Buffalo Inmate Population

Buffalo inmate population records are managed through the Erie County Sheriff's Office, which operates two detention facilities serving the city and surrounding area. Buffalo is the second largest city in New York State and the county seat of Erie County. The city has its own police department, but people arrested by Buffalo PD are held at Erie County facilities. The Erie County Holding Center sits right in downtown Buffalo at 40 Delaware Avenue. A second facility, the Erie County Correctional Facility, is in Alden at 11581 Walden Avenue. You can check on someone in custody by contacting the sheriff's office or using VINELink.

Erie County Facilities and Buffalo Inmate Population

The Erie County Sheriff's Office runs two facilities that hold Buffalo arrestees. The Erie County Holding Center at 40 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202 is the main intake point. Phone: (716) 858-7638. The Erie County Correctional Facility at 11581 Walden Ave., Alden, NY 14004 is the second facility. Phone: (716) 937-9101. Sheriff John C. Garcia leads the office, with Undersheriff William J. Cooley assisting.

The Holding Center in downtown Buffalo is where most people go first after arrest. Pre-trial detainees and newly booked inmates start here. The Correctional Facility in Alden houses sentenced inmates and overflow from the Holding Center. Both facilities are subject to NYS Commission of Correction minimum standards. The Commission publishes monthly HALT Act data from both locations.

The Buffalo Police Department handles law enforcement in the city. Headquarters is at 74 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. Non-emergency line: (716) 851-4444. When BPD makes an arrest, the person goes through booking and then gets sent to the Holding Center. The sheriff's office takes over from there.

How to Search Buffalo Inmate Population Records

Use VINELink to search for someone in Erie County custody. The system covers county jails across New York. Search by name. Register for free alerts about releases, transfers, or escapes. Notifications come by email, text, or phone. The toll-free help line is 1-866-277-7477.

For state prison inmates, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup is the right tool. It covers people serving more than one year in state facilities. DOCCS currently operates 44 state correctional facilities. Search by name and birth year or by DIN. The database includes people held in state prison since the early 1970s. Under Correction Law §9, information about certain non-violent offenders is removed three years after they complete their sentence and supervision.

The WebCrims system provides free access to criminal case records. Search by case number or defendant name. Court calendars and case status are viewable in real time. The OCA Criminal History Record Search costs $95 and covers all 62 counties.

Visiting Inmates from Buffalo at Erie County Facilities

The Erie County Holding Center in Buffalo has visitation on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tuesday sign-up runs from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, and 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Wednesday hours are similar. The Alden facility has visitation on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with slightly different hours. Video visitation is available through ICSenforcer.

Metal detector screening is required for all visitors. K-9 searches happen at entry. A dress code is enforced. No orange clothing, see-through clothing, hats, scarves, or hoods allowed. Acceptable ID includes a state driver's license, military ID, valid passport, or social services card with photo. Children under 18 need a birth certificate (original or certified) or adoption/guardianship papers. Only one child is allowed per adult visitor.

Cash bail is accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Court clothing can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 11:15 AM and 12:30 PM to 2:15 PM. Only two outfits are allowed for trial. No sneakers are permitted as court clothing. Mail goes to the inmate's name and ICN number at the facility address. Money can be deposited at the cashier's window during posted hours.

Erie County Sheriff's Office

The Erie County Sheriff's Office manages both detention facilities that serve the Buffalo area.

The sheriff's main office is at 10 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202. Phone: (716) 858-7618. The Police Services Division is at 45 Elm Street.

FOIL and Records for Buffalo Inmate Population

The Erie County Sheriff accepts FOIL requests in writing. Copy fees are 25 cents per page. The office must acknowledge requests within five business days. Non-criminal fingerprinting is available at (716) 858-6566. The Pistol Permit Bureau is at (716) 858-6600.

The Buffalo City Clerk handles FOIL requests for city records, vital records, and licensing. The Erie County Clerk, Michael P. Kearns, maintains court documents and land records. Court documents filed in Supreme Court and County Court go through the county clerk's office. The Domestic Violence Unit Hotline is (716) 858-7999. Anonymous crime tips go to (716) 858-2903.

The Correctional Health Unit can be reached at 716-858-8931. Mental Health Unit: 716-858-8095. The PREA tip line is 716-858-8176. These contacts apply to both Erie County facilities. Email the sheriff's office at sheriff@erie.gov for general questions.

State Resources for Buffalo Inmate Population

The NYS Commission of Correction monitors both Erie County facilities. Quarterly inmate population statistics include data from all 60 county jails. The Commission publishes monthly HALT Act reports and tracks segregated confinement data. All county correctional facilities must meet minimum standards under Correction Law Article 3.

Since 1999, the state's prison population dropped by 54.9%. DOCCS went from 72,649 people in custody to 32,766 by January 2024. Twenty-four facilities have closed since 2011, saving roughly $442 million a year. As of December 2022, 74% of state inmates were violent felony offenders. Drug offenders made up only 9%, down 56% from 2013.

Erie County Inmate Population

Buffalo is the county seat of Erie County. All county detention goes through the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

Nearby Cities

Other large cities in western and central New York.