Riverside arrest records document when law enforcement takes a person into custody. These important documents are part of the public record in California, letting people see how the justice system works. This content explains how to locate, understand, and use Riverside County arrest records, following state laws and local procedures. We will review what details these records hold, how to search for them, and important differences between arrest records and full criminal histories.
California law says that most arrest records are public. This means people have a right to know about arrests, charges, and case progress. However, some private details stay protected. Knowing how to get this information helps people stay informed and use these records responsibly.
What Riverside Arrest Records Contain
Riverside arrest records provide specific facts about when someone is taken into custody. These records are created by law enforcement agencies like the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments. The details found in an arrest record are important for legal cases and public transparency.
Generally, a Riverside County arrest record includes:
- The full name and job of the arrested person.
- Physical details like birth date, eye and hair color, sex, height, and weight.
- The exact time and date of the arrest and when the person was booked.
- The place where the arrest happened.
- Facts about what led to the arrest.
- The amount of bail set.
- When and how the person was released, or where they are held.
- All charges, including any warrants from other places, parole holds, and probation holds.
These details offer a snapshot of the arrest event itself. They do not show the final outcome of a case, such as a conviction or acquittal. That information is part of a broader criminal record.
Public Access to Riverside Arrest Records
In Riverside County, most arrest records are public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). This law, Government Code § 6250-6276.48, requires local government agencies to make their records available for people to look at. This includes arrest records.
However, some kinds of arrest information are not public. These exceptions protect sensitive details:
- Early drafts, notes, or internal memos not kept in the usual business process if keeping them private is more important than public interest.
- Records about ongoing lawsuits involving the government agency until those cases are finished or settled.
- Files about personnel, medical care, or similar private matters that would invade a person’s privacy.
- Information about complaints, investigations, intelligence, or security steps taken by the Attorney General, Department of Justice, Office of Emergency Services, and police agencies.
- Records about applications with state agencies that control financial institutions and securities, including reports, drafts, communications, and private information.
- Geological or geophysical data, plant production data, and similar private business information.
- Juvenile records are kept private under Welfare & Institutions Code § 827.
- Details of active investigations are not shared if it would hurt law enforcement efforts.
- Victim and witness information is edited out for privacy and safety reasons.
- Medical or mental health information is private under state and federal privacy laws.
To see non-public arrest records, a person often needs a good reason. This could mean being a party in the case, a lawyer, or a law enforcement agency. This balance helps keep sensitive details safe while still allowing for government openness.
Riverside County Crime and Arrest Statistics (2024 Data)
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) Open Justice Portal gathers crime numbers for all counties, including Riverside County. Recent data from 2024 shows the following.
Riverside County Crime Rate
In 2024, Riverside County had 52,417 crimes. These crimes fall into different types:
- Property crimes: 44,721
- Violent crimes: 7,387
- Arson: 301
The most common crime was larceny/theft, with 31,392 cases. Other notable crime types include:
- Motor vehicle theft: 7,023
- Burglary: 6,306
- Aggravated assault: 5,050
Riverside County Arrest Statistics
In 2024, there were 43,614 arrests made in Riverside County. The arrests by type of offense are:
- Felony arrests: 14,323
- Misdemeanor arrests: 29,192
- Status Offenses: 99
For felony arrests, violent offenses led with 5,652 apprehensions. Property arrests were next with 3,077 arrests. Drug offenses accounted for 1,188 felony arrests, and sexual crimes led to 176 arrests. The remaining 4,230 arrests were for other felony offenses.
How to Get Riverside Arrest Records
To get Riverside arrest records, you can go through local law enforcement agencies, the county sheriff’s office, or use online tools. The way you get records depends on who made the arrest and where the person is held.
Contacting Local Police Departments
Most arrests in Riverside County are made by local police departments. There are over 26 police departments in the county. To get an arrest record, you should contact the specific police department that made the arrest.
Each police department has its own steps for people to get arrest records. You will usually need to give details like:
- The full name of the person arrested.
- Their birth date, if you know it.
- The date and place of the incident.
- Your contact information.
- A valid government ID if you are looking for non-public records and meet the requirements.
Riverside Police Department
If the Riverside Police Department made the arrest, you can contact them directly. They have two public counters to help people.
- Phone: (951) 826-5700
- Main Station Address: 4102 Orange St, Riverside, CA 92501
- Magnolia Station Address: 10540 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
They also offer online reporting for certain non-emergency police reports.
Moreno Valley Police Department
The Moreno Valley Police Department provides law enforcement services through a contract with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. If the Moreno Valley Police Department made the arrest, you can contact them.
- Phone: (951) 486-6700
- Address: 22850 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
For non-emergency incidents in Moreno Valley, you can call their non-emergency dispatch at (951) 247-8700.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests made by county law enforcement and manages the county jails. They are also a key source for arrest records and inmate information.
- Records Bureau Address: 4095 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA 92501
- Public Records Act Request: You can make a request in writing, verbally, or through their online portal. You can email them at cpra@riversidesheriff.org.
Riverside County Inmate Locator
For people jailed after an arraignment, or to find someone arrested by local law enforcement, the Riverside County Sheriff’s website has an “Inmate Locator” portal. You can search by entering the last name, first name, birth date, and gender. This tool provides current booking and custody details.
Federal Arrest Records
If an arrest was made by federal agencies, the person will likely be held in federal custody. You can use the Federal Inmate Locator to search by name or number to find where the person is held. Then, contact that facility for more information.
Third-Party Public Records Services
Some private companies offer online public records databases. These platforms gather public information from many government sources, including law enforcement agencies. You can often do a free basic search using a person’s first and last name. However, getting a full report about a person’s arrests usually costs money.
Free Access to Riverside Arrest Records
You can get Riverside County arrest records for free in a few ways:
- In-person requests: You can visit the arresting police department or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. These requests are free unless you need a physical copy of a record, which might have a fee.
- Riverside County Sheriff’s Inmate Locator: This online tool lets you look up public arrest information for people in a Riverside County jail facility without cost.
- Superior Court Public Access Portal: The Riverside County Superior Court offers free access to criminal case registers and dockets online. You can also use public access terminals at county courthouses for free in-person searches.
Riverside County Criminal Records
Criminal records are official papers that show a person’s full criminal history. This includes arrests, charges, court cases, convictions, and sentences. Law enforcement and courts keep these records. They give a full account of a person’s contact with the criminal justice system.
Difference Between Arrest Records and Criminal Records
It is important to know the difference between arrest records and criminal records:
- Arrest records document a specific instance when law enforcement took someone into custody. They include the date, location, charges, and personal details of the arrested person. Arrest records do not show the outcome of the charges, like if the person was found guilty or not guilty.
- Criminal records show a complete history of a person’s legal system interactions. This includes arrests, but also the court proceedings, convictions, and any punishments given. Criminal records give a fuller picture of a person’s criminal activity and what happened in court.
How to Get Criminal History Records from the California Department of Justice (DOJ)
Access to criminal history records kept by the California Department of Justice is legally restricted. Only law enforcement and approved agencies can get these records. However, you can ask for your own criminal history record from the DOJ to check if it is correct and complete. The DOJ will not process requests from other people.
For California Residents:
You must submit your fingerprints using a Live Scan Form.
- Select “Record Review” for the “Type of Application.”
- Write “Record Review” on the “Reason for Application” line.
- Fill in all your personal information and pay the DOJ a $25 fee.
You can get fingerprints taken at most local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and other public Live Scan places. You can find nearby sites and check fees and payment methods.
How Long Riverside Arrest Records Stay on Your Record
Arrests can stay on a record indefinitely under California law. There is no set time for their removal. However, county law enforcement agencies may have their own rules for how long they keep records. In some cases, arrest records are kept until a person turns 100 years old, or until they are expunged or sealed.
With the Clean Slate Act (Senate Bill 731 & Assembly Bill 1076), California is now automatically clearing:
- Misdemeanor arrest records if there are no criminal charges after one year.
- Felony arrest records if there are no criminal charges after three years.
Expunging or Sealing Riverside Arrest Records
The process for sealing or expunging arrest information in Riverside County depends on the specific situation and legal rules.
Expungement of Convictions (Penal Code Sections 1203.4 and 1203.4a)
In California, expungement mainly applies to criminal convictions. It is covered by Penal Code sections 1203.4 and 1203.4a. This process allows eligible people to have their convictions dismissed. It does not remove the arrest record itself.
