Arrest records are public in Redondo Beach, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, to ensure transparency in governmental operations. The Redondo Beach Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law, making them available to members of the public upon proper request.
The California Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain statutory exceptions to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances. These exceptions are narrowly construed to favor disclosure whenever possible, as mandated by California Government Code § 6255, which requires agencies to justify any withholding of information.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is public, the release of certain details may be restricted based on the status of the case, the age of the individual involved, or other factors outlined in California Penal Code § 13300-13302 regarding criminal history information.
The Redondo Beach Police Department provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Redondo Beach Police Department Records Unit
401 Diamond Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 379-2477
Redondo Beach Police Records Unit
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Online Requests: The Records Unit Services portal allows for electronic submission of public records requests. Users must create an account and provide specific information about the record being requested.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Unit address listed above. Requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the incident (date, time, location, names of involved parties), and the requestor's relationship to the case.
Public Records Act Requests: For more comprehensive searches, individuals may file a formal Public Records Act request citing Government Code § 6253. These requests must be responded to within 10 days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established by City Council resolution and are subject to change. As of 2025, standard document fees are $0.25 per page for standard copies, with additional fees for certified copies or specialized reports.
Arrest records maintained by the Redondo Beach Police Department typically contain the following information as required by California Penal Code § 13150:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any known aliases or identifying marks.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the specific statute(s) violated; and the classification of the offense (infraction, misdemeanor, or felony).
Case Information: Assigned case number, arresting officer's name and badge number, and the circumstances leading to the arrest as documented in the officer's report.
Processing Data: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, and property inventory taken at the time of booking.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail amount, if eligible; court appearance dates; and current custody status.
Disposition Information: Final resolution of the case, including whether charges were filed by the Redondo Beach City Attorney's Office or the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
It should be noted that pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including confidential informant information, details that might compromise an ongoing investigation, or information related to juvenile arrestees.
While arrest records are generally public in Redondo Beach, several important legal restrictions limit access to certain information. The California Public Records Act contains specific exemptions codified in Government Code § 6254 that protect:
Records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations where disclosure would compromise the investigation (§ 6254(f)).
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, such as medical or mental health information (§ 6254(c)).
Records pertaining to juvenile arrests, which are subject to confidentiality provisions under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
Information that might endanger the safety of a witness or other person involved in the case (§ 6254(f)).
The Redondo Beach Police Department is required by law to balance the public's right to information against these privacy and safety concerns. When a request is denied in whole or in part, the department must cite the specific legal authority for withholding the information as required by Government Code § 6255.
Additionally, the use of arrest record information is regulated by state and federal law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and California Civil Code § 1786.18 restrict how arrest record information can be used for employment, housing, and credit purposes, particularly when arrests did not lead to convictions.
Individuals with arrest records in Redondo Beach may be eligible to have those records expunged under California Penal Code § 851.8 or § 1203.4, depending on the circumstances of their case. Expungement does not completely destroy records but rather limits their disclosure and accessibility.
Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. For arrests that occurred in Redondo Beach, this would typically be the Los Angeles County Superior Court, South Bay Judicial District.
Los Angeles County Superior Court - Torrance Courthouse
825 Maple Avenue
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 787-3700
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Redondo Beach City Attorney's Prosecution Division handles misdemeanor violations within city limits and can provide information regarding the expungement process for cases they prosecuted.
Redondo Beach City Attorney's Office - Prosecution Division
415 Diamond Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 318-0655
City Attorney's Prosecution Division
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process can be legally complex, and outcomes vary based on the specific circumstances of each case. Successful expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 allows individuals to legally state they have not been convicted of the expunged offense in most circumstances, though exceptions exist for certain licensing bodies and government employment applications.