documented legal interest. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement. For vital events occurring before 1910 or for genealogical research, historical records may be available through the New York City Municipal Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Kings County are maintained at multiple governmental levels. Kings County Clerk's office at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (phone: 347-404-9772) handles Doing Business As (DBA) and fictitious name certificate filings for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating in Brooklyn. The filing fee is $25 for processing, plus the cost of publishing the required legal notice in two newspapers. These records are public and can be searched in person at the County Clerk's office.
- This searchable database provides information on business names, filing dates, status, and registered agents.
- Food service establishments are licensed and inspected by the NYC Department of Health, with inspection results publicly available online.
- The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, located at 335 Adams Street, Suite 2700, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (brooklynchamber.com), provides business resources and networking but does not maintain official licensing records.
For entity formations including corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships, filings are made with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, and can be searched free of charge through the Business Entity Database at dos.ny.gov/business-entities. Professional licenses for occupations such as attorneys, physicians, engineers, and accountants are issued by various New York State licensing boards and can be verified through the state Education Department's Office of Professions. Sales tax certificates of authority are issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Local business licenses and permits are administered by various New York City agencies: the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (formerly Consumer Affairs) issues many business licenses and can be searched at nyc.gov/dca; the Department of Buildings issues building permits and certificates of occupancy searchable at nyc.gov/buildings.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kings County are administered by the New York City Board of Elections, Kings County Office, located at 345 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (phone: 718-797-8800, website: vote.nyc). The Board of Elections manages all aspects of voter registration, poll site operations, absentee voting, and vote counting for Brooklyn residents. Voter registration in New York can be completed online at vote.nyc or dmv.ny.gov, by mail using a printable registration form, or in person at the Board of Elections office, the Department of Motor Vehicles, or other designated agencies.
- New York has expanded absentee voting eligibility, and any registered voter can request an absentee ballot.
- Citizens can request copies of election related records under New York's Freedom of Information Law, with some records subject to exemptions for privacy or security concerns.
The voter registration deadline is 25 days before any election, though New York has implemented early voting beginning 10 days before Election Day. Voters can find their polling place and check their registration status at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or by calling the Board of Elections. New York offers early voting at designated sites throughout Brooklyn, typically from the Saturday before Election Day through the Sunday before Election Day.
Public election records in Kings County include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under New York Election Law Section 5-210), campaign financial disclosure reports filed with the NYC Campaign Finance Board and New York State Board of Elections, candidate petition filings, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Kings County reported approximately 62% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting high engagement typical of presidential election years, with turnout varying significantly by assembly district. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate races, New York State gubernatorial and legislative elections, and various local judicial positions. Absentee ballots can be requested online at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov or by submitting a written application to Kings County Board of Elections; the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is 7 days before the election for mail delivery or the day before the election for in-person pickup. Election transparency in Kings County is governed by New York Election Law, which requires public access to most election records, though voter signatures and dates of birth are redacted.
The Board of Elections posts unofficial election results on election night at vote.nyc, with certified results published after the canvass period.
Economy & Demographics
The county has successfully transitioned from a manufacturing-based economy to one dominated by healthcare, education, professional services, technology, creative industries, and small business entrepreneurship. Major employers include NYC Health + Hospitals, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn, Maimonides Medical Center, and KeySpan Energy. The median household income in Kings County is approximately $69,000, though this varies significantly by neighborhood, with some areas among the wealthiest in the nation and others experiencing persistent poverty.
The healthcare and social assistance sector employs the largest share of workers, followed by educational services, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. Brooklyn has emerged as a significant technology hub with the growth of the Brooklyn Tech Triangle (Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, and Brooklyn Navy Yard), hosting hundreds of tech startups and established firms. The creative economy, including film production, music, publishing, and design, contributes substantially to the local economy, with Steiner Studios at the Brooklyn Navy Yard being one of the largest film production facilities outside Hollywood.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard itself has been redeveloped into a 300-acre industrial park employing over 10,000 workers in manufacturing, food production, design, and technology. Tourism is a growing sector, with Coney Island, Prospect Park, and cultural attractions drawing millions of visitors annually. Recent major economic development projects include the Brooklyn Army Terminal redevelopment, Industry City in Sunset Park, and the ongoing transformation of Downtown Brooklyn into a commercial and residential center.
The unemployment rate in Kings County typically tracks slightly above the national average but has shown steady improvement, with continued investment in workforce development and small business support programs.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via WebCivil/WebCriminal | Property: Yes: Free Search via ACRIS | Arrest/Jail: Limited: FOIL Request Required/Inmate Lookup Online | Vital Records: Yes: In-Person & Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Online State Database & Local Search | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Lookup & Results | Overall Score: 9/10, Kings County (Brooklyn) provides exceptional digital access to most public records through NYC's online systems.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Kings County
Explore public records for 1 cities and communities in Kings County, New York.