How To Check If You Have Police Records
by Rachelle | Dec 16, 2022 | Law Enforcement
If you have been arrested, fingerprinted, and charged with a crime, your police records will include this information. You can request copies of your police records from the law enforcement agency that arrested you or from the court where your case was heard. If you were not arrested or charged with a crime, your police records will likely be clean. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you were stopped by police but not arrested, the police department may keep a record of the stop. Additionally, if you are the subject of an active investigation, the police may have records related to that investigation.
Finding The Descriptions Of Crimes For Different Penal Code Sections
Police records usually refer to penal code sections in describing crimes police are investigating.
For example, section 187 of the penal code is for homicides.
How can you find out which crimes the various sections of the state penal code stand for?
The Berkeley Police Department has a list of commonly used penal code sections and which crimes they refer to. Thats at:
At the site check the box next to Penal Code. In the search box type in the number for the penal code section youre interested in .
At the search results page, click on the first listing. That should give you the penal code section youre seeking .
Also Check: Will Police Call You If You Have A Warrant
What Do Police Arrest Records Contain
If you or someone you know has ever been arrested, you can find information about what happened on the internet. Police arrest records can contain a variety of information related to the case, including the full name of the person that got arrested, the charge or offense committed, the source of the information, the state and/or city it was committed in, and when the charges were filed.
In addition to that, police arrest records can give you the court case number, the court name, and the charge category. This information can be seen by anyone granted permission to a criminal background check on your name, though theyre likely to be removed from the background check after 7-10 years.
If a case is active or pending, theres a chance it wont show up in a background check or a public record search of any kind. Police arrest records can detail any arrest someone has been involved in, whether they were convicted of a crime or not. In the event that they are convicted, the police arrest records will state what they were convicted of — whether it be a felony, misdemeanor, or infraction.
You May Like: How To Obtain A Police Report For Car Accident
What Is Probation And Parole
Probation is an alternative to incarceration. Courts place convicted offenders on probation, allowing the offender to be released back into the community without going to jail. The individuals placed on probation are typically those deemed to pose minimal risk to society. Nevertheless, there are certain restrictions to the offender’s behavior and activities during the probation period. Probation officers are appointed to offenders of probation to supervise and report any delinquency. In the case of a probation violation, or breach of the terms or conditions, the court may order that the individual serve the full jail term. Under certain circumstances, the court may impose fines and stricter conditions.
Probation records contain information on court-imposed conditions that a convicted offender must meet to avoid serving jail time. Although the content of probation records differs with jurisdiction and the offender, a typical probation record contains the following information:
- The offender’s personal information.
- Probation conditions, such as fines, community service, education classes, and periodic reports to an assigned officer.
- Conditions that the offender must meet to maintain probation status.
- The duration of the probation.
Criminal History Record Check
A criminal history record check is a search of a persons criminal history by name or fingerprints. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center issues criminal history record checks, sometimes referred to as a Police Clearance or Police Abstract for the State of Hawaii. This will only include adult criminal conviction information. Arrest records which have resulted in convictions are considered public record and are available at Public Access sites throughout the state and at the Adult Criminal Conviction Information Web Site. Arrest records which have resulted in non-convictions or are still pending, are considered confidential and not available to the general public.
- Criminal History Record Check by Fingerprint
You May Like: How To Obtain A Police Report From An Accident
How To Make A Request
History And Accuracy Of California Criminal Records
While the advent of technology has dramatically improved record management processes in the state of California, the accuracy of the data of criminal records depends on the recordkeeping and technological capabilities of the jurisdiction where the record was assembled and later digitized. Most criminal records archives of the state go back into the pre-technological era before criminal and arrest data started to be centralized and compiled into an organized database. However, having eliminated the place of human error, current technological advancements have improved the quality and accuracy of recordkeeping exponentially.
