Torrance Arrest Records Search
Torrance arrest records are managed by the Torrance Police Department. This South Bay city has its own police force that operates separately from the LA County Sheriff. When you need to find arrest data from Torrance, you work with the TPD records unit at their Civic Center location. Arrests lead to booking in the county jail system. This page explains how to search for records and request copies of arrest reports in Torrance.
Torrance Quick Facts
Torrance Police Department Records
The Torrance Police Department records unit processes all requests for arrest reports. Their office is at 3300 Civic Center Dr., Torrance, CA 90503. This is the main police station and city hall complex. You can go in person or submit requests by mail.
Call (310) 618-5529 to reach the records staff. They can tell you what records are available and how to request them. Have the date of arrest and any other details ready when you call. This helps them find your file faster.
Not all records are public. California law restricts access to police investigation files. Under Government Code 6254(f), the department may deny requests for certain documents. They review each request and tell you what they can release.
Processing time varies by request type and volume. Simple requests may be done in a few days. Complex ones take longer. The department will let you know about any fees before they process your request.
How to Request Arrest Records
You can request Torrance arrest records by mail, in person, or sometimes by fax. The California Public Records Act gives you the right to ask for government documents. But there are limits on what police can release.
Here is what to include in your request:
- Your name and contact information
- Date of the arrest you are asking about
- Location where it happened
- Names of people involved if you know them
- Case number or report number if available
- Reason for your request
The department has 10 days to respond to a public records request. They may ask for more time if the request is large or complex. You get a written response explaining what they can provide and any costs involved.
Victims can often get copies of their case reports free. The first copy is typically no charge. Other requesters pay fees that vary by document type. Ask about costs before the department starts processing your request.
Note: You cannot get warrant information over the phone; go to the station for warrant checks.
LA County Jail for Torrance Arrests
Torrance is part of Los Angeles County. When someone gets arrested here, they get booked into the LA County Sheriff's jail system. The county runs all the jails that serve cities in the area. Torrance police make the arrest but the county handles custody.
To find someone after a Torrance arrest, use the LA County Inmate Information Center online. You can search by name or booking number. New bookings may take 2 to 6 hours to show up in the system.
The county inmate line is (213) 473-6100. It operates around the clock. Staff can help you locate people in custody and tell you which facility holds them. LA County has multiple jails spread across the region.
The Torrance Police can give you the booking number if you call their records unit. That number helps you find the person in the county system. Without it, you rely on name searches which can have issues if the name is common.
Criminal Background Checks in Torrance
Arrests in Torrance get reported to the California Department of Justice. The DOJ maintains a statewide criminal history database under Penal Code 11105. This database includes arrests from all California agencies.
You can request your own state criminal record for $25. This requires Live Scan fingerprinting. The record shows all arrests and dispositions from across the state. It is more complete than city or county records alone.
Live Scan locations are available in Torrance and the South Bay area. Police stations and private businesses offer this service. You pay the state fee plus the location's rolling fee for fingerprints. Prices vary by location.
The Fair Chance Act limits when employers can ask about criminal history. Companies with five or more workers cannot ask until after making a conditional job offer. This gives people with arrests a fair chance at employment.
Background checks for jobs and housing often show arrest records even when there was no conviction. Understanding your record helps you prepare for questions that may come up.
Torrance Criminal Court Cases
Criminal cases from Torrance arrests go to the Los Angeles Superior Court. The Torrance Courthouse handles many local cases. Some cases go to other court locations in the county depending on the charges.
The LA Superior Court has an online search for criminal cases. Look up cases by defendant name to see what happened after an arrest. The search shows case numbers, filing dates, charges, and outcomes. Felony records go back to 1980. Misdemeanor records start from 1988.
Guest users pay $4.75 per search. Registered users get lower rates based on volume. Document copies cost extra. The first five pages are $1.00 each. Additional pages cost $0.40 each.
Court records complete the picture that arrest records start. You can see if charges were filed, what plea was entered, and the final disposition. This helps you understand the full history of any case.
Legal Resources in the Torrance Area
If you need help with arrest records or criminal matters, several resources serve the Torrance area. The Los Angeles County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with attorneys who handle criminal cases.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles offers free help to people who qualify based on income. They assist with record sealing, expungement petitions, and other legal needs. South Bay residents can access their services.
The state provides automatic record relief for some older cases. The California DOJ reviews records monthly under Penal Code 1203.4 and related laws. If you qualify, relief happens without you having to apply.
Nearby South Bay Cities
Torrance sits in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. Many other cities are nearby. Each city over 50,000 has its own police department with separate records. If an arrest happened in a neighboring city, contact that police department.