San Diego Police Records Search

Police records in San Diego are maintained by the San Diego Police Department for city incidents and the San Diego County Sheriff for county areas. With over 1.4 million residents, San Diego is California's second largest city and a major metropolitan center. You can request arrest logs, crime reports, traffic collision files, and booking documents from the appropriate agency. Both follow California Public Records Act procedures with ten-day response requirements. The city police charge $12 for most reports. The county sheriff uses GovQA for online submissions. Processing typically takes seven to ten business days for routine requests in San Diego.

San Diego Police Department Records

The San Diego Police Department serves all areas within city limits. Officers respond to calls, investigate crimes, make arrests, and create reports for incidents in the city. The department maintains a records bureau that processes thousands of public requests annually. All reports cost $12 regardless of type or length. Arrest reports cost just 50 cents. This makes San Diego one of the more affordable cities for police records in California.

You must wait seven business days after an incident before requesting a report. This gives officers time to write and finalize their reports. After seven days, email or call to confirm your report is ready. The address is 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. Call 619-531-2846 or email sdpdreportrequests@pd.sandiego.gov for questions about procedures or status in San Diego.

San Diego Police use NextRequest for some records and LexisNexis eCrash for traffic reports. Check the department website for current submission methods. For traffic collisions, you may be directed to the eCrash system where parties of interest can request and pay for reports online. Digital delivery saves time compared to in-person pickup in San Diego.

San Diego County Sheriff Records

The San Diego County Sheriff maintains records for unincorporated areas and provides jail services countywide. The Records Division is located at 9621 Ridgehaven Court in San Diego. Staff handle requests from victims, attorneys, insurance companies, and other parties with legal standing. Processing takes three to ten business days for most routine requests in San Diego County.

Reports cost $20 in San Diego County. The first copy is free to crime victims. You must show proof of victim status to qualify for the waiver. The department maintains most records for ten years. Older files may be archived or destroyed based on record retention schedules. Call 858-974-2222 for questions about record availability or procedures in San Diego County.

San Diego County uses GovQA for online records requests. Visit sdsheriff.govqa.us to submit your request electronically. The portal tracks status and sends email updates when staff take action. You can also submit requests by mail or in person. Some traffic reports are available through LexisNexis systems for online purchase in San Diego County.

Requesting Police Records

Start by identifying which agency handled your incident. City police cover areas inside San Diego city limits. County sheriff covers unincorporated areas and contract cities. If you are unsure, contact either agency and they can redirect you. Having the right agency from the start speeds up processing in San Diego.

Gather information about the incident. You need the date it occurred. You need the location. You need names of people involved. A case number helps but is not required. The more details you provide, the easier it is for staff to locate your file. Officers include identifying information in reports that staff use for searches in San Diego.

Submit your request using the agency's preferred method. For the county, use GovQA online. For the city, check their current procedures. Include your full name, address, phone number, and email. State exactly what records you want. Explain your connection to the case. Victims should identify as victims. Drivers should mention they were in the crash. Insurance companies must provide claim numbers and policy details in San Diego.

Agencies have ten calendar days to respond under California law. They tell you if the records exist and whether they can be released. Some files are exempt from disclosure. Active criminal investigations are often withheld. Officer personnel files are confidential except for serious misconduct under Penal Code Section 832.7 as amended by SB 1421 in California.

Police Record Types

Arrest records show who police took into custody in San Diego. Each record includes name, booking date, charges, bail amount, and booking photo. San Diego County maintains online booking logs. You can search recent arrests at no cost. For certified copies or older arrests, submit a formal request. Arrest data is public under Government Code Section 7923.610 in California.

Incident reports document crimes and other events officers investigate. Reports include victim statements, witness accounts, physical evidence, and officer conclusions. You must be directly involved to get a copy. Suspects cannot get their own arrest reports in most cases. Third parties without legal standing are denied access. Active cases may be withheld until investigations close in San Diego.

Traffic collision reports are created when officers respond to crashes. These show date, time, location, vehicles, drivers, passengers, and injuries. Vehicle Code Section 20012 requires agencies to provide these to parties of interest. Drivers, passengers, vehicle owners, and insurers with claim numbers can request copies. For crashes on Interstate 5, Interstate 8, or other state highways, contact California Highway Patrol at crashes.chp.ca.gov instead of local police in San Diego.

Costs and Processing Times

San Diego Police Department charges $12 for all reports. Arrest reports cost 50 cents. This flat fee structure is simple and affordable compared to many California agencies. San Diego County Sheriff charges $20 per report. The first copy is free to crime victims who can show proof of victim status. Payment is due when you pick up records in San Diego.

Most agencies accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Call ahead to verify payment methods. If fees create hardship, ask about waivers. State law requires free reports for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. These must be provided within five days at no charge. You may need documentation proving your victim status in San Diego.

Processing times run from three to ten business days for routine requests. Simple reports for your own case move faster. Complex requests with multiple files take longer. The seven-day wait for city police reports ensures officers have finished writing before you request. The ten-day response requirement under state law covers the initial reply, not final production of records in San Diego.

Note: Fees and timelines are subject to change, so verify current information with the specific agency before submitting your request.

Your Legal Rights

The California Public Records Act grants access to police records in San Diego. The law is in Government Code Sections 7920-7931. Anyone can request records. Residency is not required. You do not need to explain your purpose. Agencies must respond within ten days. They can extend by 14 days for complex requests in California.

Certain records cannot be released to the public. Active criminal investigations are exempt. This prevents interference with ongoing cases. Once cases close, more information becomes available. Officer personnel files are mostly confidential. Recent laws require disclosure of serious misconduct. Shootings, excessive force, sexual assault by officers, and dishonesty must be provided within 45 days under SB 1421 in California.

Body camera footage is generally not available. Government Code Section 7923.625 requires release only for critical incidents. This includes officer-involved shootings and serious use of force. Agencies have 45 days to provide this footage. Extensions of 30 days are allowed during active investigations in San Diego.

State Police Record Resources

The California Department of Justice maintains statewide criminal history information. You can request your own record through the DOJ Record Review Unit. Visit oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record-review for forms and procedures. The fee is $25. You must submit fingerprints via Live Scan or manual cards. The DOJ will not release another person's criminal history to you. Only law enforcement can access third-party criminal records in California.

For general public records from the DOJ, use their portal at oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/pra. The DOJ maintains different records than local police. They handle statewide databases and conduct certain investigations. Most routine police records remain at the local level in San Diego, not with state agencies.

California Highway Patrol manages traffic collision reports for state highways. Their online portal at crashes.chp.ca.gov lets parties of interest request reports directly. Fees apply for copies. Local police and sheriff handle crashes on city streets and county roads in San Diego.

Nearby California Cities

Other major cities near San Diego have their own police departments and records procedures: