Search Kern County Arrest Records

Kern County arrest records are maintained by the Kern County Sheriff's Office. The county covers a huge area in Southern California, stretching from the Central Valley into the mountains. Bakersfield is the county seat and largest city. The sheriff handles law enforcement for most of the county. Their website offers tools to search for inmates and view booking information. Court records provide details about what happened after an arrest. This guide shows you how to find arrest records and related data in Kern County.

Kern County Inmate Info Search

The Kern County Sheriff runs an inmate information system on their website. You can search for people currently in jail. Enter a name and the system returns matching results. Basic details like charges and booking dates are shown.

The search covers current inmates only. Once someone is released, they no longer appear. For older arrest records, you need to contact the sheriff's records division. The online tool is good for checking if someone is in custody right now. It updates regularly as new bookings come in and people are released.

Kern County also offers booking photos for a fee. A booking photo costs $5. You can request one through the records unit. This is the mugshot taken when someone was booked into jail. Not all agencies charge for booking photos, but Kern does. Call (661) 391-7500 for details on how to order one.

Kern Superior Court Case Search

Kern County Superior Court has a public case search portal. Criminal cases are searchable by name or case number. The system shows case details including charges, court dates, and dispositions. This connects arrest records to court outcomes.

An arrest does not always lead to charges. The district attorney reviews each case and decides whether to prosecute. If charges are filed, a court case is created. The case search shows what happened. You can see if someone pleaded guilty, went to trial, or had charges dropped. Court records give the full picture of how an arrest resolved.

Some court documents are available online. Others must be requested at the courthouse. The portal tells you what is on file for each case. Fees may apply for copies. The court website has information about costs and procedures for getting documents.

Note: Court case details may not appear until after an arraignment, which typically happens within 48 hours of arrest.

Requesting Kern County Arrest Reports

The sheriff's records division handles requests for arrest reports. California law limits what can be released. Under the Public Records Act, basic booking information is generally available. But investigative details are often exempt. Each request is reviewed individually.

To request records, contact the sheriff at (661) 391-7500. They can explain what is available and how to submit a request. Response times vary. Simple requests may be filled quickly. Complex requests take longer. Fees depend on what you are asking for and how many pages are involved.

Victims have special access rights. If you were the victim of a crime, you can often get a copy of the police report for free. Ask the records unit about victim access when you call. They will guide you through the process and let you know what documents you can receive.

California DOJ Criminal Records

The California Department of Justice keeps statewide criminal history records. These are called RAP sheets. They show arrests and convictions from anywhere in California. Local records are different. They only show activity in that county.

You can request your own RAP sheet through the DOJ record review program. The process requires fingerprints and a $25 fee. Go to a Live Scan location to submit your prints. The DOJ sends results to you by mail. This shows everything on your state record, not just Kern County.

Employers and licensing agencies use DOJ background checks. Under Penal Code 11105, authorized agencies can access criminal history for employment and licensing purposes. Individuals can only get their own records. You cannot request someone else's RAP sheet.

Clearing Kern County Arrest Records

Old arrest records can sometimes be sealed or expunged. California law provides several options. The right path depends on how your case ended. Arrests without charges, dismissed cases, and old convictions each have different procedures.

For arrests that did not lead to conviction, Penal Code 851.91 allows sealing. You file a petition with Kern Superior Court. The court reviews your request and decides whether to grant it. If approved, the arrest record is sealed from public view.

Automatic record relief is also available now. The DOJ reviews records monthly and adds relief notations to eligible arrests and convictions. This happens without you having to file anything. But it is not the same as sealing. The record still exists. It just has a notation that relief was granted.

Legal aid groups in Kern County can help with record clearing. Many people also hire private attorneys. The process involves paperwork and possibly a court hearing. The courthouse self-help center has forms and instructions if you want to do it yourself.

Victim Notification Services

Victims can track offenders through VINE. This is a free service that sends alerts when someone's custody status changes. If the person is released, transferred, or escapes, you get notified. Register at vinelink.vineapps.com or call 1-877-411-5588.

The California Department of Corrections also has victim services. If someone is in state prison, you can register with CDCR's Office of Victim Services. They provide notification for parole hearings, releases, and other events. Call 1-877-256-6877 to register or get more information.

Major Cities in Kern County

Bakersfield is the main city in Kern County. It has its own police department for city limits. The sheriff covers unincorporated areas and smaller towns. For city arrests in Bakersfield, records may be with the police department rather than the sheriff.

Nearby California Counties

Kern County borders several other counties in the southern Central Valley and mountains. For arrest records in surrounding areas, check these pages.