To qualify for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 (for felony and misdemeanor cases where probation was granted):
- You must have finished probation.
- You must have met any waiting periods.
- You cannot have any new charges pending.
- You generally must not have served time in state prison for the conviction you want expunged.
To qualify for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4a (for misdemeanor and infraction cases where probation was not granted):
- You must have fully followed the court’s sentence.
- One year must have passed since the judgment date.
- You cannot be serving a sentence for another offense or charged with a new crime.
- You must have lived an honest life and followed laws since the judgment.
To start the expungement process, you must file a petition using Form CR-180 with the court that handled your case. This petition asks the court to reopen the case, withdraw the guilty plea, enter a not-guilty plea, and dismiss the conviction. While this changes the status of the sentence, it does not seal or remove the arrest record.
A dismissal under these sections releases you from most penalties of the conviction. It allows you to truthfully state in most private situations that you have not been convicted of that crime.
Sealing Arrest Records (Penal Code Section 851.8)
Sealing arrest records is covered by Penal Code section 851.8. This usually applies to people who were arrested but not charged or convicted.
To qualify, you must be “factually innocent.” This means the arrest did not lead to charges, the charges were dropped, or you were found not guilty in court.
To seal an arrest record, you must petition the relevant law enforcement agency or court using Form BCIA 8270. This petition needs details about the arrest and proof that you are factually innocent. If the petition is approved, the arrest record will be sealed and later destroyed. This makes it unavailable to most groups, including employers.
If a factual innocence motion is granted, the police department and Department of Justice must seal and destroy all records of your arrest, including booking information, mugshots, and court records.
Riverside County Arrest Warrants
A Riverside County arrest warrant is an order signed by a judge or magistrate. It allows a peace officer to arrest a suspect. Arrests can happen with or without a warrant under California Penal Code § 836. Warrantless arrests are allowed if officers have “probable cause,” such as seeing a crime happen.
To issue an arrest warrant, an investigating officer must show probable cause. This is often done through a sworn statement (affidavit) given to the court. A grand jury indictment or a criminal complaint filed by a city or district attorney after reviewing a police report can also lead to a warrant.
According to California Penal Code § 815, an arrest warrant must contain:
- The name of the defendant.
- The time the warrant was issued.
- The city or county where it was issued.
- The signature of the judge, magistrate, or other authority who issued it.
- The title of the issuing authority’s office.
- The name of the court or agency that issued it.
Riverside County Arrest Warrant Search
To find active warrants in Riverside County, you can contact the warrants hotline of the County Sheriff’s Office at (951) 955-2430. Be aware that information about active warrants is usually only given to the person the warrant is for and their lawyer, after identity is confirmed. Warrants that have been served (executed) are public if sharing them does not harm an ongoing criminal investigation.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office does not put active warrant lists online. However, you can ask about warrants by contacting the Sheriff’s Warrants Division directly.
Do Riverside County Arrest Warrants Expire?
No, arrest warrants in Riverside County typically do not expire. Warrants stay active until the person is arrested, the court recalls the warrant, or the case is resolved.
Things that might affect a warrant’s status include how serious the offense is, the resources and priorities of the law enforcement agency, and any later legal actions. These could include the person turning themselves in or legal intervention. Some minor warrants might be given lower priority over time but remain legally active until formally addressed.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Contact Information
For general inquiries or to make a Public Records Act request to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, you can use the following contact information:
- Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
ATTN: CPRA Unit
4095 Lemon Street, 5th Floor
Riverside CA 92501 - Email: cpra@riversidesheriff.org
- Warrants Hotline: (951) 955-2430
- Moreno Valley Station Phone: 951-486-6700
- Moreno Valley Station Address: 22850 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92552
- Riverside County Superior Court – Criminal Division: 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Frequently Asked Questions About Riverside Arrest Records
Arrest records are formal documents created by law enforcement when someone is taken into custody. These records contain key details about the arrest event, such as the person’s name, the charges, and when and where the arrest happened. They are different from full criminal records, which also include court outcomes like convictions and sentences. Knowing how to get and use these records is important for many reasons, from legal checks to personal background reviews. These records are mostly public under California law, but some information is kept private to protect people’s privacy or ongoing police work.
What is the difference between Riverside arrest records and criminal records?
