Seeking Los Angeles Long Beach arrest records involves a process of public information requests. These records hold details about arrests made by law enforcement agencies in the area. Accessing this information requires knowing where to look and understanding the rules that govern public records in California. This discussion provides a clear pathway for individuals looking to get these records, whether for personal review, legal reasons, or other permitted purposes.
Arrests in Long Beach result from probable cause, showing a person’s intent or action in criminal behavior, as defined by the California penal code. Officers can also make an arrest if an active warrant exists. After an arrest, people go to the Long Beach Police Department Headquarters for booking. They are held in the City Jail until released, bail is paid, or they appear in court. Booking involves taking fingerprints, photos (mugshots), and other personal details. This information then becomes part of arrest records, which may appear in court papers, jail lists, state criminal history records, and Los Angeles County arrest records.
Public Nature of Long Beach Arrest Records
Long Beach arrest records are public under the California Public Records Act (PRA). This law makes most records kept by government agencies, including arrest and booking details, open for public review. However, there are rules that limit some public access. For example, records about juveniles, medical details, ongoing investigations, or private personal information are often kept private. Records that could put someone’s life in danger, violate privacy, or disturb public peace are also not available to everyone. While the general public might not get sensitive records, approved agencies or people with a clear and direct reason can get this information.
Recent court decisions have strengthened California’s public records law. Cities must be accountable when they hold back or destroy important information during a public records request. This means agencies need to conduct a full search for records when someone asks for information. If they keep documents private, they must state which documents and why. However, the law does not make cities keep information unless a lawsuit is active.
Locating Long Beach Arrest Records
Long Beach arrest records are available at the City Police Department’s Office. People can ask for these records in person, online, or by mail from the Information Management Division of the Police Department. You might need to show valid identification and describe the record well, including the person’s name, case number, incident, or date it was filed. At the county level, you can ask the Records and Identification Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. Appointments can be made by calling (562) 345-4441. Fees might change depending on the record type.
Official Free Ways to Search Arrest Records in Long Beach
There are free ways to get Long Beach arrest records:
- Visit the Long Beach Police Department in person to look at records, as allowed by the California Public Records Act.
- Send online requests to the Long Beach Police Department using their Public Records Request Portal.
- Search online through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Inmate Information Center.
Some third-party websites also offer free access to Long Beach arrest records. However, these might charge for full reports or have old or incomplete information.
Long Beach Police Records Lookup
The Information Management Division of the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) keeps police records and reports. These include reports about traffic collisions, arrests, incidents, 911 calls, calls for service, and other public documents from the police department. The LBPD charges a $29 fee for each copy of publicly available police reports. Victims of crimes do not have to pay this fee.
You can send completed request forms by mail or deliver them by hand. The processing time for a report can be up to six months, depending on what is asked for. The LBPD’s report request helpline is (562) 570-7381, and their email is LBPDRecordsInquiry@longbeach.gov. When asking for reports, remember that details about victims, ongoing investigations, juvenile information, and other sensitive items are usually removed from public police reports.
To check the status of a police report request, the public can email PD-RequestStatus@longbeach.gov. Government agencies can email PD-AgencyRequestStatus@longbeach.gov, and background investigators can email PD-BackgroundStatus@longbeach.gov.
Criminal Background Checks in California
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) officially keeps and manages California criminal history summary records. State laws allow only the person whose record it is, approved agencies, and law enforcement agencies to ask for official copies of criminal history summaries, also called “rap sheets.”
How a Person Can Request Their Own Criminal Records
A person can ask for their criminal records from the DOJ by:
- Filling out Form BCIA 8016 (Request for Live Scan Service).
- Getting Live Scan fingerprints from approved operators, which costs between $10 and $25.
- Paying a $25 fee to the DOJ, unless they are eligible for a fee waiver.
People living outside California can also ask the DOJ to see their criminal history records. It is important to know that rap sheets obtained for personal review cannot be used for foreign nations or Visa/Immigration purposes. Agencies needing background checks for certain reasons, like law enforcement, potential employees, or landlords, can give the person Form BCIA 8016 and follow the steps on the DOJ’s Fingerprint Background Checks page.
The DOJ does not provide certified copies of criminal history records to individuals. To get certified records, a subpoena or court order is needed, usually for law enforcement or district attorney offices. Public defenders and defense attorneys can also ask for non-certified records by completing Form BCIA 8700.
Long Beach Inmate Search and Booking Records
The Long Beach City Jail is a short-term facility. It holds people waiting for trial or serving short sentences. You can get information about people in the Long Beach Jail by calling (562) 570-7260. For people held in the Los Angeles County Jail, information is available online through the County Sheriff’s Inmate Information Center.
If someone is in state prisons within Los Angeles County, like the California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), you can use the Public Inmate Search Tool. This tool is managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. To start a search, you usually need the person’s last name, first name, birth date, or ID number.
