> >Riverside Arrest Records

Riverside Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Riverside, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Riverside, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Riverside County. The CPRA operates under the principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest and promotes accountability among public officials and agencies.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the Riverside Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation. These records become public information once they are entered into the official system, though certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as specified under Government Code § 6254.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, specific elements may be redacted to comply with privacy laws or other statutory exemptions. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 1, guarantees individuals a right to privacy, which must be balanced against the public's right to information.

How to Look Up Riverside Arrest Records in 2025

The Riverside County criminal justice system provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(a), public records are open to inspection during regular office hours of the governmental agency. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records in Riverside:

In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may visit the Riverside Police Department or Riverside County Sheriff's Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Requestors must complete the appropriate forms and may be required to present valid identification.

Riverside Police Department
4102 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 354-2007
Riverside Police Department

Riverside County Sheriff's Department
4095 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955-2400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Court Records: The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings. These records may be accessed through the court's public terminals or online system.

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside
4050 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Online Public Access Systems: The Riverside County Sheriff's Department provides limited online access to current inmate information and arrest logs through their official website. Users must acknowledge legal disclaimers before accessing this information.
Public Records Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), written requests for specific arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency. Agencies must respond to requests within 10 days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances.

Contents of a Riverside Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Riverside law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. In accordance with California Penal Code § 13300, these records generally include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory violations alleged (California Penal Code sections)
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
Arresting agency and officer identification information
Booking number and facility information
Photographic documentation (mugshots)
Biometric data, including fingerprints
Demographic information, including date of birth, gender, height, weight, and race
Case disposition information, if available
Bail amount, if applicable
Court appearance dates

It should be noted that pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300(a)(2), certain information may be withheld if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger an individual, or violate federal law. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Riverside

California law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records. Expungement procedures in Riverside County are governed primarily by California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8, which establish the legal framework for removing arrest information from public access.

Individuals seeking expungement must meet specific eligibility criteria:

Successful completion of probation or other court-ordered requirements
No current charges pending for any criminal offense
Not serving a sentence for any other offense
Specific time periods have elapsed since the arrest or conviction

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

File a Petition for Dismissal (CR-180 form) with the Riverside County Superior Court
Submit supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility
Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
Attend scheduled court hearings as required

Riverside County Public Defender's Office
4200 Orange Street, Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This office provides assistance to low-income individuals seeking expungement of arrest records. Services include eligibility assessment, preparation of required documentation, and representation at expungement hearings.

Upon successful expungement pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals may legally state they have not been convicted of the expunged offense in most circumstances. However, expunged convictions must still be disclosed for certain government employment applications, licensing requirements, and in subsequent criminal proceedings.

Factual records of the arrest remain in law enforcement databases but are marked as "dismissed" or "expunged" and generally will not appear in standard background checks conducted by private employers or housing providers.

Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Riverside, California law imposes significant restrictions on their use and dissemination. These limitations are designed to protect individual privacy rights while maintaining appropriate public access to government information.

Pursuant to California Labor Code § 432.7, employers with five or more employees are prohibited from asking job applicants about arrests that did not result in conviction. Additionally, California Civil Code § 1786.18 restricts consumer reporting agencies from reporting arrests that did not result in conviction if the arrests occurred more than seven years ago.

Law enforcement agencies in Riverside County must comply with the following restrictions when providing arrest records:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
Information about victims of certain offenses, including sexual assault and domestic violence, must be redacted
Records related to ongoing investigations may be withheld under Government Code § 6254(f)
Medical and psychological information must be removed before disclosure
Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers, must be redacted

Violations of these restrictions may result in civil liability under various California statutes, including the Information Practices Act of 1977 (Civil Code § 1798 et seq.).