Ontario County

Ontario County is located in the scenic Finger Lakes region of western New York State, including approximately 662 square miles of rolling hills, productive farmland, and lakefront communities. Ontario County Seat is Canandaigua, a historic city situated on the northern shore of Canandaigua Lake, one of the eleven Finger Lakes. As of recent census estimates, Ontario County has a population of approximately 112,000 residents. Ontario County was officially established in 1789, making it one of New York's original counties following statehood.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Ontario County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Ontario County. It patrols unincorporated areas, manages Ontario County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and operates specialized divisions such as the marine patrol on the Finger Lakes. The Sheriff's Office is committed to public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of residents.

Police Departments

Ontario County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Ontario County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Canandaigua Police Department, Geneva Police Department, and Victor Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city or town, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across Ontario County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Ontario County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 74 Ontario Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424, is the primary law enforcement agency for Ontario County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached, and their website at ontariosheriff.org provides community resources and department information. Ontario County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same address, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences up to one year.

• To request arrest records, individuals must submit a written FOIL request to Ontario County Sheriff's Office Records Division or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
• Processing fees may apply for copies.
• Historical arrest records and mugshots require a formal records request.
• The Sheriff's Office also maintains a sex offender registry searchable online, and operates civil divisions including the warrants unit and court security.
• Response times for FOIL requests typically range from 5-20 business days depending on the complexity of the request.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Ontario County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Ontario County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, which provides full criminal history reports. The New York Bureau of Investigation assists residents in accessing statewide criminal records, making sure of thorough background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Ontario County are maintained by Ontario County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Information typically available on an arrest record includes the date of arrest, charges, and arresting agency. The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) governs the public's access to these records, for public access.

Jail & Inmate Records

Ontario County Jail, located in Canandaigua, is the primary detention facility for Ontario County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows New York State laws, allowing for bail to be posted through the court system or directly at the jail facility.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Ontario County are taken and retained by Ontario County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. New York State does not have specific laws mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances if charges are dropped or dismissed.

Ontario County's court system operates under New York State's Unified Court System structure. Ontario County Court, located at 27 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 (phone: 585-396-4239), has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, and appeals from lower courts. Ontario County Surrogate's Court, at the same address (phone: 585-396-4058), handles probate, estate administration, guardianships, and adoption proceedings.

• Each town and village in Ontario County operates Justice Courts with jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims up to $5,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
• To obtain certified copies of court documents, requests must be submitted to the County Clerk's office at 20 Ontario Street, Canandaigua, with fees of $6 for certification plus $1.25 per page for copies.
• Many Justice Court records require in-person or written requests to the specific court.

Ontario County Clerk's Office, located at 20 Ontario Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 (phone: 585-396-4200, website: ontariocountyny.gov), is the official recorder of land records and maintains Ontario County's property deed registry. The office preserves and provides access to property deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, easements, right-of-way agreements, mechanic's liens, and survey plat maps dating back to Ontario County's founding.

• The basic search interface is free, but document images require a paid subscription or per-page fees.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus $5 for certification.
• Ontario County Real Property Tax Service Agency, located at the County Municipal Building, 20 Canandaigua area Street (phone: 585-396-4350), maintains property assessment data, tax maps, and parcel information.
• The tax maps division provides detailed parcel maps and can produce certified tax map copies for title work and surveys.
• Walk-in researchers can access public terminals during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), or submit mail requests with prepayment.

Vital records for Ontario County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Ontario County Clerk's Office at 20 Ontario Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 (phone: 585-396-4200) is the local registrar for birth and death certificates occurring within Ontario County. Birth certificates for events occurring in Ontario County can be requested from the County Clerk for births from 1880 forward, with a fee of $30 for a certified copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.

• Death certificates follow similar procedures with the same fee structure.
• Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if records are readily available; mail requests require 2-4 weeks.
• State processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks and costs $30 per certificate.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek (vitalchek.com) for expedited service with additional processing fees.
• Marriage certificates (proof of ceremony) are issued by the officiant and filed with the County Clerk, available for $30.

Business and licensing records in Ontario County are distributed among county, municipal, and state agencies depending on the business type and activity. Ontario County Clerk's Office at 20 Ontario Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 (phone: 585-396-4200) maintains DBA (Doing Business As) filings, also known as assumed name certificates or fictitious business name registrations, required under New York General Business Law Section 130 for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under names other than the owners' legal names.

• These records are public and searchable at the Clerk's office, with certified copies available for $5 plus $1.25 per page.
• Ontario County Planning Department at 20 the local community Street (phone: 585-396-4455) handles zoning compliance, site plan reviews, and subdivision approvals for unincorporated areas.

Elections in Ontario County are administered by Ontario County Board of Elections, located at 74 Ontario Street, Suite 106, Canandaigua, NY 14424. The Board can be reached, and information is available at ontariocountyny.gov/130/Board-of-Elections. The Board is composed of two Commissioners representing the two major political parties, consistent with New York Election Law requirements.

• In the November 2024 general election, Ontario County demonstrated strong voter engagement with approximately 69% turnout among registered voters, exceeding many upstate New York counties.
• New York implemented early voting in 2019, and Ontario County provides multiple early voting sites allowing registered voters to cast ballots during the nine days preceding Election Day.

Ontario County maintains a diverse economy anchored by healthcare, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Ontario County's largest employer is the F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, part of UR Medicine Thompson Health, employing over 1,500 healthcare professionals. Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua is a major educational institution and employer.

• According to recent Census Bureau estimates, Ontario County's median household income approximates $73,000, notably higher than the New York State average excluding New York City.

Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Yes: Online GIS & Deed Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online Results & Voter Lookup | Overall Score: 7/10 — Ontario County provides good digital access to property, inmate, and election data, though court and vital records require more traditional request methods.

Explore public records for 23 cities and communities in Ontario County, New York.