If you are seeking employment at a government agency in the City of Rochester, you are covered by its Fair Employment Screening Law. This law is a “Ban the Box” law, and it only applies to the public sector.
Under this law, you cannot be asked about your criminal record on any employment application. An employer can only ask about your record after the application is submitted and after any initial job interview has taken place.
If an employer does not intend to conduct an interview, they must inform you whether they will be running a criminal background check before you start work. This law does not apply if you are applying for a position in the City Police, Fire Department, or any peace or police officer position.