Arrest records are public documents in Auburn, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access information concerning governmental affairs, including law enforcement activities. The CPRA specifically designates arrest records as public information, ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system and accountability of law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Auburn Police Department and Placer County Sheriff's Office, subject to certain statutory exemptions. These exemptions may include records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, or instances where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as outlined in Government Code § 6254.
The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further reinforces this right to access public records, stating that "the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny." This constitutional provision underscores the state's commitment to governmental transparency and public oversight of law enforcement activities.
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Auburn, California. The following methods are available for obtaining these public documents:
In-Person Requests at Auburn Police Department: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records directly at the Auburn Police Department Records Division.
Auburn Police Department
1215 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 823-4234
Auburn Police Department Records Division
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide identification. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request and record availability.
Placer County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains county-wide arrest records and booking information.
Placer County Sheriff's Office
2929 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 889-7800
Records requests may be submitted in person during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Online Access: The Placer County Sheriff's Office provides a 10-day arrest log through their official website. This resource includes recent booking information and is updated regularly in accordance with public disclosure requirements.
Placer County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed through the court's case management system.
Placer County Superior Court - Historic Courthouse
101 Maple Street
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 886-5800
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees for duplication of records, but not for the search and retrieval process. Current fee schedules are posted at each agency location and on their respective websites.
Auburn arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes requirements for criminal history information. Standard arrest records include:
These records are maintained in accordance with the California Department of Justice's record retention guidelines and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) standards. The information contained in arrest records is subject to verification processes to ensure accuracy as required by California Penal Code § 13020.
California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4 provide legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement in Auburn must adhere to statutory requirements and procedural guidelines established by the Placer County Superior Court.
Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:
The expungement process requires the filing of a Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) with the Placer County Superior Court. Petitioners must also file a Statement of Facts (form CR-181) detailing the circumstances of their case and rehabilitation efforts. Filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial need.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office receives notification and may contest the petition based on statutory grounds. If granted, the expungement results in the dismissal of the conviction pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, though certain disclosure requirements remain for specific employment categories, particularly in public safety and education sectors.
Expunged records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies for limited purposes, including sentencing considerations in subsequent prosecutions and employment screening for positions in law enforcement.