Riverside arrest records document a specific event: when someone is taken into custody. They include facts like the date, time, location of the arrest, the charges filed, and the arrested person’s basic details. These records show that an arrest happened but do not confirm guilt or the final legal outcome. Criminal records, by contrast, offer a much broader view of a person’s history with the justice system. They include all arrests, court proceedings, convictions, and sentences. A criminal record gives a complete picture of a person’s legal interactions, showing if charges led to a conviction or if a case was dismissed. Arrest records focus on the initial detention, while criminal records cover the entire judicial process.
How can I perform a Riverside arrest search by name for free?
You can search for Riverside arrest records by name for free using a few official resources. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office offers an online “Inmate Locator” tool. This allows you to search for individuals currently in county jail facilities by entering their last name, first name, birth date, and gender. This tool provides public arrest information and booking details. Another free option is the Riverside County Superior Court’s Public Access Portal. This portal provides access to criminal case registers and dockets. While it might not always show an arrest record directly, it can give details about court cases that followed an arrest. You can also visit county courthouses in person to use public access terminals for free searches.
Are Riverside arrest logs and mugshots public information?
Generally, arrest logs and some mugshots are public information in Riverside County, but there are limits. The California Public Records Act makes many records public, including basic arrest details. Arrest logs, which list recent arrests, typically fall under this. Mugshots, which are booking photos, are also often considered public. However, agencies may have rules about how and when they release mugshots, especially if doing so would harm an ongoing investigation or if the person was found factually innocent. If an arrest record is sealed or expunged, any associated mugshots would also become private or be destroyed. For specific details on mugshot availability, contacting the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office or the arresting police department is the most direct approach. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office may have mugshots available.
How do I request a Riverside County Sheriff arrest report?
To request a Riverside County Sheriff arrest report, you can contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office directly. You can submit a request in writing, verbally, or through their online portal. The Sheriff’s Department has a specific CPRA (California Public Records Act) Unit within its Professional Standards Bureau to handle these requests. You can send a written request to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, ATTN: CPRA Unit, 4095 Lemon Street, 5th Floor, Riverside CA 92501. You can also email them at cpra@riversidesheriff.org. When making your request, provide as much detail as possible, such as the arrested person’s full name, birth date, the date and location of the incident, and any known report numbers. Fees may apply for physical copies of reports.
What are the steps to get Riverside arrest records for employment screenings?
Getting Riverside arrest records for employment screenings requires careful steps due to privacy laws. Employers cannot broadly ask for criminal history at early stages of hiring. For official criminal history background checks, which include arrests and their outcomes, you typically need to go through the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ provides fingerprint-based background checks through its Live Scan program. As an individual, you can request your own criminal history record from the DOJ to check its accuracy. However, third-party requests from employers for another person’s full criminal history are generally restricted to authorized agencies. Employers often use third-party background check services that gather publicly available information, but these services must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You should always check with the specific employer about their background check process and what information they require.
What is the eligibility for Riverside arrest record expungement or sealing?
Eligibility for expunging or sealing Riverside arrest records depends on the legal outcome of the arrest. Expungement primarily applies to criminal convictions, not just arrests. Under California Penal Code sections 1203.4 and 1203.4a, you may qualify to have a conviction dismissed if you completed probation, met all conditions, and have no new pending charges. This dismissal changes the conviction status but does not remove the arrest record itself. Sealing an arrest record, under Penal Code section 851.8, applies when you were arrested but not charged or convicted, and you can prove “factual innocence.” This means there was no reasonable cause for the arrest. If granted, the arrest record and related documents are sealed and later destroyed. The “Clean Slate Act” also now automatically clears certain misdemeanor and felony arrest records if no charges are filed after specific timeframes.
How can I search for Riverside arrest warrants?
To search for Riverside arrest warrants, you should contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division. You can call their warrants hotline at (951) 955-2430. It is important to know that information about active warrants is usually only given to the person named in the warrant and their legal representative, after their identity is verified. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office does not publish active warrant lists online for public search. While some executed warrants may become public if they do not compromise ongoing investigations, details about active warrants are kept private to ensure officer safety and prevent suspects from avoiding arrest. If you believe there might be a warrant for your arrest, it is advisable to seek legal counsel before contacting law enforcement directly.