Find Vacaville Police Records
Vacaville police records are kept by the Vacaville Police Department and the Solano County Sheriff. The city sits in Solano County with a population near 100,000 residents. Police records from Vacaville include arrest logs, incident reports, traffic crash documents, and booking data. You can request copies through the California Public Records Act. The Vacaville Police Department handles most law enforcement within city limits, while the county sheriff provides services for unincorporated areas and county facilities. Both agencies maintain separate records systems but follow state rules for public access to police records in Vacaville.
Vacaville Quick Facts
Vacaville Police Department Records
The Vacaville Police Department serves the city and keeps all local police records. You can ask for arrest reports, incident files, and case documents by contacting the records unit. Most requests go through the department's public records process under California law. The agency responds within ten days to tell you if records exist and what fees apply.
| Agency | Vacaville Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 660 Merchant Street Vacaville, CA 95688 |
| Phone | (707) 449-5200 |
| Non-Emergency | (707) 449-5200 |
Submit records requests to the Vacaville Police Department by mail or email. Include your name and contact info. Be clear about what records you want. Give dates, names, case numbers, or other details that help staff find the file. The department will search and respond with next steps. Some records cannot be released if they are part of an active investigation or exempt under state law.
The city of Vacaville uses CrashDocs.org for traffic collision reports. This online portal lets you search for crash reports and order copies. The system covers accidents investigated by Vacaville police. You need the report number or other details to find your case. Fees apply for copies of traffic reports in Vacaville.
Solano County Sheriff Records
The Solano County Sheriff also keeps police records that may include Vacaville residents. The sheriff runs the county jail and handles warrants. If you were booked at the county jail, those records come from the sheriff. The sheriff has a records bureau at 530 Union Avenue Suite 100 in Fairfield. Call them at 707-784-7010 or email SHFRecords@SolanoCounty.gov for help with requests.
Solano County provides an online inmate search at shfinmatesearch.solanocounty.com. This portal shows current jail bookings. You can search by name to see if someone is in custody. The system updates regularly with new arrests and releases. Booking logs show the charge, bail amount, and booking date. This is public info under California law.
For records requests to the sheriff, follow the same process as with city police. Contact the records bureau with details about what you need. The sheriff responds within ten days per the Public Records Act. Fees vary based on the type of record and how many pages. Check with the records unit for current costs before ordering copies of police records in Vacaville.
How to Request Police Records
California law gives you the right to ask for police records under the Public Records Act. This law is in Government Code Sections 7920-7931. Anyone can make a request. You do not need to live in Vacaville or give a reason. The agency has ten days to respond. They tell you if the records exist and how much it costs to get copies.
To request police records in Vacaville, contact the agency that has the file:
- City police reports go to Vacaville Police Department
- Jail records go to Solano County Sheriff
- Traffic crash reports use CrashDocs.org portal
- Court case files go to Solano County Superior Court
Give as much detail as you can in your request. Include full names, dates, locations, case numbers if known, and type of incident. The more info you provide, the faster staff can find the record. Some files are exempt from release. Active investigations, personnel matters, and certain confidential records cannot be shared under state law. The agency will tell you if a record is exempt in Vacaville.
Types of Police Records in Vacaville
Arrest records show when police took someone into custody. These files have the person's name, booking date, charges, and bail info. Vacaville arrest records are public under Government Code Section 7923.610. You can check the county jail website to see current bookings. Older arrest records require a formal request to the police or sheriff.
Incident reports document crimes and other calls that police handle. An officer writes a report after responding to a call. The report tells what happened and what action the officer took. You can get a copy if you were involved in the incident. Victims and witnesses often need these reports for insurance or legal purposes. The police may not release reports to suspects or for open cases in Vacaville.
Traffic collision reports are created when police respond to a crash. The report shows date, time, location, drivers, vehicles, and injuries. California Vehicle Code Section 20012 says agencies must give copies to drivers and other parties of interest. Most traffic reports are ready in seven to ten days. CrashDocs.org handles online requests for Vacaville crash reports.
Body camera footage is usually exempt from release. Government Code Section 7923.625 requires agencies to release video from critical incidents like officer-involved shootings. The police have 45 days to provide this footage. Other body cam video is not subject to public release under California law.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees for police records in Vacaville vary by agency and record type. The Vacaville Police Department sets its own rates for reports and copies. Solano County Sheriff has different fees. Traffic reports through CrashDocs.org have their own cost. Contact the specific agency for current fee info before you order records.
Common fees for police records in California include:
- Basic incident reports from free to $30
- Traffic crash reports from $5 to $20
- Copy fees at 10 to 50 cents per page
- Certified copies with extra seal fees
- Digital files sometimes free by email
Processing time depends on the request. Simple requests for your own report often take five to ten business days. Larger requests with many files can take weeks. The agency must respond within ten days to say if they have the records, but that does not mean you get the records in ten days. They may need more time to review and copy the file. Follow up if you do not hear back in Vacaville.
Note: Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking can get free copies of their reports under California law.
California Police Records Laws
The California Public Records Act controls access to police records in Vacaville. This law is in Government Code Sections 7920 through 7931. It says any person can ask for public records. The agency has ten calendar days to respond. They can extend this by 14 days if needed. If they deny your request, they must cite the specific exemption that applies in California.
Penal Code Section 832.7 covers peace officer personnel records. This law changed after SB 1421 and SB 16 passed. Agencies must now release records of officer-involved shootings, serious use of force, sexual assault by officers, and dishonesty findings. These records must be provided within 45 days. A delay up to 180 days is allowed for ongoing investigations in Vacaville.
Penal Code Sections 11120-11127 let you request your own criminal history from the California Department of Justice. The fee is $25. You get a record of all arrests and convictions on file. You cannot get someone else's criminal history through this system. Only law enforcement can access those files for official use in California.
Additional Resources in Vacaville
The California Highway Patrol handles crashes on state highways near Vacaville. You can request CHP crash reports at crashes.chp.ca.gov. This online portal covers accidents investigated by CHP officers. You need the report number or other details to search. Only parties of interest can get copies, including drivers, passengers, owners, and insurers in Vacaville.
The Solano County Superior Court keeps criminal and civil case records. Court files are separate from police reports but may have related info. The court is in Fairfield at 600 Union Avenue. You can search court records online through the court website. Case files show charges, hearings, judgments, and sentences. These are public unless sealed by court order in Vacaville.
For help understanding your rights or legal questions about police records, contact legal aid groups in Solano County. The Solano County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Legal Services of Northern California provides free help to low-income residents. These groups can explain the records request process and what to do if your request is denied in Vacaville.
Solano County Police Records
Vacaville is in Solano County. The county sheriff provides law enforcement services countywide and runs the jail. For more info on county records, sheriff services, jail bookings, and warrants, visit the Solano County police records page.