Arrest records are public documents in Corona, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6276.48. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access information concerning governmental activities, including law enforcement operations. The CPRA mandates that public agencies make records available for inspection during regular office hours and provide copies upon request, subject to payment of applicable fees.
The public nature of arrest records serves multiple civic purposes:
Certain exceptions to disclosure exist under Government Code § 6254, which may limit access to specific information within arrest records. These exceptions typically involve ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy if released.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Corona have several methods available to obtain this information. The Corona Police Department Records Section serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides multiple access options:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Corona Police Department Records Section during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Photo identification is required, and applicable fees must be paid at the time of request.
Corona Police Department
730 Public Safety Way
Corona, CA 92880
Phone: 951-736-2330
Official Website
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Section. Requests must include:
Online Access: The City of Corona provides an electronic public records request portal through which citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check services may provide access to Corona arrest records, though the information available through such services may not be as comprehensive or current as records obtained directly from official sources.
Arrest records maintained by the Corona Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300-13302, certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure, particularly information that might compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals involved in the case.
California law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Corona authorities. The process is governed primarily by California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8, which establish criteria and procedures for record clearance.
Eligibility Criteria:
Petition Process: Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Riverside County Superior Court, Corona Branch. The petition must include:
Riverside County Superior Court, Corona Branch
505 S. Buena Vista Ave., Room 201
Corona, CA 92882
Phone: 951-777-3147
Official Website
Required documentation includes:
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office receives notification and may contest the petition. If granted, the expungement results in the dismissal of the case pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, though the record remains accessible to certain governmental agencies and for specific licensing purposes.
Expungement under California law does not completely erase arrest records but modifies their legal status and accessibility. Pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, an expunged record:
The Corona Police Department and other local agencies must update their records to reflect the expungement order once received from the court. However, third-party background check companies may continue to report expunged arrests unless specifically notified.
California law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records may be used, particularly in employment contexts. Under Labor Code § 432.7, employers with five or more employees are generally prohibited from:
Additionally, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code § 12940) prohibits discrimination based on arrest records that did not result in conviction. Violations of these provisions may result in civil penalties and liability.
Commercial background check providers operating in Corona must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act, which govern the collection, maintenance, and distribution of arrest record information.