San Mateo County Public Records / San Mateo County Arrest Records

San Mateo County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in San Mateo County

Arrest records in San Mateo County are generally considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Under California Government Code § 6253, public agencies must make non-exempt records promptly available upon request. However, access to arrest records may be subject to certain limitations and exemptions.

The California Public Records Act establishes that arrest logs, police blotters, and other records of arrests are public records. According to California Government Code § 6254(f), law enforcement agencies must disclose certain information about arrests, including:

The full name and occupation of the arrestee
Physical description including date of birth, sex, and height
Date and time of arrest
Date and time of booking
Location of arrest
Factual circumstances surrounding the arrest
Amount of bail set
Time and manner of release or location where the individual is being held
All charges the individual is being held upon

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records, which document that an individual was found guilty of a crime, are also public records but are maintained separately through the court system.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the unincorporated areas of the county and several contract cities, while individual police departments maintain records for arrests within their jurisdictions.

What's in San Mateo County Arrest Records

San Mateo County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or known nicknames
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Home address
Occupation (if provided)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether force was used during the arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Booking officer

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Whether bail was posted
Type of bond (cash, surety, property)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court dates
Court disposition (if available)

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Expected release date (if applicable)
Facility where individual is being held

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Risk assessment information
Medical alerts or special needs
Emergency contact information

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest.

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

Members of the public seeking arrest records in San Mateo County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains a structured process for requesting and accessing these records.

To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit the appropriate law enforcement agency that made the arrest:

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
400 County Center, 3rd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4911
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

For arrests made by local police departments, requesters should contact the specific department directly. For example:

Redwood City Police Department
1301 Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 780-7100
Redwood City Police Department

When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide:

The full name of the person whose records are being sought
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Case number (if known)
Requestor's contact information

Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate agency. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or a statutory fee, if applicable.

For third-party requests, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights. Law enforcement agencies typically require a valid form of identification from the requestor.

Requests may also be submitted through the county's online public records request portal, which allows for electronic submission and tracking of requests. The portal can be accessed through the San Mateo County website.

Under California law, agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though they may extend this period by an additional 14 days under unusual circumstances as defined in Government Code § 6253(c).

How To Find San Mateo County Arrest Records Online

San Mateo County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate locator system that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals. This searchable database includes:

Inmate name
Booking number
Charges
Custody status
Scheduled court dates
Expected release date

To access this system, visit the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search page. Users can search by name or booking number.

For court records related to arrests, the San Mateo County Superior Court offers an online case information system. This system provides:

Case numbers
Charges filed
Court dates
Case status
Court dispositions

The court's online system can be accessed through the San Mateo County Superior Court website. Users should select "Online Services" and then "Case Information."

Additionally, the California Department of Justice maintains the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), which contains arrest records statewide. However, direct public access to CLETS is restricted. Authorized agencies and certain employers may request criminal history information through this system.

For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests throughout California, individuals may request their own records through the California Department of Justice's Live Scan fingerprinting service.

When using online systems, users should note that:

Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
Complete arrest records may require a formal request to the arresting agency
Online systems may charge access fees

How To Search San Mateo County Arrest Records for Free?

San Mateo County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and inmate status.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate locator that can be accessed by the public. This database includes information about individuals currently in custody, including:

Name of the inmate
Booking date
Charges
Next court date
Expected release date

This resource can be accessed through the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office website under the "Inmate Information" section.

Local public libraries in San Mateo County offer free internet access and assistance with online research. Library staff can help patrons navigate public records resources. Major libraries include:

San Mateo County Library Administration
125 Lessingia Court
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 312-5200
San Mateo County Library

The San Mateo County Superior Court provides public access terminals at courthouse locations where individuals can search court records related to arrests at no cost. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:

San Mateo County Superior Court
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 261-5100
San Mateo County Superior Court

Local newspapers, including the San Mateo Daily Journal and The Mercury News, often publish police blotters and arrest reports online that can be accessed without charge.

For individuals seeking their own records, California law provides that persons have the right to inspect their own criminal history records maintained by local law enforcement agencies. While copying fees may apply, inspection itself is typically free of charge.

When using free resources, requesters should be aware that:

Information may be limited compared to official record requests
Recent arrests may not be immediately available
Some details may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Verification of information may require follow-up with official sources

How To Delete Arrest Records in San Mateo County

In San Mateo County, individuals cannot technically "delete" arrest records, but California law provides several mechanisms for limiting public access to these records through sealing, expungement, or dismissal processes.

Sealing arrest records restricts public access while maintaining the records for law enforcement purposes. Expungement (technically a dismissal under California law) changes the disposition of a case and removes it from public view, though the record still exists in a limited form.

Under California Penal Code § 851.8, individuals who were arrested but never charged with a crime may petition for a finding of factual innocence. If granted, the arrest record is sealed for three years and then destroyed. To qualify:

The petition must be filed within two years of the arrest date
The individual must demonstrate that no reasonable cause existed for the arrest
The burden of proof is on the petitioner

For cases that resulted in charges but no conviction, California Penal Code § 851.91 allows for sealing of arrest records as a matter of right in most circumstances.

