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Scotts Valley Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Scotts Valley, California?

Arrest records in Scotts Valley, California are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified in Government Code § 6250-6270, which establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be available for public inspection. The CPRA serves as the legal framework ensuring transparency and accountability in governmental operations, including those of law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to this legislation, the Scotts Valley Police Department maintains arrest records that may be accessed through established procedures in compliance with state regulations.

The Public Records Act Requests process in Scotts Valley aims to provide transparent service with timely access to records. While most arrest records are publicly available, certain exceptions exist under Government Code § 6254, which may restrict access to records that could compromise ongoing investigations, violate individual privacy rights in specific circumstances, or endanger public safety.

How to Look Up Scotts Valley Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for accessing arrest records in Scotts Valley as of 2025. The City of Scotts Valley has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these documents while maintaining compliance with applicable state laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

Online Database Access: The Scotts Valley Police Department maintains digital records accessible through their official portal. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Records Division of the Scotts Valley Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest documentation.

Scotts Valley Police Department
1 Civic Center Drive
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: (831) 440-5670
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Courthouse Records: The Santa Cruz County Superior Court maintains judicial records related to arrests within its jurisdiction, including those from Scotts Valley.

Santa Cruz County Superior Court
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 420-2200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), individuals may submit written requests for specific arrest records through the City Clerk's Office, which serves as the custodian of official records.

Contents of a Scotts Valley Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Scotts Valley Police Department contain specific information as mandated by California state law. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Any known aliases or alternative identifications
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory authority under which the arrest was executed
Criminal charges filed, including applicable California Penal Code sections
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Fingerprint identification data
Arresting agency and officer information
Case or incident number for administrative tracking
Initial court appearance information, if applicable

The Records Division of the Scotts Valley Police Department maintains these documents in accordance with departmental policies and state regulations regarding records retention. Information contained within arrest records is subject to verification through the department's official channels.

Legal Framework for Arrest Record Access

The disclosure of arrest records in Scotts Valley operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by California state law. Government Code § 6253(a) stipulates that public records are open to inspection during regular office hours of governmental agencies. The Scotts Valley Police Department adheres to these regulations while balancing public access rights with privacy considerations.

California Penal Code § 13300-13302 further governs the dissemination of criminal history information, establishing parameters for what information may be released and to whom. The City Attorney's Office provides legal guidance to ensure compliance with these statutes when processing requests for arrest records.

Individuals requesting arrest records must submit proper identification and may be required to complete standardized forms and documents available through the police department. Fees for copies of arrest records are established pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge for the direct costs of duplication.

Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, certain statutory limitations restrict the disclosure of specific information. The Scotts Valley Police Department, in accordance with state law, may withhold or redact information under the following circumstances:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations (Government Code § 6254(f))
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Records related to juvenile arrests, which are subject to confidentiality provisions under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
Information that might endanger the safety of a witness or other individual
Records sealed by court order or expunged pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4

The City Administration works in conjunction with law enforcement to ensure that public disclosure policies balance transparency with these legal protections.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Scotts Valley

Under California law, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Penal Code § 1203.4 provides the statutory basis for expungement, allowing eligible individuals to have their records sealed from public access. The expungement process in Scotts Valley requires:

Filing a formal petition with the Santa Cruz County Superior Court
Demonstrating eligibility based on case disposition and compliance with sentencing terms
Payment of applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals)
Attendance at scheduled court hearings as required

Successful expungement does not completely destroy arrest records but rather restricts their accessibility to the general public. Law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities may retain access to expunged records for specific administrative purposes. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Scotts Valley may utilize arrest records as part of background verification processes, subject to restrictions imposed by state law. California Labor Code § 432.7 limits employers' ability to consider arrests that did not result in conviction when making employment decisions.

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) further regulates the use of criminal history information in employment contexts. Entities conducting background checks using Scotts Valley arrest records must ensure compliance with these regulations as well as with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when applicable.

Public access to arrest records serves legitimate public safety interests while requiring adherence to established legal frameworks that protect individual rights. The Scotts Valley Police Department maintains these records in accordance with professional standards for accuracy and completeness.