> >Cathedral Arrest Records

Cathedral Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cathedral City, California?

Arrest records are public in Cathedral City, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that governmental records shall be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exemptions. Arrest records fall within the category of public records and are maintained to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold public oversight of governmental activities.

The California Public Records Act specifically mandates that public agencies, including the Cathedral City Police Department, must make non-exempt records available for inspection during regular office hours. Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests in person, by mail, or through electronic means where available. Agencies are required to respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though this period may be extended by an additional 14 days under unusual circumstances as defined in Government Code § 6253(c).

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected interests as specified in Government Code § 6254.

How to Look Up Cathedral City Arrest Records in 2025

The Cathedral City Police Department maintains arrest records and provides several methods for public access. Individuals seeking arrest records in Cathedral City may utilize the following procedures:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Cathedral City Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.

Cathedral City Police Department
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Non-Emergency Phone: 760-770-0300
Cathedral City Police Department Official Website

Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Online Services: The Cathedral City Police Department provides online services for requesting certain records. Users must create an account and follow the established protocols for electronic submissions.
Riverside County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed through the Riverside County Superior Court.

Riverside County Superior Court - Palm Springs Branch
3255 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: 760-393-2617

Third-Party Background Check Services: Commercial services may provide arrest record information, though the accuracy and completeness of such records cannot be guaranteed by governmental agencies.

Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Current fee schedules are available at the Cathedral City Police Department Records Division.

Contents of a Cathedral City Arrest Record

Cathedral City arrest records typically contain comprehensive information regarding the detention and processing of individuals taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including applicable California Penal Code sections
Case Identification: Unique booking number and case reference identifiers
Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during the processing procedure
Biometric Data: Fingerprints and, where applicable, DNA samples collected during booking
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or detention status
Procedural Timeline: Documentation of arraignment dates and subsequent court appearances
Disposition Information: Final resolution of the case, if available

In accordance with California law, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including but not limited to: information regarding juveniles (pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827), details that might compromise ongoing investigations (Government Code § 6254(f)), and personal identifying information that could lead to identity theft.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Cathedral City

The maintenance and disclosure of arrest records in Cathedral City operate within a complex legal framework established by state and federal statutes. The primary legal authorities governing these records include:

California Public Records Act (CPRA): Government Code § 6250-6270 establishes the fundamental right of access to governmental records, including arrest records, with specific exemptions.
California Penal Code § 13300-13302: Regulates the dissemination of criminal history information and establishes parameters for agency compliance.
California Civil Code § 1798.40-1798.44: The Information Practices Act governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of personal information by state agencies.
Federal Privacy Act of 1974: While primarily applicable to federal agencies, establishes principles that influence local record-keeping practices.

The Cathedral City Police Department, as the custodian of arrest records, must balance the public's right to access information against privacy protections and investigative integrity. Records custodians are authorized to withhold or redact information when disclosure would:

Endanger the safety of a witness or other person involved in an investigation
Jeopardize the successful completion of an investigation
Disclose confidential sources, techniques, or procedures
Result in an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

Individuals who believe their records have been improperly withheld may seek judicial review pursuant to Government Code § 6258.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cathedral City

Under California law, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Cathedral City authorities. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records are sealed or removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for certain purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Cathedral City include:

Case Disposition: Individuals who were arrested but not charged, had charges dismissed, or were acquitted at trial may qualify for expungement under Penal Code § 851.8 or § 851.91.
Conviction Relief: Those convicted of eligible offenses may petition for expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 after successfully completing probation or, in some cases, after a specified waiting period following completion of a sentence.
Diversion Programs: Participants who successfully complete drug diversion (Penal Code § 1000) or mental health diversion programs may qualify for record sealing.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Riverside County Superior Court that handled the original case. Petitioners must complete Judicial Council forms, pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals), and may need to attend a hearing before a judge.

It should be noted that expungement does not completely erase all records. Expunged arrests and convictions:

May still be counted as prior convictions in future criminal proceedings
May affect professional licensing in certain fields
Must be disclosed for certain government employment applications
May be accessible to law enforcement agencies for operational purposes

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances and eligibility under California law.