Search Chico Arrest Records

Chico arrest records come from the Chico Police Department. This city sits in Butte County and has around 100,000 people. It is home to California State University, Chico. The police department publishes arrest and crime data on a public map. You can view recent activity without creating an account. For official report copies, you need to contact the records division. Reports cost $5 each. The county sheriff handles jail bookings, so custody info comes from Butte County. This page explains the different ways to search Chico arrest records and what to expect from each source.

Chico Police Arrests and Crime Map

The Chico Police Department offers a free online tool for viewing arrests and crime data. Visit chicoca.gov/City-Services/Public-Safety/Police-Department/Arrests-and-Crime-Map to access the map. It shows where arrests happened and what types of crimes occurred.

The crime map is interactive. You can zoom in on different parts of Chico. Click on markers to see details about specific incidents. The map shows arrest locations, dates, and general charge types. This makes it easy to see patterns or check if something happened in a certain area. It works on any device.

The map updates with recent data. It does not go back years but covers the past weeks and months. If you need older arrest info, you have to request records from the police directly. The map is good for quick lookups. It gives you a snapshot of recent law enforcement activity in the city. Students, residents, and business owners often use it to stay informed about local crime.

Request Chico Police Arrest Reports

For official arrest report copies, contact the Chico Police records division at (530) 897-4910. Staff will help you with the request process. Reports cost $5 each. You can pay by check or money order.

When you call, be ready with details. The date of the incident helps narrow things down. A case number speeds up the search. You can also give the name of the person involved. The records staff can look up incidents using any of these pieces of info. Once they find the record, they will tell you what is releasable and how to pay.

Some records are not fully public. California law under Government Code 6254(f) exempts certain investigation files. Active cases, witness names, and some victim info may be redacted. If the case is closed, more detail becomes available. Victims of crimes can often get a free copy of the report. Just let the staff know your status when you call.

Processing time varies. Simple requests might be ready in a few days. Complex requests or those requiring supervisor review take longer. The California Public Records Act gives agencies 10 days to respond to formal requests. Extensions are possible if the request is unusually large.

Butte County Jail Booking Records

Chico Police make arrests, but jail booking goes through Butte County. The sheriff runs the county jail in Oroville. After a Chico arrest, the person usually transfers to county custody. Check the Butte County booking logs to see who is in jail.

The county posts booking logs at buttecounty.net. This free tool shows recent bookings. You will see names, charges, and booking dates. It updates as new people come in. For current inmates, use the search to find custody status and bail info.

Butte County also has CitizenRIMS at bcso.citizenrims.com. This shows daily bulletins from the sheriff. You can see arrest notices and other law enforcement news. Both the booking logs and CitizenRIMS are free. No account needed.

Note: Chico arrest records and Butte County jail records are separate systems, so check both if you need full info.

Ways to Search Chico Arrest Records

Chico has several sources for arrest data. Pick the one that fits what you need.

• Crime map for recent arrest locations and incidents
• County booking logs for jail custody info
• Police records request for official report copies
• Court records for case outcomes
• State DOJ for full criminal history

The crime map is the fastest option. Use it to see what happened recently in Chico. The county booking logs show who is currently locked up. For legal purposes, you need official report copies from the police. Court records come from Butte County Superior Court. They show what happened after the arrest, including charges filed and verdicts.

For a complete picture, the California DOJ keeps statewide records. Request your own RAP sheet for $25 through Live Scan fingerprinting. Third parties need authorization to access DOJ records. Background check companies use court records and other public sources instead.

California Arrest Record Laws

State law governs what arrest records are public. Penal Code 11105 covers state criminal history information. The DOJ maintains RAP sheets with arrests from all counties. Local police records fall under Penal Code 13300. When you request from Chico, you get local info only.

Chico arrest records can sometimes be sealed. If you were arrested but never convicted, Penal Code 851.91 lets you petition to seal the record. Sealed records do not show in public searches. Employers and landlords cannot see them. The sealing process requires a court petition.

Expungement works differently. Under Penal Code 1203.4, you can ask for dismissal after completing probation. The conviction stays on your record but shows as dismissed. This helps with job searches. Not all convictions qualify, so talk to a lawyer about your case.

Employers face limits on what they can ask. The Fair Chance Act under Government Code 12952 stops employers with five or more workers from asking about convictions on job applications. They have to wait until after a conditional offer. This law applies to Chico employers. It helps people with old records get fair treatment in hiring.

Victim Notification Services

If you are a crime victim, you can track the offender's custody status. VINE California sends alerts when someone gets released, transferred, or escapes. Sign up at vinelink.vineapps.com or call 1-877-411-5588. The service is free and works around the clock.

Chico Police also have victim services. As a victim, you may get a free copy of the police report. California law under Marsy's Law gives victims the right to information about their case. Contact the department if you need help accessing records or understanding your rights. They can point you to local resources for support.

Nearby Cities in Northern California

Chico is the largest city in Butte County. Other Northern California cities with populations over 50,000 have their own police departments and records systems. Check these pages for arrest info from nearby areas.

Smaller towns in the region rely on county sheriffs. If the arrest happened outside Chico city limits, check Butte County records instead. The sheriff handles unincorporated areas and smaller communities like Oroville, Paradise, and Gridley.