San Bernardino arrest records document when a person is taken into custody by law enforcement. These records contain important details about the person arrested, the reason for the arrest, and the events surrounding it. Knowing how to search for and understand these records helps residents stay informed about public safety and legal processes in San Bernardino County. Public access to arrest details helps maintain transparency within the justice system.
Law enforcement agencies in San Bernardino County create an arrest record during the booking process. This record captures who was arrested, the time and place, and the charges. It serves as an official account for both the public and legal offices. Information from an arrest can show up in other public files, such as court records or news releases.
Public Access to San Bernardino County Arrest Records
Yes, arrest details are public information in San Bernardino County. The California Public Records Act (PRA) gives people the right to look at documents kept by the government, including arrest records from criminal justice agencies. This law helps ensure openness in government work.
However, some limits exist on what information the public can see. These limits are set to protect privacy and ongoing investigations. For example, juvenile arrest records and certain victim details are not typically public. Information that might put a witness in danger or harm an active investigation is also kept private.
What Public Arrest Records Contain
Public arrest records in San Bernardino County usually show specific details. This information helps identify the person and the nature of the arrest. The goal is to provide enough facts without giving away sensitive information.
- Arrestee Details: This includes the full name, date of birth, job, and physical description of the person arrested. Physical descriptions cover eye and hair color, sex, weight, and height.
- Arrest Details: The time, date, and exact place of the arrest are included. It also notes the basic facts of what happened during the arrest.
- Booking Details: This covers the time, date, and location where the person is being held in custody.
- Charges: The record lists the charges the person faces. It also mentions any active arrest warrants or probation/parole holds.
- Release Information: This section shows the bail amount set and how or when the person can be released from custody.
Ways to Obtain San Bernardino Arrest Records
To get a copy of a San Bernardino arrest record, you can start with the local law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Different agencies may have their own steps for requests. These steps can include various processing times, fees, and ways to pay.
Often, you can ask for records in person, sometimes by phone, or in writing through mail or an online portal. Your request should have enough details, like names and dates, so the agency can locate the correct records. You will also need to pay any required fees.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Arrest Records
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Records Division handles many requests. They are at 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, California. Their public counter is open Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, except on holidays.
You can mail a request to: San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department Records Division, P.O. Box 569, San Bernardino, CA 92402. Make sure to include a copy of your valid photo ID with your written request.
For reports created by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, they can be requested online, in person, or by mail. They do not handle reports from other police departments or the California Highway Patrol.
San Bernardino Police Department Arrest Records
The San Bernardino Police Department’s Records Bureau also helps people get arrest records. You can visit their lobby to fill out a report request form. A valid photo ID is needed to process the request.
Copies of criminal reports may have a small fee after the first few pages. Some requests might take several weeks to process.
Online San Bernardino Arrest Record Lookup
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Inmate Locator helps people search for current custody information without cost. You can search by a booking number, or by a first and last name, date of birth, or approximate age and gender.
This system also lets you do an “Out-of-Custody Search” for records within the last 30 days. This online tool is a simple way to check if someone is in a county jail.
Many local police departments, including the San Bernardino Police Department, publish daily arrest logs online. These logs show recent law enforcement activity.
Public Criminal Records San Bernardino County CA
A criminal record shows a person’s history with the justice system, including arrests, court actions, and final results. These records are sometimes called RAP sheets or summary criminal history information. They are given out under California Penal Code sections 13300 (for local files) and 11105 (for statewide information).
To view a San Bernardino County criminal record, you can visit or mail the local sheriff’s Records Division. They release “Clearance Letters” (showing no active warrants or arrests), “In-Custody Letters” (listing all county arrests), and “Partial In-Custody Letters” (for a specific arrest). Each letter costs $37.
Only the person named in the record or their legal representative can usually get these records, with proof of identity. If a person has arrests in other counties, it might be better to ask for a statewide criminal background check from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) for $25. This requires filling out a Live Scan Form and submitting fingerprints.
San Bernardino Arrest Records Versus Criminal Records
The terms “arrest record” and “criminal record” are often used to mean the same thing, but they are different. A criminal record includes arrest details but also shows convictions, sentences, and probation information. It gives a full picture of someone’s past with the justice system.
An arrest record simply shows that an arrest happened. It can detail one or more arrests but does not say if the person was charged or found guilty of a crime. This difference is important for background checks and legal actions.
How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?
Arrests stay on a person’s criminal record forever unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. Until then, these records are public under the Public Records Act. They can be seen by potential landlords, employers, licensing groups, and others doing background checks.
Expungement and Sealing San Bernardino Arrests
California law has ways for people to seal or expunge their arrest records in San Bernardino County. Sealing means the records become private and are not available to most of the public. Expungement means a conviction is dismissed, which can improve job chances.
Sealing Arrest Records When No Conviction Occurred (Penal Code § 851.91)
Penal Code section 851.91 lets people seal arrest records and related court records if no conviction happened. This applies if no charges were filed, charges were dismissed, or a “not guilty” verdict was given.
