Modesto Arrest Records Database

Modesto arrest records are kept by the Modesto Police Department and the Stanislaus County Sheriff. The city has its own police force that handles most arrests within city limits. After booking, inmates go to the county jail run by the sheriff. This means you may need to check two sources. Police records come from the city. Jail information comes from the county. Modesto is the county seat of Stanislaus County with around 215,000 people. It ranks as one of the larger cities in California's Central Valley region.

Modesto Police Records Requests

The Modesto Police Department handles arrest reports for incidents within city limits. Visit their records page to learn about the request process. The department accepts requests by mail, in person, or through their online system.

Report copies cost $0.10 per page. This is one of the lower fees in California. The low cost makes it easier to get copies of arrest reports, incident reports, and other police documents. You pay only for the pages you receive.

Call the records unit at 209-572-9580 for questions. Staff can tell you if a report exists and what the process involves. They can explain what information can be released. Not all records are public. But they will guide you through what is available.

Processing times depend on the request. Simple requests may be ready in a few days. Complex ones take longer. The department reviews each request under California's Public Records Act to determine what can be released.

Stanislaus County Jail Search

After arrest, people booked in Modesto go to the Stanislaus County Jail. The sheriff runs the Who's in Jail search tool. This shows current inmates throughout the county. Search by name to find someone in custody.

The database updates as bookings are processed. New arrests may take a few hours to appear. If you do not find someone, check back later. You can also call the main jail at (209) 525-6427. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody even before the website shows them.

The jail serves all of Stanislaus County. Modesto arrests appear alongside those from Turlock, Ceres, and other cities. The same search covers everyone in county custody regardless of where they were arrested.

Note: The online jail roster shows current inmates only and does not include historical booking data.

Understanding Modesto Arrest Records

Arrest records contain specific information. Each record shows the date and time of arrest. It lists charges and the arresting officer. Booking information includes physical description, booking number, and facility location. Some records include narrative descriptions of the incident.

Not all information is public. California law exempts certain records from disclosure. Government Code 6254 lists exemptions for law enforcement records. Investigation files stay confidential. Witness names may be redacted. Juvenile records are sealed.

Basic booking data is usually available. Names, charges, and arrest dates are public information. More detailed reports need a formal request. The police department reviews each request to ensure compliance with state law.

California DOJ Records for Modesto

The California Department of Justice maintains statewide criminal records. Modesto arrests get reported to the state database. If you need your own record, the DOJ offers a record review process. This shows all your California arrests, not just Modesto.

Submit fingerprints at a Live Scan location. Modesto has several sites. Police stations often offer this service. Private companies run Live Scan sites too. Use the DOJ location finder to see options near you. The state fee is $25 plus a rolling fee set by each site.

Processing takes a few weeks for clean records. The DOJ mails results to your address. Track status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov using the ATI number from your Live Scan receipt. Complex records take longer to process.

Stanislaus Superior Court Records

Court records show what happened after arrest. Stanislaus Superior Court handles all criminal cases in the county. Search their records to see case outcomes. Was the person charged? Convicted? Acquitted? Court records have these answers.

The court has online case search tools. Look up defendants by name or case number. Results show charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. Some documents are viewable online. Others require a courthouse visit. The main courthouse is in Modesto on I Street.

Arrest records and court records are different. An arrest shows someone was taken into custody. A court record shows the legal process that followed. Some arrests never lead to charges. Checking both sources gives complete information.

Sealing Modesto Arrest Records

Some arrests can be sealed under California law. Penal Code 851.91 allows petitions to seal arrests that did not result in conviction. File with Stanislaus Superior Court. A judge reviews your request.

Expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 is available after probation ends. The court dismisses the conviction for employment purposes. The record remains but shows the dismissal. This can help with background checks.

Automatic record relief helps some people. The DOJ reviews records monthly. Qualifying arrests and old convictions get a notation added automatically. No petition needed. Learn more at the DOJ automatic relief page.

Victim Notification in Modesto

Crime victims can track offenders through VINE California. Get alerts when inmates are released, transferred, or escape. The service is free. Register online or call 1-877-411-5588. Choose notification by phone, email, or text.

VINE covers county jail inmates. For state prison notifications, contact CDCR victim services at 1-877-256-6877. Both programs help victims stay informed about their safety without repeatedly calling for updates.

Nearby Central Valley Cities

Other cities in the region have their own arrest record resources. Turlock is also in Stanislaus County and uses the same county jail system.

Stanislaus County Resources

Modesto is the county seat of Stanislaus County. For complete information on county sheriff services, jail contact details, and court access, see our county page.