Long Beach City Jail Details
The Long Beach City Jail is one of California’s bigger city jails. The women’s part can hold up to 70 people, and the men’s part can hold 132. It is a “Type I” facility, meaning it holds people who have not been sentenced for no more than 96 hours. You can call (888) 224-5266 to post a bail bond for someone. The Long Beach Jail is at 400 West Broadway in Long Beach, CA 90802.
If online searches for inmate information do not work, you can call the LBPD Jail Division at (562) 570-7260. Have the inmate’s full legal name, date of birth, booking number (if known), date of arrest, and the arresting officer’s badge or agency reference ready. In-person questions can be made at the booking window at 400 W Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. Bring a valid government photo ID and the same inmate details. Visits or record requests are by appointment or during set hours; call ahead to confirm.
Long Beach Crime Rate and Statistics
The Long Beach Police Department shares crime statistics. These numbers are based on the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the Uniform Crime Reporting system from the FBI. Long Beach has a higher crime rate than the national average. One report showed Long Beach’s crime rate was 35.4% higher than the national average. Violent crimes were 48.3% higher, and property crimes were 33% higher than the national average.
In 2022, Long Beach had a crime rate of 11.3%. Violent crimes went up by 3.8%, and property crimes increased by 12.8%. More recent data from 2024 shows mixed trends. Murders increased by 58.3% from 2023 to 2024. Rapes also rose by 7.1%. Aggravated assaults decreased by 7.4%, but simple assaults went up by 24.3%. Property crime trends in 2024 include robberies increasing by 35.4% and residential burglaries by 14.9%. Auto burglaries decreased by 6%, but motor vehicle thefts increased significantly by 44.8%.
How Long Arrests Stay on Records in Long Beach
Generally, Long Beach arrest records stay on a person’s records permanently unless they are expunged or sealed. California laws do not set exact times for how long arrest records are kept. However, factors like the type of record, internal policies, and legal needs can affect this. For example, records kept by the California Department of Justice may only be removed after the person reaches 100 years of age.
As of July 1, 2023, with California’s Clean Slate Law (SB 731), many arrest and conviction records are automatically cleared. Misdemeanor arrests should be sealed after one year if no charges are filed. Felony arrests should be sealed after three years if no charges are filed. Cases that are dismissed should be cleared right away. Convictions where probation is granted should be cleared once the case ends.
Expungement means a court sets aside a conviction or plea and dismisses the case. This frees the person from many penalties and issues from a criminal case. However, expungement does not give back firearm rights for felony convictions, remove the conviction from DOJ databases, or end the need to register as a sex offender. Expunged records might still show up on some background checks, but employers have limits on how they can use this information.
Expunging Records for Free in Long Beach
People in Long Beach can seek to expunge or seal their records under California Penal Code sections 851.8 or 851.91. To be eligible, a person must have completed all court-ordered sentences, paid fines, finished probation, and met all other duties. If you have questions about expungements, you can call the City Prosecutor’s Office at (562) 570-5600.
The Los Angeles County Library, with the County Public Defender’s Office, offers free expungement clinics for Long Beach residents. These clinics help people clear their records of past arrests and convictions. They provide guidance in English and Spanish. Participants must not be breaking any laws, on parole, or on probation. It is helpful to bring case documents, such as court records.
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) also provides free expungement services and clinics for eligible low-income individuals. They offer help with services to clear criminal records through expungement and Prop 47 petitions. LAFLA has a Long Beach office at 601 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802. You can call their expungements service intake line at (323) 801-7989 Ext. 5250. To register for their workshops, you might need to call (800) 399-4529 to be pre-screened.
The Law Project of Los Angeles also offers free expungement clinics and services. Additionally, the LA Law Library, in partnership with Community Legal Aid Socal, provides free expungement clinics.
Long Beach Warrant Search
Long Beach arrest warrants are issued for the arrest of suspects involved in criminal actions (California Penal Code sections 813-829). Bench warrants are usually issued when someone does not appear in court or fails to follow court orders. To check a warrant status, you can call (562) 570-7260 or ask in person at the Long Beach Police Department’s front desk at 400 West Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. Be aware that if you ask in person and an active warrant is found, you might be arrested on the spot.
Do Long Beach Warrants Expire?
Generally, arrest warrants for serious crimes (felonies) or less serious crimes (misdemeanors) do not expire. They stay active until they are resolved or cancelled by the court that issued them. Search warrants can expire after ten days but a judge can reissue them. Minor city warrants might expire due to a time limit (statute of limitations). To resolve a warrant, the person must be arrested, appear in court willingly, or pay all court-ordered fines. A court can also cancel a warrant if the person dies or if the reason for the arrest no longer exists.
