Arrest records are public documents in Chino, California, accessible to members of the general public under provisions established by state law. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) mandates that records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, must be made available for public inspection and copying upon request. The Chino Police Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties and must comply with disclosure requirements pursuant to this legislation.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental interests, including transparency in law enforcement operations, public safety awareness, and accountability of public officials. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld based on statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as specified in Government Code § 6254.
Requesters seeking arrest records should note that while the records themselves are public, the agencies maintaining such records may impose reasonable fees for duplication services as permitted under Government Code § 6253(b).
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Chino, California. Individuals seeking such information should utilize the following authorized methods:
In-Person Requests:
Visit the Chino Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a formal request for arrest records.
Alternatively, records may be requested from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Records Division if the arrest was conducted by county law enforcement.
Online Access:
Written Requests:
Requesters should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the record search, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate accurate record retrieval.
Standard arrest records maintained by Chino law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13326. These records typically include:
Biographical Information:
Arrest Details:
Case Processing Information:
Pursuant to California law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:
The level of detail available in publicly accessible arrest records may vary based on the status of the case and applicable exemptions under Government Code § 6254.
California law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Chino law enforcement agencies. The process is governed primarily by Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8, which establish distinct pathways for record clearance based on case circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria:
Procedural Requirements:
Petitioners must file appropriate forms with the San Bernardino County Superior Court.
A filing fee is required unless the petitioner qualifies for a fee waiver based on financial hardship.
The District Attorney's Office must be notified of the petition and may contest the request.
Effects of Expungement:
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process typically takes 90-120 days from filing to judicial determination. The San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals.