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San Bernardino County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in San Bernardino County

Yes, arrest records in San Bernardino County are considered public information under California's Public Records Act. This means that most arrest records can be accessed by members of the public, journalists, employers, and other interested parties.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department maintains these records and makes them available through various channels. However, there are some limitations to what information is publicly accessible:

  • Records involving juveniles are typically sealed
  • Ongoing investigations may have restricted access
  • Some sensitive information may be redacted
  • Certain records may be sealed by court order

The Sheriff's Department provides access to current inmate information through their Inmate Locator system, while historical arrest records can be requested through their Public Records division.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, 655 E. Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

What's in San Bernardino County Arrest Records

San Bernardino County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested within the county. These records generally include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested person
  • Date of birth and physical description
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Charges filed
  • Booking number
  • Bail amount (if applicable)
  • Court case number
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Custody status

For current inmates, the records may also include their housing location within the detention facility and scheduled release date if determined. The level of detail available to the public may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and whether certain information has been sealed or redacted.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in San Bernardino County in 2025

In 2025, San Bernardino County offers several methods to look up arrest records:

  1. Online Inmate Locator: The Sheriff's Department maintains an online database where you can search for currently incarcerated individuals. San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, 655 E. Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

  2. Court Records: The Superior Court of California, San Bernardino County provides access to criminal case information. San Bernardino Superior Court, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

  3. In-Person Requests: Visit the Records Division of the Sheriff's Department to request physical copies of arrest records.

  4. Written Requests: Submit a formal written request for arrest records to the Sheriff's Department Records Division.

  5. City Police Departments: Individual city police departments within the county may maintain their own arrest logs. San Bernardino Police Department, 710 N. D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401

When searching for arrest records, you'll need to provide identifying information such as the person's full name and, ideally, their date of birth to ensure accurate results.

How To Find San Bernardino County Arrest Records Online

Finding San Bernardino County arrest records online in 2025 can be done through several official channels:

  1. Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator: This searchable database provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, including their charges, booking date, and custody status. Website: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/corrections/inmate-locator/

  2. Superior Court Case Information Portal: The San Bernardino County Superior Court maintains an online portal where you can search for criminal cases by name or case number. Website: https://www.sb-court.org/divisions/criminal-general-information/criminaltraffic-court-case-information

  3. City Police Department Websites: Many city police departments within San Bernardino County post recent arrest logs on their websites. Example: https://www.sbcity.org/602/Arrest-Logs

  4. Public Records Requests Online: The Sheriff's Department allows for electronic submission of public records requests. Website: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/programs/public-records/

When using these online resources, be aware that the most current and complete information may require a formal records request, as online databases may not contain historical records or may have limited information available to the public.

Can You Search San Bernardino County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search for basic San Bernardino County arrest records for free through several channels:

  1. Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator: This free online tool allows you to search for currently incarcerated individuals. San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, 655 E. Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

  2. City Police Department Arrest Logs: Many city police departments publish recent arrest logs on their websites at no cost. San Bernardino Police Department, 710 N. D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401

  3. Court Case Index: The Superior Court provides basic case information through their online portal without charge. San Bernardino Superior Court, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

However, there are limitations to free searches:

  • They typically only provide basic information
  • Historical records may not be available
  • Detailed reports often require fees
  • Some records may require formal requests

For more comprehensive searches or certified copies of records, fees will typically apply. As of 2025, the Sheriff's Department charges processing fees for detailed arrest record reports, and the Superior Court charges for certified copies of court documents.

How To Delete Arrest Records in San Bernardino County

Completely deleting arrest records in San Bernardino County is generally not possible, but there are legal remedies to limit their accessibility and impact:

  1. Record Sealing: Under California law, you may petition to have arrest records sealed if:

    • You were arrested but never charged
    • Charges were filed but later dismissed
    • You were acquitted at trial
    • Your conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal

  2. Expungement (PC 1203.4): If you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and completed probation, you may petition for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. San Bernardino Superior Court, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

  3. Certificate of Rehabilitation: For certain felony convictions, you can apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, which may lead to a governor's pardon.

  4. Proposition 47 or 64 Relief: Certain drug and theft-related felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors under these propositions.

