When someone you love has just been arrested in New York City, one of the first things you may search for is "Central Booking phone number NYC," "NYPD precinct phone number," or "who do I call if someone is arrested in New York City." In an emergency, having a clear plan for how to find the right phone numbers can make the situation feel a little less overwhelming.
I am Amel Spahija, a New York City criminal defense lawyer and former NYC prosecutor. This article explains how to locate the most important contact numbers in the NYC criminal justice system after an arrest, and when to call a New York City criminal defense attorney for help. It is general information only, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Because government phone numbers can change, you should always confirm contact information on official New York City or New York State websites or by calling NYC 311.
Key Resources at a Glance
- NYPD general information line: 646-610-5000
- NYC 311 (from within NYC): Dial 311
- NYC 311 (from outside NYC): Check the current non-local number on the official NYC 311 website
- NYPD "Find Your Precinct" directory: nyc.gov precinct finder
The sections below list commonly used Central Booking and NYC Criminal Court clerk numbers for each borough. These numbers are subject to change, so always confirm via official sources.
Manhattan (New York County)
Central Booking: Manhattan
People arrested in Manhattan are usually processed at an NYPD precinct and then sent to Central Booking at the Manhattan Criminal Court. Commonly used Central Booking numbers include:
If a number does not connect, try another listed line or use NYC 311 to confirm the most current contact information for Manhattan Central Booking.
Manhattan Criminal Court: Clerk and General Information
- Main information / clerk: (646) 386-4511
- Address: 100 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
The clerk’s office can provide basic information about court dates, courtroom locations, and some case-status questions. They cannot give legal advice.
Brooklyn (Kings County)
Central Booking: Brooklyn
People arrested in Brooklyn are typically taken from the precinct to Brooklyn Central Booking at the criminal court in Downtown Brooklyn. Commonly used Central Booking numbers include:
If you cannot get through on one line, try the other or call NYC 311 for updated Brooklyn Central Booking contact information.
Brooklyn Criminal Court: Clerk and General Information
- General information: (718) 618-2460
- Summons Clerk’s Office: (718) 618-2480 and (646) 386-4950
- Address: 120 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Brooklyn Criminal Court clerk’s office can confirm upcoming court dates and provide location information. They cannot discuss legal strategy or give legal advice.
Queens (Queens County)
Central Booking: Queens
In Queens, arrested individuals are brought from the precinct to Central Booking at the Queens Criminal Court complex in Kew Gardens. Commonly cited Central Booking numbers include:
If you reach a recording or an incorrect extension, call back or use NYC 311 to verify the current Queens Central Booking contact number.
Queens Criminal Court: Clerk and General Information
- Clerk’s Office: (718) 298-0792
- Address: 125-01 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
The clerk’s office in Queens can help you verify upcoming court dates and basic case information, but cannot provide legal advice.
Bronx (Bronx County)
Central Booking: Bronx
After an arrest in the Bronx, the person is processed at a precinct and then moved to Central Booking associated with the Bronx Criminal Court on East 161st Street. Commonly used numbers for Bronx arraignment and Central Booking-related information include:
Some of these numbers are shared arraignment and clerk lines that can give information about when cases are scheduled to be heard. If one number does not work, try another or consult NYC 311.
Bronx Criminal Court: Clerk and General Information
- General information / clerk (commonly listed): (718) 618-2460
- Address: 215 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451
The Bronx Criminal Court clerk’s office can confirm court dates and division locations but cannot offer legal advice about the case.
Staten Island (Richmond County)
Central Booking: Staten Island
In Staten Island, people arrested in Richmond County are processed at a precinct and then moved to Central Booking associated with the Staten Island Criminal Court. Commonly referenced Central Booking numbers include:
On some weekends or off-hours, information about Staten Island arraignments may be routed through Brooklyn arraignment offices, so NYC 311 can be a useful backup if these lines are busy or out of service.
Staten Island Criminal Court: Clerk and General Information
- Clerk’s Office: (718) 390-8400
- Address: 26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10304
The Staten Island Criminal Court clerk’s office can provide basic information about when a case is scheduled and where it will be heard.
