El Segundo Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in El Segundo, California?
Arrest records in El Segundo, California are considered public documents 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 within the jurisdiction. The El Segundo Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and municipal ordinances.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and civic purposes:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables community awareness of public safety matters
- Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
- Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
- Assists legal professionals in case preparation and research
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under California law. Records may be restricted when:
- The subject is a juvenile
- The case involves ongoing investigations
- Release would compromise victim privacy in sensitive cases
- Court orders have sealed or expunged the records
- The records pertain to certain domestic violence or sexual offense cases
The City of El Segundo adheres to these statutory provisions while balancing public access rights with privacy considerations. Pursuant to El Segundo Municipal Code and the enforcement duties outlined in Code § 1-2-8, the City Attorney's office oversees compliance with public records regulations as they pertain to arrest documentation.
How to Look Up El Segundo Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in El Segundo have multiple official channels through which to obtain this information. The El Segundo Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides several methods for record retrieval:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Records Division located at:
El Segundo Police Department
348 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
310-524-2200
El Segundo Police Department Official Website
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the above address, with attention to the Records Division. Requestors must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (optional)
Electronic requests can be submitted through the department's online portal. Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days, depending on request volume and complexity.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court also maintains arrest records for cases prosecuted within its jurisdiction:
Los Angeles County Superior Court - Southwest District
825 Maple Avenue
Torrance, CA 90503
310-787-3700
Los Angeles County Superior Court Official Website
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding court holidays)
Fees for record retrieval vary based on the type and volume of records requested. Standard processing fees are established by municipal ordinance and state law.
Contents of a El Segundo Arrest Record
El Segundo arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13100-13326. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Address at time of arrest
- Fingerprint classification
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where arrest occurred
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory violations cited (California Penal Code sections)
- Booking number and facility
- Weapon information (if applicable)
Case processing information:
- Court case number (if formally charged)
- Bail or bond amount set
- Custody status
- Scheduled court appearances
- Disposition of charges (if resolved)
Pursuant to El Segundo Municipal Code and fire safety regulations referenced in Code § 13-9-2, additional documentation may be included when arrests involve fire code violations or hazardous materials incidents.
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on case complexity and stage of proceedings. Records pertaining to arrests that did not result in formal charges may contain limited information compared to those involving prosecution.
Expungement of Arrest Records in El Segundo
California law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures in El Segundo follow California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4, which establish eligibility criteria and application processes.
Individuals may qualify for expungement when:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The conviction was dismissed after successful completion of probation
- The offense was a misdemeanor or certain qualifying felonies
- All sentencing requirements have been fulfilled
- The individual has no pending criminal charges
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Dismissal with the court of jurisdiction. In El Segundo, these petitions are typically filed with:
Los Angeles County Superior Court - Southwest District
825 Maple Avenue
Torrance, CA 90503
310-787-3700
Los Angeles County Superior Court Official Website
Filing fees apply unless the petitioner qualifies for a fee waiver based on financial hardship. The court may schedule a hearing to review the petition, during which the District Attorney's Office may present objections.
When granted, expungement does not physically destroy records but modifies their status to reflect dismissal. Pursuant to California Labor Code § 432.7, employers are generally prohibited from considering expunged arrests in hiring decisions, with exceptions for certain positions in law enforcement, education, and healthcare.
The El Segundo City Attorney's office, in accordance with prosecutorial duties outlined in Municipal Code § 1-2-8, may participate in expungement proceedings when the original case involved municipal code violations.
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