Imperial County Police Blotter

Imperial County maintains arrest and booking records through the sheriff office Records Division in El Centro. The division serves as the repository for all arrest and booking records across Imperial County. While an online searchable database is not currently available, you can request booking information by calling the Records Division. Staff can look up recent arrests and provide custody status information. For formal records requests, the office accepts written applications for police blotter documents in Imperial County.

Imperial County Sheriff Records Division

The Imperial County Sheriff Office operates the Records Division at 328 Applestill Road in El Centro. This office handles all arrest and booking records for the county. When law enforcement makes an arrest anywhere in Imperial County, records end up here. Staff maintain files on bookings, charges, and custody information. You can contact the Records Division to ask about arrest information.

Information about the sheriff Records Division is available at icso.imperialcounty.org. Call (442) 265-2125 to speak with Records Division staff. They can search their system by name and tell you about recent bookings. For written requests, you can mail or deliver applications to the office in El Centro. The sheriff processes public records requests under the California Public Records Act for Imperial County.

The Records Division charges fees for formal reports. Crime and incident reports cost $22. Local clearance letters are $65. Local criminal history reports also cost $65. These fees cover staff time and copying costs. Basic booking information inquiries by phone are usually free in Imperial County.

Find Imperial County Arrest Records

Start by calling the Records Division during business hours. Have the full name and approximate date ready. Staff will search their system. They can tell you if someone is currently in custody. They can also provide basic booking information over the phone. For detailed records or certified copies, you need to submit a written request.

California law gives you the right to request booking logs and arrest reports under the Public Records Act. The California Public Records Act requires agencies to respond within ten days. Submit requests in writing to the Records Division. Include the names and dates you are looking for. This helps staff locate records faster in Imperial County.

Note: Arrest information does not prove guilt and charges may be dismissed or reduced later.

Law Enforcement in Imperial County

El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, and Imperial have their own police departments. Officers from these agencies make arrests within their city limits. All arrestees get booked at county jail facilities. The sheriff office provides patrol for unincorporated areas and contract cities across Imperial County. The California Highway Patrol covers Interstate 8 and state highways through the county.

CHP makes arrests for traffic offenses and DUI. Border Patrol also operates in Imperial County due to its location on the international border. All local bookings go through the county jail system. For police reports from specific agencies, contact that department directly. The sheriff Records Division handles sheriff arrests and maintains copies of booking records from all agencies in Imperial County.

California Arrest Record Laws

State law requires police to release certain booking information. Government Code Section 7923.600 lists what must be public. This includes the name and occupation of every arrested person, their physical description including date of birth, color of eyes and hair, sex, height and weight, the time and date of arrest, the time and date of booking, the location of the arrest, the factual circumstances surrounding the arrest, and the bail amount. Law enforcement must make this information public in California.

Some records stay confidential during active investigations. Complete criminal history summaries are protected under Penal Code Section 11105. Only law enforcement and authorized agencies can access these master records. The California Department of Justice maintains statewide criminal records. Local agencies like Imperial County Sheriff compile their own summaries under Penal Code Section 13300. These can be released if doing so enhances public safety.

You can review your own criminal record through the DOJ Record Review process. This requires fingerprints at a Live Scan location. The fee is $25. You get a complete summary of arrests and convictions on file. If errors exist, you can challenge them through the Record Review Unit. This ensures Imperial County arrest records in state databases stay accurate for background checks.

Imperial County Jail Facilities

Imperial County operates jail facilities for adult bookings. The main jail handles processing and housing for arrested individuals. Men and women are housed separately. Booking happens around the clock when arrests occur. Processing includes fingerprints, photos, and medical screening. Staff enter all information into the jail management system maintained by the sheriff office.

Inmates can make phone calls using the jail phone system. Calls are monitored and recorded except calls to attorneys. Family members can set up prepaid accounts to receive calls. Mail is allowed but goes through security screening. Photos and letters are acceptable. Packages are not permitted. Check with the jail about rules before sending anything to someone in Imperial County custody.

Visiting schedules are set by the jail. Call the facility to confirm when and where you can visit. Visitors must follow dress codes and behavior rules. Bring valid ID when you come. Registration may be required before your first visit to Imperial County jail facilities.

Court Records in Imperial County

The Imperial County Superior Court handles criminal cases after arrest. Courthouses operate in El Centro and Brawley. You can search case information through the court website. Dockets show charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. Some records are sealed or confidential. Most adult criminal cases are public once filed with the court in Imperial County.

The District Attorney prosecutes crimes in Imperial County. Their office keeps files on active cases. You can request public records from the DA through standard channels. The Public Defender represents people who cannot afford private attorneys. Both offices have locations at the courthouse complexes. They handle cases that begin with arrests in Imperial County.

For people sent to state prison, use the CDCR inmate search instead of county resources. State inmates are no longer in county custody. The CIRIS database tracks prison locations and release dates. County jails hold people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Longer sentences get served in state facilities after transfer from Imperial County.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Imperial County. Each has its own sheriff office and jail system with separate booking records and search methods.