Rialto Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rialto, California?
Arrest records are public documents in Rialto, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, to ensure transparency in governmental operations. The California Public Records Act mandates that all state and local agencies must make their records available for public inspection unless a specific exemption applies under state or federal law.
In accordance with Government Code § 6253(a), members of the public may request access to arrest records maintained by the Rialto Police Department and other law enforcement agencies serving the jurisdiction. These records typically contain information regarding individuals who have been taken into custody, including demographic data, alleged offenses, and arrest circumstances. The disclosure of such information serves the public interest by promoting accountability within the criminal justice system and enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities.
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld if their release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or jeopardize public safety, as specified in Government Code § 6254.
How to Look Up Rialto Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Rialto provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to established municipal procedures, interested parties may utilize the following methods to obtain arrest information:
Submit a Public Records Request: Citizens may file a formal request through the Rialto City Clerk's Office. Under Government Code § 6253(b), the agency must respond to requests within 10 days, though complex requests may require an extension.
Visit the Rialto Police Department: In-person requests may be submitted at the department's public counter during regular business hours.
Rialto Police Department
128 N. Willow Avenue
Rialto, CA 92376
(909) 820-2550 (Non-Emergency)
Official Website
- Contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department: For arrests made by county law enforcement within Rialto city limits.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
655 E. Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 387-3545
- Access Court Records: Arrest information may also be available through the San Bernardino County Superior Court for cases that have been filed with the court.
San Bernardino County Superior Court - Rancho Cucamonga District
8303 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 708-8678
Requestors should note that pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Additionally, certain real-time incident information may be available through authorized platforms.
Contents of a Rialto Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Rialto Police Department and other law enforcement agencies typically contain the following categories of information, as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13300:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any documented aliases or alternative identifications.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the arresting agency; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the legal authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal Charges: All offenses for which the individual was arrested, including applicable sections of the Rialto Municipal Code, California Penal Code, or other statutory provisions.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: If available, the outcome of the arrest, including whether charges were filed by the District Attorney's Office, case dismissal, or diversion to alternative programs.
It should be noted that pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), certain information may be withheld if disclosure would endanger the safety of a person involved in an investigation or jeopardize the successful completion of the investigation. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Rialto
The State of California provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by agencies within Rialto. Expungement procedures are governed primarily by Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8, which establish criteria and processes for record clearance.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction (Penal Code § 851.8)
- The conviction was dismissed after successful completion of probation (Penal Code § 1203.4)
- The conviction was for certain misdemeanors or felonies that qualify under Proposition 47 or Proposition 64 for reclassification and subsequent expungement
The expungement process typically involves:
- Filing a Petition for Dismissal with the San Bernardino County Superior Court
- Serving notice to the Rialto City Attorney and San Bernardino County District Attorney
- Attending a scheduled court hearing
- Obtaining a court order directing law enforcement agencies to seal and eventually destroy records of the arrest
San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office
303 West Third Street, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 382-7639
Pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8, if a petition for factual innocence is granted, the arrest shall be deemed not to have occurred, and the petitioner may answer accordingly to any question concerning the arrest. However, expungement does not relieve individuals from disclosure requirements for certain professional license applications, public office candidacy, or employment with law enforcement agencies.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal procedures and statutory requirements. The San Bernardino County Superior Court maintains specific forms and filing protocols for expungement petitions in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1384.
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