Arrest records are public documents in San Gabriel, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that records created, maintained, or possessed by government agencies shall be accessible to the public upon proper request. The San Gabriel Police Department, as a public agency, maintains arrest records that contain information about individuals who have been taken into custody within the jurisdiction. These records typically become public information once the arrest has been processed and documented in the official system.
Under California law, certain exceptions exist that may limit public access to arrest records. These exceptions include records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile arrests (pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827), and cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in Government Code § 6254(c). Additionally, records that have been sealed by court order or expunged under California Penal Code § 1203.4 are not available for public inspection.
Members of the public seeking arrest records must understand that while these documents are generally accessible, specific procedures must be followed to obtain them, and certain information within the records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as required by law.
The San Gabriel Police Department maintains several methods through which members of the public may access arrest records. As of 2025, the following procedures are available for obtaining these documents:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the San Gabriel Police Department Records Division to submit a request for arrest records. Requesters must complete a Public Records Request form and provide proper identification.
San Gabriel Police Department
625 Del Mar Avenue
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 308-2828
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Portal Access: The City of San Gabriel maintains a digital records portal through which citizens may submit requests for public records, including arrest information. The system allows for secure document delivery and status tracking of submitted requests.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests are accepted when submitted on the department's official Public Records Request form. All requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrestee, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Los Angeles County Superior Court: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be available through the county court system.
Los Angeles County Superior Court - Alhambra Courthouse
150 W. Commonwealth Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 308-5100
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge a fee to cover the direct costs of duplication or a statutory fee if applicable. The current fee schedule for copies of arrest records is available at the Records Division or on the department's official website.
San Gabriel arrest records contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), gender, and race/ethnicity as reported at booking.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the specific penal code violations cited; and whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant or probable cause determination.
Case Information: Unique booking number, case number, and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Processing Data: Fingerprint classification, photograph (mugshot), and other biometric identifiers collected during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts if applicable, court appearance dates, and detention facility assignment.
Disposition Information: The outcome of the arrest, including whether charges were filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, case dismissal, or conviction details if the case has concluded.
It should be noted that certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Additionally, pursuant to California Penal Code § 293, information identifying victims of certain offenses, including domestic violence and sexual assault, is not disclosed in public arrest records.
The process of expungement in San Gabriel follows California Penal Code § 1203.4, which provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to petition the court to set aside a conviction and dismiss the case. When an expungement is granted, the arrest record is not physically destroyed but is modified to show the disposition as dismissed pursuant to this statute.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in San Gabriel include:
The expungement process requires the following steps:
The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals:
Los Angeles County Public Defender
300 W. Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 200
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 308-5800
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
It is important to note that even after expungement, certain government agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may still have access to the record. Additionally, expunged convictions must still be disclosed on applications for government employment or licensure, though they can be noted as "dismissed pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4."