Search Contra Costa County Arrest Records
Contra Costa County arrest records are available through the sheriff's in-custody reports system. The county stretches from the East Bay suburbs to rural areas near Mount Diablo. The sheriff operates the county jail in Martinez and detention facilities throughout the region. You can search for current inmates online using free tools. The system shows who is in custody right now and what charges they face. Contra Costa also has court records that show what happens after an arrest moves through the legal system.
Contra Costa County Quick Facts
Contra Costa In-Custody Reports
The Contra Costa County Sheriff provides an in-custody report system at inmateinfo.so.cccounty.us. This online tool shows all people currently held in county jail facilities. You can search by name to find specific individuals. The results display booking information, charges, and bail amounts when available.
The jail system updates regularly throughout the day. New bookings appear within hours of an arrest. Releases are also updated as they happen. If you search for someone and get no results, it could mean they were released or transferred. Try searching again later if you think they were recently arrested.
The in-custody search is free. You do not need to create an account. Just enter a name and click search. The system works on computers and mobile devices. It provides quick access to jail population data without having to call or visit the jail.
Note: For questions about inmates or records, email recordsinfo@so.cccounty.us or call (925) 335-1570.
Contra Costa Sheriff Records Requests
The Contra Costa Sheriff's Office handles requests for arrest reports and other law enforcement records. The records division can be reached at (925) 335-1570. You can also send requests by email to recordsinfo@so.cccounty.us. Written requests help document what you need.
Under the California Public Records Act, certain records must be disclosed while others are exempt. Arrest logs and booking information are generally public. Investigation reports and witness statements are often protected. Each request gets reviewed against state law requirements.
Response times depend on the request complexity. Simple requests for booking data might be handled quickly. Requests for full arrest reports take longer. The sheriff has 10 days to respond under state law. They can extend this if needed for complex requests. Fees may apply for copies.
Contra Costa Superior Court Records
The Contra Costa Superior Court processes criminal cases that result from arrests in the county. Courts are located in Martinez, Richmond, Walnut Creek, and other cities. You can search for criminal case information through the court's records system. Case numbers, hearing dates, charges, and outcomes are available.
Court records show what happens after an arrest. Not all arrests lead to criminal charges. The district attorney decides whether to prosecute. If charges are filed, the court records track the case from start to finish. You can see plea deals, trial results, and sentencing information in most cases.
People who completed probation can petition for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. This lets you clear certain convictions from your record. The court reviews each petition. It takes several weeks to process. Having a dismissed conviction can help with jobs and housing.
Victim Notification in Contra Costa
VINE California provides custody alerts for crime victims. When someone is arrested in Contra Costa County, victims can register to get notifications. The system tracks custody status changes. You get alerts for releases, transfers, and escapes.
Register online at vinelink.vineapps.com. The toll-free number is 1-877-411-5588. Pick how you want to receive alerts. Options include calls, texts, and emails. The service runs all day, every day. Registration is free and confidential.
Major Cities in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa has 19 incorporated cities and large unincorporated areas. Several cities have their own police forces. Richmond, Concord, and Antioch operate independent police departments. Other cities contract with the sheriff. Here are cities with populations over 50,000 that have dedicated pages.
Regardless of which agency makes an arrest, most inmates end up in county jail facilities. The sheriff handles booking for the whole county. You can search the in-custody system for people arrested by any police department in Contra Costa.
Nearby Bay Area Counties
Contra Costa borders several other Bay Area counties. Each has its own sheriff and jail system. For arrest records in neighboring counties, check these pages.
California Statewide Resources
The California Department of Justice keeps the statewide criminal history database. This contains arrest and conviction records from all California counties. Under Penal Code 11105, individuals can request a copy of their own record. The DOJ calls this a Record Review. It costs $25 and requires fingerprinting.
California also offers automatic record relief for certain old arrests. Under Penal Code 851.91, arrests that did not lead to conviction may be automatically sealed. The DOJ reviews records monthly. You do not have to file a petition for automatic relief. It happens on its own if you qualify.
The Fair Chance Act protects job applicants with criminal histories. Under Government Code 12952, employers cannot ask about convictions until after a conditional job offer. This applies to employers with five or more employees. It gives people with arrest records a fair shot at employment.