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Covina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Covina, California?

Arrest records in Covina, California are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is established under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270, which mandates that government agencies make records available for public inspection. The CPRA serves as the legal framework ensuring transparency in governmental operations by providing citizens with the right to access information maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement entities such as the Covina Police Department.

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, public agencies must make records promptly available to any person upon request. However, certain exemptions exist that may limit access to specific information contained within arrest records. These exemptions are designed to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and sensitive information as outlined in Government Code § 6254.

How to Look Up Covina Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Covina have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to these records:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Covina Police Department Records Division located at 444 N. Citrus Avenue, Covina, CA 91723. The Records Division maintains public counter hours Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a Public Records Request form and provide identification.
Electronic requests can be submitted through the City of Covina's official website via the Public Records Request portal. The online system allows for efficient submission and tracking of requests pursuant to Government Code § 6253.9, which addresses electronic record formats.
Written requests may be mailed to: Covina Police Department, Records Division, 444 N. Citrus Avenue, Covina, CA 91723. All written requests should include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records sought, and preferred format for receiving the information.
Telephone inquiries regarding the status of records requests can be directed to the Records Division at (626) 384-5595. However, formal requests cannot be processed by telephone and must be submitted through one of the aforementioned methods.

The Covina Police Department processes all requests in accordance with statutory timelines established in Government Code § 6253(c), which requires agencies to determine whether the request seeks copies of disclosable public records within 10 days of receipt.

Contents of a Covina Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Covina Police Department contain specific categories of information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13300. These records typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, fingerprint classification
Arrest details, including date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred
Statutory authority under which the arrest was executed, including specific California Penal Code sections or municipal code violations
Booking information, including the unique booking number assigned, processing location, and time of booking
Charges filed at the time of arrest, including classification as misdemeanor or felony offenses
Arresting agency information, including the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Detention status, including whether the individual was released on citation, posted bail, or remained in custody pending arraignment
Court case number and scheduled court appearance information, if applicable
Disposition information, when available, indicating the final resolution of the case

It should be noted that pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including information that would endanger the safety of a person involved in an investigation or jeopardize the successful completion of an investigation.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Covina

California law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4, which establish the legal framework for petition-based record clearance.

Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Covina must file a petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Citrus Judicial District, located at 1427 West Covina Parkway, West Covina, CA 91790. The court maintains public hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (626) 430-2300.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Successful completion of probation terms for the offense in question
Absence of current criminal proceedings
Fulfillment of all court-ordered restitution and fine payments
Completion of any mandated community service or rehabilitation programs

The expungement process requires the submission of specific forms, including the Petition for Dismissal (CR-180) and the Order for Dismissal (CR-181). These forms must be filed with the court that handled the original case, accompanied by the required filing fee. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial need.

Upon successful petition for expungement, pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4(a), the court will withdraw the plea of guilty or verdict of guilty, enter a plea of not guilty, and dismiss the accusations or information against the petitioner. However, it should be noted that expunged records may still be accessible to certain government agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.

The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, located at 1580 W. Cameron Avenue, West Covina, CA 91790, provides assistance with expungement petitions and can be reached at (626) 813-3400 for consultation regarding eligibility and procedural requirements.

Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, California law imposes certain restrictions on their disclosure and use. These limitations are designed to balance transparency with privacy concerns and prevent discriminatory practices.

Labor Code § 432.7 prohibits employers from asking job applicants about arrests that did not result in conviction, except in specific circumstances involving law enforcement agencies or positions requiring security clearance. Violations of this provision may result in civil penalties.

Additionally, pursuant to Civil Code § 1786.18, consumer reporting agencies are restricted from reporting arrests, indictments, or convictions that are more than seven years old. This provision of the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act limits the use of dated arrest information in background checks for employment, housing, or credit purposes.

The California Department of Justice maintains oversight of criminal history information through the Criminal History Information Management Bureau. Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly accessed or disclosed may file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550.