Arrest records are public documents in Corning, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including arrest information, shall be accessible to members of the public upon submission of a valid request, except in cases where specific statutory exemptions apply. The California Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency, facilitate civic engagement, and maintain accountability within law enforcement agencies operating in Tehama County and its municipalities.
The public nature of arrest records in Corning is further supported by California Government Code § 6254(f), which specifically addresses law enforcement records. This provision requires disclosure of certain information related to arrests, including the full name of the arrestee, the charges, and other factual circumstances surrounding the arrest. However, certain elements of arrest records may be redacted or withheld if their disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate privacy rights protected by law, or endanger the safety of an individual.
Multiple methodologies exist for obtaining arrest records in Corning, California. Pursuant to established protocols and in accordance with California Government Code § 6253, members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access arrest information:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may submit requests directly to the Corning Police Department located at 774 Third Street, Corning, CA 96021. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (530) 824-7000. Alternatively, requests may be submitted to the Tehama County Sheriff's Office at 22840 Antelope Boulevard, Red Bluff, CA 96080. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (530) 529-7900.
Tehama County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed at the Tehama County Superior Court located at 1740 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (530) 527-3484.
Electronic Database Access: The Tehama County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database accessible via designated public terminals at the Sheriff's Office. These terminals are available during regular business hours and provide search functionality for arrest records dating back to 2010.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6256, written requests may be submitted via U.S. Mail to either the Corning Police Department or Tehama County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for response.
Online Resources: Limited arrest information may be available through the Tehama County government website. Additionally, the Tehama County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate locator system for currently incarcerated individuals.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Corning, California, typically contain the following categories of information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13100-13103:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and statutory authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal Charges: California Penal Code sections allegedly violated; classification of offense(s) as felony, misdemeanor, or infraction; and factual circumstances supporting probable cause for arrest.
Processing Information: Booking number; fingerprint classification; booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots"); and detention facility information if the subject was incarcerated.
Case Disposition: Court case number; arraignment date; plea entered; bail or bond amount; and final disposition of charges (e.g., conviction, dismissal, acquittal).
Administrative Notations: Record of property seized during arrest; medical screening information; and special custody requirements if applicable.
It should be noted that pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including but not limited to: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to minors or victims of certain offenses.
The expungement process for arrest records in Corning operates under the provisions of California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8. Eligible individuals may petition for the sealing and destruction of arrest records under specific circumstances prescribed by statute. The following criteria and procedures govern the expungement process:
Eligibility Criteria:
Procedural Requirements:
Legal Effect of Expungement:
Upon granting of an expungement petition, the arrest record is sealed from public view and the conviction is set aside. However, expunged records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies for limited purposes, including evaluation of eligibility for certain licenses and employment positions. Additionally, expunged convictions must be disclosed in applications for public office, state licensure, or contracting with the California State Lottery Commission.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Tehama County Superior Court provides self-help resources for individuals pursuing expungement without legal representation.