Vallejo Police Records Search
Vallejo police records come from the Vallejo Police Department and Solano County Sheriff. The city has over 120,000 people and sits in Solano County on San Pablo Bay. Police records in Vallejo include arrest reports, incident files, traffic collision documents, and booking logs. You request these through the California Public Records Act. The Vallejo Police Department uses NextRequest for online submissions. This portal lets you track your request and get updates. County sheriff records go through a different system but follow the same state rules for public access to police records in Vallejo.
Vallejo Quick Facts
Vallejo Police Department Records
The Vallejo Police Department handles law enforcement for the city and keeps all local police records. The records unit processes requests for arrest reports, incident files, and case documents. You can submit requests online through the NextRequest system. This platform is used by many California cities for public records requests.
| Agency | Vallejo Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 Amador Street Vallejo, CA 94590 |
| Phone | (707) 648-4321 |
| Records Portal | NextRequest (online) |
NextRequest makes it easy to ask for records in Vallejo. You create an account and submit your request through the portal. The system lets you track progress and get alerts when your request is updated. Staff review your request and respond within ten days as required by California law. Some records take longer to produce depending on how many files need review.
Be specific when you ask for police records. Give names, dates, locations, case numbers, and type of incident. This helps staff find the right file. The more detail you provide, the faster the search goes. If records are exempt from release, the agency will tell you why and cite the legal basis for denial in Vallejo.
Solano County Sheriff Records Access
The Solano County Sheriff runs the county jail and keeps booking records. If you were arrested in Vallejo and taken to county jail, those records come from the sheriff. The sheriff also handles warrants and some patrol duties outside city limits. The records bureau is at 530 Union Avenue Suite 100 in Fairfield.
You can search for inmates online at shfinmatesearch.solanocounty.com. This portal shows current jail bookings. Enter a name to see if someone is in custody. The system shows charges, bail amount, booking date, and expected release. This data updates regularly as new arrests happen and inmates are released from jail in Vallejo.
For records from the sheriff, contact the records bureau at 707-784-7010 or email SHFRecords@SolanoCounty.gov. Give the same level of detail you would for city police. Include names, dates, and what type of record you need. The sheriff responds within ten days per the Public Records Act. Fees apply for copies of reports and other documents in Vallejo.
Public Records Act Requests
California law gives everyone the right to request police records. The Public Records Act is in Government Code Sections 7920-7931. Any person can make a request. You do not need to be a resident or explain why you want the records. Agencies have ten calendar days to respond. They can take a 14-day extension if they need more time to search or consult with legal staff.
To get police records in Vallejo, follow these steps:
- Decide which agency has the records you need
- Submit your request through NextRequest for city police
- Contact the sheriff for jail and warrant records
- Provide as much detail as possible about the incident
- Wait for the agency to respond within ten days
- Pay any fees required before receiving copies
Some records are exempt from release under California law. Active investigations, personnel files, and certain confidential documents cannot be shared. If your request is denied, the agency must tell you the specific exemption. You can challenge denials in court with help from an attorney in Vallejo.
Police Record Types in Vallejo
Arrest records are public in California. These show when police took someone into custody. The record has the person's name, booking date, charges filed, bail amount, and where they were booked. Most arrest records are available through the county jail website. Older records require a formal request to the police or sheriff. An arrest does not mean a conviction. Charges can be dropped or dismissed later.
Incident reports document crimes and calls that police respond to. Officers write reports after handling a call. The report says 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. Witnesses and suspects may not get copies. Reports for active cases may be withheld until the investigation closes in Vallejo.
Traffic collision reports cover accidents investigated by Vallejo police. The report shows date, time, location, vehicles, drivers, and injuries. California Vehicle Code Section 20012 requires agencies to give copies to parties of interest. This includes drivers, passengers, vehicle owners, and insurance companies with a claim. Most crash reports are ready within seven to ten business days in Vallejo.
Body camera footage is generally exempt from public release. Government Code Section 7923.625 requires disclosure for critical incidents. This includes officer-involved shootings and serious use of force. Agencies have 45 days to provide this footage. They can extend by 30 days in some cases. Other body cam video is not subject to the Public Records Act in California.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees for police records in Vallejo depend on the agency and record type. The Vallejo Police Department sets its own rates. The Solano County Sheriff has different fees. Contact each agency for current pricing before you order copies. Fees can change over time, so always verify the cost when making your request.
Typical fees for California police records:
- Incident reports from free to $30 per report
- Traffic crash reports from $5 to $20
- Photocopies at 10 to 50 cents per page
- Certified copies with extra fees for seals
- Digital records sometimes free by email
Processing time varies by request. Simple requests for your own report often take five to ten business days. Complex requests with multiple files can take several weeks. The law requires a response in ten days, but that is just the initial reply. The agency may need more time to review and copy the records. They will give you an estimated date when they respond to your request in Vallejo.
Note: Domestic violence victims can get free copies of their incident reports under California Family Code.
California Police Records Laws
The California Public Records Act controls how agencies handle requests. This law is in Government Code Sections 7920 through 7931. It gives any person the right to ask for public records. Agencies must respond within ten days. They can extend by 14 days if needed. If they deny your request, they must cite the specific exemption that applies under state law in Vallejo.
Penal Code Section 832.7 deals with peace officer personnel records. SB 1421 and SB 16 changed this law to require more transparency. Agencies must now release records of officer-involved shootings, serious use of force, sexual assault by officers, and sustained dishonesty findings. These records must be provided within 45 days. Delays up to 180 days are allowed if there is an ongoing investigation in California.
Government Code Section 7923.610 requires agencies to make arrest information public. This is why booking logs are posted online. You can see who was arrested, what charges were filed, and when they were booked. This applies to all law enforcement agencies in Vallejo.
You can request your own criminal history from the California Department of Justice under Penal Code Sections 11120-11127. The fee is $25. You get a record of all arrests and convictions on file. You cannot get someone else's criminal history. Only law enforcement can access those files for official purposes in California.
Additional Resources for Vallejo
The California Highway Patrol investigates accidents on state highways near Vallejo. You can request CHP crash reports online at crashes.chp.ca.gov. This portal covers collisions handled by CHP officers. You need the report number or other details to search. Only parties of interest can order copies, including drivers, passengers, owners, and insurers with a claim number.
The Solano County Superior Court keeps criminal and civil case files. Court records are separate from police reports but often contain related information. The courthouse is in Fairfield at 600 Union Avenue. You can search court records online through the court's website. Case files show charges, court dates, judgments, and sentences. These are public unless sealed by court order in Vallejo.
For legal help with records requests or understanding your rights, contact legal aid groups in Solano County. The Solano County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service. Legal Services of Northern California provides free assistance to low-income residents. These organizations can help if your request is denied or you have questions about the process in Vallejo.
Solano County Police Records
Vallejo is located in Solano County. The county sheriff provides law enforcement services throughout the county and operates the county jail. For more details on county sheriff records, jail bookings, warrants, and other county resources, visit the Solano County police records page.