San Mateo County Arrest Records

San Mateo County arrest records are managed by the county sheriff's office. The county covers the peninsula between San Francisco and Santa Clara County. It includes cities like Daly City, San Mateo, and Redwood City. The Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City is the main county jail. You can contact the sheriff's office to inquire about current inmates. Court records are also available for criminal cases that result from arrests in the county.

San Mateo Sheriff Inmate Information

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records for inmates at Maguire Correctional Facility. Visit the sheriff's website at smcsheriff.com for general information about detention services. For specific inmate inquiries, you may need to contact the jail directly.

Maguire Correctional Facility is located in Redwood City. It holds pre-trial detainees and people serving county sentences. The facility phone number is (650) 363-4000. Staff can provide information about inmates in custody. They can tell you about visiting hours and other procedures.

The general sheriff's office number is (650) 363-4911. Use this for non-emergency questions. If you need to verify whether someone is in custody, call the jail. They can confirm current custody status. New bookings are processed throughout the day.

Note: For questions about arrest records or to request copies of reports, contact the sheriff's records division.

San Mateo County Records Requests

To obtain copies of arrest records from San Mateo County, you need to submit a request to the appropriate agency. For sheriff's department records, contact the sheriff's office. For city police records, contact that specific department. Each agency maintains its own records.

California's Public Records Act governs what records can be released. Under Government Code 6254(f), certain arrest information is public while other records are exempt. Basic booking data is typically disclosable. Investigation files are often protected.

Response times vary based on the request. The law gives agencies 10 days to respond. Complex requests may take longer. Written requests help document what you need. Fees may apply for copies of documents. Contact the specific agency for current fee schedules.

San Mateo Superior Court Criminal Records

San Mateo County Superior Court handles all criminal cases in the county. The main courthouse is in Redwood City. There is also a branch court in South San Francisco. Criminal cases include felonies and misdemeanors that stem from arrests.

Court records show what happens after an arrest. The District Attorney decides whether to file charges. Not every arrest leads to prosecution. When charges are filed, the court tracks the case through disposition. Case numbers, hearing dates, charges, and outcomes are part of the record.

People who completed probation can petition for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. This process can clear certain convictions from your record. The court reviews each petition. It takes several weeks to process. Dismissal can help with employment and housing.

San Mateo Victim Notification

Crime victims in San Mateo County can register for custody alerts. VINE California tracks inmates across the state. When an offender's custody status changes, you get notified. This includes releases, transfers, and escapes.

Register online at vinelink.vineapps.com. The toll-free number is 1-877-411-5588. Pick your preferred alert method. Options include phone calls, text messages, and emails. The service is free and confidential. It runs around the clock.

Major Cities in San Mateo County

San Mateo County has 20 incorporated cities. Several have their own police departments while others contract with the sheriff. Daly City is the largest city in the county. San Mateo and Redwood City also have significant populations. Here are cities with populations over 50,000.

Regardless of which police department makes an arrest, inmates typically go to Maguire Correctional Facility. The sheriff handles booking for the county. For records about a specific arrest, you may need to contact the arresting agency directly.

Nearby Bay Area Counties

San Mateo County sits on the peninsula south of San Francisco. It borders Santa Clara County to the south and Alameda County across the bay. For arrest records in neighboring areas, check these county pages.

California Statewide Resources

The California Department of Justice maintains the statewide criminal history database. Under Penal Code 11105, this database includes arrest and conviction records from all California counties. You can request your own record through DOJ Record Review for $25 plus fingerprinting costs.

California offers automatic record relief under Penal Code 851.91. The DOJ reviews records monthly and seals eligible old arrests automatically. You do not need to file a petition. Relief happens when you qualify under the law.

Employers must follow the Fair Chance Act when asking about criminal history. Under Government Code 12952, employers with five or more workers cannot ask about convictions until after making a conditional job offer. This protects people with arrest records in the hiring process.