San Francisco Public Records / San Francisco County Arrest Records

San Francisco County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in San Francisco County

Arrest records in San Francisco County are generally considered public information under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified in Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests, with certain exceptions.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under California law. Pursuant to Penal Code § 11105, conviction records are more broadly accessible than arrest records. While conviction information is generally available to the public, access to arrest records that did not result in conviction may be restricted under certain circumstances.

Law enforcement agencies in San Francisco County maintain arrest records in accordance with state regulations. These records document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. However, it is important to note that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Several exemptions may limit public access to arrest records, including:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Records that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest
Juvenile arrest records, which are generally confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
Records sealed by court order

The San Francisco Police Department and San Francisco Sheriff's Department are the primary custodians of arrest records within the county. These agencies process requests for arrest record information in accordance with state law and departmental policies.

What's in San Francisco County Arrest Records

San Francisco County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Residential address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute citations for alleged violations
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge severity
Charge descriptions

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Warrant status

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Processing officer information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type
Payment status
Release conditions (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Court outcomes

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Risk assessment scores
Medical screening information
Property inventory
Emergency contact information
Attorney information

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department maintains comprehensive booking and custody records for individuals processed through the county jail system. These records are maintained in accordance with departmental policies and state regulations governing records retention.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in San Francisco County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in San Francisco County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a request to the San Francisco Police Department

The San Francisco Police Department maintains records of arrests conducted by its officers. Interested parties may request arrest records by:
- Submitting a written request in person at SFPD headquarters
- Completing the Public Records Request form available on the department's website
- Providing specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, date of incident)
San Francisco Police Department Records Division
1245 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158
(415) 575-7232
San Francisco Police Department
Contact the San Francisco Sheriff's Department

The Sheriff's Department maintains booking and custody records for individuals processed through the county jail system. To obtain these records:
- Submit a written request to the Records Division
- Include specific identifying information about the subject of the request
- Specify the time period for which records are being requested
San Francisco Sheriff's Department Records Division
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 456
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-7225
San Francisco Sheriff's Department
Check San Francisco Superior Court Records

Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. These records may be accessed:
- In person at the courthouse
- Through the court's online case information system
- By submitting a written request to the court clerk
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-4000
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
Submit a California Public Records Act Request

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, individuals may submit formal requests for arrest records to the appropriate agency. These requests:
- Must be submitted in writing
- Should clearly identify the records being sought
- Do not require a specific form, though agencies may provide standard request forms
- Must be responded to within 10 days, with possible extension

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to pay reasonable fees for copying or certification of records. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy or confidential information in accordance with applicable exemptions under state law.

How To Find San Francisco County Arrest Records Online

San Francisco County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:

San Francisco Superior Court Online Case Information System

The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco maintains an online portal that allows public access to court case information, including cases stemming from arrests. Users may:
- Search by defendant name or case number
- Access case summaries, charges, and court dates
- View case status and disposition information
- Access the system through the court's official website
San Francisco Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator

The Sheriff's Department provides an online inmate locator tool that allows the public to verify if an individual is currently in custody. This system:
- Requires the subject's name and date of birth
- Provides current custody status and facility information
- Includes booking date and scheduled release date when available
- May be accessed through the department's official website
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Locator

For individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction, the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) provides:
- Verification of custody status
- Current housing location
- Basic case information
- Scheduled release date (when available)
California Department of Justice Records Request System

The California Department of Justice maintains a system for requesting criminal history information, including arrest records. Through this system, individuals may:
- Request their own criminal history record
- Submit fingerprints for identification verification
- Pay applicable fees electronically
- Receive results through secure electronic delivery

When utilizing online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware that:

Some information may be restricted or redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Online systems may not contain complete arrest record information
Records for recent arrests may not be immediately available online
User fees may apply for certain searches or document retrieval

For comprehensive arrest record information, combining online searches with formal records requests to the appropriate agencies may be necessary to obtain complete documentation.

