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Richmond Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Richmond, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Richmond, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that records created, maintained, or possessed by public agencies are subject to public inspection and disclosure. The Richmond Police Department, as a public agency, maintains arrest records that fall under this provision. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b)(1) further reinforces this right of access by stating that "the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business." This constitutional provision underscores the importance of governmental transparency in maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability within law enforcement operations.

How to Look Up Richmond Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Richmond arrest records have multiple methods available to access this information. The Richmond Police Department has implemented several channels through which these records may be obtained:

In-person requests can be submitted at the Richmond Police Department Records Section during regular business hours.
The department's online portal provides digital access to certain arrest records, subject to applicable privacy restrictions.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division, with proper identification and case information.
Public terminals are available at designated government facilities for searching arrest record databases.

Richmond Police Department Records Division
1701 Regatta Boulevard
Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 621-1708
Richmond Police Department Official Website

Requestors should note that pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees for duplication costs but not for the search and retrieval of records. The standard processing time for record requests is 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time as permitted under § 6253(c).

Contents of a Richmond Arrest Record

Richmond arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes requirements for criminal history information systems. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest incident
Booking number and processing information
Arresting agency and officer identification
Criminal charges filed, including applicable penal code sections
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Fingerprint records and other biometric identifiers
Bail determination information, when applicable
Case disposition status and scheduled court appearances

It should be noted that certain elements of arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Government Code § 6254, which provides exemptions for information that may compromise ongoing investigations, violate personal privacy rights, or present security concerns.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Richmond

California Penal Code § 851.8 provides a mechanism through which individuals may petition for the sealing and destruction of arrest records under specific circumstances. In Richmond, this process is administered through the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Cases where no charges were filed following arrest
Charges that were filed but later dismissed
Cases resulting in acquittal after trial
Certain convictions after completion of probation or sentence

The petition process requires submission of formal documentation to the court, including Judicial Council forms CR-180 and CR-181. Petitioners must demonstrate that they have satisfied all court-ordered obligations and that expungement serves the interests of justice. Upon approval, the court issues an order to all agencies possessing arrest records to seal and eventually destroy these records.

Contra Costa County Superior Court - Richmond Courthouse
100 37th Street
Richmond, CA 94805
(925) 608-1000
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa

Pursuant to Labor Code § 432.7, once an arrest record is expunged, employers are prohibited from considering this information in hiring decisions, with limited exceptions for certain positions in law enforcement and sensitive occupations.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public, California law imposes certain restrictions on their accessibility and use. Government Code § 6254(f) authorizes withholding information that would:

Endanger the safety of a witness or other person involved in an investigation
Jeopardize the successful completion of an investigation
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

Additionally, Health and Safety Code § 11361.5 mandates the destruction of arrest and conviction records pertaining to certain marijuana offenses after specified time periods. The California Department of Justice, pursuant to Penal Code § 11105, restricts complete criminal history information to authorized agencies and excludes certain records from public disclosure.

The Richmond Police Department adheres to these statutory limitations and conducts a review of requested records to ensure compliance with applicable privacy protections before release. Juvenile arrest records receive heightened protection under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, which generally prohibits public disclosure except to specified individuals and agencies.

Fees and Processing Times for Record Requests

The Richmond Police Department assesses fees for arrest record requests in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b), which permits charging for direct costs of duplication. The current fee schedule includes:

Standard arrest report: $15.00 per report
Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
Photographs and digital media: $25.00 per request
Live Scan fingerprinting service: $96.00 (subject to periodic adjustment)

Payment must be made by cash, credit card, or money order payable to the City of Richmond. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of a financial hardship declaration.

Processing times for record requests typically follow these guidelines:

Standard requests: 10 business days
Complex or voluminous requests: Up to 14 additional days with written notification
Expedited requests: 3 business days (additional fee may apply)

Requestors should be aware that during periods of high demand or limited staffing, processing times may be extended as permitted under Government Code § 6253(c).