San Mateo arrest records document the details surrounding a person’s apprehension by law enforcement. These records are vital public documents. They typically contain information such as the date and time of the arrest, the name of the person arrested, the charges, and the arresting officer’s name. These records serve as a narrative of the initial police action. However, San Mateo arrest records do not always show the final outcome of a case, like a conviction or dismissal. For a complete view of a criminal case, court records often provide more details.
The ability to search for San Mateo arrest records is a fundamental right for citizens in California. This right comes from the California Public Records Act. Generally, arrest records are public, meaning people can look at them and get copies. Still, some sensitive information remains private. This includes details about ongoing investigations, information about minors, sealed records, or data that might put a witness at risk. These rules protect privacy and keep law enforcement operations fair.
What San Mateo Arrest Records Contain
San Mateo arrest records provide specific facts about an arrest. While the exact content can differ, these records commonly list several key pieces of information. This helps anyone reviewing the document to understand the initial event.
- Summary of the Arrest: A brief description of why the arrest happened.
- Date and Time of Arrest: The specific time and day when law enforcement took the person into custody.
- Full Name of the Arrestee: The complete legal name of the individual arrested.
- Arresting Officer Details: The name and signature of the officer who made the arrest.
- Arresting Agency: The law enforcement department that carried out the arrest.
- Place of Arrest: The location where the arrest occurred.
- Case Number: A unique identifier for the arrest incident and related information.
- Warrant Details: If an arrest warrant was used, the record includes information about that warrant.
It is important to remember that these records reflect the initial arrest. They do not automatically confirm guilt or a conviction. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
San Mateo County Arrest Statistics
Understanding San Mateo County arrest statistics helps measure public safety and law enforcement activity. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office regularly releases crime data. This data helps the community stay informed about local trends.
Recent reports from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office show changes in crime and arrest numbers. For example, between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, violent crime decreased by 14%, with 149 fewer cases. Property crime also dropped by 15%, showing 487 fewer incidents compared to the previous year.
Specific crime types also saw notable shifts in 2024:
- Murder/Manslaughter: One manslaughter case was reported in 2024, down from eight in 2023.
- Rape Offenses: Decreased by 25%, with nine fewer cases.
- Aggravated Assault: Decreased by 25%, with 44 fewer incidents.
- Robbery: Increased by 15%, with eight additional cases.
- Motor Vehicle Theft: Increased by 9%, with 18 additional incidents.
- Burglary and Larceny/Theft: Both decreased by 7% and 17% respectively.
The San Mateo Police Department also reported making nearly 13,000 arrests between 2020 and 2024. The most common reasons for arrest included possession of unlawful paraphernalia, executing warrants, and driving under the influence.
San Mateo County Inmate Roster and Bookings
When someone is arrested in San Mateo County, they are typically booked into one of the county’s correctional facilities. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office operates two main jails: the Maguire Correctional Facility and the Maple Street Correctional Center. These facilities house individuals awaiting trial or those serving sentences for misdemeanor and felony crimes.
To determine if a person is currently in custody, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office provides an online Inmate Locator tool. This tool allows the public to search for individuals booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility. Users input the person’s first and last name to view details such as charges, whether they face felony or misdemeanor charges, and if bail has been set.
The Inmate Locator tool also provides important details like the inmate’s date of birth, booking ID number, and current housing location. This booking number is essential for tasks such as arranging visitation or sending money. If online searches are not preferred, the public can call the Maguire Correctional Facility directly at (650) 363-4000 for inmate information.
The Maple Street Correctional Center also houses inmates. Its inmate information can be found using the same San Mateo County Inmate Locator tool or by calling (650) 559-3000.
Searching for San Mateo Arrest Records Online
Many people want to look up San Mateo arrest records online. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office offers public access to information about individuals arrested by their agency through its website. This online resource helps the community stay aware of arrests in various jurisdictions. It is important to remember that this site only includes arrests made by the Sheriff’s Office and not all arrests within San Mateo County. It also does not provide details on juvenile offenders or sensitive crimes to protect privacy.
