Access Hayward Arrest Records

Hayward arrest records are managed by the Hayward Police Department. Located in the heart of the East Bay, Hayward has its own police force handling local law enforcement. People arrested in Hayward are booked into the Alameda County jail system. You can search for inmates online, request copies of police reports, and look up criminal court cases through the county system. This guide explains all the steps.

Hayward Police Records Division

The Hayward Police Department handles arrest and incident records for crimes in the city. To request a copy of a police report, contact the records unit at 510.293.7023. The staff can answer questions about availability, fees, and processing times. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the city's public records portal.

Police reports cost $16 each in Hayward. This is a standard rate for the Bay Area. The fee covers the cost of locating and copying the report. Include as much detail as you can when requesting a report. Case numbers, dates, and names help staff find records faster. Without specifics, it takes longer to process.

Clearance letters from Hayward PD cost $25. These letters state whether someone has a local arrest record with the department. Employers and licensing agencies sometimes require them. The letter only covers Hayward arrests. It does not include other jurisdictions. For a statewide check, you need to go through the California DOJ.

Note: Victims of crimes may receive the first copy of their report at no charge if they show ID and are listed in the report.

Hayward Arrests and Santa Rita Jail

Hayward is part of Alameda County. When Hayward police make an arrest, the suspect is transported to Santa Rita Jail for booking. The jail is in Dublin, about 15 miles east of Hayward. The Alameda County Sheriff runs all county detention facilities.

Search for current inmates at acgov.org/sheriff_app. This free tool lets you look up anyone in county custody. Enter a name and see if they are booked. The system shows charges, bail amounts, and housing location. It covers all cities in Alameda County, not just Hayward.

Booking takes several hours. After an arrest, the person may not appear in the online system right away. Check back in 4 to 6 hours if you cannot find someone. The jail updates its records throughout the day. For direct help, call Santa Rita Jail at (925) 551-6500 or the sheriff's main line at (510) 272-6878.

Hayward police transport arrestees to Santa Rita. Even though the arrest happened in Hayward, the booking and custody are handled by the county. This is how it works across all Alameda County cities.

Hayward Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases from Hayward go through Alameda County Superior Court. The Hall of Justice in Hayward handles some local matters. Serious felonies may be heard at the main courthouse in Oakland. You can search for case information online through the court's public portal.

Court records show what happens after an arrest. Was the person charged? Did they plead guilty or go to trial? What was the sentence? These details are in the court record. Not all arrests lead to charges. The court records tell you the rest of the story.

The court clerk charges fees for document copies. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Some information is viewable online for free. Contact the clerk's office to learn current fees and what documents are available.

Hayward Background Check Information

If you need your own criminal record, request it from the California Department of Justice. The DOJ keeps the statewide database. You can get your RAP sheet for $25 through the Record Review process. Submit fingerprints via Live Scan at a certified location in or near Hayward.

Employers in Hayward must follow the Fair Chance Act. This law bans asking about criminal history on job applications for employers with five or more workers. The employer must wait until after making a conditional job offer. This gives people with records a fair chance at jobs.

Live Scan sites are available throughout the Hayward area. Shipping stores, police stations, and private fingerprinting services offer the service. Bring valid photo ID. Results come by mail within a few weeks. Visit oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record-review for instructions.

Clearing Hayward Arrest Records

California lets you seal or expunge certain arrest records. If you were arrested in Hayward but charges were never filed, you may seal the arrest under Penal Code Section 851.91. File a petition with the court. If granted, the arrest is hidden from most background checks.

For convictions, Penal Code Section 1203.4 allows dismissal after probation. You petition the court to dismiss the charges. The conviction stays on record but shows as dismissed. Most employers cannot hold a dismissed conviction against you.

California also provides automatic relief. The DOJ reviews records monthly and grants relief without you filing anything. Old arrests that never led to charges get sealed after a few years. Call (916) 227-3849 to check if your record qualifies for automatic relief.

Note: Legal aid organizations in Alameda County offer free help with expungement for people who meet income guidelines.

Victim Services in Hayward

Crime victims can track offender custody status through VINE California. This free service sends alerts when someone is released from jail, transferred, or escapes. Register at vinelink.vineapps.com or call 1-877-411-5588.

VINE covers inmates across Alameda County and California. Choose how to get alerts. Options include phone, email, and text. The service runs around the clock. Registration is confidential. The offender never knows you signed up. Victims of violent crimes use VINE for safety and peace of mind.

Nearby East Bay Cities

Hayward is in the central East Bay. Several nearby cities have their own police and arrest records. If the incident happened outside Hayward, contact that city's police department. Here are neighboring cities with populations over 50,000.

All Alameda County cities use the same jail system. No matter which city makes the arrest, booking goes through Santa Rita. The county inmate locator searches everyone in custody.

California Arrest Record Resources

The California Department of Justice maintains the statewide criminal history database. Their Record Review process lets you get your own RAP sheet. The DOJ also handles background checks for employment and licensing. Contact them at (916) 227-3849 with questions.

The Megan's Law website shows registered sex offenders. Search by name, city, or zip code. The database is public and free. Information comes from registration requirements under Penal Code Section 290.

For information about automatic record relief, visit oag.ca.gov. The state reviews records monthly and seals eligible arrests and convictions without petitions.