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Rochester, New York Public Records

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Rochester, New York.

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Rochester Public Records Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Rochester, Monroe County, New York to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Rochester, New York, you will be transported to the Monroe County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Monroe County Court. Under New York law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. You can contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about a detained individual.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for City of Rochester, New York?
The Rochester City School District (RCSD) is the largest school district in New York State, serving over 35,000 students in the city of Rochester. According to the New York State Education Department, the district's overall performance score for the 2018-19 school year was a 58.3 out of 100, which is below the state average of 61.1. The district's graduation rate for the 2018-19 school year was 61.2%, which is also below the state average of 79.8%.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Rochester, Monroe County, New York?
The Rochester City School District is the largest school district in Monroe County, New York. It serves over 33,000 students in grades K-12. The district has a graduation rate of 63.2%, which is lower than the state average of 80.6%. The district's average test scores are also lower than the state average, with an average of 17.2 on the English Language Arts exam and 17.3 on the Math exam.
4
What are the crime statistics for City of Rochester, New York?
According to the Rochester Police Department, the total number of reported crimes in Rochester, New York in 2019 was 16,945. Of those reported crimes, there were 1,845 violent crimes, including 24 homicides, 1,072 robberies, and 749 aggravated assaults. There were also 15,100 property crimes, including 4,845 burglaries, 9,845 larcenies, and 410 motor vehicle thefts.
5
What are the crime statistics for Rochester, Monroe County, New York?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of reported crimes in Rochester, Monroe County, New York in 2019 was 11,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes, including 24 murders, 545 rapes, 1,093 robberies, and 183 aggravated assaults. There were 10,100 property crimes, including 2,845 burglaries, 6,845 larcenies, and 410 motor vehicle thefts.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the City of Rochester New York Library?
The Rochester Public Library in Monroe County, New York provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and New York government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which governs access to government documents in New York. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Rochester New York Archives and Genealogy at https://www.archives.nysed.gov/. Contact the Rochester Public Library reference desk at (585) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Rochester, Monroe County, New York Library?
The Rochester Public Library in Monroe County, New York provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and New York government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which governs access to government documents in New York. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Rochester New York Archives and Genealogy at https://www.archives.nysed.gov/. Contact the Rochester Public Library reference desk at (585) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the City of Rochester, New York Public Library located?
The Rochester Public Library is located at 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604.
9
Where is the Rochester, Monroe County, New York Public Library located?
The Rochester, Monroe County, New York Library is located at 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of Rochester, New York?
Fingerprinting services in Rochester, Monroe County, New York are available through the Rochester Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (585) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Rochester, Monroe County, New York?
Fingerprinting services for Rochester, New York residents are provided at the Rochester Police Department, which serves Monroe County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Rochester Police Department at (585) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services at https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ojbs/.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Rochester, Monroe County, New York, and what information is provided in the records?
Rochester, Monroe County, New York vital records can be obtained from the Monroe County Clerk's Office.

The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain a birth certificate, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the certificate, and a completed application form. To obtain a death certificate, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the certificate, and a completed application form. To obtain a marriage license, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of age, and a completed application form. To obtain a divorce decree, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the decree, and a completed application form.
13
About background check
A background check in Rochester, Monroe County, New York typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in New York. Criminal background checks are processed through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for New York residents. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services provides official criminal history checks at https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ojbs/. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.