Access Daly City Police Records
Daly City police records are managed by the Daly City Police Department in San Mateo County. The department handles record requests for incident reports, traffic collision files, and arrest logs. Daly City has about 105,000 residents and is the largest city in San Mateo County. All police record requests follow California Public Records Act procedures. You can submit requests to the department for records related to incidents within city limits. Most agencies respond within ten days of receiving your request for police records.
Daly City Quick Facts
Daly City Police Records
The Daly City Police Department maintains all police records for incidents within city limits. This includes crime reports, traffic accident files, and arrest information. The department follows standard California procedures for handling public records requests under the Public Records Act.
To request records in Daly City, contact the Police Department Records Division. Provide as much detail as possible about the incident. Include the date, location, case number if known, and names of involved parties. The more information you provide, the faster staff can locate the file you need.
Processing times vary depending on the type of record and department workload. Most requests are handled within seven to ten business days. Complex requests requiring review of multiple files may take longer. The department will give you an estimated completion date when you submit your request in Daly City.
San Mateo County Sheriff Records
Daly City is in San Mateo County. For incidents outside city limits, contact the San Mateo County Sheriff. Their Records Division is at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. Call 650-363-4525 or email sheriffs_recordsrequest@smcgov.org for county records.
The San Mateo County Sheriff handles unincorporated areas and provides support to local police agencies. Public records requests to the Sheriff follow the same California Public Records Act procedures. Reproduction of paper records costs at least ten cents per page in San Mateo County.
For more information about county records, visit the Sheriff's website at smcsheriff.com/public-records-request. The county also has a Criminal Records Bureau that handles fingerprinting and background checks for employment and licensing in Daly City and throughout San Mateo County.
Types of Police Records
Incident reports are created when police respond to calls. An officer documents what happened, who was involved, and what action was taken. You can request a copy if you were a victim or party to the incident. Reports for active investigations may not be released until the case closes in Daly City.
Traffic collision reports show details of car crashes investigated by Daly City police. These include the date, time, location, vehicles, drivers, and any injuries or damage. You must be a party of interest to get a copy. This includes drivers, passengers, vehicle owners, and insurance companies with valid claims in Daly City.
Arrest logs are public records showing recent arrests made by police. These include the person's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. Booking information is public under California law. Full arrest reports are not typically released to the arrested person or suspects in Daly City.
Body camera footage is generally exempt from public release. California Government Code Section 7923.625 requires agencies to release footage from critical incidents. This includes officer-involved shootings and serious use of force. Agencies have 45 days to provide this footage in Daly City.
How to Request Records
Contact the Daly City Police Department to request police records. You can submit requests in person, by mail, or by email. Some departments offer online portals for submitting and tracking requests. Check the department website for current contact information and submission methods.
When making a request, be specific about what records you want. Provide the incident date, location, case number if you have it, and names of people involved. The agency will search for the records and tell you if they exist. Some records may be exempt from release under state law in Daly City.
Fees depend on the type of record and how it is provided. Paper copies typically cost ten cents or more per page. Digital records emailed to you may be free. Ask about fees when you submit your request. Payment is usually required before you receive the records in Daly City.
If a request is denied, the agency must cite the legal exemption. Common reasons include ongoing investigations, personnel matters, and confidential files. You have the right to challenge a denial. Some people work with attorneys or public interest groups when appealing denied requests in Daly City.
California Public Records Act
The California Public Records Act is in Government Code Sections 7920-7931. This law gives everyone the right to access public records. You do not need to be a resident. You do not have to explain why you want the records. Agencies must respond within ten days in Daly City.
Penal Code Section 832.7 covers police personnel records. Laws like SB 1421 and SB 16 require disclosure of certain misconduct records. These include officer-involved shootings and sustained findings of dishonesty. Agencies must release these within 45 days of a request in Daly City.
Traffic reports are governed by Vehicle Code Section 20012. This law requires agencies to give copies to involved parties. You must be a driver, passenger, owner, or insurer with a claim. Agencies cannot deny requests from qualifying parties in Daly City.
Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking can get free copies of their incident reports. This is required by California Family Code. Most agencies provide these within five days at no charge. Contact the department if you qualify for a free victim report in Daly City.
Local Resources
For questions about police records in Daly City, contact the Police Department directly. Staff can help with information about fees, processing times, and what records are available. They can also tell you if you qualify to receive a specific record.
For your own criminal history record, contact the California Department of Justice. You can request this for a $25 fee at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record-review. The process requires fingerprints. The DOJ does not release criminal history to third parties in Daly City.
California Highway Patrol crash reports are available at crashes.chp.ca.gov. This is the online portal for CHP collision reports. You must be a party of interest to request a copy. The system will tell you if a report is available for your incident in Daly City.
Legal aid organizations can help if you have questions about public records rights. Contact local bar associations for referrals to attorneys who handle records requests. Some organizations provide free or low-cost assistance in Daly City.
Nearby Cities
Looking for police records in other San Mateo County cities? Check these nearby locations: