New York § 221 - 221System of criminal justice information
Full text of New York New York Consolidated Laws § 221 — 221System of criminal justice information, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 221. 221System of criminal justice information
§ 221. System of criminal justice information. 1. When any peace officer or police agency within this state shall receive a complaint that a felony involving the use of deadly physical force or a deadly weapon has been committed, and if the perpetrator thereof be not apprehended within thirty minutes after such complaint has been received, or, in the case of any other felony, if the perpetrator thereof be not apprehended within five hours, such police agency shall cause information of such felony to be electronically entered into the New York statewide police information network in accordance with the rules for such entry promulgated by the superintendent of state police. Police agencies not directly connected with the New York statewide police information network shall transmit such information to the nearest or most convenient electronic entry point, from which point it will be immediately dispatched, in conformity with the orders, rules or regulations governing the network. 2. Any warrant of arrest, bench warrant or superior court warrant of arrest, as such terms are defined in section 1.20 of the criminal procedure law, relating to any offense defined as a felony in subdivision five of section 10.00 of the penal law, or a probation warrant issued pursuant to section 410.40 of the criminal procedure law, must be entered into the system no later than forty-eight hours from the time it is received by the police officer or peace officer to whom it is addressed if the subject of the warrant has not been apprehended prior to that time. 3. When any police officer, peace officer or police agency in the state shall receive a complaint of a missing child, as defined in subdivision one of section eight hundred thirty-seven-e of this chapter, such police officer, peace officer or police agency may, in his or her discretion, as appropriate, cause information concerning such missing child to be promptly dispatched over the police communication system. Police agencies not connected with the basic system may transmit such information to the nearest or most convenient electronic entry point, from which point it may be promptly dispatched, in conformity with the orders, rules or regulations governing the system. No dispatch or transmission of a report concerning a missing child shall be required by this subdivision if the investigating police department advises, in its discretion, that the release of such information may jeopardize the investigation or the safety of the child, or requests forbearance for any reason.
Source: official New York text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New York § 221
What does New York Consolidated Laws § 221 cover?
Section 221 ("221System of criminal justice information") is part of the New York Consolidated Laws, the codified statutory law of New York. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New York § 221?
A common citation format is "New York Consolidated Laws § 221" (New York). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New York law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New York official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New York attorney.
How does New York § 221 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New York can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New York.