Access Redwood City Arrest Records
Redwood City arrest records are managed by the local police and San Mateo County systems. Redwood City is home to the main San Mateo County jail, the Maguire Correctional Facility. When arrests happen anywhere in San Mateo County, people are brought here for booking. You can search for inmates online using free tools from the sheriff. For police reports from Redwood City arrests, contact the city police department records unit.
Redwood City Quick Facts
Redwood City Police Arrest Records
The Redwood City Police Department enforces laws within city limits. Officers respond to calls, conduct investigations, and make arrests. Each arrest generates a report that documents what happened. These police reports can be requested by the public, with some restrictions based on state law.
Contact Redwood City Police Records at (650) 780-7100. The station is at 1301 Maple Street. You can request records in person, by mail, or by phone. Walk-in hours are limited, so call ahead if you plan to visit. The staff can tell you what forms you need and what fees apply.
Under Government Code 6254(f), California requires disclosure of certain arrest information. Date, time, location, and charges are typically public. Investigation notes and witness details are often withheld to protect ongoing cases and privacy. The police review each request and decide what can be released.
Note: Response times vary from a few days for simple requests to several weeks for complex ones.
Maguire Correctional Facility
The main San Mateo County jail is in Redwood City. It is called the Maguire Correctional Facility. People arrested anywhere in San Mateo County come here for booking and housing. The San Mateo County Sheriff runs this facility.
The jail has an online inmate locator. Search by name to find who is in custody. The system shows charges, bail, and booking dates. No account is needed. Just enter the name and hit search. Results come up fast.
Booking takes time. If someone was just arrested, they might not appear in the system right away. Allow 4 to 6 hours after an arrest before searching. The jail updates the database throughout the day as bookings finish and releases happen.
For questions about inmates, call (650) 599-7300. Jail staff can confirm custody status and explain visiting rules. They can tell you about bail and upcoming court dates. Keep in mind they cannot give legal advice about the actual case.
Redwood City Court Records
San Mateo County Superior Court handles criminal cases from Redwood City arrests. The Hall of Justice is located in Redwood City at 400 County Center. Court records track cases from filing through final disposition. You can find plea deals, trial results, and sentencing information in these records.
The District Attorney reviews each arrest. Not all lead to charges. Some cases are declined. Others go to diversion. When charges are filed, the court creates a case record. Every hearing, motion, and ruling becomes part of that file.
Court clerks can provide copies of documents. Regular copies have one fee. Certified copies cost more. You can request records in person or by mail. Processing takes a few business days. For urgent needs, ask about expedited service.
If you were convicted, you may qualify to have the case dismissed later. Under Penal Code 1203.4, people who complete probation can petition for dismissal. The court reviews your petition and decides. A dismissal shows on background checks and can help with employment.
Sealing Redwood City Arrest Records
Arrests that do not result in conviction can often be sealed. California law allows this under Penal Code 851.91. You file a petition with the court in San Mateo County. The judge reviews it and issues a ruling. If granted, the arrest is sealed from most background checks.
Sealing is different from expungement. Sealing hides the arrest. Expungement changes a conviction to a dismissal. The right option depends on your situation. Talk to a lawyer if you are not sure which path fits your case.
California also provides automatic relief. The DOJ checks records monthly. When you qualify, they update your record automatically. No petition needed. No fee. The relief happens on its own if you meet the criteria. Call the DOJ at (916) 227-3849 to check your status.
Employment Rules for Arrest Records
Employers in Redwood City must follow the Fair Chance Act when hiring. This law limits how and when they can ask about criminal history. Companies with five or more employees cannot ask about arrests or convictions on job applications.
They have to wait until after making a conditional offer. Then they can run a background check. If they find something they want to consider, they must give you a copy of the report. You get a chance to respond before they make a final decision.
This process helps people with records get a fair shot at jobs. Employers still make the final call. But they have to follow the steps. If you think an employer broke these rules, contact the California Civil Rights Department at 800-884-1684.
Victim Notification in Redwood City
Crime victims can track offenders through VINE California. Register at vinelink.vineapps.com or call 1-877-411-5588. The system sends alerts when custody status changes. You get notified for releases, transfers, and escapes.
Pick how you want alerts. Phone, text, or email all work. The service is free and runs 24 hours. Registration is confidential. Inmates do not know who signed up. This gives victims peace of mind and helps with safety planning.
Note: VINE covers inmates in county jails and state prisons across California.
Nearby Cities in San Mateo County
Several cities in San Mateo County have their own police departments. All use the county jail in Redwood City for bookings. Here are nearby cities with arrest record pages on this site.
Palo Alto is in Santa Clara County but borders San Mateo County. If you are looking for records near the county line, check both county systems to find the right one.