Davis Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Davis, California?
Arrest records are public documents in Davis, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies, including the Davis Police Department, must be accessible to members of the public upon request. The CPRA specifically includes arrest records within its scope of public documents, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations.
The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further reinforces this right to access by declaring that "the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny." This constitutional provision underscores the state's commitment to governmental transparency and public oversight of law enforcement activities.
Residents and non-residents alike may request arrest records from the appropriate agencies in Davis. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or juvenile information as specified under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
How to Look Up Davis Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Davis provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These methods have been modernized to accommodate technological advancements while maintaining compliance with California Government Code § 6253, which requires public records to be "open to inspection at all times during office hours."
Davis residents and interested parties may obtain arrest records through the following official channels:
- In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Davis Police Department Records Division to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours.
Davis Police Department
2600 Fifth Street
Davis, CA 95618
(530) 747-5400
City of Davis Police Department
Online Portal Access: The City of Davis maintains a secure online portal where users may submit public records requests electronically. This system complies with Government Code § 6253.9, which addresses electronic record formats.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6256, written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Davis Police Department.
County Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Yolo County Superior Court.
Yolo County Superior Court
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6700
Superior Court of Yolo County
Requestors should note that processing times may vary based on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload. Standard processing typically requires 10 business days, in accordance with Government Code § 6253(c).
Contents of a Davis Arrest Record
Davis arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes requirements for criminal history information. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, a unique identifying number such as a driver's license number.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the authority under which the arrest was made (e.g., warrant, probable cause); and the arresting officer's identification information.
Criminal Charges: California Penal Code sections allegedly violated, classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony), and brief description of the alleged criminal activity.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification data, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail amount, if applicable, and current detention status.
Case Disposition: When available, information regarding the resolution of charges, including dismissals, convictions, or acquittals.
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including confidential informant identities, juvenile information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Davis
The State of California provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances, as codified in Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4. Expungement procedures in Davis follow these state guidelines and are processed through the Yolo County Superior Court.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Davis include:
Arrests Without Charges: Individuals arrested but never charged with a crime may petition for a finding of factual innocence under Penal Code § 851.8.
Successful Completion of Probation: Persons who have completed probation without violation may petition for dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4.
Misdemeanor or Felony Convictions: Certain convictions may be eligible for expungement if the individual has completed all terms of sentencing and is not currently facing new charges.
Diversion Program Completion: Successful completion of drug diversion programs under Penal Code § 1000 or mental health diversion under Penal Code § 1001.36 may qualify for record relief.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Yolo County Superior Court. Petitioners must submit Form CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal) and Form CR-181 (Order for Dismissal) along with applicable filing fees. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals under Government Code § 68632.
Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing decisions or subsequent criminal proceedings as specified in Penal Code § 1203.4(a).
Search Arrest Records in Davis