NYPD Precinct Phone Numbers and How to Find the Right One
New York City has dozens of NYPD precincts across the five boroughs. Rather than relying on an outdated list of numbers, the most reliable way to find an NYPD precinct phone number is to use the NYPD’s official precinct finder and NYC 311:
- Go to the NYPD "Find Your Precinct" page: nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/find-your-precinct.page
- Enter the address or neighborhood where the arrest occurred
- The site will identify the precinct and list its address and contact numbers
- Alternatively, call NYC 311 and ask which precinct covers a specific address or intersection in New York City
For general information or if you are unsure where to start, you can also call the NYPD information line at 646-610-5000.
Using These Numbers Effectively
When you call Central Booking, a criminal court clerk’s office, or an NYPD precinct, you will get better results if you are prepared with:
- The arrested person’s full legal name
- Date of birth
- Approximate date and time of arrest
- Borough where the arrest occurred
- Any NYPD arrest or docket number you may have received
Keep a written log of the numbers you call, the date and time, and the name or title of anyone you speak with. This information can also be helpful to your attorney.
When to Call a New York City Criminal Defense Lawyer
While Central Booking and court clerk numbers can help you locate your loved one and confirm court dates, they cannot advise you on how to handle the case. A New York City criminal defense lawyer can:
- Explain what charges your loved one is likely to face in New York criminal court
- Help you understand what to expect at arraignment, including potential bail, ROR, supervised release, or remand outcomes
- Identify immediate issues related to the arrest, search, or questioning that may be important to the defense
- Guide you on how best to support your loved one and avoid common mistakes, such as oversharing with law enforcement or on social media
As a former NYC prosecutor who now focuses on criminal defense, I understand how the NYPD and the District Attorney’s Offices evaluate cases. That experience allows me to anticipate how the prosecution may approach issues like charges, bail, discovery, and plea negotiations. However, no lawyer can ethically guarantee a particular result, and past results do not predict future outcomes.
Attorney Advertising and Important Disclaimers
This article is intended to help you understand some of the important phone numbers and contact points in New York City after an arrest, including Central Booking, NYC Criminal Court clerks’ offices, NYC 311, and the NYPD precinct directory. It does not list every possible resource, and specific numbers, extensions, and procedures can change without notice. You should always confirm contact details on official New York City or New York State websites or by calling NYC 311.
This content is attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Spahija Law or with me, Amel Spahija. If you need legal advice about a specific situation, you should consult directly with a lawyer licensed in New York State.
If you have questions about a particular arrest or criminal charge in New York City, you may contact Spahija Law to discuss the situation in more detail and to learn more about your options for moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for Central Booking in Brooklyn?
Commonly used Brooklyn Central Booking numbers are (718) 935-9210 and (718) 875-6586. If you cannot get through on one line, try the other or call NYC 311 for updated contact information. These numbers are subject to change, so always confirm via official sources.
How do I find the right NYPD precinct phone number?
Use the NYPD "Find Your Precinct" page at nyc.gov and enter the address or neighborhood where the arrest occurred. The site will identify the precinct and list its address and contact numbers. You can also call NYC 311 and ask which precinct covers a specific address, or call the NYPD information line at 646-610-5000.
What information should I have ready before I call?
Have the arrested person’s full legal name, date of birth, the approximate date and time of arrest, the borough where the arrest occurred, and any NYPD arrest or docket number you may have received. Keep a written log of the numbers you call, the date and time, and the name or title of anyone you speak with.
Can a criminal court clerk tell me about the case?
A clerk’s office can provide basic information about court dates, courtroom locations, and some case-status questions. Clerks cannot give legal advice or discuss legal strategy.
Why do some of these numbers not connect?
Government phone numbers, extensions, and procedures can change without notice. If a number does not connect, try another line listed for that borough or call NYC 311 to confirm the most current contact information.
Founder of Spahija Law and a former Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Recognized by Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2026. Read Amel’s full background or call 646-453-4001.