Read Also: How Can I Get A Copy Of My Police Report
You May Like: How To Train Your Dog To Be A Police Dog
Dont Be Afraid To Ask Questions
If you want to find out if someone is in custody, dont be afraid to ask questions. If you dont know anything about the person in custody, then it is easy to be intimidated. The police may not want to answer your questions, but they are required to release information under the law. If you ask the right questions and are polite, you should be able to get the information you need. Even if the person in custody has committed no crime, they may be someone that the police are concerned with. Perhaps they are an ex-spouse who has not seen their child in a while. You may not even know what you are trying to find out, but it could be very important.
Why Lookup Someones Criminal Record
A criminal record can follow you for many years, making it more difficult to get a job. It can even make essentials like car insurance more costly. However, theres more to finding a criminal record than just looking up your own. An easy way to access someones criminal record or your criminal record is to use a resources like SearchQuarry.com. By entering the full name of the person you would like to research and their state of residence, you can find a persons complete criminal history. Looking up someones criminal record using a resources like this will allow you to find information such as criminal background report, arrests, warrants, police records, court records, sentencings, traffic citations, DUIs, judgments and much more. One of the great benefits of using a service like this is you can search unlimited people and all searches are anonymous and confidential. If you encounter any difficulties with your search you can reach out to the customer service team over the phone or leave an email or blog inquiry and the Search Quarry team will be quick to respond.
In many states like California, you can easily look up someone elses criminal record to help you learn more about their past. Use this guide to learn more about looking up your criminal record or someone elses.
Don’t Miss: Who Can Get A Copy Of A Police Report
How Do I Obtain Public Arrest Records
The Freedom of Information Act and State Public Record Laws permit members of the public to look up public arrest records and even obtain a copy of the records. Most states make it possible for interested parties to obtain free arrest records on the arresting agency’s website or the judiciary’s website. Accessing the information on these official websites is typically free. However, the information is not always comprehensive enough to convey the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Suppose a public requester cannot access free arrest records from these official websites. The interested requester must make an in-person visit to the physical offices of these record custodians or send a mail request. Arrest records from official record custodians are typically inexpensive. The requester need only pay a nominal fee to copy, certify, or authenticate the arrest record.
Requesting A Police Report By Mail
The process of requesting a copy of a police report by mail is a bit more involved. In many jurisdictions, you are required to make your Public Access Request via mail. Typically, the agency will provide a form online for you to fill out, but some places are fine with you writing a letter to ask for the police report.
1. Figure out where to send the Public Access Request form or letter.
Your local police department may have a specific address and addressee for police report requests listed on their website. If they dont, simply address it to the Records and Identification Division, and use the general address listed online for the department.
2. Fill out the form or write the letter.
After you have found the location to send your request, you should be able to easily find out if they want you to send a request form or a letter. If the information is not readily available on the site, just call and ask which method they prefer. If it is available, filling out a request form is typically the easiest method because you wont have to worry about leaving out information.
If you write a letter instead of filling out the form, be sure to include the following information:
- Your Name, Birthdate, and Address
- The date and location of the incident
- Your role in the case
- The officers name who filed the report
- What exactly you are requesting
3. Gather additional materials and send the form/letter.
4. Pay for the police report.
Dont Miss: Where To Buy Police Scanners
Also Check: Can Anyone Access A Police Report
Dont Talk Unless Youre Told To
Youre allowed to talk to the cop who comes to take you into custody but dont say anything that you wouldnt want the cop to know. If youre not sure what to say, just say that you want to see your lawyer. Keep talking to the cops but dont discuss anything that would suggest that youre involved in a serious crime. If youre in the middle of a serious crime or have something that you need to discuss, wait until youre in the cop car. Its important to keep your mouth shut in police custody so that you dont accidentally say something that would help the cops locate you.
What Is A New York Public Records
The background checks performed in New York will be based on public records. Everyone who resides or works in the state of New York generates paperwork, and this documentation can provide a narrative about a persons history or personality. The documents studied might be either public or private, and they cover everything from birth certificates to legal filings.
