California Public Records, Arrest Records and Jail Roster

California Public Records

The California Public Act (CPRA) is the public law that governs California government data. The Act obligates the state of California to provide anyone with the information requested. Passed in 1968, the CPRA requires that government records must be disclosed to the general upon request, with the exemption of those that are exempted by the court or law. Under this law, residents of California have the legal right to obtain and copy public information kept by state and local government agencies.

The Act defines public records as “any writing containing information relating to the conduct of a public’s business prepared, owned, used or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristic.” As per the definition of what public records is according to the California Public Act, only personal information that doesn’t relate do not in any way related to the conduct of public business can be considered exempt.

California Criminal Records

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is responsible for maintaining California criminal records. The law restricts the access to the criminal history summary authorized applicant agencies and legitimate law enforcement agencies only. Every individual can request a copy of his or her own criminal history record to ensure completeness and accuracy. To receive your own criminal history record, you have to submit your fingerprint images to the DOJ and pay the required administrative fee.

Arrest records and jail and inmate records are also available for sharing with the public. You can request any of these records through the DOJ.

California Court Records

California Superior Court and Local Court Records are made available to the public. You can request for any case record or proceedings by contacting the specific court with jurisdiction over that particular case.

California Vital Records

California Vital Records consist of such documents as death certificates, birth certificates, marriage records and divorce records. The Office of Vital Records has the responsibility to maintain these records.

• Birth records: Birth records catalog in the state of California is divided into 2 categories. The first category is birth records prior to 1905, and the second category is birth records from 1905 to present. You can request for birth records from 1905 to present from the state’s Family History Library.
• Death records: Birth records are managed in two categories. Birth records prior to 1905 are in the first category and then birth records from 1905 to present are in the second category. You can request copies of death records before 1905 from the state’s Family History Library. Death records from 1905 to present are available at California Death Index and California State Registrar.
• Marriage records: Marriage records are classified into two categories in the state of California. The first category consists of marriage records before 1905 and the second category consists of records from 1905 to present. Copies of most marriage records are obtainable from California’s Family History Library.
• Divorce records: Divorce records come in two categories. The first category consists of divorce records before 1905. You can obtain these records from the county in which the decree was made. Divorce records from 1905 to present are available at the state’s Family History Library.

The state of California makes so much information available for sharing with the public. The only thing you need to do is to search for that particular piece of information in the right place.

California State Court System

Understanding how the system of California state court works is very important as it helps you find court records easily.

California Courts Overview

California, unlike most states of the United States, has a unified court system. This actually means that finding court records is easier because you only have one central system to research from.

The trial court system of California State consists of Superior Courts. Since the state has a unified court system, it therefore goes without saying that all court proceedings in California are conducted only in Superior Courts.

California Superior Courts

Superior Courts are the only court systems in California. These courts are further organized into court divisions depending on the case type. They have jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases. Divisions within a California Supreme Court may include Small Claims, Traffic, Juvenile, Probate, Family, Criminal, and Civil.

Criminal Divisions generally hear misdemeanor and felony cases.

Criminal Divisions may be divided into divisions for “Limited” cases and “Unlimited” cases. Criminal Divisions generally handle felony and misdemeanor cases. “Unlimited” cases generally involve claims for $25,000 or more, and “Limited” cases generally involve claims for below $25,000.

Generally, Small Claims Divisions hear civil claims that are less than $7500, provided the case can be simplified for Small Claims process. Besides, there are restrictions on Small Claims jurisdiction, including financial as well as other limits on when and how to use the Small Claims process by organizations and businesses.

Family Divisions on the other hand generally hear cases that involve children and families, including legal separation, dissolution of marriage, spousal support, division of marital property, child support, child custody, and paternity.

Probate Divisions typically hear cases related to wills, trusts, conservatorships, estate administration and guardianships.

Juvenile Divisions, just like the name suggests, generally handle cases that involve juvenile delinquency, children in need of supervision, and child abuse and neglect.

Traffic Divisions normally hear traffic-related citations, including parking as well as other offenses that are punishable by fines. This division may handle some juvenile traffic cases.

Many Superior Courts of California have Drug Court programs or departments that focus mainly on rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration for some types of criminal cases, especially those that are committed due to mental illness or drug addiction.

Tribal Courts

Besides Superior Courts, California also has independent Tribal Courts. Some Native American nations in California run their own judicial systems independently. These courts are recognized in the larger California court system and are known as Tribal Courts. These courts have some criminal and civil jurisdiction. The California court system may enforce the orders of Tribal Courts.

