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San Bernardino County, California Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in San Bernardino County, California?

Arrest records are public documents in San Bernardino County, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation mandates that records maintained by local and state government agencies, including law enforcement entities, be accessible to members of the public. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further reinforces this right to access governmental information, establishing transparency in governmental operations as a fundamental principle. Arrest records fall within these provisions, ensuring accountability in law enforcement practices and judicial proceedings throughout San Bernardino County.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department maintains comprehensive arrest records as required by California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes standards for criminal history information management. These records document interactions between law enforcement agencies and individuals suspected of criminal activity within county jurisdiction. While certain elements of arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with Government Code § 6254, the fundamental information regarding arrests remains available for public inspection.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
655 East Third Street
San Bernardino, California 92415-0061
Non-Emergency Dispatch: (760) 956-5001 (Desert) / (909) 387-8313 (Valley)
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in San Bernardino County?

San Bernardino County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator serves as the primary resource for identifying individuals currently in custody or recently arrested. This system is updated regularly in compliance with California Government Code § 6253.9, which addresses electronic record accessibility requirements.

The City of San Bernardino Police Department maintains arrest logs on their official website, providing information about adult arrests within city limits. These logs contain data elements deemed public information under California law and are presented in the same format submitted to state authorities. Information typically includes the arrestee's name, date of birth, charges, and booking information.

Additional online resources include the San Bernardino Superior Court case information system, which allows public access to court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. The system operates in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, governing electronic access to court records. Users should note that while basic case information is available online, certain documents may require in-person inspection at the courthouse.

How to Look Up San Bernardino County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for accessing San Bernardino County arrest records in 2025, as prescribed by California Government Code § 6253(a). Members of the public seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

  • Visit the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Records Division at 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  • Access the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator for current custody information. This resource provides real-time data on individuals currently detained in county facilities.

  • Submit a formal written request to the Records Division of the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests must reasonably describe identifiable records pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b).

  • Consult the San Bernardino Superior Court case information system for arrest-related court proceedings. The main courthouse is located at 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415, with public access hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays.

  • Contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office for information regarding cases that have proceeded to prosecution. Their main office is located at 303 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415, with public hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any additional identifying information. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication services in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b).

Contents of a San Bernardino County Arrest Record

San Bernardino County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13125. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or alternative identities
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest incident
  • Detailed enumeration of criminal charges, including applicable California Penal Code sections
  • Identification of the arresting agency and officer(s)
  • Booking number and facility information
  • Fingerprint classification and identification data
  • Booking photographs ("mugshots") when available
  • Custody status and bail information
  • Case disposition information if available

The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on applicable exemptions under Government Code § 6254. Certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile status. Records pertaining to arrests that did not result in conviction may have limited accessibility after specified time periods pursuant to California Penal Code § 851.8.

Law enforcement agencies in San Bernardino County maintain these records in compliance with retention schedules established by the California Secretary of State under Government Code § 34090. Electronic versions of these records are maintained in the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and local agency databases.

Expungement of Arrest Records in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under several California statutory provisions. Penal Code § 1203.4 provides the primary mechanism for expungement of convictions, while Penal Code § 851.8 addresses the sealing and destruction of arrest records in cases where no conviction occurred. The expungement process effectively seals the record from public view, though certain governmental entities retain limited access for specific purposes.

To initiate expungement proceedings, eligible individuals must file a petition with the San Bernardino Superior Court where the case was adjudicated. The petition process requires:

  • Completion of appropriate Judicial Council forms (CR-180 and CR-181)
  • Payment of filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
  • Documentation of case eligibility and completion of all sentencing requirements
  • Notification to the District Attorney's Office

The court evaluates petitions based on statutory eligibility criteria, including:

  • Successful completion of probation or sentence
  • Absence of pending criminal charges
  • Compliance with all court orders and restitution requirements
  • Statutory waiting periods where applicable

Expungement does not completely erase all records but does relieve many civil disabilities associated with criminal records. Pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4(a), expunged convictions need not be disclosed on most employment applications, though exceptions exist for certain professional licenses and public employment positions.

San Bernardino Superior Court
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 384-1888
San Bernardino Superior Court

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