> >Santa Monica Arrest Records

Santa Monica Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Santa Monica, California?

Arrest records are public in Santa Monica, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest information, must be disclosed to the public upon request unless specifically exempted by law. The California Public Records Act operates under the principle that access to information concerning the conduct of public business is a fundamental right of every citizen.

Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Santa Monica Police Department as these documents are considered public records under California law. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy rights in accordance with Government Code § 6254, which outlines specific exemptions from disclosure. These exemptions typically include juvenile records, ongoing investigation details, and certain personal identifying information.

The Santa Monica Police Department maintains daily arrest logs that are accessible to the public. These logs document arrests made within the city limits and serve as an important transparency mechanism for law enforcement activities. The department is required to make these records available within a reasonable timeframe following a formal request, as stipulated in Government Code § 6253(b).

How to Look Up Santa Monica Arrest Records in 2025

The Santa Monica Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These options are designed to accommodate various needs while ensuring compliance with California's public records laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Santa Monica Police Department Records Division to submit a request for arrest records. The Records Division is located at:

Santa Monica Police Department
333 Olympic Drive
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8491
Santa Monica Police Department

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

Online Access: The Santa Monica Police Department maintains an online portal where certain police calls for service and arrest information can be accessed. This system allows for convenient searching of public records without the need to visit the department in person.
Written Requests: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email. Written requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual and the approximate date of arrest. Requests should be addressed to:

Santa Monica Police Department Records Division
333 Olympic Drive
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Email: records@santamonica.gov

Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, arrest information may also be obtained through the Los Angeles County Superior Court - West District:

Los Angeles County Superior Court - West District
1725 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-3522
Los Angeles County Superior Court

Court hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Clerk's Office: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), the Santa Monica Police Department must respond to requests for arrest records within 10 days. This response period may be extended by an additional 14 days under unusual circumstances as defined in the statute.

Contents of a Santa Monica Arrest Record

Santa Monica 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:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Booking number and arresting agency information
Criminal charges filed, including applicable California Penal Code sections
Physical description of the arrested individual
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint information
Bail amount, if applicable
Case disposition information, when available
Arresting officer's name and badge number

It should be noted that pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), certain information within arrest records may be withheld if disclosure would endanger the safety of a person involved in an investigation or jeopardize the successful completion of the investigation. Additionally, in accordance with Senate Bill 1421 and Assembly Bill 748, records related to certain police incidents, including use of force during arrests, must be made available to the public upon request.

The Santa Monica Police Department maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats. Electronic records are stored in the department's records management system, which facilitates efficient retrieval when responding to public records requests. Physical records are maintained at the department's headquarters in accordance with the city's records retention schedule.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Santa Monica

California law provides mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process of expungement in Santa Monica follows California Penal Code § 1203.4, which allows for the dismissal of convictions after successful completion of probation, or Penal Code § 851.8, which provides for the sealing and destruction of arrest records in cases where no conviction occurred.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Santa Monica include:

Successful completion of probation or early termination of probation
No current charges pending against the individual
Not currently serving a sentence for any offense
Not on probation for any other offense
Completion of all court-ordered requirements (fines, restitution, community service)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court - West District in Santa Monica. This petition must be filed in the same court where the case was originally prosecuted. The court filing fee for an expungement petition is approximately $120, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals.

Los Angeles County Superior Court - West District
1725 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-3522
Santa Monica Courthouse

Upon receiving an expungement petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office will be notified of the petition and may contest it. If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order dismissing the conviction under Penal Code § 1203.4 or sealing the arrest record under Penal Code § 851.8.

It is important to note that expungement does not completely erase all records of an arrest or conviction. Rather, the record will be updated to show that the case was dismissed. Additionally, expunged convictions may still be considered in certain circumstances, such as in subsequent criminal proceedings or applications for certain professional licenses.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Santa Monica, California law imposes certain restrictions on their accessibility. These limitations are designed to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Pursuant to Government Code § 6254, the following categories of arrest records are subject to restricted access:

Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Records that might endanger the safety of witnesses or other individuals
Medical or psychological information contained within arrest records
Records sealed by court order or expunged pursuant to statutory provisions

The Santa Monica Police Department is required to redact protected information before releasing arrest records to the public. This redaction process ensures compliance with applicable privacy laws while still fulfilling the department's obligations under the California Public Records Act.

Additionally, California Labor Code § 432.7 prohibits employers from asking job applicants about arrests that did not result in conviction, except in specific circumstances involving law enforcement agencies or positions requiring security clearances. This provision helps protect individuals from employment discrimination based on arrest records alone.