Sacramento County Arrest Records
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Sacramento County arrest records are the official documents created whenever an individual is taken into custody and booked by a law enforcement agency within the county. These records generally contain essential details such as the person's identifying information, the charges filed, the date and time of the arrest, the arresting agency, and booking data. In line with the California Public Records Act, arrest records in Sacramento County are considered public information. This means that members of the public have the right to inspect or request copies of these documents, subject to certain legal restrictions on sensitive or sealed cases. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records, and individuals can make requests directly through that office.
Other local agencies also maintain or provide access to arrest records. For example, the Sacramento County Superior Court may keep related case files, especially once an arrest results in formal charges. In addition, city police departments operating within the county may generate and maintain their own arrest documentation, which can also be accessed through proper channels. These sources create a records network that reflects law enforcement activities and court proceedings throughout Sacramento County.
Are Arrest Records Public Information in California?
Yes. The California Public Records Act governs the release of arrest records to members of the public. This Act gives everyone in California the right to inspect or copy arrest records maintained by local or state law enforcement agencies. Most arrest information is available online through the California Incarcerated Records and Information Search (CIRIS) portal or Inmate Locators on County Sheriff's Office websites. Copies of arrest records can be obtained in person at the Sheriff's Office in the county where the arrest occurred. The California Public Records Act provides some exemptions to the public release of some arrest records. Members of the public cannot access the following records because they are confidential:
- Juvenile arrest records
- Medical and mental health information of arrestees
- Arrest records, which are part of an active investigation
- Arrest records containing victim and witness information
Sacramento County Arrest Search
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) issues arrest records of Sacramento County offenders online and in person at the Adult Institutions. Online requests can be made using the California Incarcerated Records and Information Search (CIRIS). Users can search for arrest information by name or CDCR number.
Individuals seeking arrest records of Sacramento County offenders housed in federal prisons can do so online, by mail, or in person at the federal law enforcement agencies. Most agencies provide arrest records online without charges, but others require a fee. Below are some federal law enforcement agencies where people can find Sacramento County arrest records:
- The United States Capitol Police (USCP) has an online portal for finding arrest summary reports of Sacramento County federal offenders. Users can narrow their searches using a crime date, CFN number, crime summary, or crime type. Record seekers can also mail a Request Form to the USCP to obtain copies of arrest records.
- The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has an Inmate Locator where individuals can find Sacramento County arrest records without charges. The search parameters are name (name, age, race, or sex) or number (BOP register number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number). Alternatively, requesters can visit the BOP facilities to submit an in person to submit their requests.
- The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) allows record seekers to view arrest records without charges using the Online Detainee Locator System. An A-Number or biographical information is required for the search. Copies of Sacramento County arrest records can also be obtained at the ICE local field office and detention facility.
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issues arrest records to the subjects of records online, by mail, or through approved channels for $18. Eligible requesters can make payments via Credit Card Payment Form, money order, or certified check.
Sacramento County Inmate Locator
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office provides an Inmate Locator where members of the public can find arrest records. To utilize this tool, users must visit the official Sheriff's Office website, click "Services" and select "Inmate Information" from the dropdown. Click the Name, XREF Number, or CA Prison Incarcerated Persons Locator tab to provide the appropriate information to search.
Other ways to find arrest records are by phone at (916) 874-6752 or in person at the Sacramento County Main Jail. Requesters must provide basic information about the arrest to facilitate the search. In-person requests can be made Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am - 11:00 pm. The Jail is located at the address below:
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Active Warrant Search in Sacramento County
According to CA Penal Code § 813, a magistrate will issue an arrest warrant when a complaint shows reasonable grounds to believe that a person has committed a crime. The warrant must contain the following information (CA Penal Code § 815):
- The defendant's name or any name (if the specific name is unknown)
- The time of issuing the warrant
- The city or county where the warrant is issued.
- The issuing authority's signature
- The title of the issuing authority's office
- The name of the court or issuing agency
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is the custodian of arrest warrants. The office does not provide warrant information online. However, record seekers can visit the Records and Warrants Bureau or the Main Jail during business hours to submit warrant requests.
How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Sacramento
The easiest way to find arrest records without charges in Sacramento County is online. Individuals interested in such records should locate the Inmate Portal on the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office website. Afterwards, enter a name or XREF number in the appropriate search fields. The Sacramento County Superior Court also has a Public Case Access System where users can view case information about criminal cases from 1989 to the present for free. A name or case number is required to search.
Viewing arrest records for free comes with limitations. For example, free arrest records tools may not contain older arrests, downloadable documents, or redacted materials. Record seekers who need copies of recent or old arrest records must submit their requests by mail or in person at the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
Sacramento Arrest Report
Most people find it difficult to differentiate between an arrest report and an arrest record because of their similarities. An arrest report is a narrative document written by an arresting officer detailing the specifics of a single arrest incident. Conversely, an arrest record summarizes all arrests linked to a person's name within a law enforcement system. An arrest report is a snapshot of one event, whereas an arrest record is a compilation of events.
How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Sacramento
Sacramento County expungement does not seal an arrest record; it only dismisses it. The record will come up during a background check, but it shows as dismissed (CA Penal Code 1203.4). Individuals who want to expunge their arrest records must complete and make copies of the Petition and Order Form and send it to the Sacramento County Superior Court by mail or in person. The court does not charge a filing fee for expungements. Applicants who want a copy of their expungement order must pay $40.00 for a certification charge plus a copy fee of $.50 per page.
How Do You Remove Arrest Records From the Internet?
Arrestees can have their records removed from the internet by requesting that the Sacramento County Superior Court seal or expunge them. Once the petition is granted, the court clerk will send the expungement order to state agencies like the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to update their databases. Once the petitioner's records are updated, the chances of finding their arrest records online are reduced.
Individuals desirous of removing their arrest information from third-party databases should consider submitting opt-out requests to the vendor. They may have to provide a court order showing the arrest was sealed or dismissed to support their claims. However, suppose the site refuses to remove the record from its website. In that case, the arrestee can send a legal notice to them, citing that the information is outdated or misleading, especially if the Sacramento County Superior Court has sealed or expunged the record. The arrestee can also pay a company to help them with the whole process of removing their arrest information from a third-party site.
What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?
Public arrest records maintained by the Sacramento County contain the following information:
- Inmate name and date of birth
- Booking date and time
- X-reference number
- Booking/registry number
- Sex, height, weight
- Outstanding warrants
- Projected release date
- Charges and bail amount
- Arresting agency and type of arrest
- Holding facility and housing location
- Next court date and the name of the court hearing the case