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Blythe Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Blythe, California?

Arrest records in Blythe, California are classified as public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. The CPRA establishes the legal framework ensuring public access to government-maintained records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal boundaries. This legislation operates on the principle that governmental transparency is essential for maintaining public oversight of law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings.

Members of the public may request access to arrest records maintained by the Blythe Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. Under Government Code § 6253(a), public agencies are required to make records promptly available to any person upon payment of appropriate fees covering direct costs of duplication or statutory fees, if applicable.

Certain limitations may apply to the disclosure of arrest records in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as specified in Government Code § 6254. Additionally, records may be subject to redaction to protect confidential information while still providing access to non-exempt portions of the requested documents.

How to Look Up Blythe Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Blythe, California:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests directly at the Blythe Police Department Records Division located at 240 N. Spring Street, Blythe, California 92225. The public counter is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification is required when requesting records.
Riverside County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed at the Blythe Courthouse located at 265 N. Broadway, Blythe, California 92225. The court clerk's office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Online Portal Access: The Riverside County Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate information system that includes booking information for individuals arrested in Blythe and processed through county facilities.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), written requests may be submitted to the Records Division Supervisor at the Blythe Police Department. Requests must reasonably describe identifiable records sought.

Fees for record retrieval and duplication are established by municipal ordinance and are subject to the limitations set forth in Government Code § 6253(b). Current fee schedules are available at the Blythe Police Department Records Division.

Blythe Police Department
240 N. Spring Street
Blythe, California 92225
Phone: (760) 922-6161
Official Website

Contents of a Blythe Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Blythe Police Department and accessible to the public typically contain the following information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13300:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Booking number and facility information
Statutory violations and charges filed
Arresting agency and officer identification
Case number and court docket information
Bail or bond amount, if applicable
Custody status and release information, if applicable
Fingerprint classification data
Photograph (mugshot), subject to disclosure limitations

Pursuant to California Government Code § 6254(f), certain information contained 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. Medical and health information is generally redacted in accordance with federal HIPAA regulations and state privacy laws.

The Records Division of the Blythe Police Department maintains arrest records in both physical and electronic formats. Electronic records management systems implemented in 2023 have enhanced the efficiency of record retrieval and processing for public requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Blythe

The expungement process in Blythe follows California Penal Code § 1203.4, which provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to petition for the dismissal of convictions and sealing of arrest records under specified conditions. Expungement does not result in the physical destruction of records but rather restricts their disclosure to the general public.

Eligibility criteria for expungement of Blythe arrest records include:

Successful completion of all terms of probation
Payment of all fines, restitution, and court-ordered fees
No current charges pending against the petitioner
No current service of sentence for any offense
Compliance with all court-ordered programs and requirements

Certain offenses, particularly those specified in California Penal Code § 290 requiring sex offender registration, are ineligible for expungement. Additionally, convictions for serious felonies listed in Penal Code § 1192.7(c) have limited expungement options.

The formal process requires filing a Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) with the Riverside County Superior Court, Blythe Branch. Filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial need. The District Attorney's Office receives notification of the petition and may contest the expungement request.

Upon court approval, the arrest record is modified to reflect the dismissal of charges pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4. While the record remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing decisions or subsequent criminal proceedings, it is generally not disclosed in standard background checks conducted by private employers.

Riverside County Superior Court - Blythe Branch
265 N. Broadway
Blythe, California 92225
Phone: (760) 921-7981

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

California law establishes specific limitations on the disclosure and use of arrest records. Pursuant to Labor Code § 432.7, employers with five or more employees are generally prohibited from inquiring about arrests that did not result in conviction, except in certain regulated industries such as law enforcement, healthcare, and education.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) provide additional protections regarding the collection and use of personal information, including arrest record data, by private entities. These statutes establish notification requirements and grant individuals certain rights regarding their personal information.

Federal regulations, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), impose additional restrictions on consumer reporting agencies that compile and disseminate arrest record information for employment or housing purposes. These regulations require:

Verification of the accuracy of reported information
Notification to individuals when adverse actions are taken based on report contents
Procedures for disputing and correcting inaccurate information
Temporal limitations on reporting of arrest information

Law enforcement agencies in Blythe, including the Blythe Police Department, maintain compliance with these regulations through established policies governing the release of arrest record information to third parties.