Nassau County Police Blotter Records are official public documents that track daily law enforcement activity across Nassau County, New York, located on western Long Island. These records include incident reports, arrest logs, calls for service, and accident reports filed by the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD).
Anyone can search, request, or purchase copies of these blotter records through the NCPD Public Information Office, the official online records portal, or by visiting the police headquarters in Mineola, New York. The agency operates under New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which guarantees public access to most police records unless a specific legal exemption applies.
What Are Nassau County Police Blotter Records?
Nassau County Police Blotter Records are written accounts of police activity generated by the Nassau County Police Department each day. The term “blotter” refers to the historical logbook kept at police stations, where officers recorded incidents by hand. Today, the same function exists digitally, with officers entering incident data into the department’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and Records Management System (RMS).
Incident Reports
Incident reports form the largest portion of police blotter records in Nassau County. An incident report contains the date, time, and location of a call, the names of involved parties, a narrative written by the responding officer, witness statements, and any evidence collected. Common incident types include theft, assault, burglary, fraud, harassment, and trespassing.
Arrest and Booking Logs
Arrest records document people taken into custody by NCPD officers. Each arrest log entry shows the arrestee’s name, age, address, charges filed, arresting officer, booking date and time, and location of the arrest. These records are entered into the blotter after the booking process is complete at the First Precinct or holding facility.
Accident and Crash Reports
Crash reports filed by NCPD officers are also part of the police blotter system. New York State requires that crash reports involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 be filed with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). NCPD keeps copies of these reports and releases them through the records division.
Calls for Service Records
Calls for service are computer-generated logs of every call that NCPD responds to. These records show the type of call (domestic, suspicious person, noise complaint, etc.), the address, the time of dispatch, and the time of arrival. Calls for service records make up the bulk of a daily Nassau County police blotter and are often the most accessible type of record.
Who Maintains Nassau County Police Records?
The Nassau County Police Department is the main agency that creates and maintains police blotter records. NCPD serves a population of roughly 1.4 million residents across 287 square miles of Long Island. The department is led by the Police Commissioner and operates eight patrol precincts, a Highway Patrol Bureau, a Detective Bureau, and a Public Information Office.
Nassau County Police Department Headquarters
NCPD headquarters sits at 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501. The building houses the Commissioner’s office, the Public Information Office, the Records Section, and the main communications desk. Members of the public can walk in during business hours to submit FOIL requests, pay for copies, or ask questions about police blotter records.
Address: 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501
Main Phone: (516) 573-7000
Public Information Office Phone: (516) 573-7135
FOIL Records Phone: (516) 573-7100
Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Official Website: https://www.pdcn.org/ or https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Eight Patrol Precincts
NCPD divides the county into eight precincts. Each precinct files its own blotter entries, and reports are eventually forwarded to the central Records Section. The precincts are:
- 1st Precinct – 169 Sherman Avenue, Bethpage
- 2nd Precinct – 7700 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury
- 3rd Precinct – 1465 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow
- 4th Precinct – 3636 Merrick Road, Seaford
- 5th Precinct – 1655 Dutch Broadway, Elmont
- 6th Precinct – 100 Community Drive, Manhasset
- 7th Precinct – 263 Mason Avenue, Levittown
- 8th Precinct – 801 Carman Avenue, Westbury
How to Search Nassau County Police Blotter Records Online
Searching for Nassau County police blotter records online is the fastest method. NCPD provides a public records portal that connects to the department’s Records Management System. Users can search by name, date, location, or case number.
NCPD Online Police Report Portal
The official online portal allows the public to view and purchase copies of non-confidential police reports. To use the portal, visit the NCPD website and navigate to the “Online Police Reports” or “Records” section. You will need to create a free account, agree to the terms of use, and pay a small fee for each report you wish to download. Reports are usually available in PDF format within minutes of purchase.
Searching by Case Number
Searching by case number returns the fastest and most accurate results. Every NCPD incident is assigned a unique case number that begins with the year, followed by the precinct code and a sequence of digits. For example, a case number from the 3rd Precinct filed in 2026 might read 2026-EM-00412. If you have a case number, enter it into the search field to pull up the full report.
