Free Online New York Criminal Records

The Ancestor Hunt regularly adds and updates new collection links, as well as searches for and fixes broken links.
(This page's most recent update is September 2024)
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Another type of genealogy record that provides tremendous value is criminal records. Some of our ancestors unfortunately got in trouble with the law. Records were kept, from arrests through court cases to prison documents. Now, more and more of these records are being digitized or transcribed and are being made available online.

Types of Records

  • Criminal court proceedings
  • Police reports
  • Prison and jail admission registers
  • Arrest records
  • Mug books
  • Pardon and discharge information
  • Hospital record books
  • Workhouse records

Types of Information

  • Name
  • Age
  • Birth date
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Complexion
  • Eye color
  • Hair color
  • Nationality
  • Occupation
  • Education
  • Habits (alcohol use)
  • Relations (parents living)
  • Date incarcerated
  • Court where charged
  • Recommitments
  • How and when discharged

Note: Some links listed take you to a FamilySearch Collection of digital images. Near the bottom of the page under Film/Digital Notes is the name of each sub-collection. If there is a camera icon at the right of the name (in the Format column) then the collections’ images are browsable. If there is a camera with a key icon, it is only available at a Family History Center or affiliated library. If there is a film reel icon, then it is only available in microfilm format, not digital. To take full advantage make sure that you are logged in to FamilySearch. The results may be different if you are signed in, rather than not.

Listed below are links to criminal records that are available for free online for the state; the first list is for multi-state collections:

New York Criminal Records

United States

New York


For all Free New York Collection Links in 24 Genealogy Categories, go to the By Location Page, click on New York, and then click on the category of interest.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

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