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Long Beach Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Long Beach, California?

Arrest records are public in Long Beach, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6276.48. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The CPRA operates under the principle that governmental transparency is essential for a functioning democracy, allowing citizens to monitor the activities of public agencies, including the Long Beach Police Department.

Members of the public may access arrest records with certain limitations established to protect ongoing investigations and individual privacy rights in specific circumstances. California Government Code § 6254(f) specifically addresses law enforcement records, requiring the disclosure of certain information related to arrests, including the arrestee's name, charges, and factual circumstances surrounding the arrest.

The City of Long Beach maintains compliance with these regulations through established protocols for record requests and dissemination. Public access to these records serves multiple purposes, including community awareness, journalistic reporting, background checks, and academic research.

How to Look Up Long Beach Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Long Beach provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest records. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, public agencies must make records promptly available upon request. The following methods are available for accessing Long Beach arrest records:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Long Beach Police Department Records Division to submit requests for arrest records.

Long Beach Police Department
400 West Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-7260
Long Beach Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Requests: The City of Long Beach has implemented a digital public records request system through which citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records. This system allows for efficient processing and tracking of requests.
Court Records: Arrest information may also be accessed through court records if the arrest led to charges being filed. These records are available at:

Los Angeles County Superior Court - Long Beach Courthouse
275 Magnolia Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 256-3100
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Long Beach Police Department, including the requestor's contact information and specific details about the records being sought.

Requestors should note that pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees for duplication costs but not for the search and retrieval of records.

Contents of a Long Beach Arrest Record

Long Beach arrest records contain standardized information as required by California law. These documents serve as official records of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Arrestee Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color), and, when available, fingerprint identification.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Offense Information: Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including applicable California Penal Code sections and the classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of booking, and the facility where the individual was processed.
Bail Information: Amount of bail set, if applicable, and conditions of release.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, case dismissal, or conviction information.
Agency Information: Identification of the arresting agency, typically the Long Beach Police Department, and any other agencies involved in the arrest.

Pursuant to California Government Code § 6254(f), certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly details that might compromise ongoing investigations or infringe upon protected privacy interests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Long Beach

California law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Penal Code § 851.8 establishes procedures for sealing and destroying arrest records when no accusatory pleading has been filed or when a person has been acquitted of charges. Additionally, Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of convictions under certain conditions.

The expungement process in Long Beach typically involves:

Petition Filing: Eligible individuals must file a petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court - Long Beach Courthouse. The petition must include case information, conviction details, and supporting documentation.
Eligibility Determination: The court reviews eligibility based on statutory criteria, including:
- Completion of probation or sentence
- No current charges pending
- No serving of sentence for another offense
- Nature of the original offense
Court Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing where the petitioner, prosecution, and judge evaluate the merits of the expungement request.
Court Order: If granted, the court issues an order for expungement, which directs relevant agencies to seal the record from public view.

Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through:

Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office - Long Beach Branch
275 Magnolia Avenue, Room 3135
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 256-2801
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as subsequent offenses or applications for certain professional licenses, pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4(a).

Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Long Beach, California law establishes several important limitations on access. These restrictions serve to balance transparency with privacy concerns and the protection of sensitive information. The following limitations apply:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, records pertaining to juvenile arrests and proceedings are confidential and not available to the general public.
Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order following expungement proceedings are removed from public access, as authorized by Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4.
Ongoing Investigations: Information that would endanger ongoing investigations or the safety of persons involved may be withheld under Government Code § 6254(f).
Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information is typically redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Government Code § 6254(c).
Arrests Not Resulting in Conviction: California Labor Code § 432.7 prohibits employers from asking about arrests that did not result in conviction, with certain exceptions for law enforcement agencies and positions requiring security clearances.

The Long Beach Police Department maintains compliance with these statutory limitations while fulfilling its obligations under the California Public Records Act to provide appropriate access to arrest records.