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Pasadena Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Pasadena, California?

Arrest records are public in Pasadena, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation, recodified in January 2023, establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access information concerning governmental affairs. The Act mandates that records generated by public agencies, including the Pasadena Police Department, must be accessible to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. Members of the public may request and inspect these records unless specifically exempted by law under provisions such as Government Code § 6254, which protects certain confidential information.

The Pasadena Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records become public documents once they are filed with the appropriate governmental agency. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or juvenile information as specified under California law.

How to Look Up Pasadena Arrest Records in 2025

The Pasadena Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information have several options available:

Submit a Public Records Act request directly to the Pasadena Police Department. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the department's online portal.
Visit the Records Section of the Pasadena Police Department located at:

Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4501
Pasadena Police Department
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Access the Los Angeles County Superior Court records for cases that have been filed with the court system at:

Los Angeles County Superior Court - Pasadena Courthouse
300 E. Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 396-3300
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Utilize the California Department of Justice's statewide database by submitting a request for Criminal History Information. This service requires fingerprint submission and payment of applicable fees as mandated by Penal Code § 11105.

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees for duplication of records. The standard fee for copies in Pasadena is $0.10 per page for standard documents. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or specialized records.

Contents of a Pasadena Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Pasadena Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and details of an arrest. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory violations and charges filed against the individual
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
Case number and incident report references
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Bail amount established, if applicable
Custody status information

It should be noted that pursuant to Senate Bill 1421 and Assembly Bill 748, certain police records related to incidents involving use of force or misconduct may contain additional information beyond standard arrest documentation. These records may be subject to specific disclosure requirements under Government Code § 6254(f).

The Support Services Division of the Pasadena Police Department is responsible for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of these records in accordance with departmental policies and state regulations.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Pasadena, several legal restrictions limit access to certain information. These restrictions are established to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the justice system.

The following categories of information are subject to restricted access:

Juvenile arrest records are confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827 and § 828. These records are not available to the general public except by court order.
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under Government Code § 6254(f) if disclosure would compromise the investigation.
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined under Government Code § 6254(c).
Records sealed by court order pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8 (factual innocence) or § 1203.4 (expungement).
Medical or psychological information contained within arrest records is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act.

The Office of the City Attorney for Pasadena provides oversight regarding compliance with these legal restrictions. Law enforcement agencies must carefully review and redact protected information before releasing arrest records to the public.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Pasadena

Under California law, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Pasadena. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records are sealed or removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for certain purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Pasadena include:

Successful completion of probation or sentence for the offense
No current charges pending against the individual
Not currently serving a sentence for any other offense
Compliance with all court orders related to the case
Demonstration of rehabilitation when required by statute

The expungement process is governed by several California Penal Code sections:

Penal Code § 1203.4 provides for expungement of convictions where probation was granted
Penal Code § 1203.4a covers expungement of misdemeanor or infraction convictions where probation was not granted
Penal Code § 851.8 addresses the sealing and destruction of arrest records in cases of factual innocence
Penal Code § 1203.41 pertains to expungement of certain felony convictions sentenced under Realignment

Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the court where the case was adjudicated. The Los Angeles County Superior Court - Pasadena Courthouse processes these petitions for cases within its jurisdiction. The court reviews each petition individually, considering statutory eligibility requirements and any opposition filed by the prosecuting agency.

Upon granting an expungement, the court issues an order directing agencies to update their records accordingly. However, expunged records may still be disclosed in certain circumstances, such as applications for public office, state licensing, or subsequent criminal proceedings.