Searching by Name or Date
If you do not have a case number, you can search by the name of an involved person or by the date of the incident. Name searches work best when the spelling is exact. Date searches can be narrowed by precinct, type of incident, or location. The portal will return a list of matching records, and you can preview the cover sheet before paying for the full report.
How to Request Nassau County Police Blotter Records by Mail or In Person
Some records cannot be retrieved online. Older incidents, sealed cases, and certain sensitive reports must be requested through the mail or in person. New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) governs all such requests.
FOIL Request Process
A FOIL request is a written application for government records. To request Nassau County police blotter records under FOIL, you must submit a signed letter or form that includes your name, address, phone number, a clear description of the records you want, and the format you prefer (paper copy, electronic copy, or in-person inspection). NCPD has 20 business days to respond to a FOIL request, though complex searches may take longer.
FOIL requests can be mailed to:
Nassau County Police Department
ATTN: FOIL Officer / Records Section
1490 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501
Required Information for a Records Request
When submitting a FOIL request, include as much detail as possible. The more information you provide, the faster the search will be. Helpful details include:
- Date and approximate time of the incident
- Full names of people involved
- Street address or intersection where the incident occurred
- Case number, if known
- Type of incident (theft, assault, accident, etc.)
- Precinct that responded, if known
FOIL Fees and Payment
New York State law allows agencies to charge up to 25 cents per page for paper copies of FOIL records. Electronic copies on a CD or flash drive may carry an additional media fee. NCPD will send a fee estimate before processing the request. Payment is accepted by check, money order, and sometimes credit card. Cash is accepted for in-person requests.
What Types of Records Are Exempt from Public Release?
Not all Nassau County police blotter records are open to the public. New York State law lists several categories of records that agencies must keep confidential, even when a FOIL request is filed.
Active Investigation Records
Records tied to an active criminal investigation are exempt from public release under New York Public Officers Law Section 87(2)(e). Disclosure could interfere with law enforcement proceedings, reveal investigative techniques, or identify confidential informants. Once a case is closed or the investigation becomes inactive, the exemption typically no longer applies.
Juvenile Records
Records involving minors (under 18 years of age) are sealed under New York Family Court Act Section 381. Juvenile arrest records, detention reports, and related blotter entries are not released to the public. Only the minor, the minor’s parents or guardians, and authorized agencies may access juvenile records.
Grand Jury and Sealed Indictments
Records sealed by a grand jury or a court order are not public. Once a case moves to trial and the indictment is unsealed, certain documents may become available, but grand jury proceedings themselves remain secret under New York Criminal Procedure Law Article 190.
Victim and Witness Information
Personal information about victims of sex offenses, domestic violence, and other sensitive crimes is protected from public release. NCPD routinely redacts home addresses, phone numbers, and employer information for victims and witnesses before releasing blotter records.
How to Get a Nassau County Accident or Crash Report
Crash reports filed by NCPD officers are part of the broader police blotter system, but the process for obtaining them is slightly different. New York State uses a centralized reporting system through the DMV.
NY State DMV Crash Report Portal
Drivers, passengers, and insurance companies can purchase official crash reports through the New York State DMV website. Reports cost $15 each and become available roughly 14 days after the crash. To search, you need the date of the accident, the county (Nassau), and at least one party’s name or the report number.
Requesting a Crash Report Directly from NCPD
You can also request a crash report from NCPD’s Traffic Safety Unit or Records Section. Police crash reports are typically ready within 5 to 10 business days after the accident. The report will include the officer’s narrative, a diagram, witness information, and any citations issued.
Understanding Nassau County Police Blotter Reports
Once you receive a police blotter record, the formatting may look unfamiliar. Each report follows a standard NCPD template that includes specific codes, abbreviations, and sections.
