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Piedmont Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Piedmont, California?

Arrest records are public in Piedmont, 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 California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further reinforces this right by mandating that the public has access to information concerning the conduct of government business. Arrest records maintained by the Piedmont Police Department are generally available for public inspection, though certain exemptions may apply as specified under Government Code § 6254.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are accessible, specific information within them may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or juvenile information as mandated by California law. The Piedmont Police Department maintains these records in accordance with departmental policies and state regulations governing records retention and disclosure.

How to Look Up Piedmont Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Piedmont as of 2025. The City of Piedmont has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these records while maintaining compliance with applicable state laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:

Online Access: The Piedmont Police Department's online portal provides digital access to certain arrest records. Users must create an account and may be required to pay nominal fees for document retrieval.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Piedmont Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Requestors must complete a Public Records Request Form and present valid identification.
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Records Division by mail. All requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the desired records, and the intended use of the information.

Piedmont Police Department
403 Highland Avenue
Piedmont, CA 94611
(510) 420-3000
Official Website

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.

Contents of a Piedmont Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Piedmont Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual involved. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6254(f), these records generally include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Booking number and facility information
Enumeration of charges with corresponding California Penal Code sections
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint information
Bail amount, if applicable
Case disposition information, when available

The Piedmont Police Department's records management system maintains these records in accordance with departmental policy and state law. Certain information may be redacted from public copies to protect privacy rights or sensitive information as specified in Government Code § 6254.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Piedmont

The management and disclosure of arrest records in Piedmont operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by state and local regulations. The California Public Records Act serves as the primary legislation governing public access to these documents. Under this framework:

Government Code § 6253(a) establishes that public records are open to inspection during regular office hours of governmental agencies.
The City of Piedmont Municipal Code contains provisions regarding local law enforcement records management.
California Penal Code § 13300-13305 regulates the dissemination of criminal history information.
The Piedmont Police Department Policy Manual contains specific protocols for records management and public disclosure.

Agencies must respond to records requests within 10 days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances. The Piedmont Police Department has established procedures to ensure compliance with these legal requirements while maintaining the integrity and security of sensitive information.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Piedmont, certain statutory exemptions and limitations restrict access to specific information. These limitations serve to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and sensitive information. Pursuant to Government Code § 6254, the following restrictions apply:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential and not subject to public disclosure under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
Information that would endanger the safety of a witness or other person involved in an investigation may be withheld.
Records related to active investigations may be exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes.
Medical or psychological information contained in arrest records is protected from public disclosure.
Certain identifying information of victims of specific crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault, is redacted before public release.

The City Clerk's office works in conjunction with the Piedmont Police Department to ensure that records requests are fulfilled in accordance with these legal limitations. Requestors may appeal denials through administrative channels as specified in the Piedmont Police Department's Field Training Manual.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Piedmont

California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals who have been arrested in Piedmont may petition for expungement pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8 or § 1203.4, depending on the circumstances of their case. The expungement process typically involves:

Filing a petition with the Alameda County Superior Court
Paying applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals)
Attending a court hearing where a judge will review the petition
Receiving a court order if the petition is granted

Successful expungement does not completely destroy arrest records but rather restricts public access to them. Law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities may still access expunged records for specific purposes authorized by law. The Piedmont Police Department maintains compliance with court-ordered expungements by updating their records management systems accordingly.

Alameda County Superior Court - René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Official Website

Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Piedmont

The Piedmont Police Department assesses fees for the retrieval and duplication of arrest records in accordance with the City of Piedmont's fee schedule. These fees are designed to recover the direct costs associated with record production as permitted under Government Code § 6253(b). The current fee structure for arrest record requests includes:

Standard arrest report: $25 for the first 10 pages, $0.25 per additional page
Certified copies: Additional $10 per document
Photographs: $15 per photograph
Audio/video recordings: $25 per recording
Research and retrieval fees: $25 per hour after the first hour (first hour is free)

Payment must be made at the time of request by cash, check, or credit card. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors who demonstrate financial hardship. The Piedmont Police Department updates its fee schedule periodically in accordance with City Ordinances and state law.