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  1. Santa Cruz County Court
  2. Santa Cruz County Arrest Records

Santa Cruz County, California Arrest Records

In Santa Cruz County, arrest records are created and maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Cruz Police Department, and the Watsonville Police Department. 

To ensure public oversight of law enforcement actions, Section 7923.610 of the California Government Code (Law Enforcement Disclosure Rule) mandates that arresting agencies make specific arrest information accessible to the public. However, this legislation does not include granting public access to the arrested persons' rap sheets (Criminal Offender Record Information). Access to these documents is governed by Section 13300 of the California Penal Code and is restricted to the subjects and authorized entities.  

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Santa Cruz County, California?

Yes, arrest records are public in Santa Cruz County. According to Article 1, Section 3(b) of the California Constitution and the California Public Records Act (Sections 6250 to 6276.48 of the California Government Code), public members have the right to view and copy government records (including Santa Cruz County arrest records), unless there are restrictions. Likewise, Section 7923.610 of the California Government Code mandates law enforcement agencies to make basic information about arrests available to interested persons. 

What Do Public County Arrest Records Contain?

Under the California Law Enforcement Disclosure Rule,  public access to arrest records is limited to specific details. Generally, public county arrest records across California display information, such as:

  • Full name of the arrested person, and any known aliases 
  • Physical description, including:
    • Date of birth 
    • Gender
    • Height 
    • Weight  
  • Arresting agency 
  • Booking facility 
  • Charges or alleged offenses 
  • Booking number 
  • Custody status 
  • Mugshot (availability may vary with agencies).

Santa Cruz County,  California Arrest Search

While local custodians and search tools may provide easier access to arrest records in Santa Cruz County, information seekers can also use state and federal resources to search for these records. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains a criminal history repository, which includes arrest information from law enforcement agencies across the state. Individuals can request fingerprint-based access to their rap sheets through the DOJ background check system. Likewise, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) maintains a database of individuals incarcerated at the state's prisons. Interested parties can use the CDCR Incarcerated Records and Information Search portal to access arrest information of inmates transferred to state facilities from local jails in Santa Cruz County. 

Federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, also offer pathways for accessing Santa Cruz County’s arrest records. Individuals can request access to their rap sheets through the FBI Identity History Summary Checks or use PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) to access the arrest details and other information about Santa Cruz County detainees prosecuted by the United States Government. 

Santa Cruz County Inmate Locator

In Santa Cruz County, the Sheriff’s Office Corrections Bureau operates an inmate locator for accessing information about individuals incarcerated at the county’s detention facilities. Record seekers can access arrest records through the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Jail Viewer. Users can search for arrest information by inmate names and booking numbers.

To access arrest information through the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Jail Viewer:

  • Visit the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office website. 
  • Scroll down and click the “Jail Inmate Locator” link.
  • On the new page, scroll down and click “Access Site”.
  • Provide the inmate’s name and booking date.
  • Click “Search” to submit the query. 

Individuals searching for information about arrests in Santa Cruz County can also contact the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Bureau at:

5200 Soquel Avenue, 

Santa Cruz, 

CA 95062

Phone: (831) 454-7600.

Active Warrant Search in Santa Cruz County

A Santa Cruz County arrest warrant is a legal order issued by the Santa Cruz Superior Court authorizing law enforcement to arrest and bring a named individual before the court. Judges issue arrest warrants when:

  • Law enforcement or prosecutors submit affidavits outlining evidence of crime.
  • A defendant fails to appear for a scheduled hearing.
  • Someone disobeys court orders. For instance, an individual fails to comply with the conditions for probation or parole, or disregards a restraining order.
  • An accused is indicted by a grand jury.
  • A judge believes that detention is necessary to prevent harm, flight, or further crime. 

A valid Santa Cruz County arrest warrant includes:

  • Full legal name and known aliases of the wanted person 
  • Physical identifiers, such as height/weight, hair and eye color, tattoos (if any), and race
  •  Last known address 
  • The issuing court 
  • Warrant number 
  • Date of issuance 
  • Type of warrant 
  • Alleged offenses 
  • Statement of probable cause 
  • Bail amount (if the offense is bailable)
  • The judge's name and signature 
  • Instructions directing law enforcement to arrest and bring the defendant before the court. 