How To Search San Francisco County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to San Francisco County arrest records have several options available. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:

Visit the San Francisco Superior Court in Person

The public terminals at the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco allow free access to basic case information:
- Available during regular court hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
- Located in the court clerk's office
- Provide access to case summaries, charges, and court dates
- No fee for viewing information on public terminals
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-4000
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
Use the Online Inmate Locator Systems

Both the San Francisco Sheriff's Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation offer free online inmate search tools:
- San Francisco Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator (available on their official website)
- California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS)
- These systems provide basic custody information at no cost
Submit a California Public Records Act Request

Under the California Public Records Act, agencies may only charge for the direct cost of duplicating records, not for the search itself:
- Submit written requests to the appropriate agency
- Specify that you wish to inspect records in person rather than receive copies
- In-person inspection of records is typically provided at no cost
- Electronic delivery of records may be available without fees in some cases
Check the San Francisco Superior Court's Online Case Information System

Basic case information is available at no cost through the court's online portal:
- Search by name or case number
- View basic case information, including charges and next court date
- Access is free, though detailed documents may require fees
Review Daily Booking Logs

Some law enforcement agencies maintain publicly accessible booking logs:
- May be available for review at police stations or sheriff's offices
- Typically include basic arrest information for recent bookings
- Generally available for inspection at no cost

When utilizing free search methods, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:

Free access typically provides basic information rather than complete records
Some records may require identification verification that cannot be completed through free services
Recent arrests may not be immediately reflected in publicly accessible systems
Certain records may be exempt from public disclosure regardless of the request method

For individuals seeking their own records, the California Department of Justice offers one free copy of personal criminal history information to those who cannot afford the standard fee, pursuant to Penal Code § 11122.5.

How To Delete Arrest Records in San Francisco County

In California, including San Francisco County, arrest records generally cannot be deleted in the traditional sense. However, under specific circumstances, individuals may petition for record sealing, expungement, or other forms of relief that restrict public access to these records. The following options are currently available:

Record Sealing for Arrests Not Resulting in Conviction

Pursuant to Penal Code § 851.91, individuals may petition to seal arrest records when:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The statute of limitations has expired
- The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The individual completed a diversion program
This process:
- Requires filing a petition with the court where the case was heard
- May involve a hearing before a judge
- Results in the arrest being deemed not to have occurred
- Restricts public access to the record
Expungement of Conviction Records

Under Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have completed probation may petition for expungement of conviction records. This process:
- Dismisses the conviction
- Releases the individual from penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction
- Does not completely erase the record but changes its status
- Requires filing a petition with the court of conviction
Certificate of Rehabilitation

For certain felony convictions, individuals may apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation under Penal Code § 4852.01. This:
- Serves as an automatic application for governor's pardon
- Demonstrates rehabilitation to potential employers
- May restore certain civil rights
- Requires filing a petition with the Superior Court
Juvenile Record Sealing

Juvenile arrest and court records may be sealed under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781. This process:
- Is available to former juvenile offenders
- Requires filing a petition with the juvenile court
- Results in records being sealed and eventually destroyed
- Allows the individual to legally state they have no juvenile record
Proposition 64 Relief for Marijuana Offenses

Under Health and Safety Code § 11361.8, individuals with certain marijuana-related convictions may petition for:
- Dismissal and sealing of records
- Reduction of charges
- Resentencing under current law

The distinction between sealing and expungement is important:

Sealing restricts public access to records but does not destroy them. Sealed records remain available to law enforcement and may be accessible in certain court proceedings.
Expungement under California law does not physically destroy records but changes their status to show the conviction was dismissed. The record remains visible but indicates the case was dismissed pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4.

Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records in San Francisco County may contact:

San Francisco Public Defender's Office Clean Slate Program
555 7th Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 553-9337
San Francisco Public Defender

This program provides free assistance to eligible individuals seeking to clear their criminal records.

What Happens After Arrest in San Francisco County?

Following an arrest in San Francisco County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by California law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Processing

After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a San Francisco County jail facility where they undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial charge documentation
This process is administered by the San Francisco Sheriff's Department, which manages the county jail system.
Bail Determination

Following booking, bail may be set according to:
- San Francisco County's bail schedule for common offenses
- Judicial determination at arraignment
- Consideration of public safety and flight risk factors
Under California's current bail system, eligible individuals may:
- Post cash bail directly
- Secure a bail bond through a licensed agent
- Be released on their own recognizance (OR)
- Be held without bail for certain serious offenses
Arraignment

The first court appearance typically occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). During arraignment:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is established
- Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Bail is reviewed or set
- Future court dates are scheduled
This proceeding takes place at the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)

For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held to:
- Determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial
- Allow prosecution to present basic evidence
- Permit defense to challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses
- Result in charges being upheld, modified, or dismissed
Pre-Trial Proceedings

Before trial, several legal proceedings may occur:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Readiness conferences
- Trial scheduling
Trial

If a case proceeds to trial, the process includes:
- Jury selection (except in bench trials)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
Sentencing

Following conviction (by plea or verdict):
- Pre-sentencing investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or alternative programs
Post-Conviction

After case disposition, individuals may:
- Serve imposed sentences
- Appeal convictions or sentences
- Petition for modification of sentences
- Eventually seek expungement or record sealing as permitted by law

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through:

Dismissal by prosecution or court
Diversion to treatment or alternative programs
Plea agreements
Trial verdict

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office determines which cases to prosecute and handles court proceedings, while the San Francisco Public Defender's Office or private counsel represents defendants. The entire process is overseen by the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in San Francisco County?

