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Signal Hill Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Signal Hill, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Signal Hill, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation mandates that records maintained by local and state government agencies, including the Signal Hill Police Department, be accessible to the public with certain exceptions. The California Public Records Act was enacted to ensure governmental transparency and accountability by providing citizens with the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as specified under California law. The Signal Hill Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies established by the City of Signal Hill.

How to Look Up Signal Hill Arrest Records in 2025

The Signal Hill Police Department provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following procedures:

In-person requests can be submitted at the Signal Hill Police Department Records Division, located at 2745 Walnut Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to:

Signal Hill Police Department
Records Division
2745 Walnut Avenue
Signal Hill, CA 90755
(562) 989-7205
Signal Hill Police Department
Electronic requests may be submitted through the official Signal Hill Police Department online portal, which provides a secure method for requesting and receiving public records.
For cases that have proceeded to court, records may also be available through the:

Los Angeles County Superior Court - South District - Long Beach Courthouse
275 Magnolia Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 256-3100
Long Beach Courthouse

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), the Signal Hill Police Department may charge a fee to cover the direct costs of duplication or a statutory fee, if applicable. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the arrest record being sought, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate the search process.

Contents of a Signal Hill Arrest Record

Signal Hill arrest records contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13100-13326. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known monikers
Date of birth and demographic information including age, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest within Signal Hill city limits
Booking number and unique identifier assigned by the arresting agency
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s) and corresponding California Penal Code section(s)
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
Bail amount set, if applicable
Case disposition information, if available

The Signal Hill Police Department maintains these records in compliance with state regulations regarding records retention and public accessibility. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy laws and investigative protocols established by the California Department of Justice.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Signal Hill

The process for expungement of arrest records in Signal Hill follows California Penal Code § 1203.4 and related statutes. Individuals may petition for expungement if they meet specific eligibility criteria established by state law. The primary requirements include:

Successful completion of all terms of probation
No current charges pending in any jurisdiction
Not currently serving a sentence for any offense
No convictions for certain specified offenses that are ineligible for expungement

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court where the case was adjudicated, typically the Los Angeles County Superior Court - South District - Long Beach Courthouse. The petition must include:

Completed Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180)
Order for Dismissal (form CR-181)
Declaration providing reasons for seeking expungement
Supporting documentation regarding rehabilitation efforts
Filing fee or Fee Waiver Request (FW-001) if applicable

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office receives notification and may contest the petition. If granted, the expungement does not completely erase the record but modifies it to show the case was dismissed pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4.

Individuals seeking expungement may wish to consult with legal counsel or contact:

Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office
210 West Temple Street, 19th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-2811

Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Access

California law establishes certain restrictions on the disclosure and use of arrest records. Pursuant to Labor Code § 432.7, employers are generally prohibited from asking job applicants about arrests that did not result in conviction. Additionally, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code § 12940) restricts how employers may use criminal history information in making employment decisions.

The Signal Hill Police Department adheres to the following limitations when processing public records requests:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827 and are not publicly accessible
Information related to ongoing investigations may be withheld pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f)
Records involving domestic violence victims, sexual assault victims, and certain other protected classes have enhanced confidentiality protections
Medical and mental health information contained within arrest records is redacted in accordance with HIPAA and state privacy laws

The City of Signal Hill maintains compliance with these regulations through established protocols for records management and disclosure. Individuals who believe their rights regarding record access have been violated may file a complaint with the city clerk's office located at Signal Hill City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

Impact of Arrest Records on Housing and Employment

Arrest records can significantly impact housing and employment opportunities for Signal Hill residents. The City of Signal Hill Housing Element acknowledges these challenges and provides resources for affected individuals. Key considerations include:

Housing providers may conduct background checks that reveal arrest records, potentially affecting rental application outcomes
Public housing authorities may consider criminal history when determining eligibility for subsidized housing programs
Certain professional licenses and certifications may be denied based on arrest records, even without conviction
Employment opportunities, particularly in education, healthcare, and financial sectors, may be limited by the presence of arrest records

The California Fair Chance Act (Government Code § 12952), effective since January 2018, prohibits employers with five or more employees from asking about conviction history before making a job offer. This "Ban the Box" legislation aims to reduce barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records.

Signal Hill residents facing housing or employment discrimination based on arrest records may seek assistance through:

Fair Housing Foundation
3605 Long Beach Boulevard, Suite 302
Long Beach, CA 90807
(800) 446-3247