Arrest records are public documents in Oroville, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those maintained by local law enforcement agencies in Butte County. The California Public Records Act serves as the statutory framework ensuring transparency in governmental operations and accountability to the citizenry. Members of the public may request and review arrest records as part of their right to be informed about law enforcement activities within their community.
The Oroville Police Department and Butte County Sheriff's Office maintain these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain restrictions may apply to juvenile records, ongoing investigations, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in Government Code § 6254.
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Oroville. The appropriate procedure depends on the specific information sought and the timeframe of the arrest. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Submit a formal written request to the Oroville Police Department Records Division located at 2055 Lincoln Street, Oroville, CA 95965. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Visit the Butte County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person at 5 Gillick Way, Oroville, CA 95965, Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Photo identification is required for all in-person requests.
Access the Butte County Superior Court's online case information system for arrests that have resulted in formal charges. This system provides case numbers, hearing dates, and disposition information.
Contact the Oroville Police Department Records Division by telephone at (530) 538-2448 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM) to inquire about record availability and request procedures.
Requestors should note that processing fees may apply in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge for the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter.
Standard arrest records maintained by Oroville law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13326. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest details, including date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
Statutory violations cited at the time of arrest, including California Penal Code sections, municipal code violations, or other applicable statutes.
Booking information, including the facility where processing occurred, assigned booking number, and fingerprint identification data.
Arresting agency information, including the name and badge number of the primary arresting officer and the law enforcement jurisdiction responsible for the arrest.
Custody status information, including whether the individual was released on citation, posted bail, or remained in custody pending arraignment.
Case disposition data, if available, indicating whether charges were filed by the Butte County District Attorney's Office located at 25 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to confidential informants, in accordance with Government Code § 6254(c) and § 6254(f).
The expungement process in Oroville follows California Penal Code § 1203.4, which provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to petition for dismissal of convictions. Successful expungement does not completely erase arrest records but changes their status in official databases. The Butte County Superior Court administers this process through its criminal division.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Oroville include:
Certain offenses, particularly those specified in California Penal Code § 290 requiring sex offender registration, are ineligible for standard expungement. Additionally, convictions for serious vehicle code violations as defined in Vehicle Code § 12810(a)-(e) maintain permanent record status.
The procedural requirements for expungement include:
Petitioners may request assistance from the Butte County Public Defender's Office at 1430 Myer Street, Suite 800, Oroville, CA 95965, for guidance with the expungement process. Self-represented litigants may also access forms and procedural information through the Butte County Superior Court Self-Help Center located at 1 Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order under Penal Code § 1203.4 directing all agencies to update their records accordingly. This process typically requires 60-90 days for complete processing through all relevant databases.