Arrest records in Palm Springs, California are considered public documents under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Palm Springs Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within the city limits.
Members of the public may access these records unless specific statutory exemptions apply, such as:
The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further reinforces the public's right to access information concerning the conduct of government business. This constitutional provision works in conjunction with the CPRA to ensure transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities in Palm Springs.
Individuals seeking Palm Springs arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:
In-Person Requests: Visit the Palm Springs Police Department Records Division at 200 S. Civic Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Public counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and present valid identification.
Online Portal: The Palm Springs Police Department maintains an online records portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed. Users must create an account and may be subject to verification procedures.
Written Requests: Submit a formal written request citing the California Public Records Act to:
Palm Springs Police Department Records Division
200 S. Civic Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 323-8116
Riverside County Superior Court: For case disposition information related to arrests:
Riverside County Superior Court - Palm Springs Branch
3255 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 393-2617
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records. The standard fee for copies in Palm Springs is $0.25 per page for standard documents. Certified copies may incur additional fees as established by local ordinance.
Palm Springs arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13103, which establishes requirements for criminal history information. A typical arrest record includes:
These records are maintained in compliance with retention schedules established under Government Code § 34090, which typically requires retention of law enforcement records for a minimum of two years. However, records related to felony arrests are generally maintained for longer periods in accordance with departmental policies and state regulations.
The expungement process for arrest records in Palm Springs follows California Penal Code § 1203.4, which provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to petition for relief from the penalties and disabilities associated with a conviction.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
The formal process requires:
Riverside County Superior Court - Palm Springs Branch
3255 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 393-2617
Riverside County District Attorney's Office - Palm Springs Branch
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 3101
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 778-2262
Upon approval, the court issues an order under Penal Code § 1203.4 that allows the petitioner to legally state they have not been convicted of the specified offense in most circumstances. However, expunged convictions remain visible to certain government agencies and must be disclosed for specific licensing applications, public employment positions, and when applying for state lottery or gambling licenses.
For arrests that did not result in convictions, California Penal Code § 851.8 provides a separate process for petition for factual innocence, which, if granted, results in the sealing and destruction of arrest records.