San Francisco Arrest Records

San Francisco Arrest Records can be obtained from a few different government channels, including the arresting agency that made the arrest. One of those arresting agencies that a researcher or requestor can approach is the San Francisco Police Department.

Having an arrest file does not always mean that the individual involved is guilty of the crime. It only means that he/she had a brush with the law. The individual is still considered innocent until proven guilty.

Like most states in the US, California is an open records state. The government is required to make public records accessible to its citizens. California arrest reports as well as other public records are easily searchable and accessible through different government agencies should anyone need them. This arms the people with the power of facts. Details such as arrest details is most useful during background record checks, and background checks have become standard procedure in a world where crime is steadily increasing. This accessibility equips them with the right resources to help maintain public safety.

To search for public arrest files, the best place to go is the San Francisco Police Department. The San Francisco Police Department maintains the county’s public records and makes sure that the public and press receives prompt and accurate responses to requests for public data under the San Francisco Sunshine Ordinance as well as the California Public Records Act. Every record made or received by the Department is presumed a public record. Some, however, are exempt from public disclosure under federal, state or local law. These include personnel, medical or similar files wherein the disclosure would invade personal privacy; confidential documents between the Department and lawyers for the City protected by the attorney-client privilege; and proprietary financial information submitted to the Department in response to a request for a proposal before awarding of a contract. If a requested record has both exempt and non-exempt information, the Department will simply redact the exempt portion.

Requests for details may be made in oral or in writing. The request must include a specific information and description of the identifiable record or records to expedite processing. Requests also need to include a telephone number, address and/or other details. The public is encouraged to use the Department’s Public Records Request Form available in any police station. The form is also available for download online. The requestor must remember to bring valid identification for the Bureau to process the request. Reviewing these records costs nothing. However, the department may charge fees for copies requested. Extra fees can also be charged for articles used such as discs, audiotapes, and postage should the requestor ask the department to send the documents via mail.

Another place to visit or contact is the County Jail #1, Intake and Release Center. The jail facility is under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Sheriff Department and also the one who is in charge of all the booking and release of individuals who are arrested in the county. Other resources would include the county website. If a copy of the record is not needed, then going on the internet is certainly the best choice. The website contains various listings, a San Francisco County Arrest Log, along with other useful information.