Division of Criminal Justice Services

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What's New

  • Proposed Regulatory Amendments to Part 356 Probation Services (Article 3: Juvenile Delinquency)

    State law authorizes the Division of Criminal Justice Services to issue regulations related to probation supervision in New York State. These proposed regulatory amendments reflect the legislative intent regarding critical probation functions and the promotion of professional standards that govern administration and delivery of probation services in probation intake (preliminary procedure) for family court involving any alleged Juvenile Delinquent matter.

    The proposed amendments to 9 NYCRR 356 conform with legislative changes that became effective December 29, 2022, that changed the definition of Juvenile Delinquent, and incorporate additional legislative changes that became effective December 12, 2019, regarding the manner in which a determination is made as to the suitability of providing adjustment services in light of the views of the complainant and the impact of the acts on the community. It broadens the already existing requirement for Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS) lead agencies, which may be a probation department, to screen PINS youth for sexual exploitation to also include those charged as a juvenile delinquent. These amendments also require reassessment of risk and needs at the extension of the adjustment period utilizing tools already in use by jurisdictions. Additionally, it allows for expanded application of contact substitutions to youth receiving adjustment services creating alignment with the use of contact substitutions for adjudicated youth on supervision.

    The public may comment on these proposed amendments through Monday, March 18, 2024. Please contact Danise A. Linen, Esq. (dcjslegalrulemaking@dcjs.ny.gov or 518-457-8413) to submit comments.

  • Now Accepting Applications: Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program

    The Division of Criminal Justice Services is now accepting applications from nonprofit, community-based organizations for funding through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program. This funding will allow organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs or mission to strengthen safety and security for employees and individuals they serve.

    Eligible organizations may apply for up to $200,000 to fund improvements to their physical security and cybersecurity. Organizations must submit their applications and vulnerability assessments by Noon (12 p.m.) Friday, May 17, 2024. The Division of Criminal Justice Services will not accept any applications after the deadline.

    Request for Applications and More Information >>

  • Commissioner Rosado’s Budget Testimony

    Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rosado has testified before state legislators about Governor Kathy Hochul’s FY 25 Budget for the agency.

    Read the Testimony >>

  • New York State’s Clean Slate Act

    New York State’s Clean Slate Act takes effect Nov. 16, 2024, and provides the state Office of Court Administration (OCA) up to three years to develop the required processes to automatically seal eligible conviction records. Once that work is complete, convictions that meet certain criteria will be sealed for certain civil background check purposes.

    It is important to note that until OCA implements these sealing processes, any criminal history record provided through the DCJS Records Review process will continue to include convictions that eventually will be sealed because of Clean Slate. DCJS cannot seal records until receiving an order from the court to do so.

    NOTE: Records of individuals convicted of sex crimes and non-drug Class A felonies, including murder, will not be sealed. Police departments, sheriffs’ offices, prosecutors, the courts, and any employer permitted by to perform fingerprint-based background checks on job applicants will continue to have access to all criminal records under the law.

    Additional information about the Clean Slate Act >>

  • Governor Hochul Announces All 532 Eligible Police Agencies in New York Have Received State Certification for Officer Employment as Required by the Professional Policing Act of 2021

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 532 police agencies in New York State – 100 percent of all eligible agencies – have received state certification of compliance as required by the Professional Policing Act of 2021. This certification demonstrates that these municipal, authority, railroad and state police agencies follow comprehensive state hiring standards for police officers and requirements to report misconduct and employment information to state agencies. Each of these agencies obtained certification as required in advance of the Oct. 16, 2023, statutory deadline.

    Read the press release >>

    Learn more about these requirements and the state's mandatory certification process >>

  • Recent Changes to New York State’s Firearm Laws: Resources and Information

    New York State’s Gun Safety website provides the public, gun owners and gun dealers with comprehensive information about requirements under state laws that took effect Sept. 1, 2022. Questions about the new law may be directed to 1-855-LAW-GUNS.

    Gun Safety in New York State >>

    Frequently Asked Questions >>

    Department of Environmental Conservation FAQs >>

    Minimum Standards for Firearm Safety Training >>