Perform a Free New York Probation Search (Lookup Tools)

Carry out a free New York probation search in no time. Since probation and parole records are part of the public record, they can be found at no cost.

Though managed by the same department as probation, parole may be offered to those who have committed more serious crimes and have completed at least a portion of their incarceration. Probation is offered as an alternative to incarceration for those with less serious charges.

This streamlined article compiles search tools and resources for looking at New York’s public probationer records in a convenient format, making running a search as efficient as possible.

How To Conduct a Free New York Probation Search

In New York state, the Office of Probation & Correctional Alternatives operates various programs that are administered at the county level.¹ However, for a probation search, the only public information available is through the Criminal History Records Search (CRHS) system.²

The CHRS tool pulls rap sheets for individuals, but using it isn’t free, and it’s only available to search for your own records, unless it’s used for business such as background checks for new employees. It’s also important to note that CRHS results only include information about felonies and misdemeanors. Any probation that’s a result of an infraction or violation won’t appear.

Check the CHRS FAQ for more information about exclusions and limitations.³ To use CHRS by mail or in-person, the first step is to fill out an application and send or deliver it to:⁴

Office of Court Administration
Criminal History Record Search
Unit 25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004

Email: CHRS@nycourts.gov

Make sure to include a self-addressed and stamped envelope along with a certified check or money order for $95, the cost of each search result.

Online access is also available, though there is a convenience fee in addition to the $95 records request fee. Take a look at the online walkthrough for using CHRS for a better understanding of the process.⁵

When ready, sign up for an account and begin running searches. To get results, users must have the first and last name along with the date of birth for the person being researched.

For discharged or revoked probation information, contact DOCCS or call 518-473-9400.

Searching Court Records: The New York Court of Appeals posts civil and criminal trial information for the general public.^{6, 7} Users have three basic search options:

1. Type of Case – Users can select civil, criminal or all to help reduce the number of search results.
2. Party Name – When searching for the defendant in a trial, users need at least the first two letters of the first and last name to begin sorting through results. A partial match is enough, with further filtering by the court system available.
3. Court Calendar – The court calendar requires users to select an argument date or decision date range.
4. Authoring Judge – Every case decided by a specific judge is available.
5. Subject Matter Classification – Some examples of subject matter classification include bail, contempt, crimes, etc.
6. Citation Number – The final search option is by citation number for a specific instance.

Some records are excluded from public access, and others may be limited in use.

All citizens have a right to public records, but only when used responsibly. In most cases, though, a quick defendant search is likely to be the most efficient option for getting information with a state probation search.

Find New York Probationers via County & City Agencies

Every New York County has local offices that maintain records surrounding those under community supervision. A probation search in New York may require information from each county.

Each county may also offer varying levels of information about those on probation and provide different levels of monitoring and ongoing services to prevent recidivism.

New York City: New York City actually contains several of the state’s most densely populated counties, including Queens, Kings and Bronx. The New York City Probation Office manages supervision efforts throughout the five boroughs, making it the single largest probation division and one with some of the most long-term monitoring programs.⁸

In the city, there are three levels of possible supervision:⁹

• Special Offender Unit
• High-Risk
• Reporting

To get public records information from this county office, put in a records request online or via the mail. New York State offers FOIL requests online, allowing residents access to public records. To mail in a request for information, send it to:

New York City Department of Probation
Records Access Officer
33 Beaver Street, Room 2124
New York, NY 10004

Below is a list of the most populated counties and the agencies and programs available in counties outside of New York City.

How To Look Up Probation Violations & Find Supervising Officer Contact Details (NY)

While the Office of Probation & Correctional Alternatives has oversight authority for all probation offices in New York State, each county operates independently.¹

To run a probation search in some of New York’s most populous counties, local field offices are the best place to contact for the most updated information.

Probationers often stay in close contact with their supervising officer as part of their monitoring agreement, but members of the general public may also need access. If a probationer is engaging in criminal behavior, reporting directly to a probation officer can speed up the legal response, possibly even resulting in a revocation of probation.

The Office of Special Investigations Most Wanted List is another option when looking for those who have violated the terms of their probation.¹⁰ Probation violations may lead to arrest warrants and a place on the list. The most wanted list includes mugshots, physical descriptions, information about their criminal history and the name of the investigators in charge of the case.

New York City: In New York City, home of 5 counties and numerous probation offices, the public can make reports directly to one of these offices. The Probation FAQ page provides information about what services may be available to probationers and how to get help replacing important documents or obtaining public benefits.

If you have a probation violation to report or a question for a probation officer, use the online contact page to locate the right department and call.

How To Track Down Individuals on Parole in New York

Anyone interested can look up information on parolees in New York. The parolee lookup tool operated by the Department of Corrections & Community Supervision contains information about offenders released on parole.^{11, 12}

Using an offender’s last name, searchers can look up anyone currently or formerly under supervision. If the person is currently serving a sentence that includes community supervision, the name and number of their supervising officer is included in search results.

Every search result contains the offender’s:

• DIN
• Name
• Date of Birth
• Race/Ethnicity
• Date of Parole
• Current Parole Status
• Parole Officer
• Parole Contact Number
• Crime of Conviction

If a loved one is falling back into a drug habit or might need extra help adjusting to life in the community, the local parole office is a great place to start looking for help. Many parole offices also work with community nonprofits and health and social welfare organizations to provide support for those returning to society after a stay in prison.¹³

Finding out about parolees and probationers is convenient in New York. You can run a New York probation search in minutes using online tools and get up-to-date information with a brief phone call.