  5. Juvenile Record Sealing: If your arrest occurred when you were a juvenile, you may petition to have these records sealed.

The process typically involves:

  • Filing a petition with the court
  • Paying applicable filing fees
  • Attending a hearing
  • Receiving a court order if approved

It's highly recommended to consult with an attorney who specializes in record clearance, as the process can be complex and varies based on individual circumstances.

San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office, 255 North D Street, Suite 200, San Bernardino, CA 92415

What Happens After Arrest in San Bernardino County?

After an arrest in San Bernardino County, the following process typically unfolds:

  1. Booking Process: The arrested person is taken to a detention facility where they are:

    • Photographed and fingerprinted
    • Personal belongings are inventoried
    • Medical screening is conducted
    • Personal information is recorded
    • Placed in holding cell or general population

  2. Bail Determination: A bail amount is set based on the county's bail schedule or during a bail hearing.

  3. Arraignment: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), the arrested person appears before a judge where:

    • Charges are formally presented
    • Constitutional rights are explained
    • Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
    • Bail may be reviewed
    • Public defender may be appointed if needed

  4. Pre-Trial Proceedings: If a not guilty plea is entered, the case proceeds to:

    • Discovery phase (evidence exchange)
    • Pre-trial motions
    • Plea bargain negotiations
    • Preliminary hearing (for felonies)

  5. Trial or Plea Resolution: The case concludes through:

    • Acceptance of a plea deal, or
    • Trial by judge or jury

  6. Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows which may include:

    • Jail or prison time
    • Probation
    • Fines
    • Community service
    • Rehabilitation programs

Throughout this process, the arrest record is created and updated in the county's criminal justice system. These records become part of the public record, with certain exceptions for sealed or confidential information.

San Bernardino County West Valley Detention Center, 9500 Etiwanda Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in San Bernardino County?

In San Bernardino County, arrest records are typically kept indefinitely unless specific legal action is taken to seal or expunge them. The retention policies follow California state guidelines and can vary based on the type of record:

  • Arrest Records: Generally maintained permanently in the Sheriff's Department database
  • Booking Photos (Mugshots): Retained indefinitely as part of the arrest record
  • Fingerprint Records: Maintained permanently in both county and state (DOJ) databases
  • Court Records Related to Arrests: Kept permanently by the Superior Court, though accessibility may change over time

Factors that may affect record retention include:

  1. Case Disposition: Records of arrests that did not lead to charges or convictions may be eligible for sealing after specified waiting periods.

  2. Juvenile Records: These may be automatically sealed when the individual turns 18, depending on the circumstances.

  3. Legal Remedies: Expungements, record sealing, and pardons can limit public access to records but typically do not completely destroy them.

  4. Record Type: Different components of an arrest record may have different retention schedules.

It's important to note that even when records are "sealed" or "expunged," they often remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as sentencing for subsequent offenses or applications for certain types of employment.

California Department of Justice, 3750 Guasti Road, Suite 300, Ontario, CA 91761

How to Find Mugshots in San Bernardino County

Finding mugshots in San Bernardino County requires navigating specific channels, as these photos are not as readily available online as they once were. Here are the primary methods to locate mugshots:

  1. Sheriff's Department Records Request: Submit a formal public records request to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, 655 E. Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

  2. Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, mugshots may be included in the case file, which can be viewed at the courthouse. San Bernardino Superior Court, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415

  3. Booking Information: While the online inmate locator system doesn't display mugshots, it provides booking information that can help with more specific records requests.

  4. Media Archives: Local news outlets may have published mugshots for high-profile cases, and their archives might be searchable.

Important considerations when seeking mugshots:

  • California has enacted legislation limiting the publication of mugshots, especially by commercial websites
  • Fees may apply for obtaining copies of mugshots through official channels
  • Some mugshots may be withheld if their release could compromise an ongoing investigation
  • Privacy laws increasingly restrict access to booking photos
  • Commercial mugshot websites may have outdated or inaccurate information

When requesting mugshots, you'll typically need to provide the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate the search process.

Lookup Arrest Records in San Bernardino County

For those needing to access arrest records in San Bernardino County, several official resources are available:

These resources can help you find information about arrests, inmate status, court cases, and other criminal justice matters within San Bernardino County.

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