For broader searches, the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) tool can help locate individuals in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) custody. This state-level tool provides information like the incarcerated person’s name, CDCR number, age, current location, commitment counties, admission date, and parole hearing details.
Federal resources also help with arrest-related records. The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator tool allows searches for federal inmates incarcerated from 1982 to the present. These tools are useful for finding arrest-related information beyond the county level.
Obtaining San Mateo Police Arrest Reports
When seeking San Mateo police arrest reports, it is important to know which agency made the arrest. The San Mateo Police Department’s Records Division handles requests for police reports related to arrests made by their officers.
Requests for these reports can be made in several ways:
- Online: Complete a public records request form on the San Mateo Police Department’s official website. This usually involves uploading a signed letter and a copy of a government-issued photo ID.
- In-Person: Visit the San Mateo Police Department during normal business hours. A government-issued photo ID or passport is needed to confirm identity.
- By Mail: Send a signed letter requesting the report and a copy of your government-issued photo ID to the department.
- By Fax: Fax a signed letter requesting the report along with a copy of your government-issued photo ID.
The San Mateo Police Department’s Records Unit can be reached for general questions at (650) 522-7710 or via email at police@cityofsanmateo.org. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
San Mateo Criminal Records Search
San Mateo criminal records are official documents that detail a person’s criminal history. These records, sometimes called “rap sheets,” contain more than just arrest information. They include arrest reports, indictments, convictions, and sentences. For a thorough background check, these records offer a full picture of an individual’s past interactions with the criminal justice system.
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) manages background checks for all counties, including San Mateo. Residents can request their own criminal records by completing a Live Scan Form. This form is available in both English and Spanish. To apply, write “Record Review” in the “Type of Application” and “Reason for Application” sections.
After filling out the form, take it to one of the Live Scan Locations in San Mateo County or to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office for fingerprinting. This step is necessary to process the criminal record request.
For information about criminal convictions, the San Mateo County Superior Court Records Index (MIDX) allows searches for civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. This tool provides index information, including case number, party type, case name, and filing date. For older criminal cases filed before 1993, contacting the Criminal Court Clerk’s Office at (650) 261-5100 option 1 is advised.
San Mateo Arrest Warrant Search
An arrest warrant is a formal court order. A judge issues this order, giving law enforcement permission to detain the person named in the document. Warrants ensure arrests happen lawfully, following constitutional rules. In San Mateo County, the Superior Court of California handles the issuance and management of arrest warrants.
A warrant might be issued if someone misses a court appearance after being cited for a crime. To get an arrest warrant, a police officer must give a judge or magistrate an affidavit. This document needs to show enough facts to prove there is probable cause that a crime happened and that the person named in the warrant is responsible. Probable cause means there are enough facts and circumstances for a reasonable person to believe a crime has occurred or will occur.
An arrest warrant typically includes:
- The identity of the person to be arrested.
- A brief description of the alleged crime.
- The specific criminal code section under which the person is charged.
- A clear explanation of why the warrant was issued.
To search for an active warrant in San Mateo County, individuals can visit the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office website. The website may offer an arrest warrants database. It is also possible to call or visit the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office in person. The office is located at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. Their phone number is (650) 363-4911.
The San Mateo County Superior Court also provides information on active warrants. The Criminal Division handles information related to active warrants. For details on outstanding warrants for Northern and Southern cases, individuals can appear in person at the criminal clerk’s office at the Southern Branch (Hall of Justice) at 400 County Center, 4th Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063, or the Northern Branch at 1050 Mission Road, South San Francisco, CA 94080. They should check in no later than 9:00 A.M. on weekdays.
Do San Mateo County Arrest Warrants Expire?
Arrest warrants in San Mateo County do not have an expiration date. They stay active until the person named in the warrant is arrested or the warrant is officially dismissed, also called “quashed,” by a court. This means a warrant can remain in effect for many years.
While warrants do not expire, several factors can affect how and when an arrest warrant is carried out:
- Untimely Execution: If too much time passes before a warrant is served, the case might be dismissed.
