Search San Mateo Arrest Records

San Mateo arrest records are available through the city police department and San Mateo County systems. The city of San Mateo is the county seat and home to the main courthouse. When police make an arrest here, the person goes to county jail in Redwood City. You can search for current inmates online through the sheriff's website. Police reports and arrest documentation can be requested from the San Mateo Police Department directly.

San Mateo Police Arrest Records

The San Mateo Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits. They respond to calls, investigate crimes, and make arrests. When an arrest happens, the officer writes a report documenting the incident. These reports become part of the official record and can be requested by the public in many cases.

You can contact the San Mateo Police Records Unit at (650) 522-7700. The station is at 200 Franklin Parkway in San Mateo. They handle requests for police reports, accident reports, and other incident documentation. Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours. You can also submit requests by mail or email.

California law controls what arrest records can be shared publicly. Basic information about arrests is usually available. This includes the date, location, and charges. Details that could harm an ongoing investigation are often withheld. Witness names may be redacted. Each request goes through a review process before anything is released.

Fees for copies vary. Most agencies charge per page. Some offer the first copy free to crime victims. Ask about costs when you make your request. Payment can usually be made by check, money order, or credit card at the window.

San Mateo County Jail Information

People arrested in San Mateo city are booked into San Mateo County jail facilities. The main jail is the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City. The San Mateo County Sheriff operates this facility and handles all booking procedures.

The sheriff has an online tool to search for inmates. Enter a name to see who is in custody. The results show booking date, charges, and bail amounts. It is free. No login needed. Just type the name and search.

After an arrest, it takes a few hours for booking to complete. If you search right after someone is taken into custody, they may not show up yet. Wait 4 to 6 hours and try again. The system updates throughout the day as new bookings come in and releases happen.

Call the San Mateo County jail at (650) 599-7300 for questions. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody and give visiting hours. They can explain bail amounts and court dates. Remember that jail staff cannot give legal advice about cases.

San Mateo Criminal Court Records

San Mateo County Superior Court handles criminal cases from arrests in the city. The main courthouse is right in downtown San Mateo. Court records show what happens after an arrest moves through the legal system. Did charges get filed? Was there a trial? What was the outcome?

The District Attorney reviews arrests and decides whether to file charges. Not all arrests lead to prosecution. Some cases are declined. Others are sent to diversion programs. When charges are filed, the court tracks every step. Hearings, pleas, trials, and sentencing all become part of the record.

You can search for criminal case information through the court clerk's office. Case numbers, hearing schedules, and case status are available. Copies of court documents can be obtained for a fee. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Processing takes a few days for most requests.

Note: The court does not give legal advice, but the self-help center can point you to resources if you need help with your case.

Clearing San Mateo Arrest Records

California offers ways to clear arrest records. The options depend on how your case ended. If you were never charged, you may seal the arrest. If you were convicted but completed probation, you may get the case dismissed. Each option has its own rules and process.

For arrests without conviction, Penal Code 851.91 allows sealing. You file a petition with the court. The judge reviews it and decides. If granted, the arrest no longer shows on most background checks. Some government agencies can still see it, but employers and landlords cannot.

For convictions, Penal Code 1203.4 provides relief. After finishing probation, you can ask the court to dismiss your case. The conviction stays on your record but shows as dismissed. This helps with jobs because employers see that you fulfilled your obligations.

Automatic relief is also available now. The California DOJ reviews records monthly and applies relief when you qualify. No petition needed for this. It happens automatically. Call (916) 227-3849 to check if your record has been updated through the automatic process.

San Mateo Employment Background Checks

San Mateo employers follow state rules on background checks. The Fair Chance Act limits when they can ask about criminal history. Companies with five or more workers cannot ask on the application. They must wait until after a conditional offer.

If your background check shows an arrest or conviction, the employer has steps to follow. They give you a copy of the report. You get a chance to respond. Then they decide. This process gives you time to explain the situation or dispute any errors on the report.

Want to see what is on your own record? Request a copy from the California DOJ. The fee is $25. You submit fingerprints at a Live Scan location and the DOJ mails you the results. This is your official RAP sheet showing all arrests and outcomes on file with the state.

Victim Notification Services

VINE California lets crime victims track offenders in custody. If someone who hurt you was arrested in San Mateo, you can sign up for alerts. The system notifies you when their custody status changes. Releases, transfers, and escapes all trigger alerts.

Sign up at vinelink.vineapps.com or call 1-877-411-5588. Choose how you want alerts delivered. Options are phone, text, or email. The service is free. Registration is confidential. The inmate is never told that you registered.

Nearby San Mateo County Cities

San Mateo County has several cities with their own police departments. All of them use the county jail system for bookings. If you need records from a different city in the county, check these pages.

San Francisco is its own county, so it has a separate jail system. The other cities listed here all book into San Mateo County jail. Search the county inmate locator to find people from any San Mateo County city.