Berkeley Police Records
Berkeley police blotter data is available through the Berkeley Police Department Transparency Initiative. This program makes arrest records and booking logs public online. The city has about 120,000 residents and is located in Alameda County. Berkeley PD publishes jail booking information for the last 30 days through an online portal. You can search arrest records by date and see details about each booking. The department also handles public records requests for older arrest information and police reports not available through the online system.
Berkeley Quick Facts
BPD Transparency Initiative
The Berkeley Police Department Transparency Initiative provides public access to arrest and booking data. The portal uses ArcGIS software to display booking information from the last 30 days. You can view records without creating an account. The data updates regularly to include new bookings.
The online portal shows jail bookings made by Berkeley police. Each entry includes the booking date, basic demographic information, and the reason for arrest. The system lets you browse by date or search for specific time periods. This transparency program gives Berkeley residents easy access to police blotter information without making a formal records request.
For bookings older than 30 days, you need to submit a public records request. The online portal only shows recent arrest data. Older records are still public, but you must ask for them through the department's records unit.
Request Berkeley Police Records
Berkeley Police Department handles public records requests through its main website. Visit berkeleyca.gov for information on how to request police reports and arrest records. You can submit requests online or in person at the police station.
When requesting arrest records, include the name of the person arrested, the date of arrest if known, and any case numbers you have. The more details you provide, the faster the department can locate your records. Berkeley PD responds to most requests within 10 days as required by California law.
Records available through the public records process include:
- Arrest reports beyond 30 days
- Crime reports for victims
- Traffic collision reports
- Police calls for service
- Activity logs and statistics
Some records may have fees for copies and processing. The department will inform you of any costs before completing your request. Digital copies usually cost less than printed ones. Payment is required before you receive the records.
Alameda County Jail Records
People arrested in Berkeley may be held in Alameda County jail facilities. The county operates jails in Dublin and other locations. To find current custody information, use the Alameda County Sheriff Inmate Locator. This database shows who is in county custody and their booking details.
The inmate locator lets you search by name or booking number. Results include booking dates, charges, and bail information for people in Alameda County jails. The system notes that some arrest records may not appear based on exemptions under Government Code Section 6254(f). For questions about someone in custody, call the Sheriff's Office at (925) 551-6500.
Berkeley Police Contact
The Berkeley Police Department is located in downtown Berkeley near the Civic Center. You can visit the station in person during business hours or call for non-emergency matters. For public records requests, use the online system or mail your request to the address below.
| Department | Berkeley Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Way Berkeley, CA 94704 |
| Non-Emergency | (510) 981-5900 |
| Records Info | berkeleyca.gov/safety-health/police/police-records |
The police station is served by AC Transit bus routes. BART's Downtown Berkeley station is nearby. Street parking is available but may be limited during business hours. There are parking garages in the area if you plan to visit in person.
Legal Assistance in Berkeley
The Alameda County Public Defender represents people charged with crimes who qualify based on income. Their main office is in Oakland but serves all of Alameda County including Berkeley. Call (510) 272-6600 for information about public defender services.
Bay Area Legal Aid provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in Alameda County. While they do not handle criminal defense, they can assist with related civil matters. Their Berkeley office is at 2600 Tenth Street, Suite 314. Call (510) 250-5270 or visit baylegal.org to see if you qualify.
The Alameda County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service at (510) 893-7160. They can connect you with a private attorney who handles criminal law cases. The first meeting may be offered at a reduced rate depending on the lawyer you are referred to.
Alameda County Police Blotter
Berkeley is in Alameda County. The county sheriff maintains arrest and booking records for unincorporated areas and contract cities. For county jail rosters, booking logs, and arrest records from other Alameda County locations, visit the Alameda County police blotter page.