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Bakersfield Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bakersfield, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Bakersfield, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The California Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information to maintain transparency in governmental operations and ensure accountability of law enforcement activities.

Members of the public may access these records through various official channels, subject to certain limitations established by state law. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain records may be restricted if their release would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate privacy rights in specific circumstances, or endanger public safety as outlined in Government Code § 6254.

How to Look Up Bakersfield Arrest Records in 2025

The Bakersfield Police Department maintains comprehensive arrest records that are accessible through multiple channels. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:

Online Records Portal: The Bakersfield Police Department Records Division provides digital access to arrest records. Users must create an account and may be required to pay nominal processing fees as established by municipal code.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Records Division of the Bakersfield Police Department, located at 1601 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (661) 326-3800.
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. All requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and case number (if available).
Kern County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed at the Kern County Superior Court, Metropolitan Division, located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Telephone: (661) 868-5393.
Third-Party Databases: Several authorized vendors maintain databases that compile arrest information from public sources. Users should verify the accuracy and currency of information obtained through these services.

Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Current fee schedules are available at the Records Division website.

Contents of a Bakersfield Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Bakersfield Police Department contain specific information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13300. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Any known aliases or alternative identifications
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, including applicable penal code sections
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and facility information
Fingerprint classification data
Photographic identification (mugshot)
Bail or bond information, when applicable
Case disposition status
Warrant information, if applicable

The Bakersfield Police Department maintains these records in accordance with departmental policies and procedures and state regulations governing records retention. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy laws and investigative requirements.

Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public, California law establishes several important restrictions on their accessibility and use. The following limitations apply to arrest records in Bakersfield:

Sealed Records: Pursuant to California Penal Code § 851.8, records of arrests that did not result in conviction may be sealed and deemed not to have occurred under specific circumstances.
Juvenile Records: Arrest records for minors are subject to confidentiality protections under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827 and are not publicly accessible without a court order.
Ongoing Investigations: Information that would compromise an active investigation may be temporarily withheld under Government Code § 6254(f).
Employment Restrictions: California Labor Code § 432.7 prohibits employers from asking about arrests that did not result in conviction, with certain exceptions for specific industries.
Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information is redacted from public copies of arrest records in accordance with Government Code § 6254(c).

The Bakersfield Police Department's Internal Affairs Division oversees compliance with these regulations and addresses concerns regarding improper disclosure of protected information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bakersfield

California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records. Individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:

Arrests that did not result in criminal charges
Cases dismissed in the interest of justice
Convictions followed by successful completion of probation
Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after specified waiting periods

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Kern County Superior Court that originally handled the case. Pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, successful expungement results in dismissal of the conviction, though the record remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing decisions.

The Kern County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals. Their office is located at:

Kern County Public Defender
1315 Truxtun Avenue, 3rd Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Telephone: (661) 868-4799
Official Website

Statistical Reporting of Arrest Data

The Bakersfield Police Department maintains comprehensive statistics and data on arrests within city limits. These statistics are compiled and reported in accordance with the Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Quarterly and annual reports include:

Total number of arrests by offense category
Demographic information on arrested individuals
Geographic distribution of arrests within city limits
Temporal patterns of criminal activity
Clearance rates for reported crimes

This statistical information is utilized for resource allocation, crime prevention strategies, and compliance with state and federal reporting requirements. The data is available to the public through the department's website and may be requested in alternative formats through the Records Division.