Fresno Arrest Records Search

Fresno arrest records are kept by the Fresno Police Department and the Fresno County Sheriff. The city of Fresno is the largest in the Central Valley with over 540,000 residents. The police department handles most arrests within city limits. They post booking information through several online tools. You can search for people in custody, check booking logs, or request copies of reports. The sheriff handles arrests in areas outside the city proper. This guide covers all the ways to find arrest records in Fresno, California.

Fresno Police Records Request Portal

The Fresno Police Department uses an online portal for records requests. You can submit your request through GovQA, the city's public records system. This portal handles all types of police records. Arrest reports, incident reports, and collision reports can all be requested here.

The process is simple. Create an account on the portal. Fill out the request form. Explain what records you need. The police department reviews each request under California law. They check if the records can be released. Some records are public. Others stay confidential. Response times vary based on workload. Most people hear back within a few weeks.

You can also call the records unit directly. The phone number is (559) 621-2534. Staff can answer questions about what records are available. They can help you figure out the best way to get what you need. Phone requests may still need a formal written submission depending on the record type.

Fresno Collision and Accident Reports

Collision reports cost $12 when ordered online through the GovQA portal. But here is a tip that saves money. You can get the same reports free in person. Go to the police department and request the report at the front desk. There is no charge for in-person pickup. This only works if you can visit during business hours.

Traffic collision reports are separate from arrest reports. A collision report shows what happened at the crash scene. It lists drivers, vehicles, and witness statements. An arrest report would cover any criminal charges like DUI. Sometimes both exist for the same incident. You may need to request each one separately.

Note: Online report fees help cover staff time and system costs, but in-person requests remain free under city policy.

Fresno County Sheriff Arrest Records

The Fresno County Sheriff handles arrests outside city limits. They run the main county jail. All inmates in county custody show up in their system. This includes people arrested by city police. Once booked into county jail, the sheriff's records apply.

The sheriff provides an online inmate search tool. Search by name to find current inmates. The database shows booking dates, charges, and custody status. It updates as new bookings are processed. If someone was arrested recently, give it a few hours to appear.

There is also a 72-hour booking log. This shows everyone booked in the past three days. You do not need to know a name. Just browse the list. It includes charges and booking times. The log is free to access. No account needed.

For more details on county-level resources, see our Fresno County arrest records page. It covers the sheriff's office, Superior Court, and records request procedures for the whole county.

Understanding Fresno Arrest Records

Arrest records in Fresno contain specific information. Each record shows the date and time of arrest. It lists the charges filed against the person. Booking details include the jail location and booking number. Defendant information covers name, date of birth, and physical description.

Not all arrest records are public. California law protects some information. Juvenile records are sealed. Ongoing investigations are confidential. Victim names may be redacted. The police department reviews each request to ensure they follow the law. Government Code 6254 lists the exemptions that apply to law enforcement records.

Basic booking information is usually available. Names, charges, and booking dates are public. More detailed reports need a formal request. Victims get access to reports about their own cases. Defendants can get copies of their arrest records through the discovery process.

California DOJ Records for Fresno Residents

The California Department of Justice keeps statewide criminal records. Arrests made in Fresno get reported to the state. The DOJ maintains RAP sheets that show arrests from across California. If you need your own criminal history, the DOJ record review is the way to go.

The process requires fingerprints. Go to any Live Scan location in Fresno. Several police stations offer this service. Private companies run Live Scan sites too. You fill out form BCIA 8016RR. The site scans your prints and sends them to Sacramento. The DOJ reviews their database and mails you the results.

The state fee is $25. Live Scan sites add a rolling fee. This ranges from $20 to $65. Total cost depends on which site you use. The DOJ Live Scan location finder shows sites near you with their fees and hours.

Results take about two weeks if your record is clean. Complex records take longer. You can check status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov using your ATI number. This number appears on your Live Scan receipt.

Fresno Court Records and Case Search

Arrest records show who got taken to jail. Court records show what happened next. Was the person charged? Did they go to trial? What was the outcome? Fresno Superior Court handles all criminal cases in the county. Their records show the legal aftermath of arrests.

The court has an online case search. You can look up criminal cases by defendant name or case number. Results show hearing dates, charges, and case status. Some documents are viewable online. Others require a trip to the courthouse. Fresno court makes many records freely searchable.

Court and arrest records work together. Someone might have an arrest record but no court case if charges were never filed. Others have court cases that started from citations, not arrests. Checking both sources gives you the full picture. The court serves all cities in Fresno County including Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, and smaller communities.

Sealing Fresno Arrest Records

Some arrest records can be sealed or expunged. California law provides several paths. Penal Code 851.91 lets you petition to seal an arrest that did not result in conviction. You file paperwork with Fresno Superior Court. A judge reviews your case and decides.

Automatic record relief now helps some people. The DOJ reviews records monthly. If you qualify under Penal Code 851.8 or similar laws, they add a note to your record. This happens without you filing anything. It does not delete the record, but it does note that relief was granted.

For convictions, Penal Code 1203.4 offers expungement after probation ends. The court dismisses the case for purposes of civil disabilities. The record remains but shows the dismissal. Fresno has legal aid groups that help with these petitions at low or no cost.

Victim Notification in Fresno

Crime victims can track offenders through VINE. This free service sends alerts when an inmate's status changes. You get notified about releases, transfers, or escapes. Register at VINE California or call 1-877-411-5588.

VINE covers county jail inmates. Once someone transfers to state prison, the CDCR victim services program takes over. They offer similar notification options. Call 1-877-256-6877 to register for state prison alerts. Both services are free and confidential.

Nearby Cities with Arrest Records

Several other Central Valley cities have arrest record resources. Clovis borders Fresno to the northeast and has its own police department. Other cities in the region rely on county sheriffs for law enforcement.

Fresno County Resources

Fresno is the county seat of Fresno County. For county-wide arrest record information, sheriff contact details, and Superior Court access, visit our main county page.