Arrest records in Redding, California are classified as public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal jurisdictions. The CPRA mandates that law enforcement agencies maintain transparency by making arrest information available to members of the public, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties, except in cases where specific statutory exemptions apply.
The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental and civic functions:
Standard arrest record information typically includes the arrested individual's name, date of birth, charges filed, arrest date, location, and booking details. However, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 15, which protects juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and information that might compromise public safety.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Redding have multiple authorized channels through which such information may be obtained. The following methods are available for accessing arrest documentation:
Online Portal Access: The Redding Police Department maintains a digital database of arrest records that can be searched using the arrestee's name, date of arrest, or case number. This system operates in compliance with Government Code § 6253.1, which requires agencies to assist the public in making focused and effective requests for identifiable records.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit formal requests at the Records Division counter located at:
Redding Police Department
1313 California Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 225-4200
Official Police Department Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Judicial Records: Arrest information that has resulted in court proceedings can be accessed through the Shasta County Superior Court case management system. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, these records are maintained for public inspection.
Shasta County Superior Court
1500 Court Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Court Records Portal
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Written Requests: Under Government Code § 6256, written requests may be submitted via mail or electronic communication. Agencies must respond within 10 calendar days, with a possible 14-day extension for complex requests.
Official arrest records maintained by Redding law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13100-13103. These documents typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of these records serves both immediate law enforcement needs and long-term judicial processing requirements. All information is maintained in accordance with the California Department of Justice's Record Retention Schedule for law enforcement agencies.
California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4 establish provisions through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Redding. Expungement constitutes a legal process whereby records of arrest and subsequent proceedings are sealed or destroyed, limiting their accessibility to the general public. This remedial procedure is administered through the Shasta County Superior Court system.
Eligibility criteria for expungement consideration include:
The procedural requirements for initiating an expungement petition are as follows:
Shasta County District Attorney's Office
1355 West Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Upon judicial approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records in accordance with California Penal Code § 851.8(a). It should be noted that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain government employers as authorized by statute.
The California Legislature has established statutory exemptions to public disclosure of certain arrest information through Government Code § 6254. These exemptions serve to balance transparency with privacy rights and investigative integrity. Restricted information categories include:
Government agencies in Redding are required to cite specific statutory authority when denying access to arrest records. Requestors who believe records have been improperly withheld may seek administrative review or judicial remedy through mandamus proceedings as provided in Government Code § 6258.