Riverside County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Riverside County
Arrest records in Riverside County are considered public information under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified in Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of California citizens to access information concerning the conduct of public business.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. Pursuant to California law, these records are generally accessible to members of the public, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and public safety.
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
- Conviction records indicate that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
Under California Penal Code § 13300, certain limitations exist regarding the dissemination of criminal history information. While basic arrest information is public, comprehensive criminal history reports (often called "rap sheets") are restricted to authorized agencies and individuals with specific statutory authority to access them.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department follows the California Law Enforcement Records Management Guidelines when determining what arrest information may be released to the public.
What's in Riverside County Arrest Records
Riverside County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Riverside County Sheriff's Department, local police department)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances of arrest (e.g., traffic stop, warrant service, etc.)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- California Penal Code section(s) violated
- Charge description
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where booked
- Booking officer
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Whether bail was posted
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court dates
- Court disposition (if resolved)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Scheduled release date (if applicable)
- Housing location within detention facility
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history within Riverside County
- Probation or parole status
- Immigration holds or detainers
- Medical alerts or special custody requirements
- Property inventory from booking process
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Riverside County and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department adhere to standardized information collection protocols established by the California Department of Justice.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Riverside County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Riverside County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Records Bureau during regular business hours
- Complete a Public Records Request form, specifying the information sought
- Provide proper identification
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Records Bureau
4095 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 955-2400
Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail or email to the Records Bureau
- Include specific information about the record sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Provide return contact information
- Allow 10 business days for initial response as required by Government Code § 6253(c)
Online Requests:
- Visit the Riverside County Sheriff's Department website
- Navigate to the Records Request section
- Complete the electronic Public Records Act request form
- Submit the form and await confirmation email
- Receive documents electronically or arrange for pickup/delivery
For current inmates, the public may utilize the Inmate Information System to verify custody status and basic arrest information. This system provides real-time data on individuals currently held in Riverside County detention facilities.
Pursuant to California law, certain fees may apply for document reproduction, although examination of records is generally available without charge. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department currently charges $0.10 per page for standard copies of arrest records.
How To Find Riverside County Arrest Records Online
Riverside County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator:
- Navigate to the Inmate Information page
- Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search field
- Review results showing current custody status, charges, and bail information
- Note that this system only displays information for currently incarcerated individuals
Riverside County Superior Court Case Information:
- Visit the Riverside County Superior Court website
- Select "Case Information" from the main menu
- Choose the appropriate case type (criminal)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- Review case summaries, which often include arrest information
- Note that court records provide case disposition information not found in arrest records
California Department of Justice Criminal History Information:
- Submit a formal request through the California DOJ website
- Complete the application for your own records (third-party requests are restricted)
- Submit fingerprints via Live Scan service
- Pay required fees
- Receive comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests and dispositions
Historical Web CAD System:
- Access the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Historical Web CAD System
- Select the desired region (Southwest, Moreno Valley, Central, Jurupa Valley, or Desert)
- Review incident information by date and location
- Note that this system provides incident reports rather than individual arrest records
When utilizing online systems, users should be aware that comprehensive arrest records may not be available through public-facing interfaces due to privacy protections and investigative concerns. More detailed information may require formal public records requests through official channels.
How To Search Riverside County Arrest Records for Free?
Riverside County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several publicly available resources:
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator:
- The online inmate information system provides free access to basic custody information
- Search by name or booking number to verify if someone is currently in custody
- View charges, bail amounts, and next court dates at no cost
- This resource is limited to currently incarcerated individuals
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Riverside County Sheriff's Department headquarters or station lobbies
- Use public access computer terminals to search basic arrest information
- No fee is charged for on-site viewing of electronic records
- Printing services may incur standard copy fees
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Stations:
Riverside Sheriff's Headquarters
4095 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 955-2400
Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Moreno Valley Station
22850 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Phone: (951) 486-6700
Moreno Valley Station
Court Case Index:
- Visit the Riverside County Superior Court website
- Access the public case index search function
- Search by name to locate criminal cases stemming from arrests
- Basic case information is available without charge
- Detailed case documents may require fees
Daily Booking Logs:
- Review daily booking logs maintained at sheriff's stations
- These logs contain basic information about recent arrests
- Available for public inspection at no cost pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f)
- Typically include name, charges, and booking date
Media Reports:
- Local news outlets often publish information about significant arrests
- The Riverside County Sheriff's Department press releases provide information on major cases
- These sources provide free, though limited, arrest information
While basic arrest information is available without charge, comprehensive criminal history reports or certified copies of arrest records typically require payment of established fees. Additionally, free resources generally provide more limited information than official records obtained through formal request processes.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Riverside County
California law provides several mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes fall into two primary categories: record sealing (restricting access) and expungement (legal erasure). The following options are available to eligible individuals:
Record Sealing for Arrests Not Resulting in Conviction:
- Individuals arrested but not charged or convicted may petition for sealing under Penal Code § 851.91
- File a petition with the Riverside County Superior Court where the arrest occurred
- Demonstrate eligibility (no charges filed, case dismissed, acquittal at trial)
- If granted, the arrest record is sealed and deemed not to have occurred
- Law enforcement and criminal justice agencies retain access for limited purposes
Expungement of Conviction Records:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanors or certain felonies may seek expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4
- Complete all terms of probation or sentence
- File a Petition for Dismissal with the Riverside County Superior Court
- Attend scheduled hearing if required
- If granted, plea is withdrawn, case dismissed, and disclosure requirements limited
Certificate of Rehabilitation:
- Available for certain felony convictions under Penal Code § 4852.01
- File petition with Riverside County Superior Court
- Demonstrate rehabilitation through evidence of law-abiding conduct
- If granted, serves as court recommendation for governor's pardon
- Does not remove record but may restore certain rights
Juvenile Record Sealing:
- Individuals with juvenile arrests or adjudications may petition under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781
- File petition with Riverside County Juvenile Court
- Demonstrate rehabilitation and eligibility
- If granted, records are sealed and eventually destroyed
Riverside County Superior Court
4050 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 777-3147
Riverside County Superior Court
It is important to note that even when records are sealed or expunged, certain government agencies retain access for specific purposes. Additionally, federal immigration authorities may still consider expunged convictions in deportation proceedings. Individuals seeking to limit access to arrest records are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.
