Albany County Sheriff’s Office – Albany, NY

A Tradition of Service Since 1660

Headquarters and Civil Enforcement

The Albany County Sheriff’s Office, one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States, maintains its headquarters at the historic Albany County Court House on Eagle Street. While the department’s patrol and correctional divisions operate from other locations, this downtown office is the nerve center for administrative command and the home of the Civil Enforcement Unit. The Civil Unit is responsible for the processing and execution of court orders issued by the Supreme, County, and Family Courts. Sworn deputies and civilian staff work here to serve summonses, execute property seizures, and enforce income executions (wage garnishments), playing a pivotal role in the civil justice system.

Evictions and Legal Process

A major function of the Eagle Street office is the management of eviction proceedings. Landlords and property owners utilize the Sheriff’s services to legally regain possession of real estate after court judgments. The staff guides the public through the complex requirements of service of process, ensuring that all legal notices are delivered in strict accordance with New York State law. The office handles a high volume of paperwork, including Orders of Protection and subpoenas, serving as the enforcement arm for the judiciary’s decisions.

Fees and Payments

The Sheriff’s Office accepts payments for civil fees, fines, and bail at this location. To modernize operations, they have implemented the ‘GovPayNet’ system, allowing citizens to make payments using credit and debit cards, a significant convenience over the traditional cash-only model. The agency is led by the Sheriff, an elected official who oversees a diverse workforce dedicated to public safety, emergency management, and community service across the county’s 540 square miles.

• Civil Process: Serving summonses, subpoenas, and court orders.
• Evictions: Enforcing warrants of removal for landlords.
• Income Executions: Garnishing wages to satisfy judgments.
• Administration: Executive command for the Sheriff’s Office.
• Payment Center: Collecting civil fees and court-ordered fines.