Recommended Reading: Can The Police Help Me Get My Child Back
Don’t Miss: Can You Be A Police Officer With A Expunged Felony
Different Levels Of Check And Disclosures
An AccessNI check is a criminal history record check which provides different levels of information about you. There are three levels of check:
- a basic check contains details of all convictions considered to be unspent
- a standard check contains details of all spent and unspent convictions, informed warnings, cautions and diversionary youth conferences
- an enhanced check contains the same information as a standard check and police records held locally. To work with children and vulnerable adults, the check may include information held by the Disclosure and Barring Service
| Level of check |
|---|
| Any other sentence for which the Order does not specify a specific period | five years |
Police Reports And Accident Reports
Another point that deserves clarification is the difference between a police report and an accident report. In fact, theres not really a difference between these two items. An accident report is simply a type of police report that details the circumstances of a traffic accident. A police report, meanwhile, can include accident reports, but they cover a much broader range of incidents that may involve the police, including crimes. Note that some police departments call police reports incident reports. Remember that some accident reports may also be criminal reports, such as if the accident may have been caused by drunk driving.
Read Also: How To Get A Police Report For An Accident
Obtain Your Completed Police Record Check
After submitting your application, York Regional Police customer service representatives will work diligently to complete your police record check.
Applicants will be provided instructions to obtain their completed police record check by email.
If your identity was confirmed electronically, you will receive a secure link to download your completed police record check. You will require your access code and serial number to retrieve it. This is your official police record check. No hardcopy will be issued.
If we were unable to confirm your identity electronically, you will be notified via email to attend the pick-up location you selected during the application process. Please bring with you the two pieces of identification you entered on your application.
Donât Miss: How To Become A Police Officer In Utah
Right To Check Own Record
However, under the Privacy Act, Canadians have the right to their own criminal record check, via written authorization and verification of his or her identity. This is usually done by the individual in person at a police station.
There are two kinds of RCMP criminal record checks:
- Name-based check. This requires the name and date of birth, as well other identifying details such as height and race. It is used to determine “the possible existence of a criminal record,” according to the Canadian Police Information Centre , and results in an “uncertified criminal record verification.”
- Fingerprint based check. This is mostly requested when an individual is interested in working with school, youth or other “vulnerable sector organizations.” This results in a “certified criminal record verification.”
The RCMP charges a $25 processing fee and local police forces apply additional charges, as do accredited verification companies. This fee structure results in a total cost of approximately $60. Results don’t include pardoned offences, juvenile offences or offences that resulted in a conditional discharge.
In the corporate world, individuals can also grant authorization to a company such as a prospective employer or background checking firm to conduct name-based or fingerprint based searches. Experts say these name-based searches are routinely conducted for employers, with the permission of a job applicant or new employee.
Read Also: How Do Police Investigate Drug Dealers
What Is An Arrest Warrant
An arrest warrant is a document signed by an authorized official of the state judiciary permitting the arrest of a named person. Generally, state laws prevent law enforcement officers from making forced entry to a residence or private property without reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing. A warrant makes an exception to this rule. The document permits law enforcement agents to arrest a person at a certain time of day and in a certain place, even if it means entering private property without suspicion of wrongdoing.
Although the content of arrest warrants vary with jurisdiction, a typical arrest warrant contains the following information:
- A description of the alleged crime
- Restrictions on how and when the arresting agency may execute the warrant
- The estimated bail amount following the arrest, if applicable
Some states possess a central database for members of the public to perform a warrant search. In case the state does not, interested parties can perform an active warrant search through the DEA Fugitive Search tool or the U.S. Marshall’s Warrant Information System. It may also be possible to find this information from the local sheriffs office in the county where the arrest warrant was issued.
Softcopy Record Check Result:
The file you have opened complies with the PDF/A standard and has been opened read-only to prevent modification.
Signed and all signatures are valid.
Helpful Links
Also Check: What Does A Police Background Check Show