California Arrest Records | Free Public Arrest Lookup Guide
California arrest records are public documents that show when a person has been arrested by law enforcement in the state.
Many people search these records for background checks, legal research, personal safety, or to find information about someone currently in jail.
This guide explains what California arrest records include, how to search arrest records, jail rosters, police logs, California DOC inmate searches, and official government websites you can trust.
What Are California Arrest Records?
California arrest records are official law enforcement documents created when someone is arrested. An arrest does not mean the person is guilty. It only shows that law enforcement had reason to detain someone.
These records are maintained by:
- Local police departments
- County sheriff’s offices
- County jails
- California Department of Justice (DOJ)
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
Most arrest information is public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), with some privacy limits.
What Information Is Included in California Arrest Records?
A California arrest record may include:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (police or sheriff)
- Location of arrest
- Charges or alleged offenses
- Booking number
- Mugshot (if released publicly)
- Bail or bond amount
- Court information (if filed)
- Jail or detention facility name
Some details may be removed or limited for juveniles, sealed cases, or ongoing investigations.
How to Search California Arrest Records
There are several ways to search for arrest records in California, depending on what information you need.
1. County Jail Roster Search (Most Common)
If someone was recently arrested, the county jail roster is usually the best place to start.
Each California county sheriff maintains an inmate search tool showing:
- Current inmates
- Recent bookings
- Charges and bail
- Custody status
You can search using:
- Full name
- Booking number
- Date of birth (in some counties)
Examples of county jail websites:
- Los Angeles County Sheriff – Inmate Information Center
- Orange County Sheriff – Inmate Locator
- San Diego County Sheriff – Who’s in Jail
- Riverside County Sheriff – Inmate Search
Tip: Always search the county where the arrest happened.
2. Police Department Arrest Logs
Some city police departments publish daily arrest logs or police blotters.
These logs may include:
- Arrest summaries
- Charges
- Incident numbers
- Arrest dates
You can find these on:
- City police department websites
- Open data portals
- Police social media pages
Search Google using:
“City name + police arrest log California”
3. California DOJ Criminal Record Request
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) allows individuals to request their own criminal history through a Live Scan fingerprint process.
This is used for:
- Personal record review
- Employment verification
- Licensing purposes
Official DOJ Website:
https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints
Note:
- You cannot request someone else’s full criminal history.
- A fee and fingerprinting are required.
California DOC Inmate Search (State Prison Records)
If a person was convicted and sent to state prison, they will appear in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) database.
CDCR Inmate Locator Includes:
- Prison location
- CDCR number
- Custody status
- Sentence length
- Parole eligibility (limited info)
Official CDCR Inmate Locator:
https://inmatelocator.cdcr.ca.gov
This search does not include:
- County jail inmates
- Recent arrests not yet sentenced
How Far Back Do California Arrest Records Go?
- County jail records: Usually show recent arrests and current inmates
- Court records: Can go back many years
- DOJ records: Include adult criminal history
- CDCR records: Show state prison commitments
Some older arrests may be sealed, expunged, or removed from public view.
Are California Arrest Records Public?
Yes, most arrest records in California are public, but there are exceptions:
Not publicly available:
- Juvenile arrests
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Ongoing investigations
- Some domestic violence details
Mugshots may not always be released due to California privacy laws.
Can You Remove or Expunge an Arrest Record in California?
Yes, in many cases.
Options may include:
- Record expungement
- Record sealing
- Dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4
Eligibility depends on:
- Case outcome
- Type of offense
- Completion of probation
For legal advice, consult a California criminal defense attorney.
Official California Arrest Record Websites (Trusted Sources)
Here are official and reliable government websites:
- California DOJ: https://oag.ca.gov
- CDCR Inmate Locator: https://inmatelocator.cdcr.ca.gov
- California Courts: https://www.courts.ca.gov
- County Sheriff Websites (varies by county)
Avoid unofficial sites that charge high fees for basic public information.
Common Reasons People Search California Arrest Records
- Find someone recently arrested
- Check jail custody status
- Background research
- Legal preparation
- Tenant or employment screening
- Personal safety concerns
FAQs
Are arrest records the same as criminal records?
No. Arrest records show someone was arrested. Criminal records show convictions.
Can I search California arrest records for free?
Yes. County jail rosters and sheriff websites are usually free.
How fast are arrest records updated?
Most jail rosters update within 24 hours, but timing varies by county.
Do arrest records show convictions?
Not always. Convictions appear in court or DOC records.
Can I find arrest records online without knowing the county?
It is difficult. Arrests are handled at the county level, so knowing the county helps.
Are mugshots public in California?
Sometimes. Release depends on local agency policy and privacy laws.
Can arrest records be wrong?
Yes. Errors can happen. Always verify with official sources.
Final Words
California arrest records can be a helpful public resource when used responsibly. Whether you are searching for recent arrests, checking jail rosters, reviewing police logs, or looking up state prison inmates, always rely on official government websites for accurate information.