What Happens After Arrest in Riverside County?
Following an arrest in Riverside County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by California law. This process typically progresses through the following stages:
Booking and Initial Processing:
- Arrestee is transported to a Riverside County detention facility
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in appropriate holding facility
Bail Determination:
- Bail amount is set according to Riverside County bail schedule
- For certain offenses, bail hearing may be required
- Arrestee may post bail through cash, bond, or property
- Release on Own Recognizance (OR) may be granted for eligible individuals
- Pretrial services may evaluate for supervised release options
Initial Court Appearance:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Public defender is appointed if defendant qualifies
- Bail is reviewed and potentially modified
- Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Defense may challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses
- Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial
- If probable cause is found, defendant is "held to answer"
- If insufficient evidence exists, charges may be dismissed
Arraignment (Post-Preliminary Hearing):
- Formal charges are filed through Information or Indictment
- Defendant enters plea to charges
- Trial date is set
- Pretrial motions schedule is established
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery of evidence between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings (suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Plea negotiations may occur
- Pretrial conferences to resolve outstanding issues
Trial:
- Jury selection (voir dire)
- Opening statements by prosecution and defense
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
- For bench trials, judge renders verdict
Sentencing (If Convicted):
- Presentence investigation report prepared
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Sentencing hearing held
- Judge imposes sentence (probation, jail/prison, fines, etc.)
- Post-conviction rights explained
Post-Conviction Proceedings:
- Appeal rights may be exercised
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison if ordered
- Payment of fines and restitution
- Completion of court-ordered programs
Throughout this process, individuals are detained at one of several Riverside County detention facilities unless released on bail or own recognizance. The specific facility depends on factors including gender, classification level, and case status.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Riverside County?
Arrest records in Riverside County are maintained according to retention schedules established by California law and local policies. The California Government Code § 26202 provides the general framework for records retention, while specific timeframes are detailed in the California Law Enforcement Records Management Guidelines.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest reports for misdemeanors: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest
- Arrest reports for felonies: Minimum 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrest reports for homicides and violent sexual assaults: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Minimum 5 years after subject's death
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 18, then sealed per court order
Extended Retention Requirements:
- Records related to unsolved cases may be retained indefinitely
- Arrests involving registered sex offenders are maintained for the duration of registration requirement
- Records pertaining to peace officer misconduct allegations: Minimum 5 years per Penal Code § 832.5
- Records involving civil litigation may be subject to legal holds extending beyond standard retention periods
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records in both physical and electronic formats. Electronic records management systems have enabled longer retention periods for digital records compared to their paper counterparts. The department's Records Bureau oversees compliance with retention requirements.
Different agencies within Riverside County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:
- Sheriff's Department: Primary custodian of arrest records
- District Attorney's Office: Maintains case files related to prosecutions
- Superior Court: Retains court records related to criminal proceedings
- Probation Department: Maintains supervision records for probationers
Records retention serves several important public interests:
- Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Supports prosecution of serial offenders through pattern identification
- Maintains accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures availability of records for authorized background checks
Individuals seeking information about specific arrest records should contact the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Records Bureau for current status and availability.
How to Find Mugshots in Riverside County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographic records taken during the arrest booking process. These images document an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and typically include front-facing and profile views. In Riverside County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at county detention facilities.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department serves as the primary custodian of booking photographs for arrests processed through county facilities. These images are maintained in the department's records management system and linked to corresponding arrest reports and booking information. Physical copies may be stored at the Records Bureau, while digital versions are maintained in secure electronic databases.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Riverside County have several potential avenues:
- Submit a formal California Public Records Act request to:
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Records Bureau
4095 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 955-2400
Riverside County Sheriff's Department
- Visit a sheriff's station in person to submit a records request
- Contact the arresting agency if not the Sheriff's Department
- Check court records, which sometimes include booking photos in case files
Can They Be Found Online
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions, Riverside County does not routinely publish booking photographs on its website or through social media channels. Limited exceptions may exist for:
- Wanted suspects where public assistance is sought
- High-profile cases with significant public interest
- Specific public safety notifications
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources may display Riverside County booking photographs, but these sites often present incomplete or outdated information and may charge fees for removal.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially request a booking photograph from Riverside County:
- Complete a Public Records Act request form specifying the individual's name, date of arrest, and booking number (if known)
- Submit request in person, by mail, or through the department's online request portal
- Pay applicable reproduction fees (currently $0.10 per page for photocopies)
- Allow 10 business days for initial response as required by law
- Receive photographs by mail, email, or in-person pickup as requested
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs in Riverside County is subject to certain limitations:
- Juvenile mugshots are generally confidential per Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
- Photos related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images of certain victims or witnesses may be redacted
- Sealed or expunged arrest records will not include accessible mugshots
- Commercial use restrictions may apply under California law
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department evaluates mugshot requests on a case-by-case basis, balancing public access rights against privacy concerns and investigative integrity.