Arrest records in San Francisco County are subject to retention requirements established by California state law and local agency policies. These records are generally maintained for extended periods, with specific retention schedules varying by record type and maintaining agency.

The California Government Code, particularly Government Code § 34090, establishes minimum retention periods for local government records, including those related to law enforcement activities. Additionally, the California Law Enforcement Records Management Guidelines provide standardized recommendations for records retention.

Key retention periods currently in effect include:

Arrest Records Maintained by Law Enforcement

The San Francisco Police Department and Sheriff's Department typically retain:
- Adult arrest records: Minimum of 5 years from date of arrest
- Felony arrest records: Minimum of 10 years, often permanently
- Arrest records for serious violent offenses: Permanently
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanently in most cases
Court Records Related to Arrests

The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco maintains:
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Felony case files: Minimum of 75 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanently
- Index and register of actions: Permanently
Corrections and Custody Records

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department retains:
- Jail booking and release records: Minimum of 5 years
- Inmate medical records: Minimum of 10 years after release
- Custody classification records: Minimum of 5 years after release
Criminal History Information

The California Department of Justice maintains:
- State criminal history records (RAP sheets): Permanently, with certain exceptions
- Fingerprint records: Permanently
- DNA profiles (for qualifying offenses): Permanently, unless expunged by court order

Several factors affect the actual retention of arrest records:

Records related to unsolved serious crimes may be retained indefinitely
Digital records may be maintained longer than physical records due to storage capacity
Records subject to litigation holds must be retained until the hold is lifted
Records may be retained beyond minimum requirements at agency discretion

It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, information may persist in electronic databases. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order are not physically destroyed in most cases but are instead removed from public access.

The California Public Records Act provides the legal framework for public access to these records during their retention period, while various provisions of the Penal Code govern access to criminal history information maintained by law enforcement agencies.

How to Find Mugshots in San Francisco County

Mugshot photographs, formally known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in San Francisco County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of:

Front-facing (portrait) photograph
Profile (side-view) photograph
Identifying information board or number
Date of booking
Agency identification

These photographs are taken by law enforcement personnel during the booking process at San Francisco County jail facilities operated by the San Francisco Sheriff's Department.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In San Francisco County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department, which operates the county jail system
The San Francisco Police Department, which may retain copies of booking photos
The California Department of Justice, which maintains the statewide criminal history database

These images are stored in departmental records management systems and may be linked to arrest records, booking information, and criminal history files.

Finding Mugshots

Access to mugshots in San Francisco County is more restricted than in some other jurisdictions. Current methods for obtaining booking photographs include:

Submit a Public Records Request

Individuals may submit formal requests under the California Public Records Act to:

San Francisco Sheriff's Department Records Division
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 456
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-7225
San Francisco Sheriff's Department

Requests should:
- Be submitted in writing
- Identify the specific booking photo being requested
- Include date of booking and subject's name
- Explain the purpose of the request
Contact the Arresting Agency

The law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest may maintain booking photographs:

San Francisco Police Department Records Division
1245 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158
(415) 575-7232
San Francisco Police Department
Check Court Records

In some cases, booking photographs may be included in court files if submitted as evidence:

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-4000
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, San Francisco County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases of booking photographs. This policy reflects growing concerns about the potential misuse of mugshots and their impact on privacy and rehabilitation.

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department and Police Department do not publish current booking photos on their websites or provide searchable online mugshot galleries. This approach aligns with recent California legislation restricting the publication and commercial use of booking photographs.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

Official channels for obtaining booking photographs require:

Proper identification
Specific information about the booking
Compliance with agency procedures
Payment of applicable fees
Legitimate purpose for the request

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Several restrictions limit access to booking photographs in San Francisco County:

California Assembly Bill 1475 (effective January 1, 2022) prohibits law enforcement agencies from posting mugshots of non-violent arrestees on social media
Booking photos for juvenile arrestees are generally confidential
Photos related to ongoing investigations may be withheld
Agencies may redact or withhold images if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Commercial use of booking photographs is restricted under California law

These restrictions reflect evolving standards regarding the balance between public information access and individual privacy rights in the criminal justice context.

Lookup Arrest Records in San Francisco County

San Francisco Sheriff's Office

San Francisco Police Department

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco Case Information

California Incarcerated Records & Information Search

California Department of Justice Public Records

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