Arrest records are public in Livermore, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations. The Act mandates that all government agencies, including the Livermore Police Department, must disclose records upon request unless specifically exempted by statute. These exemptions may include juvenile records, ongoing investigations, or records sealed by court order.
The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further reinforces this right to access public information. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain personal information may be redacted to protect privacy rights in accordance with Government Code § 6254(c).
The City of Livermore provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, agencies must make records promptly available during regular business hours. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records:
Livermore Police Department
1110 South Livermore Avenue
Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 371-4900
Livermore Police Department Official Website
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Requests must include the full name of the individual, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Electronic Access: The Alameda County Superior Court provides electronic access to certain court records related to arrests through their eCourt Public Portal. Users may search by name or case number to locate information about court proceedings following an arrest.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple jurisdictions. However, the City of Livermore does not endorse or verify the accuracy of information provided by these services. Users should exercise caution and verify information through official channels.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge for the direct cost of duplication. The current fee schedule is available at the Records Division counter or on the department's official website.
Arrest records maintained by the Livermore Police Department contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These records typically include:
Biographical Information: Legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; badge number and name of the arresting officer; and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of booking, including the California Penal Code sections allegedly violated and the classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction).
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot).
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release on own recognizance, or bail amount as set in accordance with the Alameda County Bail Schedule.
Case Disposition: If available, the outcome of the case, including whether charges were filed by the District Attorney's Office, case dismissal, or conviction information.
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including confidential informant information, details that might compromise ongoing investigations, or information specifically protected by court order.
California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Penal Code § 851.8 for arrests not resulting in conviction and Penal Code § 1203.4 for post-conviction relief.
Individuals seeking expungement in Livermore must file a petition with the Alameda County Superior Court. Eligibility criteria include:
The expungement process requires the following steps:
Alameda County Superior Court - Hayward Hall of Justice
24405 Amador Street
Hayward, CA 94544
(510) 690-2700
Alameda County Superior Court Records
Upon successful expungement, arrest records are not physically destroyed but are updated to reflect the dismissal. Pursuant to Labor Code § 432.7, employers are generally prohibited from considering arrests that did not result in conviction or convictions that have been expunged when making employment decisions.
The Clean Slate Program operated by the Alameda County Public Defender's Office provides assistance to eligible individuals seeking expungement. Services include determining eligibility, preparing necessary documentation, and representation at court hearings.
Alameda County Public Defender's Office
1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 400
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-6600
Alameda County Public Defender
Individuals should be aware that certain professional licensing boards, law enforcement agencies, and some government employers may still have access to expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by law.