The Official Website of California County

Los Angeles City of Los Angeles
San Diego City of San Diego Official Website
San Jose San Jose, CA – Official Website
San Francisco City & County of San Francisco | San Francisco
Fresno City of Fresno | Welcome to Fresno, CA
Sacramento City Home – City of Sacramento
Long Beach City of Long Beach
Oakland City of Oakland The official website of the City of Oakland. Find out about meetings, request City services through OAK 311, or contact the Mayor and City Council.
Bakersfield City of Bakersfield
Anaheim Anaheim, CA – Official Website The home page of Anaheim.net allowing residents to navigate through the website and see what’s going on in the City and contact the right people.
Santa Ana The City of Santa Ana
Riverside Riverside, California | City of Arts & Innovation
Stockton
Chula Vista City of Chula Vista Welcome to Chula Vista. Chula Vista means “beautiful view” and there is more to see and do here than you can imagine! Visit Chula Vista for the best in outdoor recreation, family activities, and urban amenities.
Irvine City of Irvine Official site includes event schedules, city guide, and administration/department information.
Los Angeles County Los Angeles County Los Angeles County, one of California’s original 27 counties, was established on Feb. 18, 1850. It is one of the nation’s largest counties with 4,084 square miles, and has the largest population of any county in the nation.
San Diego County SanDiegoCounty.gov The County of San Diego is one of the most award-winning and innovative government agencies in the United States. The five elected Supervisors run the County like a business, relying on the General Management System (GMS), a structure emphasizing accountability, efficiency and customer service.
Orange County Orange County, California
Riverside County County of Riverside This web site is designed to make it easier for Riverside County residents, businesses, and visitors to access the many programs and services offered by the county government and non-profit agencies.
San Bernardino County San Bernardino County – Official Website
Santa Clara County Welcome to the County of Santa Clara Located in northern California, the Official website of the County of Santa Clara, California, providing useful information and valuable resources to County residents.
Alameda County ACGOV.org | Alameda County Government
Sacramento County Sacramento County, California
Contra Costa County Contra Costa County, CA Official Website
Fresno County County of Fresno
Kern County Kern County, CA Official County Web Site Kern County, located in the heart of California, is a growing community with a variety of industries and recreational opportunities.
San Mateo County All of California in one County
San Joaquin County San Joaquin County California
Stanislaus County Stanislaus County Stanislaus County official site. Live, work and play here with recreation, arts and family fun. Info on Stanislaus County parks, jobs, animal services, tax bills & more.
Sonoma County County of Sonoma, California
Tulare County Tulare County Main
Santa Barbara County County of Santa Barbara
Solano County Solano County
Monterey County Monterey County, CA Proudly serving the community since 1850. The Mission of Monterey County is to Excel at providing Quality Services for the benefit of all Monterey County residents while developing, maintaining, and enhancing the resources of the area.
Placer County Placer County, CA | Official Website
San Luis Obispo County San Luis Obispo County
Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz County Home
Merced County Merced County, CA – Official Website
Butte County Butte County
Yolo County Yolo County
El Dorado County El Dorado County Welcome to the El Dorado County site. Local Number: (530) 621-5567. Phone: (530) 621-5567. Located in east-central California. The County seat is Placerville.
Imperial County Imperial County Website Official Website for The County of Imperial, CA
Shasta County Shasta County Official website of Shasta County, California
Madera County Madera County
Kings County Kings County The home page for the Kings County website.
Napa County Napa County, CA | Official Website
Humboldt County Humboldt County, CA – Official Website The official website for Humboldt County government.
Nevada County Nevada County, CA | Official Website
Sutter County Sutter County Home Sutter County, California, official website.

