Downey Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Downey, California?
Arrest records are public documents in Downey, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. The CPRA establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest information maintained by law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may inspect, copy, or obtain electronic versions of these records, with certain statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and confidential information.
The Downey Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with California law and departmental policies. These records document interactions between law enforcement and individuals taken into custody within the jurisdiction. Public access to these records promotes governmental transparency, accountability, and informed civic participation.
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld under exemptions specified in Government Code § 6254, including 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
- Reveal the identity of confidential informants
- Disclose investigative techniques or procedures
Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827 and are generally not available to the public without a court order.
How to Look Up Downey Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Downey, California. The Downey Police Department maintains these records in compliance with state regulations and departmental protocols. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Downey Police Department Records Bureau located at 10911 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA 90241. The Records Bureau operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters must complete a Public Records Request form and provide proper identification.
Online Portal Access: The Downey Police Department provides a digital records request system through the city's official website. Users must create an account, specify the records sought, and provide necessary identifying information. Response times vary based on request complexity and departmental workload.
Written Correspondence: Written requests may be submitted to: Records Bureau, Downey Police Department, 10911 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA 90241. Correspondence must include the requester's contact information, specific records requested, and applicable dates.
Superior Court Records: The Los Angeles County Superior Court - Southeast District - Downey, located at 7500 East Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. Court records are accessible Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with extended hours on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month until 6:00 PM.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter and on their respective websites.
Contents of a Downey Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Downey Police Department contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, eye and hair color, and distinguishing physical characteristics or marks.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting officer identification; agency case number; and booking number.
Offense Information: Criminal charges filed, including applicable California Penal Code sections; classification of offenses as felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions; and brief narrative of circumstances leading to arrest.
Processing Documentation: Fingerprint records, booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), and property inventory lists.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, detention facility location, court appearance dates, and release conditions if applicable.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests, convictions, or outstanding warrants within the jurisdiction may be included.
Disposition Information: Final resolution of the case, including dismissals, convictions, sentences imposed, or diversion program participation.
Law enforcement agencies are required to submit arrest information to the California Department of Justice pursuant to Penal Code § 13150, which maintains the statewide Criminal History Information System. Access to complete criminal history records ("rap sheets") is restricted to authorized agencies and individuals as specified in Penal Code § 11105.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Downey
California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures are governed primarily by Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4, which establish eligibility criteria and application processes.
Individuals arrested but never charged with a crime may petition for a finding of factual innocence under Penal Code § 851.8. If granted, all records of the arrest are sealed for three years and subsequently destroyed. The petition must be filed with the law enforcement agency that made the arrest within two years of the arrest date.
For arrests that resulted in convictions, Penal Code § 1203.4 permits individuals who have successfully completed probation to petition for dismissal. While not a true expungement, this process allows the court to set aside the conviction and dismiss the case. The conviction remains visible in criminal history records but shows as dismissed.
The petition process requires:
- Completion of appropriate Judicial Council forms
- Payment of filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Submission of supporting documentation
- Appearance at scheduled court hearings
Petitions are filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court - Southeast District - Downey, located at 7500 East Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242. The court clerk's office processes these requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Certain convictions are ineligible for relief under these statutes, including specified sex offenses, serious felonies, and violations involving operation of motor vehicles. Additionally, Proposition 47 (2014) and Proposition 64 (2016) created pathways for reclassification and expungement of certain drug and property offenses.
The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions through their Clean Slate Unit. Services are available to qualifying individuals at no cost.
Search Arrest Records in Downey
