San Francisco County Arrest Records Searches

By Author: Eddie Cox
Total Articles: 97

There are numerous resources available for anyone in search of San Francisco County Arrest Records. A good place to start would be the local law enforcement agencies like the San Francisco Police Department.

The San Francisco Police Department has a website for information on how to make a request for public information. Requests may be made verbally or in writing, and could be sent to the Department by regular mail, fax, or email. Mail requests must be notarized. For third party requests, an authorization letter or specific instructions that the file is to be released to a third party must be included. The request must include a description of the record in question and contact information and facts that the Department can use to contact the requestor, for questions or for clarification purposes. The reason behind the request is not required, but in-charges may ask questions to better understand exactly what kind of information the requesting party needs. Requestors must be as specific as possible in making the request to expedite the process. The public is encouraged to utilize the Department’s Public Records Request form which is downloadable from the website.

The California Public Records Act as well as the San Francisco Sunshine Ordinance gives members of the general public full right to access or inspect California Arrest Files, and all criminal arrest details of the counties in California. Both laws oblige the state to provide members of the public prompt and thorough responses to requests for public records in possession by the Department. While this is true, some records are exempt from public disclosure under federal, state and/or local laws.

Generally, the Department has 10 calendar days to respond and complete a request. Occasionally the Department may need to extend the processing time by an additional 2 weeks. This may depend on the volume of requests received by the Department, the amount of details that the Department staff needs to locate to accomplish the file, and if they would need to consult with another agency to complete the document. There will be no charge to review copies. There will be appropriate charges for redaction as well as for each copy made, whether it be in paper or in CD form.

Criminal arrest reports do not necessarily mean that the person involved is guilty of the crime in the incident he/ she was involved in. It shouldn't be the sole basis in judging a person’s character, particularly in instances where the police arrest document is used during hiring processes. The most common uses for an arrest file is during a background check for potential employees. It only implies that the person with an arrest history had a brush with the law.

For people who are interested in doing bulk documents search or who don't need official copies of the file, they may go online. Plenty of websites provide search services and databases. They may provide information and facts such a San Francisco County Criminal arrest log, jail bookings and current listings and may provide them free of charge. For a more comprehensive file, processing fee might be requested.