Ontario California Arrest Records
Ontario arrest records are kept by the Ontario Police Department. This San Bernardino County city has its own police force handling all law enforcement within city limits. The department offers online police reporting for certain incidents. For arrest information and report copies, you can contact the police or visit their station. Arrested individuals typically transfer to county jail for holding.
Ontario Quick Facts
Ontario Police Online Reporting
The Ontario Police Department has an online reporting system. You can access it at ontarioca.gov online police reporting. This lets you file certain types of reports without visiting the station. Not all incidents qualify for online reporting. Check the website to see if your situation fits.
Online reporting works for things like theft reports where the suspect is unknown. More serious crimes need in-person reporting. If you are unsure, call the department first. They can tell you whether online reporting applies to your case.
The main police phone number is (909) 395-2001. This is for non-emergency calls. Use it to ask about arrests, cases, and records. The staff can direct you to the right unit for your needs. For emergencies, always call 911.
Request Ontario Arrest Records
Getting arrest records from Ontario Police follows standard California procedures. You submit a request. The department reviews it. They release what the law allows. Some records stay private due to exemptions.
Call (909) 395-2001 to start the process. Ask for the records section. They can explain what is available and how to submit your request. You may need to fill out a form. Include as much detail as you can about what you need.
Common things people request include:
- Arrest reports for cases they were involved in
- Incident reports for property crimes
- Traffic collision reports
- Clearance letters for employment
Fees depend on the type of record. Basic reports have standard costs. Ask about pricing when you submit. Victims may get free copies of their case reports. Check on fee waivers if you qualify.
Response time is usually 10 days under California law. Simple requests come back faster. Complex ones take more time. The department will contact you with status updates.
Note: Investigation files for open cases are typically not released until the case closes.
San Bernardino County Custody Records
After an Ontario police arrest, the person usually goes to county jail. The San Bernardino County Sheriff operates the jail system. For current custody status, check the county inmate locator. It shows who is in jail right now.
The county inmate search is at the sheriff's website. You can search by name or booking number. Results show location, charges, and bail amount. The database updates throughout the day as people are booked and released.
West Valley Detention Center is the main jail facility. Call them at (909) 350-2476 for inmate information. Staff can confirm custody status and give you basic booking details. For detailed records, you need to submit a formal request to the county.
Ontario Police and the county sheriff keep separate records. The arrest report stays with Ontario. Jail records are with the county. You may need to request from both agencies to get everything related to an arrest.
California State Criminal Records
The California Department of Justice maintains statewide arrest records. Ontario Police send booking data to the DOJ. This creates a central database covering all California law enforcement agencies. The DOJ record is the most complete source for criminal history.
You can request your own criminal history. Go to a Live Scan location for fingerprinting. The DOJ charges $25 for personal record review. Results show all your California arrests and case outcomes. This gives you more than any single city or county could provide.
Under Penal Code 11105, the DOJ is the official keeper of state criminal history. They compile data from local agencies into master records. Background check companies access this database for employment screening.
California has automatic record relief for certain old cases. The DOJ reviews records monthly. Eligible arrests and convictions get relief without you filing anything. This helps limit what shows on background checks for older cases that meet the criteria.
Ontario Arrest Record Access Laws
California law controls what arrest info is public. Basic facts about arrests are usually available. Detailed investigation files have more restrictions. Each request is reviewed under Public Records Act rules.
Arrest logs showing names, charges, and dates are typically public. You can often get this info without a formal request. Detailed reports with witness statements and investigation notes are different. Those may be exempt if the case is still active.
The Fair Chance Act limits how employers use arrest records. Most companies with five or more workers cannot ask about criminal history on job applications. They have to wait until after a conditional job offer. This gives applicants a chance to be considered on their qualifications first.
If your Ontario arrest did not lead to conviction, you may be able to seal the record. California law allows petitions to seal arrest records under Penal Code 851.91. A sealed record will not show on most background checks. Law enforcement can still access it.
Nearby Inland Empire Cities
Ontario is surrounded by other San Bernardino County cities. Each has its own approach to law enforcement.