In Santa Cruz County, the Sheriff’s Office maintains warrant information. However,  there is no public online warrant search tool. To verify warrant status in Santa Cruz County,  individuals should consult an attorney or contact the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office or the Clerk’s Office of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court at the following addresses:

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office 

5200 Soquel Avenue, 

Santa Cruz, 

CA 95062

Phone: (831) 454-7600

Santa Cruz County Superior Court 

701 Ocean Street, Room 120,

Santa Cruz, 

CA 95060

Phone: (831) 420-2200.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Santa Cruz County

There are several options for viewing Santa Cruz County arrest records at no cost. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Jail Viewer portal permits free access to arrest records through the inmate roster. Users can access basic information, such as booking details, charges, bail amount, and custody status for free. Likewise, the Santa Cruz County Superior Court Online Case Information Portal is a free search tool that permits free access to arrest information through criminal case records.

Other options for free-tier access to Santa Cruz County’s arrest records include Public Access Terminals at the Santa Cruz County Courthouse and phone inquiries through the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. 

While Santa Cruz County arrest records may be accessible for free, there are limits to what is available. Most free-tier search tools only provide access to recent arrests and basic information. These sources do not provide comprehensive data; sensitive details are not available on the free tier. Free access to Santa Cruz County’s arrest records does not require an ID. Nonetheless, record seekers need to provide the subject's full name, and additional identifying information may be helpful.

Santa Cruz County Arrest Report

Arrest reports are distinct documents from arrest records. A Santa Cruz County arrest report is a detailed account of an arrest event. Unlike arrest records (which are summary entries into custodial or judicial systems), a Santa Cruz County arrest report is the arresting officer’s firsthand description of an arrest. 

A Typical arrest report outlines:

  • The arresting officer’s narrative of events leading to the arrest 
  • Statements by witnesses and victims 
  • Evidence observed or collected 
  • References to reports related to the incident 
  • Investigative notes and conclusions. 

Santa Cruz County arrest reports are investigative documents. While California classifies arrest reports as public documents, access is conditional. Most publicly accessible arrest reports are redacted. Furthermore, the public cannot access an arrest report related to an active investigation. 

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Santa Cruz County

Unlike some U.S. jurisdictions, California does not allow complete deletion (expungement) of criminal records. The Golden State permits dismissal of criminal records under Section 1203.4 of the California Penal Code, record sealing (for arrests without convictions), and automatic relief under the California Clean Slate Law (Sections 1203.425 and 851.93 of the California Penal Code). 

While it is not common, California permits expungement (destruction) of arrest records if the subject proves factual innocence or that there was no reason for the arrest. Otherwise, an arrest record is eligible for sealing if:

  • There were no charges.
  • The arrest resulted in a dismissal or an acquittal. 
  • The offender completed a diversion program, and the case was dismissed.

California also allows automatic sealing of arrest records for events that occurred on or before 1973 if the arrest is for a:

  • Misdemeanor that did not result in a criminal charge,  and the subject observes a 1-year waiting period. 
  • Felony without charges after a 3-year waiting period. 

To expunge a Santa Cruz County arrest record:

  • Review the case outcome to determine eligibility for expungement.
  • Obtain the disposition documents from the Santa Cruz County Superior Court 
  • Download and complete a Form CR-180.
  • Submit the petition to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.
  • Pay the filing fee.
  • Attend the court hearing (if needed).
  • Wait for the court to decide on the petition; if approved, public access to the record will be restricted. 

Interested parties should note that while sealing a Santa Cruz County arrest record hides it from the public, it is accessible to law enforcement. 

How Do You Remove Santa Cruz County Arrest Records From the Internet?

Expunging or sealing a Santa Cruz County arrest record makes it inaccessible through official channels. However, the information may still appear online through third-party platforms. In addition to expunction/sealing, removing arrest information from the internet requires extra steps. 

To remove a Santa Cruz County arrest record from the internet:

  • Expunge or seal the arrest record through the Santa Cruz County Superior Court and obtain a certified copy of the sealing or dismissal order.
  • Identify the websites publishing the record.
  • Submit removal requests to websites. Section 1798.91.1 of the California Civil Code is strict regarding the commercialization of arrest records and mugshots. Additionally, the California Consumer Privacy Act grants individuals the “Right to Deletion” and the “Right to Opt Out” of the sale of personal records. The removal requests should include copies of the sealing or dismissal order and identification documents.
Santa Cruz County Arrest Records Search | Santa Cruz County Court