Arrest records in Willows, California are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is mandated by the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270, which establishes the public's right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by state and local agencies. The CPRA promotes governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring that information, including arrest records, remains accessible to citizens. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, public agencies are required to make records promptly available for inspection during regular office hours.
The City of Willows maintains these records in compliance with state regulations. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with Government Code § 6254, which outlines specific exemptions to disclosure requirements. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the records are public, access procedures and associated fees may apply.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Willows as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following resources:
Willows Police Department
201 N Lassen Street
Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-3456
City of Willows Police Services
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Glenn County Sheriff's Office
543 W Oak Street
Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-6431
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Glenn County Superior Court
526 W Sycamore Street
Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-6382
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Utilize the court's online case search system for preliminary information about court cases resulting from arrests.
Contact the Glenn County District Attorney's Office for information about prosecuted cases.
Glenn County District Attorney's Office
601 W Sycamore Street
Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-6525
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Requestors should be prepared to provide identification and complete required forms when requesting arrest records in person.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Willows typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual involved. Standard components of these records include:
In accordance with California law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to minors. The California Information Practices Act (Civil Code § 1798 et seq.) governs the protection of personal information in government records.
The expungement process in Willows allows eligible individuals to petition for the sealing or removal of arrest records from public access. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have completed probation for a conviction may petition the court to withdraw their plea of guilty or set aside a verdict of guilty, and dismiss the accusations or information against them.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Willows include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Glenn County Superior Court where the case was adjudicated. Individuals seeking expungement must:
Glenn County Superior Court - Criminal Division
526 W Sycamore Street
Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-6382
Glenn County Superior Court
It is important to note that expungement under California law does not completely erase all records of an arrest. Rather, the record is modified to show the dismissal of charges. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may still access expunged records for specific purposes. Additionally, expunged convictions must still be disclosed on applications for government employment or licensure.
While arrest records are generally public in Willows, California law imposes certain restrictions on their accessibility and use. These limitations serve to balance public access with individual privacy rights and rehabilitation goals.
California Labor Code § 432.7 prohibits employers from asking job applicants about arrests that did not result in conviction, or about convictions that have been judicially dismissed or ordered sealed. Exceptions exist for positions in law enforcement, positions working with vulnerable populations, and certain licensed professions.
Additional restrictions apply to arrest records involving:
Government agencies in Willows must comply with these restrictions when responding to public records requests. The Glenn County Superior Court and law enforcement agencies maintain protocols to ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws while fulfilling their obligations under the California Public Records Act.