Arrest records are public documents in Inglewood, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation mandates that state and local government agencies, including the Inglewood Police Department, must disclose arrest information to members of the public upon request. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and ensures accountability in matters of public safety and judicial proceedings.
The California Public Records Act specifically designates arrest logs, police blotters, and booking information as public records that must be made available for inspection. Pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), certain information about arrests must be disclosed to the public, including the full name of the arrestee, the date and time of arrest, the location of the arrest, and the factual circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Inglewood should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain limitations may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined by California law.
The City of Inglewood provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information have several official methods available to them, as outlined below:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Inglewood Police Department Records Division, located at One Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90301. The public counter is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and alternating Fridays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to the Inglewood Police Department Records Division at the address listed above. Requests must include the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
The Inglewood Police Department maintains a public access terminal at their headquarters where members of the public may search for basic arrest information. This terminal is available during regular business hours.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court - Inglewood Courthouse, located at One East Regent Street, Inglewood, CA 90301, maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Online access to certain arrest information may be available through the City of Inglewood's official website, though comprehensive arrest records typically require formal requests through the channels listed above.
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, public agencies must respond to requests for public records within 10 days. Requestors should note that fees may apply for document retrieval, copying, and certification services in accordance with the department's established fee schedule.
Arrest records maintained by the Inglewood Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These records typically include the following elements:
It should be noted that pursuant to California law, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including but not limited to: medical information, information that would compromise ongoing investigations, and personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and home addresses.
The Inglewood Police Department maintains these records in accordance with the department's records retention schedule as authorized by Inglewood Municipal Ordinances and California Government Code § 34090.
The process of expungement (record sealing) is available to eligible individuals in Inglewood pursuant to California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8. Expungement does not result in the complete destruction of arrest records but rather restricts public access to such information. The Los Angeles County Superior Court - Inglewood Courthouse processes expungement petitions for arrests that occurred within its jurisdiction.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of arrest records in Inglewood include:
The formal process for expungement requires:
Individuals arrested but never charged may petition for a finding of factual innocence under California Penal Code § 851.8, which provides for the sealing and destruction of arrest records. This process is more stringent and requires the petitioner to demonstrate that no reasonable cause existed to believe they committed the offense for which they were arrested.
The Inglewood City Attorney's Office, located at One Manchester Boulevard, 9th Floor, Inglewood, CA 90301, can provide guidance on the local procedures for expungement. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at (310) 412-5372.
Access to arrest records in Inglewood is subject to certain statutory limitations as prescribed by California state law. The California Public Records Act contains specific exemptions that may restrict the disclosure of certain arrest information. These restrictions serve to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the integrity of law enforcement operations.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6254, the following categories of arrest records may be exempt from public disclosure:
The Inglewood Police Department adheres to the zoning and municipal codes of the city when determining the physical locations where arrest records may be accessed by the public. These regulations ensure that sensitive information is maintained in secure facilities while still allowing for appropriate public access.
Members of the public should be aware that unauthorized access to or dissemination of restricted arrest records may result in civil or criminal penalties under California law. Individuals with questions regarding the legal status of specific arrest records should consult with the Inglewood City Attorney's Office or qualified legal counsel.