Here are the numbers for Central Booking for the five boroughs:Bronx - Central Booking Brooklyn - Central Booking Manhattan - Central Booking Queens - Central Booking Staten Island - Central Booking |
For the Family:
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions by family members of people accused of crimes in the New York state and federal criminal justice system.
My relative was arrested today, where are they?
When the police arrest someone, they first bring them to a precinct to interview, or extract a confession, fingerprint, and perform background checks on someone in custody. This process may take several hours, depending on the severity of the case. During this period, the police generally do not allow anyone to see or speak with a defendant. If you have a lawyer, they may be able to notify the police that the defendant is represented, and that he should not be interrogated outside the presence of a lawyer.
After a defendant is processed at the precinct, if the crime is serious, they will be sent to Central Booking for the county in which they were arrested. Central Booking is where the defendant will be given further background checks, be registered into the New York State system and given an identification and ARREST number.
Why do I need to know the ARREST number?
The arrest number is very important for the family and lawyer of a defendant. Once processed in Central Booking, the defendant is then sent to the appropriate county court, and, when their papers are ready (complaint, etc.), their case may be presented to a judge to determine whether or not the defendant will be released on bail. If someone you know has been arrested, you should immediately contact a lawyer and have them notify the precinct that the defendant is represented.
How do I get my relative's ARREST number?
Call Central Booking to find out their New York State ID Number (NYSID) and their ARREST number. If you call Central Booking and the phone rings for a very long time, do not be discouraged. Central Booking frequently takes a very long time to answer the phone (if they do at all). Once you reach Central Booking, be sure to ask for their NYSID Number, Book and Case Number and Arrest Number. Keep all three numbers handy.
Federal Cases
If your relative was arrested by federal agents and is in federal custody, you must call the arraignment or magistrate part and find out the complaint number and when the matter will be presented to the Magistrate Judge.
Southern District of New York (cases in Manhattan, The Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Duchess, Orange and Rockland Counties)
500 Pearl Street, New York (between Worth and Chambers) (212) 805-4051
For cases in Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Duchess Counties:
300 Quarropas Street, White Plains(914) 390-4100
Eastern District of New York (cases in Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island)
225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn (718) 613 2600
100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip (631) 712-6000
My relative was not released on bail, how do I find out where they are and visit them?
If your relative is being held while their case is pending, you may find out where they are and how you can visit them if you have their name, NYSID number or Book and Case Number, or date of birth, you can look up your relative online. Here are some helpful websites:
- For defendants within the five boroughs, in state court: http://a072-web.nyc.gov/inmatelookup/
- For defendants outside the city, in state court: http://nysdocslookup.docs.state.ny.us/
- For defendants in any federal court: http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
Time is of the essence when someone is arrested.
Make sure you speak with a lawyer immediately to protect your loved one's rights. The Law Office of Ramón W. Pagán is available to help you and your family, just call our office at 718-993-1598 and someone will help you right away.
