>Kern County Arrest Records Online

Kern County, California Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kern County, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Kern County, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation mandates that law enforcement agencies make arrest information accessible to members of the public upon request. The Kern County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county maintain these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities. Public access to these records serves the dual purpose of ensuring transparency in governmental operations and upholding the constitutional right to information regarding the administration of justice.

The California Public Records Act specifically designates arrest logs, police blotters, and booking information as public records that must be disclosed upon request, except in limited circumstances where disclosure would endanger an investigation or a person's safety. Members of the public seeking arrest records may obtain them through various channels established by Kern County law enforcement agencies, including in-person requests, mail correspondence, and in many cases, online portals.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Kern County?

Kern County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and municipal agencies. The Kern County Superior Court provides a comprehensive case information search system where members of the public may access court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. This online database contains information on criminal cases filed within the county's jurisdiction, including defendant information, charges, court dates, and case dispositions.

Additionally, several law enforcement agencies within Kern County maintain their own online databases or information portals. The Bakersfield Police Department, serving the county's largest municipality, offers online access to certain arrest information through their official website. These digital resources are maintained pursuant to California Government Code § 6253.1, which requires agencies to assist the public in making focused and effective requests for identifiable records.

Online access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations established by California law, including restrictions on the disclosure of juvenile records, sealed records, and information pertaining to certain victims of crimes. Users of these online systems should be aware that the information provided does not constitute the official record of the Kern County Superior Court or law enforcement agencies, but is provided as a service to the general public.

How to Look Up Kern County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Kern County arrest records may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following options are available for conducting arrest record searches within Kern County:

Online Court Records: The Kern County Superior Court maintains a searchable database of court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. This system is accessible through the court's official website and allows searches by name, case number, or filing date.
Law Enforcement Agency Websites: Several police departments within Kern County provide online access to arrest information. The Bakersfield Police Department offers online resources for accessing certain arrest data.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency to request arrest records in person. The Kern County Sheriff's Office Records Section is located at:

Kern County Sheriff's Office Records Section
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-7500
Kern County Sheriff's Office
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the relevant law enforcement agency. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records, including arrest information, from multiple sources. These services may charge fees for access to their databases.

Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication when providing copies of arrest records. Additionally, requestors should be prepared to provide identification when requesting records in person.

Contents of a Kern County Arrest Record

Kern County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13300. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and generally include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative names
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of criminal charges, including applicable California Penal Code sections
Booking information, including the facility where processing occurred
Assigned case or booking number for administrative tracking
Identity of the arresting officer and agency
Bail amount established, if applicable, or notation of detention without bail
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint information and other biometric data collected during processing
Preliminary court appearance information, if scheduled at time of booking

It should be noted that pursuant to California law, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including the addresses of victims, witnesses, or the arrested individual; social security numbers; medical information; and other personally identifiable information that could compromise privacy or safety if disclosed.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Kern County

The expungement process in Kern County provides eligible individuals with a legal mechanism to seal or dismiss arrest records under specific circumstances. California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8 establish the statutory framework for expungement proceedings within the county. Individuals may qualify for expungement if they have:

Successfully completed all terms of probation
Not served time in state prison for the offense
Not been convicted of certain disqualifying offenses
Satisfied all court-ordered financial obligations
Not currently facing charges for any other criminal offense

The expungement process requires petitioners to file appropriate documentation with the Kern County Superior Court. According to the Local Rules of Court, petitioners must specifically identify the Kern County arrest records they seek to have sealed. The petition must include the city of arrest, date of arrest, and charges associated with the arrest.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the court will issue an order directing relevant agencies to seal the arrest record, which removes it from public access. However, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies, certain licensing boards, and in specific employment contexts as permitted by California law.

Individuals seeking expungement may file petitions at:

Kern County Superior Court - Metropolitan Division
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-5393
Kern County Superior Court

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