For convictions, California Penal Code § 1203.4 provides for dismissal (commonly called "expungement") if:

The individual has completed probation
The individual is not currently charged with another offense
The individual is not serving a sentence for another offense
The conviction did not involve certain sex offenses

To initiate these processes in San Mateo County, individuals should:

Obtain a copy of their criminal record from the California Department of Justice
Determine eligibility for sealing or dismissal
Complete the appropriate petition forms
File the petition with the San Mateo County Superior Court
Serve a copy of the petition on the District Attorney's Office
Attend the scheduled court hearing

The San Mateo County Superior Court provides forms and assistance through its Self-Help Center:

San Mateo County Superior Court Self-Help Center
400 County Center, 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 261-5010
San Mateo County Superior Court Self-Help

Legal assistance may also be available through:

San Mateo County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
333 Bradford Street, Suite 150
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 369-4149
San Mateo County Bar Association

What Happens After Arrest in San Mateo County?

Following an arrest in San Mateo County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases.

The initial phase begins with booking at either the Maguire Correctional Facility or the Maple Street Correctional Center. During booking, law enforcement:

Takes fingerprints and photographs
Records personal information
Conducts a search
Inventories and secures personal property
Performs health screening
Enters arrest information into county and state databases

Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees must be brought before a judge for arraignment, pursuant to California Penal Code § 825. At arraignment, the court:

Formally presents charges
Advises the defendant of their constitutional rights
Considers bail or release conditions
Accepts the defendant's plea
Appoints counsel if the defendant cannot afford an attorney
Sets dates for future proceedings

Bail determinations follow the San Mateo County Bail Schedule, which establishes standard bail amounts based on the offense charged. Defendants may request a bail hearing to argue for reduced bail or release on their own recognizance.

For misdemeanor offenses, cases typically proceed to:

Pretrial conferences where plea negotiations may occur
Motion hearings to address legal issues
Trial (if no plea agreement is reached)
Sentencing (if convicted)

For felony offenses, defendants have the right to a preliminary hearing within 10 court days of arraignment if in custody, or 60 days if not in custody. At this hearing, the prosecution must demonstrate probable cause that the defendant committed the crime. If probable cause is established, the case proceeds to:

Felony arraignment in Superior Court
Pretrial conferences
Motion hearings
Trial
Sentencing (if convicted)

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through:

Dismissal by the prosecutor or court
Diversion to treatment programs
Plea agreements
Trial verdict

The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office determines whether to file charges and prosecutes cases:

San Mateo County District Attorney's Office
400 County Center, 3rd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4636
San Mateo County District Attorney

Public defender services are provided by:

San Mateo County Private Defender Program
333 Bradford Street, Suite 200
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 298-4000
San Mateo County Private Defender Program

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in San Mateo County?

Arrest records in San Mateo County are maintained according to California state law and local records retention policies. These records are typically kept for extended periods due to their importance for law enforcement, criminal justice proceedings, and public safety purposes.

Under California Government Code § 34090, which governs records retention for local agencies, most records must be kept for at least two years. However, law enforcement records, including arrest records, are generally maintained for much longer periods.

The California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) maintains arrest information indefinitely unless the record is ordered sealed or expunged by a court. Local law enforcement agencies in San Mateo County typically follow these retention guidelines:

Arrest reports for adults: Minimum of 5 years for misdemeanors; permanent retention for felonies
Juvenile arrest records: Until the individual reaches age 18, plus 5 years for misdemeanors; longer for serious offenses
Booking photos and fingerprints: Permanent retention unless ordered destroyed by a court
Arrest logs and police blotters: Minimum of 2 years; many agencies maintain these permanently

Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to their departmental retention schedule
The San Mateo County Superior Court maintains case records related to arrests according to the Judicial Council of California Records Retention Guidelines
The California Department of Justice maintains criminal history information in the state repository indefinitely unless expunged

Records retention serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
Supports prosecution of cases with long statutes of limitations
Provides criminal history information for sentencing decisions
Enables background checks for employment and licensing
Maintains accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention periods should contact the agency that created or maintains the record.

How to Find Mugshots in San Mateo County

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are images taken during the arrest booking process that document the appearance of arrested individuals. In San Mateo County, access to these photographs is governed by specific policies and procedures.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:

A front-facing (portrait) view
A profile (side) view
A placard or identification number
Date of booking

These photographs serve to document the identity and physical condition of arrestees at the time of booking and are considered part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In San Mateo County, booking photographs are maintained by:

The arresting law enforcement agency
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office for individuals booked into county jail facilities
The California Department of Justice as part of state criminal history records

Finding Mugshots

To obtain mugshots in San Mateo County, individuals may:

Submit a public records request to the arresting agency or the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
Provide specific information about the arrest, including:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Date of birth
- Date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
Explain the purpose for requesting the mugshot
Pay any applicable fees for reproduction

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, San Mateo County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online. The county does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these are not official county resources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

Official requests for booking photographs should be directed to:

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
400 County Center, 3rd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4911
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records, including photographs, are generally confidential under California law
Photographs related to arrests that have been sealed or expunged are not available to the public
Certain sensitive cases involving confidential informants, undercover operations, or ongoing investigations may have restricted access
Privacy considerations may limit distribution of mugshots in certain cases

California has enacted legislation (California Civil Code § 1798.91.1) that prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots. Additionally, law enforcement agencies increasingly exercise discretion in releasing booking photographs to prevent their misuse.