Ontario Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ontario, California?
Arrest records in Ontario, California are considered public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6276.48. This legislation establishes the public's right to access information maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement records. The CPRA operates under the principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest and promotes accountability in law enforcement operations.
Members of the public may access arrest records through designated channels, subject to certain exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, privacy rights, and confidential information as outlined in Government Code § 6254. The Ontario Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes non-exempt portions available upon proper request.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to comply with privacy laws, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure would compromise an active investigation as specified in Penal Code § 841.5.
How to Look Up Ontario Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Ontario provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest record information. Requesters should be prepared to provide specific identifying information to facilitate accurate record retrieval. Available methods include:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Ontario Police Department Records Division to submit requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and verifying identification.
Written Requests: The public may submit formal written requests via postal mail to the Records Division, specifying the information sought and providing necessary identifying details about the subject of the inquiry.
Online Portal Access: The Ontario Police Department maintains a secure online portal through which certain arrest record information may be requested. Users must create an account and follow the established verification protocols.
Court Record Search: Arrest records that have proceeded to court action may be accessed through the San Bernardino County Superior Court's case index system.
All requests must comply with identification verification requirements pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 11, Division 1, Chapter 7, Article 1 § 703. Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity, with standard processing typically completed within 10 business days as required by Government Code § 6253(c).
Ontario Police Department Records Division
2500 South Archibald Avenue
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 395-2001
Police Records Division
San Bernardino County Superior Court - Rancho Cucamonga District
8303 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 708-8678
Superior Court of California
Contents of an Ontario Arrest Record
Official arrest records maintained by the Ontario Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records are structured according to standards established by the California Department of Justice and typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security Number (partially redacted in public copies), current address, and contact information.
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, hair color, eye color, identifying marks such as scars or tattoos, and other distinguishing characteristics as documented at the time of booking.
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location where the arrest occurred, arresting agency and officer identification, booking number, and facility where the individual was processed.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including California Penal Code citations, charge classification (misdemeanor or felony), and charge descriptions.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed by the District Attorney, case numbers, court dates, plea information, conviction status, and sentencing details when applicable.
Identification Records: Fingerprint classification data, booking photograph (mugshot), and other biometric identifiers collected during processing.
Pursuant to Penal Code § 13300-13302, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including information about confidential informants, juvenile records sealed under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Ontario
California law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (dismissal) of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process is governed primarily by Penal Code § 1203.4 and related statutes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of Ontario arrest records typically include:
- Successful completion of probation or early termination of probation
- No current charges pending against the petitioner
- Not serving a sentence for any offense
- No probation or parole supervision for any offense
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) with the court where the conviction occurred
- Submit a Declaration (form CR-181) supporting the petition
- Serve copies of all documents to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office
- Attend a scheduled hearing if required by the court
Upon approval, the court issues an order under Penal Code § 1203.4 dismissing the conviction. This process does not completely erase the record but changes its status to dismissed. The record remains accessible to certain government agencies and may still appear on comprehensive background checks with the notation "dismissed pursuant to PC § 1203.4."
San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office
255 North D Street, Suite 200
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 382-7639
San Bernardino County Public Defender
Individuals seeking expungement may also obtain assistance through the San Bernardino County Superior Court Self-Help Center, which provides guidance on completing the necessary forms and understanding procedural requirements.
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