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