Staten Island Public Records, Court Cases & Arrests

Records access in Staten Island

Staten Island has a population, making it the least populous of the five boroughs despite its status as the third-largest borough by land area at approximately 58 square miles. The borough is known for its relatively suburban character compared to other parts of New York City, featuring single-family homes, green spaces, and neighborhood commercial districts. Staten Island is home to Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, the Staten Island Zoo, Richmond Town Historic Village, and extensive parklands including the Staten Island Greenbelt, a 3,000-acre nature preserve in the center of the island. Government on Staten Island operates within the New York City administrative framework. The NYPD's Staten Island Borough Command oversees multiple precincts providing law enforcement throughout the borough, with the 120th, 121st, 122nd, and 123rd Precincts covering different sections. The FDNY operates numerous firehouses on Staten Island providing fire suppression and emergency medical services. The Staten Island Borough President advocates for borough-level interests, and the City Council members from Staten Island districts represent neighborhood concerns at the city legislative level. Richmond County Supreme Court, family court, and surrogate's court serve local judicial needs. Public education on Staten Island is administered by the New York City Department of Education, operating numerous public schools including elementary schools, intermediate schools, high schools, and specialized schools. Staten Island Technical High School and Curtis High School are among the well-regarded secondary institutions. The College of Staten Island, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, provides higher education and serves thousands of students each year. Public library services are provided by the New York Public Library's Staten Island branches, which include numerous neighborhood locations offering books, digital media, programs, and community resources. Public records for Staten Island are maintained through New York City and Richmond County government offices. The Richmond County Clerk's Office at 130 Stuyvesant Place handles property records, court filings, and recorded documents. The New York City Department of Finance administers property tax records and real property assessments for Staten Island properties, accessible through the DOF online portal. Vital records including birth and death certificates are maintained by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, with certified copies available online or by mail. Criminal and civil court records from proceedings in Richmond County are accessible through the New York State Unified Court System's public portal. The Richmond County Surrogate's Court in St. George handles estate and probate matters. Building permits, violations, and construction history are maintained by the NYC Department of Buildings online. New York's Freedom of Information Law governs access to government records at both city and state levels. The Staten Island Historical Society and the NYC Municipal Archives maintain extensive historical records relevant to Staten Island's history, genealogy, and civic development.

New York public records law

Records held by Staten Island city offices, the Richmond County Sheriff, and the Richmond County courts are subject to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) (N.Y. Pub. Off. Law § 84).

Where to file a records request in Staten Island

Police records: file with the Staten Island Police Department or via the Richmond County Sheriff for unincorporated areas.

Court records: Richmond County courts handle criminal, civil, family, and probate matters.

Booking and inmate records: Richmond County Sheriff publishes a public inmate roster including booking photos and charges.