Official Contacts and Locations
For direct communication with official agencies in Long Beach and Los Angeles County regarding arrest records, warrants, and related services, use the following details:
Long Beach Police Department (LBPD)
- Address: 400 West Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
- Phone: (562) 570-7260
- Report Request Helpline: (562) 570-7381
- Email for Report Status: PD-RequestStatus@longbeach.gov
- Public Records Request Portal: www.LongBeach.gov/PRA-LBPD (for specific LBPD requests)
- General Public Records Request: www.LongBeach.gov/PRA (for city records)
- In-Person Records Review: Public Safety Building, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (for personal arrest records, photo ID and fingerprints required).
Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office
- Phone: (562) 570-5600
- Fax: (562) 570-7140
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- Records and Identification Bureau Phone: (562) 345-4441
- Inmate Information Center: Online portal available for inmate searches.
- LA County Jail Inmate Information: (213) 473-6100 or (213) 473-6080
California Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Record Review Unit Phone: (916) 227-3849
- Online Forms and Information: oag.ca.gov (for criminal history requests and Live Scan locations)
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)
- Long Beach Office Address: 601 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
- Expungements Service/Intake: (323) 801-7989 Ext. 5250
- General Pre-screening for Workshops: (800) 399-4529
- Website: www.lafla.org
Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office
- Phone: (562) 247-2500
- Expungement Clinic Information: lacountylibrary.org/clean-your-record
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Beach Arrest Records
What types of information are found in Long Beach arrest records?
Long Beach arrest records contain details about a person’s arrest. This includes the date and time of the arrest, the charges filed, and the arresting agency. Records also typically hold personal information like fingerprints, mugshots, and biographical data collected during the booking process. These details help law enforcement track individuals within the justice system. The records may also show if bail was set and if the person was released or transferred to another jail facility. However, sensitive information, such as medical details or private identifying numbers, is usually kept private from public view.
Can I search for someone’s mugshot online in Long Beach?
Mugshots are part of the booking process and are often included in arrest records. While some third-party websites might show mugshots, official government sources, like the Long Beach Police Department or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, typically focus on providing text-based inmate or arrest information. The availability of mugshots to the general public can vary due to privacy concerns and specific state laws. For the most accurate and current information on a person’s arrest status, it is best to check official inmate search portals, which may not always display mugshots directly to the public.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?
An arrest record documents that a person was taken into custody by law enforcement. It shows the initial event of an arrest, the charges, and the booking details. A criminal record, also called a “rap sheet,” is a more complete history. It includes arrests, and also shows if a person was charged, convicted, or acquitted of crimes. It details court outcomes, sentences, and probation. An arrest record is a snapshot of one event, while a criminal record gives a full history of a person’s interactions with the criminal justice system over time. Not all arrests lead to a criminal conviction.
How does the California Public Records Act apply to Long Beach arrest records?
The California Public Records Act (PRA) generally makes government records, including arrest and booking information, available to the public. This means citizens have the right to ask for and see these documents. However, the PRA also has specific rules that allow certain information to be kept private. Records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, or details that could threaten someone’s safety are often exempt. This balance protects public transparency while guarding sensitive data and personal privacy. Recent court decisions have reinforced the need for agencies to be transparent and accountable when handling public records requests.
Can employers see expunged Long Beach arrest records during a background check?
When an arrest record is expunged or sealed in Long Beach, it means the case is legally dismissed or hidden from most public view. California’s Clean Slate Law (SB 731), which took effect July 1, 2023, automatically clears many eligible records. For most private employers, expunged records should not appear on standard background checks, and employers are limited in how they can use this information. However, certain jobs, especially in law enforcement or those requiring state licensing, may still have access to these records. It is important to remember that expungement does not erase the record from all databases, such as those maintained by the Department of Justice, but it does change how it appears to most outside parties.
What steps should I take if I believe there is an error on my Long Beach arrest record?
If you believe there is an error on your Long Beach arrest record or criminal history, you have the right to challenge it. First, get a copy of your criminal history record from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to see exactly what information is listed. The DOJ provides a “Claim of Alleged Inaccuracy or Incompleteness” form (BCIA 8706) with your record review response if there is criminal information on your record. You will need to fill out this form and provide any supporting documents that show the error. It is often helpful to get legal advice from an attorney specializing in criminal record corrections to help you through this process, as it can be complex. You may also need to contact the specific law enforcement agency or court where the error originated.
Are juvenile arrest records in Long Beach public?
No, juvenile arrest records in Long Beach are generally not public. California law places strict restrictions on the public release of juvenile records to protect the privacy and future of minors. These records are typically confidential and are not subject to the same public access rules as adult arrest records under the California Public Records Act. Access to juvenile records is usually limited to specific legal parties, such as the juvenile themselves, their parents or guardians, attorneys, and certain court or law enforcement agencies. This protection aims to support rehabilitation and prevent a juvenile record from creating lifelong barriers for young people.