San Diego Police Records
San Diego police blotter records are maintained by the San Diego Police Department and county sheriff. As California's second-largest city, San Diego operates a comprehensive records system for arrests and bookings. The San Diego County Sheriff runs all jail facilities where arrested individuals are processed. You can search for booking information, request police reports, and view arrest logs through official city and county websites. Most arrest data becomes public within hours under California law.
San Diego Quick Facts
San Diego County Jail Search
People arrested in San Diego get booked at San Diego County jail facilities. The county operates several detention centers including the downtown Central Jail and facilities in Vista, Santee, and El Cajon. The sheriff maintains the Who's In Jail database that shows all current inmates across these facilities.
Search by name to find booking information. The system shows booking date, charges, bail amount, and which facility holds the person. Results appear for anyone currently in custody. The database updates regularly throughout the day as new arrests occur in San Diego and other county areas.
The website goes offline every Wednesday at noon for maintenance. Plan your search around this schedule. If you cannot access the online system, call the Sheriff Records Division at 858-974-2110. Staff can check custody status and provide basic booking details over the phone for San Diego arrests.
Note: The online system includes a disclaimer that data should not be relied upon for legal action without verification.
San Diego Police Department Reports
The San Diego Police Department Records Division handles all report requests. Visit www.sandiego.gov for instructions on obtaining reports. The main police headquarters is at 1401 Broadway in downtown San Diego. Records staff are available during business hours.
Police reports cost $12 per report in San Diego. Processing takes three to ten business days from the date of the incident. For traffic collision reports, allow up to ten days. The department does not release arrest reports to arrested individuals under California law. Victims, witnesses, and others with legitimate reasons can request reports through the proper process.
You can submit requests online through NextRequest at sandiego.nextrequest.com. This portal lets you track your request status. You can also visit in person or mail requests to the Records Division. Call 619-531-2846 with questions about specific reports in San Diego.
Common record types available from San Diego Police include:
- Incident and crime reports
- Traffic collision reports
- Arrest summaries for authorized requesters
- Calls for service information
San Diego Area Law Enforcement
The San Diego Police Department covers the city proper with over 1,800 officers. The department has nine patrol divisions serving different neighborhoods across San Diego. Specialized units handle investigations, narcotics, gangs, and traffic enforcement. All city police arrests result in bookings at county jail facilities.
San Diego County Sheriff patrols unincorporated areas and provides contract services to several smaller cities in the region. The sheriff also operates all county detention facilities. California Highway Patrol makes arrests on Interstate 5, Interstate 8, Interstate 15, and other highways through San Diego.
Other agencies also make arrests in San Diego. UC San Diego Police handles campus incidents. Port of San Diego Harbor Police patrols the waterfront. San Diego State University Police operates on campus. Military police at local bases handle service member incidents. All bookings from these agencies go to the county jail system regardless of which agency made the arrest in the San Diego area.
For arrests within San Diego city limits, check city police records first. For arrests elsewhere in the county, contact the sheriff. The county jail database shows all bookings from every source, making it the best starting point for recent arrest searches in San Diego.
Reading San Diego Arrest Records
San Diego booking records use California Penal Code sections to describe charges. Each crime has a code number. Common examples include 211 PC for robbery, 459 PC for burglary, and 484 PC for theft. The jail database shows these codes next to each charge.
A booking entry in San Diego shows the person's full name and booking number. It lists their date of birth, sex, race, height, and weight. The entry includes arrest date, time, and location. All charges appear with code sections. Bail amount is set according to the county bail schedule or judge's order for San Diego arrests.
This information is public under California Government Code Section 7923.600. Law enforcement must disclose basic arrest facts including names, physical descriptions, arrest circumstances, and charges. The county makes this data available through online searches and phone inquiries.
An arrest does not equal a conviction. Many arrests do not lead to criminal charges. Prosecutors review cases and may decline to file. Charges can be reduced or dismissed later. The San Diego police blotter only shows that an arrest happened. It does not indicate guilt or predict outcomes.
How to Search San Diego Arrest Information
Start with the county jail Who's In Jail database. This shows everyone currently in custody. Enter the person's last name and first name. The system searches all San Diego County facilities. Results appear immediately if the person is in custody now.
For past arrests, contact the Sheriff Records Division at 9621 Ridgehaven Court in San Diego. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Call 858-974-2110 before visiting. You need the person's full name and approximate arrest date. Staff search archived records and can provide copies for a fee.
You can also check court records. The San Diego County Superior Court maintains files for all criminal cases. If charges were filed after an arrest, a court record exists. Court files show case status, hearings, and outcomes. Visit the court clerk office or search online through the court website for San Diego criminal cases.
San Diego County Police Blotter
San Diego is located in San Diego County. The county sheriff operates all jail facilities and maintains comprehensive arrest records for the entire county. This includes bookings from city police, county sheriff, and numerous other law enforcement agencies throughout the region. For complete county information including all detention facilities, booking procedures, and additional resources, visit the San Diego County police blotter page.