La Mesa Arrest Records
La Mesa arrest records are kept by the La Mesa Police Department and the San Diego County Sheriff. Known as the Jewel of the Hills, La Mesa has about 60,000 residents in East County San Diego. The city has its own police department that handles arrests in town. Inmates transfer to San Diego County jail after booking. You can search for current custody status online and request report copies from city police.
La Mesa Quick Facts
La Mesa Police Department Records
The La Mesa Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents in city limits. Their records unit processes requests for police reports, crime reports, and collision reports. You can submit requests in person, by mail, or through the city website.
The police station is at 8085 University Avenue. The main number is (619) 667-1400. For records, ask for the records division. Have the date of the incident ready. A case number helps speed things up. Without specifics, staff search by name which takes longer.
Fees apply to most record requests. Cost varies by document type and page count. Crime victims may get the first copy free. Staff quote fees before processing. You pay before release. Processing takes several business days for routine requests.
Some information may be redacted. Active cases have details withheld. Witness info and investigation notes stay confidential. The police review requests under California law and explain any denials.
San Diego County Jail Search
After arrest in La Mesa, inmates go to San Diego County jail. The San Diego County Sheriff operates the Who's In Jail database covering all county facilities.
Enter a name or booking number to search. Results show charges, bail, and housing location. The system updates throughout the day. New arrests take a few hours to appear online.
The site goes offline for maintenance every Wednesday at noon. Plan searches around this window. Release dates shown may not be accurate due to court changes. Call the jail for exact release info if needed.
Note: La Mesa PD arrests show in city records first before transfer to county jail.
San Diego Warrant Search
San Diego County has a public warrant database at apps.sdsheriff.net/WARRANT. This covers warrants issued in San Diego County only, not other jurisdictions.
A warrant means the court ordered an arrest. If you find a warrant for yourself or someone you know, it needs attention. Contact an attorney for advice on next steps. You can turn yourself in at La Mesa PD or any courthouse.
La Mesa Court Case Records
Criminal cases from La Mesa go to San Diego County Superior Court. The East County Division in El Cajon handles many local cases. After arrest, the DA decides whether to file charges.
Search court records online through the Superior Court system. Enter a name or case number. Results show charges, hearings, and outcomes. Convictions, dismissals, and plea agreements appear.
Court records show what happened after arrest. Did charges get filed? Was there a conviction? A dismissal? This context matters for understanding someone's criminal history beyond the arrest itself.
California Arrest Record Laws
State law controls arrest records in La Mesa. Penal Code 11105 governs state criminal history kept by the DOJ. Records include arrests statewide linked to fingerprints.
Local records follow Penal Code 13300. This covers what La Mesa PD can release. Basic booking info is usually public. Investigation files may be exempt.
Old arrests can be sealed. Penal Code 851.91 allows sealing arrests that did not lead to conviction. File with the San Diego Superior Court. If granted, the arrest comes off most background checks.
California has automatic relief too. The DOJ reviews records monthly and marks eligible ones with relief notation. This happens without filing anything. Old arrests and certain convictions qualify automatically.
Arrest Records and Jobs
The Fair Chance Act limits how La Mesa employers can use arrest records. Under Government Code 12952, most employers with five or more workers cannot ask about criminal history before a job offer.
Background checks come after a conditional offer. If something shows and the employer wants to withdraw, they must give you the report and time to respond. This protects job seekers from snap decisions.
Arrests without conviction get protection. Employers cannot reject based only on an arrest without conviction. Convictions can be considered but must be weighed for job relevance and recency.
Victim Services in La Mesa
Crime victims can track offenders through VINE California. The system sends alerts when custody status changes. Releases, transfers, and escapes trigger notifications by phone, text, or email.
Register at VINE California or call 1-877-411-5588. Enter the offender's name or booking number. The service is free and covers all California facilities.
La Mesa Police provide victim assistance. Contact the department for help with reports and understanding your rights under Marsy's Law. Crime victims have strong notification rights in California.
Nearby San Diego County Cities
La Mesa is in East County San Diego near several other cities. Some have their own police while others use sheriff services. All county arrests go to the same jail system.
El Cajon is just east and has its own police. Santee borders La Mesa to the north and uses sheriff services. Lemon Grove is a small neighbor to the south. All East County arrests end up in San Diego County jail.