To request sealing, you file Form CR-409 (Petition to Seal Arrest and Related Records) with the San Bernardino Superior Court. A copy of the petition must be given to the arresting agency and the prosecutor at least 15 days before the hearing.
Sometimes, the Department of Justice (DOJ) might automatically seal arrest records under Penal Code section 851.93. You can ask for your Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) sheet from the DOJ to check if this has happened.
Sealing Records for Factual Innocence (Penal Code § 851.8)
Penal Code section 851.8 allows for sealing and destroying arrest records when a person was found to be factually innocent. This means there was no good reason to believe the person committed the offense.
There is no specific statewide form for these petitions. However, the DOJ’s Form BCIA 8270 can be used. The petition must be filed within two years of the arrest or the filing of charges, whichever is later.
If granted, the arresting agency must seal the records for three years and then destroy them. They also notify the Department of Justice and other agencies that received the records.
Sealing After Diversion Programs (Penal Code §§ 851.87, 1001.9, 851.90)
California law allows for sealing arrest records if a person successfully completes certain diversion programs:
- Penal Code § 851.87: If a person finishes a pre-filing diversion program run by a prosecutor, they can petition the court to seal the related arrest records.
- Penal Code § 1001.9: If charges are dismissed after completing a diversion program, a person can file to seal their arrest record. Upon successful completion, the arrest is considered to have never happened.
- Penal Code § 851.90: A person whose charges were dismissed after completing a drug diversion program can petition to seal their arrest record.
When an arrest record is sealed this way, it generally becomes private. However, law enforcement and other justice agencies can still see the record. Also, some jobs, like peace officer roles, may still require disclosure of the arrest.
Sealing Juvenile Records (Welfare and Institutions Code § 781)
California’s juvenile record sealing law, Welfare and Institutions Code section 781, lets people ask the juvenile court to seal their arrest and court records from when they were minors.
You typically file a “Request to Seal Juvenile Records” (Form JV-595) with the county’s probation department. The San Bernardino County Juvenile Probation Department can provide more information.
Sealing a juvenile record means it is no longer public. You can truthfully say you were not arrested for that matter. However, juvenile records do not automatically seal when a person turns 18.
San Bernardino County Arrest Warrants
A San Bernardino County arrest warrant is a written order from a judge or magistrate. It tells a peace officer to arrest a specific person. This order can only be issued if there is probable cause, meaning good reason to believe the person committed a crime.
Probable cause is usually shown through a sworn statement (affidavit) filed during the criminal complaint process. Once issued, an arrest warrant allows an officer to make an arrest at any time. However, warrants for minor offenses (misdemeanors or infractions) are usually carried out between 6 AM and 10 PM, unless the warrant states otherwise.
An arrest warrant includes the suspect’s name, the alleged offense, the time and place it was issued, the judge’s signature, and the bail amount, if any.
San Bernardino County Arrest Warrant Search
To search for active arrest warrants in San Bernardino County, you can check court records through the San Bernardino County Superior Court website. You can search by case or citation number without logging in. For searches by name or business name, you need to register for an account.
Another option is to check with local law enforcement agencies. They are the ones who carry out arrest warrants. This usually means visiting a local police station and showing a photo ID.
Do San Bernardino County Arrest Warrants Expire?
No, arrest warrants do not expire in San Bernardino County. After a county court issues an arrest warrant, it stays active until it is carried out (the suspect is arrested) or recalled by the court. People can also voluntarily surrender at a police station or courthouse.
San Bernardino County Crime Rate and Arrest Statistics
In 2024, the California Department of Justice reported that San Bernardino County had 51,024 index offenses. These included violent crimes (11,094), property crimes (39,444), and arson (486). Aggravated assault was the most common violent crime, with 7,950 cases. Larceny-theft was the leading property offense, with 24,037 cases.
The county’s index crime rate in 2024 was 2318.9 per 100,000 people, based on an estimated population of 2,200,351.
San Bernardino County law enforcement made 57,439 arrests in 2024. This included 21,814 felony arrests, 35,614 misdemeanor arrests, and 11 status offense arrests. The county’s arrest rate was 2610.4 per 100,000 people.
Correcting Errors on San Bernardino Arrest Records
If you believe there is an error on your San Bernardino arrest record, you can contact the arresting law enforcement agency. For arrests made by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department where no court action followed, or if you believe the arrest was a mistake, you can file a Petition to Seal and Destroy Arrest Records under Penal Code Section 851.8 with the Civil Liabilities Division. They can be reached at 909-387-3708 or civilliabilities@sbcsd.org.
It is important to address any inaccuracies as they can affect background checks. The process for correction may require specific forms and proof of the error. Seeking advice from legal professionals can be helpful in these situations.