- Statute of Limitations: Cases that are past their legal time limit (statute of limitations) may be dismissed, even if a warrant is active.
- Right to a Speedy Trial: If a defendant’s right to a speedy trial is violated, the case could be dismissed.
If someone believes they have an active warrant, it is important to resolve it. They can contact the authorities to learn how to address the warrant, which may involve paying a fine, appearing in court, or answering questions.
Expungement of San Mateo Arrest Records
An arrest can stay on a person’s record permanently unless it is expunged or sealed. Expungement or record sealing typically clears a person’s criminal record, making it as if the arrest or conviction never happened in many situations.
Under California law (Penal Code 1203.4 PC), expungement is a way to get relief after a conviction. It removes the public shame that comes with a conviction. However, some serious felony offenses, especially certain sex offenses against children, cannot be expunged. These include specific violations of Penal Code 286 PC, Penal Code 288 PC, and Penal Code 287 PC.
To qualify for expungement in San Mateo County, a person generally must meet certain conditions:
- They completed probation (either felony or misdemeanor probation).
- They are not currently charged with a criminal offense, on probation for a criminal offense, or serving a sentence for a criminal offense.
- They have completed the terms of their sentence.
A person can have a California arrest record sealed and destroyed if:
- The prosecutor never filed criminal charges after the arrest.
- The court dismissed the case.
- The suspect was found not guilty by a jury at trial.
- The conviction was overturned and dismissed on appeal.
- The suspect completed a diversion program, such as Prop 36 drug diversion or Penal Code 1000 deferred entry of judgment.
Sealing an arrest record allows the person to state they were never arrested for that crime because a judge declares them factually innocent. Expungement, while not fully erasing the record, allows a person to legally state in most cases that they do not have a criminal conviction, which can help with job prospects.
The San Mateo County Law Library provides a research guide on expunging records, last updated January 12, 2026. This guide details eligibility requirements and the steps to take. To start, a person needs a copy of their criminal record or case summary, which can be obtained from the Criminal Clerk office on the 4th floor of the Hall of Justice at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063.
Senate Bill 731, effective in 2023, expanded eligibility for record dismissal to people who served prison sentences, including many serious or violent felony convictions. Exceptions mainly apply to sex-related offenses. To qualify, individuals must have completed their sentence (including probation) and remained arrest-free for a certain period.
California Public Records Act and San Mateo Arrest Information
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) gives the public the right to look at public information held by state and local government agencies. This includes law enforcement records. The CPRA was created in 1968 to ensure government transparency while also protecting individual privacy.
Under the CPRA, law enforcement agencies must release specific details about arrests. This information includes:
- The full name and job of the person arrested.
- A physical description and date of birth.
- The time and date of the arrest.
- The facts surrounding the arrest.
- The bail amount.
- The time and way the person was released, or where they are being held.
- All charges, including any outstanding warrants or probation holds.
However, some personal details are protected and are not released. This includes Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, phone numbers, criminal history, and current addresses. Records related to ongoing investigations or those that could endanger a witness are also exempt from public release.
The CPRA requires quick access to public records. Agencies typically have 10 days to decide if they will release requested records. A short extension of 14 days is sometimes allowed. If records cannot be provided within these times, an estimated delivery date will be given.
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, through its Criminal Records Bureau, acts as the official keeper of county criminal records for the Sheriff’s Office. This bureau makes criminal records available to authorized law enforcement personnel and other agencies. However, criminal arrest records cannot be released to the public except to authorized agencies.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is a central resource for arrest records and related law enforcement services. The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to public safety and provides a range of services to the community.
The main office is located at:
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (650) 363-4911
The Sheriff’s Office also has several substations:
- Redwood City Main Office: 330 Bradford Street, Redwood City, CA 94063. Phone: (650) 363-4525. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (except holidays).
- Half Moon Bay Substation: 537 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. Phone: (650) 726-8288. Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed 12 – 1 p.m. for lunch (closed Fridays and holidays).
- Millbrae Substation: 581 Magnolia Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030. Phone: (650) 259-2300. Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed Fridays and holidays).
