Rohnert Park Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rohnert Park, California?
Arrest records are public documents in Rohnert Park, California, accessible to all members of the public under state transparency laws. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies, including arrest records, must be disclosed upon request unless a specific exemption applies. The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within city limits. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental purposes, including ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations, facilitating public oversight of governmental functions, and providing citizens with information relevant to public safety in their communities.
Certain limitations may apply to the release of arrest information in specific circumstances. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile arrests, or cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be subject to redaction or withholding pursuant to Government Code § 6254. Additionally, records related to arrests that did not result in conviction may have restricted access after specified time periods as outlined in California law.
How to Look Up Rohnert Park Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Rohnert Park. The Department of Public Safety has implemented several access protocols to accommodate different needs:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records. Staff will assist requestors in completing the necessary forms and identifying available records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Written Requests: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via postal mail. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information. Written requests should be addressed to:
Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety
500 City Center Drive
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 584-2600
Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety
Online Access: The Department maintains a digital database of recent arrest information accessible through their official website. This system allows for basic searches using name, date, or case number parameters. Not all arrest record details may be available through this platform, and additional information may require a formal records request.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple jurisdictions, including Rohnert Park. These services may offer convenience but cannot guarantee complete or current information, as they do not have direct access to official departmental databases.
Processing times for record requests vary based on staffing levels, request volume, and the age and complexity of the records sought. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 days, though this period may be extended by an additional 14 days under unusual circumstances.
Contents of a Rohnert Park Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety contain specific categories of information as mandated by California law and departmental policy. These records typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, address at time of arrest, and other identifying information.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency case number; and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, or Rohnert Park Municipal Code for which the individual was arrested, including the severity classification (infraction, misdemeanor, or felony).
Booking Information: Photographs ("mugshots"), fingerprints, personal property inventory, and other processing documentation generated during the booking procedure.
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release on own recognizance, or bail amount set and whether posted.
Court Information: Initial appearance date, court case number, and preliminary disposition information if available.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with privacy protections established under California law. This includes medical information, social security numbers, financial account details, and information pertaining to victims of certain offenses as specified in Government Code § 6254.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Rohnert Park
California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances, which apply to arrests made in Rohnert Park. Expungement does not physically destroy records but restricts their disclosure and removes them from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
Arrests Not Resulting in Charges: Pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8, individuals arrested but never charged with a crime may petition for a finding of factual innocence and sealing of arrest records.
Dismissed Cases: Under Penal Code § 1203.4, persons who have completed probation for a conviction may petition to withdraw their plea and have the case dismissed.
Diversion Program Completion: Individuals who successfully complete drug diversion, mental health diversion, or other court-approved programs may qualify for record sealing under various statutory provisions.
Juvenile Records: Records of juvenile arrests may be sealed under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781 when specific criteria are met.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Sonoma County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over Rohnert Park cases. Petitioners must submit appropriate forms, pay filing fees (unless granted a fee waiver), and potentially attend a hearing where a judge will determine whether the statutory requirements for relief have been satisfied.
Sonoma County Superior Court
Hall of Justice
600 Administration Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 521-6500
Sonoma County Superior Court
Expungement does not remove records from all government databases. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to expunged records for limited purposes, including consideration in subsequent criminal proceedings and certain employment contexts as specified by statute.
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