Official Resources for San Bernardino Arrest Records
For official information and services related to San Bernardino arrest records, contact the relevant government agencies directly. These agencies provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
- Physical Address: 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415
- Mailing Address: San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department Records Division, P.O. Box 569, San Bernardino, CA 92402
- Phone: (909) 888-5916, ext. 7 (Records Division)
- Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed weekends and holidays)
- Inmate Locator: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/corrections/inmate-locator/
- Public Records Request Portal: https://sanbernardinocounty.nextrequest.com/
Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino
- Website: https://www.sb-court.org/
- Case Information Online: https://www.sb-court.org/divisions/civil/case-information-online
- Juvenile Delinquency Records Sealing Information: https://www.sb-court.org/juvenile-delinquency/record-sealing
San Bernardino Police Department
- Address: 710 North D Street San Bernardino, CA 92401
- Phone: 909-384-5742 (Lobby Hours)
- Non-Emergency Phone: 909-383-5311 (24-Hours)
- Lobby Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About San Bernardino Arrest Records
This section provides clear answers to common questions about San Bernardino arrest records. It covers important aspects like what records are public, how to access them, and the effects of having an arrest on your record. These answers aim to give helpful factual information for residents and those needing to research past arrests.
Is it possible to view San Bernardino mugshots and arrest logs online?
Yes, it is possible to view some San Bernardino mugshots and arrest logs online. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Locator website lets you search for current inmates, which includes booking information. While direct mugshots are generally not released by the Sheriff’s Department, the Inmate Locator provides details about who is in custody. The San Bernardino Police Department also publishes arrest logs on their website, showing summaries of recent arrests. These logs typically contain public information like names, charges, and arrest times, as allowed by California Government Code.
How do San Bernardino County arrest records impact background checks?
San Bernardino County arrest records can impact background checks significantly. Unless sealed or expunged by a court order, arrest records remain a permanent part of a person’s history. This means that when a potential employer, landlord, or licensing board conducts a background check, these records can appear. Even if an arrest did not lead to a conviction, its presence on a record can influence decisions about employment, housing, or professional licenses. Sealing an arrest record can limit public access, making it less likely to appear on most background checks, but certain government agencies and specific applications (like for peace officer positions) may still require disclosure.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal conviction in San Bernardino?
An arrest record and a criminal conviction are distinct legal terms in San Bernardino County. An arrest record documents the event of a person being taken into custody by law enforcement. It includes details such as the date, time, location, and charges at the time of the arrest. It does not mean the person was found guilty. A criminal conviction, on the other hand, means a person has been found guilty of a crime, either by pleading guilty or being found guilty by a judge or jury. A conviction results in a formal judgment against the person and typically includes a sentence, such as fines, probation, or jail time. While an arrest is a step in the criminal justice process, a conviction is the final legal outcome of a case.
Can San Bernardino arrest records be removed or hidden from public view?
Yes, San Bernardino arrest records can be removed or hidden from public view through legal processes like sealing or expungement. California Penal Code sections allow for sealing arrest records under specific conditions, such as when no conviction resulted from the arrest (e.g., charges were dismissed, or a “not guilty” verdict was reached). Records can also be sealed if a person was found factually innocent of the crime. For juvenile records, Welfare and Institutions Code section 781 allows for sealing. While sealing makes records inaccessible to most of the public, certain law enforcement and government agencies may still retain access for specific purposes. Expungement, which dismisses a conviction, also helps mitigate the impact of a criminal record, though it doesn’t physically remove the arrest from all records.
How can I perform a San Bernardino County arrest lookup by name?
To perform a San Bernardino County arrest lookup by name, you have several official options. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department provides an online Inmate Locator tool. On this website, you can search for current inmates by entering a person’s last name, first name, date of birth, or approximate age and gender. This tool will show if someone is currently in custody within the county’s jail system. For older records or arrest information not related to current custody, you may need to contact the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, such as the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Records Division or the San Bernardino Police Department’s Records Bureau, and make a formal request.
Are there any fees associated with requesting San Bernardino arrest reports?
Yes, there can be fees associated with requesting San Bernardino arrest reports, though some basic information may be free. The California Public Records Act allows for the free inspection of records maintained by government agencies. However, if you want a physical copy of a report, charges may apply to cover the cost of processing and duplication. For example, the San Bernardino Police Department charges 25 cents per page after the first five pages for copies of criminal reports. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Records Division charges $37 for certain letters, like Clearance Letters or In-Custody Letters. It is advisable to check with the specific law enforcement agency for their current fee schedules before making a request.
What information do San Bernardino County jail rosters and booking lists contain?
San Bernardino County jail rosters and booking lists contain specific information about individuals currently in custody. These lists are often available through online inmate locators provided by the Sheriff’s Department. They typically include the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and a booking number. The lists also show the charges the person is facing, the date and time of their arrest, and the facility where they are being held. Bail amounts, if set, and projected release dates might also be shown. This information helps the public find out who is in jail and why, serving as a transparent record of current detentions.