Common Report Codes
NCPD uses New York State Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) codes to classify incidents. Common codes include:
| UCR Code | Incident Type |
|---|---|
| 200 | Arson |
| 220 | Burglary |
| 240 | Theft from Motor Vehicle |
| 260 | Theft of Motor Vehicle |
| 280 | Stolen Property Offenses |
| 340 | Vandalism |
| 360 | Sex Offenses (Forcible) |
| 380 | Drug/Narcotic Violations |
| 420 | DUI |
| 440 | Simple Assault |
| 520 | Weapon Law Violations |
Reading the Officer Narrative
The narrative section is a written description of what the officer observed and learned during the investigation. Narratives are written in chronological order and include direct quotes from victims, witnesses, and suspects. Police jargon may appear, but most terms are explained within the same paragraph. If a term is unclear, you can call the Records Section for clarification.
How Long Are Nassau County Police Blotter Records Kept?
New York State record retention rules set minimum storage periods for police records. NCPD follows the schedules published by the New York State Archives.
Retention Schedule for Incident Reports
Incident reports are kept for a minimum of 5 years after the case is closed. Serious felonies and homicide cases are kept permanently. Reports involving active investigations are kept until the investigation concludes and the retention clock begins.
Arrest and Conviction Records
Arrest records are kept for at least 5 years after final disposition. Conviction records, including fingerprints and photographs, are kept permanently in the Criminal History Record System maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
Crash Reports
Crash reports are kept for 4 years by NCPD and 10 years by the New York State DMV. Older crash reports may only be available through the DMV’s archived records system.
Daily Nassau County Police Blotter Updates
News outlets and third-party websites often publish summaries of recent Nassau County police activity. These summaries are useful for quick reference, but the official blotter records from NCPD remain the only authoritative source.
Where to Find Recent Blotter News
Local newspapers such as Newsday, the Long Island Press, and Patch.com regularly publish summaries of recent arrests and incidents across Nassau County. These summaries typically include the arrestee’s name, age, hometown, and charge. They are based on information released by NCPD’s Public Information Office.
NCPD Press Releases
NCPD publishes press releases for major incidents, including homicides, serious assaults, missing persons, and major arrests. Press releases are posted on the department’s website and social media accounts. They are separate from full blotter records but provide a quick summary of recent police activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nassau County Police Blotter Records
Below are clear answers to the most common questions people ask about Nassau County police blotter records, including how to request them, what they cost, and what laws apply.
Can I view Nassau County police blotter records for free?
Yes, certain blotter records are free to view. Calls for service logs, press releases, and basic incident lists are posted on the NCPD website at no cost. Detailed incident reports, arrest records, and crash reports usually carry a fee of 25 cents per page for paper copies, plus a small processing fee for electronic copies purchased through the online portal.
How do I find out if someone was arrested in Nassau County?
The fastest method is to search the NCPD online portal using the person’s full name. You can also call the Public Information Office at (516) 573-7135 during business hours. Arrest logs are public records under FOIL, but juvenile arrests and sealed cases will not appear in the results.
Are Nassau County police blotter records available the same day as the incident?
Calls for service are often posted within hours, but full incident reports take longer. Officers must complete and approve reports before they are entered into the RMS system. Most reports are available within 3 to 7 business days. Complex investigations may take several weeks before the report is finalized.
Can I remove my name from the Nassau County police blotter?
You cannot remove a public arrest or incident record simply because you were found not guilty or the charges were dropped. New York State does allow record sealing under Criminal Procedure Law Section 160.59 for certain non-violent offenses after a waiting period. Expungement is available for some juvenile offenses and marijuana convictions.
What is the difference between a police blotter and an arrest record?
A police blotter is a daily log of all police activity, including calls for service, incidents, and arrests. An arrest record is a specific document tied to one person who was taken into custody. The blotter shows the arrest as a single line entry, while the arrest record includes fingerprints, photographs, charges, and booking details.
Can I get Nassau County police records from a third-party website?
Third-party websites sell access to public records, including Nassau County police blotter entries. These sites often charge more than the official source and may include outdated or incomplete data. For the most accurate and up-to-date records, always go through NCPD directly or use the official FOIL process.
Do Nassau County police blotter records show expunged or sealed cases?
No. Once a record is sealed or expunged by a court order, it is removed from public databases. NCPD and the New York State DCJS are required to comply with sealing orders. Sealed records can only be accessed by the person named in the record, their attorney, and certain government agencies.