- San Carlos Substation: 600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070. Phone: (650) 802-4277. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed Wednesdays, Fridays, and holidays).
For specific requests, it is often best to contact the Criminal Records Bureau directly. They are the official custodians of county criminal records.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
330 Bradford Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4911
Hours: Monday – Friday (except holidays), 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
San Mateo Police Department
200 Bovet Road
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 522-7700
Records Unit Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
San Mateo County Superior Court
Southern Branch (Hall of Justice)
400 County Center, 4th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 261-5100
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
California Department of Justice (for criminal history information)
Website: oag.ca.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About San Mateo Arrest Records
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record in San Mateo County?
An arrest record documents the initial event when law enforcement takes someone into custody. It includes details like the date, time, location of the arrest, the charges, and the arresting agency. An arrest record does not indicate whether a person was found guilty or innocent. It is simply a report of the apprehension. A criminal record, also called a “rap sheet,” provides a more complete history. It includes not only arrests but also any indictments, convictions, and sentences handed down by the courts. To see if an arrest led to a conviction, one often needs to check court records in addition to the arrest record. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office handles arrest records, while the California Department of Justice manages criminal records for background checks.
Can I search for San Mateo mugshots and booking photos online?
While the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office website provides an Inmate Locator tool that lists individuals currently in custody and their booking details, it generally does not display mugshots or booking photos directly to the public. The focus of the official inmate locator is on providing information about charges, bail, and housing location. Some third-party websites claim to offer mugshots and booking photos. However, the accuracy and completeness of information on these unofficial sites can vary greatly from official sources. It is always best to rely on official government channels for the most reliable and up-to-date information regarding arrests and bookings.
How long do San Mateo arrest records stay public?
San Mateo arrest records are generally public documents under the California Public Records. They remain on a person’s record indefinitely unless specific legal actions are taken to remove them, such as expungement or record sealing. Even after an expungement, some agencies, particularly law enforcement, may still have access to the record for certain purposes. The public’s right to access arrest information is limited to contemporaneous information related to individuals currently in the criminal justice system. Records containing sensitive or confidential information, juvenile records, or those related to ongoing investigations are typically exempt from public view.
What details do I need to search for an arrest record in San Mateo County?
To search for an arrest record in San Mateo County, having specific details about the individual is helpful. The most important pieces of information are the person’s full first and last name. If you have it, the date of birth can also help narrow down the search results and ensure accuracy, especially for common names. For inmate searches through the San Mateo County Inmate Locator, only the first and last name are required. If you are requesting a specific police report, a case number or the exact date and location of the arrest can also be very useful to the records division of the relevant law enforcement agency.
Can I get a copy of my own San Mateo arrest record?
Yes, you can request a copy of your own San Mateo arrest record. To do this, you would typically contact the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, such as the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office or the San Mateo Police Department. For the San Mateo Police Department, requests can be made online, in person, by mail, or by fax, and generally require a signed letter and a government-issued photo identification. For a more comprehensive criminal history check, including convictions, you would apply through the California Department of Justice using a Live Scan form and fingerprinting.
What is the process for checking outstanding warrants in San Mateo County?
To check for outstanding warrants in San Mateo County, you have a few options. You can visit the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office website, which may have an arrest warrants database. Alternatively, you can call or visit the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office in person at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063, phone number (650) 363-4911. The San Mateo County Superior Court also provides information on active warrants through its Criminal Division. For court appearances related to warrants, you can appear in person at the criminal clerk’s office at either the Southern Branch (Hall of Justice) or the Northern Branch, checking in by 9:00 A.M. on weekdays.
How does the California Public Records Act affect San Mateo arrest records?
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) establishes that San Mateo arrest records are generally public documents. This means that citizens have the right to inspect and obtain copies of them. However, the CPRA also includes important exemptions to protect privacy and law enforcement operations. For example, records related to ongoing investigations, information about minors, sealed records, or details that could endanger witnesses are not released. The CPRA requires law enforcement agencies to disclose certain basic information about arrests, such as the arrestee’s name, charges, and date of arrest, but it restricts the release of sensitive personal identifying information.