California Jail Roster

City of Pleasanton, CA – Police Blotter Pleasanton Police Blotter Weekly Arrests
San Leandro Weekly Arrest Reports City of San Leandro Police Department
Alameda County Inmate Locator Alameda County Inmate Locator
Jail Facility – City of Berkeley, CA Berkeley Police Department Jail Information
Detention Facility – Jail | City of Hayward – Official website LIVE SCAN SERVICES:We cannot currently process live scan transactions at the Hayward Police Department due to equipment malfunction. It is currently being serviced at this time.
Amador County Sheriff’s Office CrimeGraphics.com
City of Chico Weekly Arrest Query Chico Weekly Arrest Log
Sheriff’s Office – County of Del Norte Official site of the County of Del Norte, California.
Inmate Bookings Welcome to the official Website of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrest Reports | County of Glenn Glenn County Arrest Reports
Jail Reports | Humboldt County, CA – Official Website Browse through daily reports for disposition of arrest list, release inmate report, daily booking sheet, must go report, and alpha population profile.
Imperial County Sheriffs’s Office Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, committed to professional service and protection. Ethics, Loyalty, Honesty, Accountability, Professionalism, Integrity, Commitment
Kern County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Records INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
Arrest Records | KCSO Kern Sheriff Inmate Search
Kern County Sheriff Detentions: Display In-Custody Inmate Information In Custody Inmate Search
Home – County of Kings Inmate Locator Search for current inmates in the Kings County Jail and view booking lists
Lake County Recent Arrests Office of the Sheriff Recent Arrests
Daily Arrest Logs – Crime Information | Burbank CA Police Department Design Burbank Police Daily Arrest Logs
Crime Statistics / Booking Reports | City of Glendale, CA City of Glendale Crime Statistics and Booking Reports
LASD Inmate Information Center – Inmate Search Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Men’s Central Jail
Inmate Lookup | Madera County Madera County Jail Inmate Inquiry
Public Booking Log – County Of Marin County of Marin Public Arrest Log
Adult Detention Facility | Mariposa County, CA – Official Website Mariposa County Adult Detention Facility Information
Booking Log | Fort Bragg, CA Fort Bragg Weekly Booking Log
Inmate Inquiry Mendocino County Sheriff Inmate Inquiry
Merced County Sheriff Public Services Merced County Sheriff Inmate Search
Inmate Information – Monterey Sheriff’s Office Monterey County Sheriff’s Patrol Log
Crime Logs | Marina, CA – Official Website Marina Crime Logs
Inmate Information – Monterey Sheriff’s Office Monterey County Inmate List
Napa County – Content Has Moved Napa County DOC
Jail Media Report Nevada County Sheriff’s Jail Log
City of Huntington Beach Arrest Log Huntington Beach Police Department Arrests
Arrest Log | Placentia, CA – Official Website Placentia Arrest Logs
Anaheim, CA – Official Website Anaheim Civic Alerts
Orange County, California – Inmate Records Orange County Inmate Records
Orange County, California – Inmate Information Orange County Inmate Information Services
Who’s In Jail | Anaheim, CA – Official Website Who’s In Jail will allow you to search for a person currently housed in the Anaheim Detention Facility, or you can call (714) 765-1988. ?For inmate information for the Orange County Jail, call (714) 647-4666.
Crime & Arrest Information – City of Roseville City of Roseville Jail Bookings
Placer County 24 Hour Bookings and Release Report The Placer County Sheriff’s Office serves the people of Placer County by providing law enforcement to the unincorporated areas, from the Sacramento County line to the Nevada state line at Lake Tahoe, plus providing contract law enforcement services to the city of Colfax and the township of Loomis.
Placer County In Custody Reports The Placer County Sheriff’s Office serves the people of Placer County by providing law enforcement to the unincorporated areas, from the Sacramento County line to the Nevada state line at Lake Tahoe, plus providing contract law enforcement services to the city of Colfax and the township of Loomis.
Inmate Information System Riverside Sheriff Inmate Information System
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Sacramento County Inmate List
City of San Bernardino – Arrest Logs Arrest Log Summaries and Statistics
County of San Bernardino Inmate Locator San Bernardino Inmate Locator
La Mesa, CA – Official Website La Mesa Police Department Logs
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department | Jail Information Information for friends and family of persons being held in San Diego County Jails
Chula Vista City Jail | City of Chula Vista Who’s in Jail in Chula Vista
San Francisco Sheriff’s Department San Francisco Inmate Locator
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Who’s in Custody
Who’s in Custody San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office Recent Arrests
Arrest Log | City of Santa Clara Santa Clara Police Arrest Log
City of Mountain View – Arrests Learn about what happens when you’re arrested in Santa Clara County as an adult or juvenile, plus other helpful links.
Find Inmate – OVR Santa Clara County Find an Inmate
Arrest Logs – Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Santa Cruz County Arrest Logs
Custody Division | Siskiyou County CA Siskiyou Custody Division
Solano County – Jail Booking Logs Solana County Jail Bookings Search
Arrest-Crime Logs — Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Crime and Arrest Reports
Jail Inmate Search — Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Sonoma Sheriff Jail Inmate Search
Who’s in Custody Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Who’s in Jail
Sutter County Sheriff Inmates Sutter County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search page.
Tehama County Inmates | Jail Division | Tehama County Sheriff’s Office Tehama County Inmate Information
Weaverville California – Trinity County Sheriff’s Department News News and events in Trinity County that involve the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department?and other law enforcement agencies. The following reports are the official Press Releases from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department and posted when we recieve them.
Inmate Search – Tulare County Sheriff Tulare County Active Inmates
CrimeGraphics.com Sonora Police Department CrimeGraphics.com
Custody Division | Tuolumne County, CA – Official Website Learn about the Tuolumne County Jail.
Home – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Ventura County Inmate Search
Daily Activity Log | City of Davis, CA City of Davis Daily Arrest And Activity Log
Jail – Yolo County Sheriff’s Office | Woodland, CA Yolo County Sheriff’s Office
Inmate Search Yuba County Inmate Search
State of California Inmate Locator The CDCR operates all state adult prisons and juvenile facilities, oversees a variety of community correctional facilities, and supervises all adult and juvenile offenders.
Fingerprint Background Checks | State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General California Fingerprint Background Checks
California Courts – Home Committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for all Californians.
California Megans Law California Megans?Law Sex Offender Registry