Search San Mateo County Police Records
San Mateo County police records include arrest logs, incident reports, crash documents, and case files kept by the Sheriff Office and local police departments. You can request these records through the California Public Records Act. The San Mateo County Sheriff handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas and contracts with several cities. Many municipalities also run their own police departments with separate records divisions. To get a police record, you need to know which agency responded to the incident. Most agencies respond within ten days of receiving a request. Fees vary by department but often include charges for copies and document searches in San Mateo County.
San Mateo County Quick Facts
San Mateo County Sheriff Office
The San Mateo County Sheriff Office maintains police records for unincorporated areas and contract cities in the county. Their records division handles public requests for incident reports, arrest logs, and crash reports. You can submit a request online through their public records portal. The office is in Redwood City at 400 County Center. Contact them at 650-363-4525 for questions about your request.
Most public records requests go through the Sheriff email at sheriffs_recordsrequest@smcgov.org. Include as much detail as you can in your request. Provide names, dates, locations, and case numbers if known. The more specific you are, the faster the agency can find your records in San Mateo County. The Sheriff responds within ten calendar days per the California Public Records Act. They may need more time for complex or large requests.
The Sheriff offers a Criminal Records Bureau for background checks and fingerprinting. This is different from public records requests. The Criminal Records Bureau processes Live Scan fingerprints and California records reviews. These services have separate fees and procedures. Visit their Support Services page for more info on San Mateo County background checks.
San Mateo County charges at least ten cents per page for paper record reproductions. This is the minimum cost set by state law. Digital records may be provided at no charge if emailed. The Sheriff accepts payment by check or money order. They do not take cash. Certified copies cost more than standard copies in San Mateo County.
City Police Departments in San Mateo County
Many cities in San Mateo County have their own police departments. These include Daly City, South San Francisco, Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, and others. Each department keeps its own records and has its own request procedures.
If your incident happened in a city with its own police department, contact that department directly. Do not contact the Sheriff for city police records. The Sheriff cannot release records from other agencies. Most city police departments have a records bureau or administrative office that handles public requests in San Mateo County.
Common city police departments in San Mateo County include the following:
- Daly City Police Department
- South San Francisco Police Department
- San Mateo Police Department
- Redwood City Police Department
- Burlingame Police Department
- San Bruno Police Department
- Menlo Park Police Department
Each department sets its own fees and processing times. Some use online portals while others require mail or email requests. Check the city website or call the police department records division for instructions in San Mateo County.
Police Record Types
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody by police in San Mateo County. These include booking info like the person's name, charges, bail amount, and booking date. Many agencies post daily booking logs online. You can view recent arrests at no cost. Older arrest records may require a formal request through the records division.
Incident reports are written by officers who respond to calls for service. These documents describe what happened, who was involved, and what actions the officer took. You can request a copy if you were a victim or involved party in San Mateo County. Agencies may not release reports to suspects or witnesses depending on the case status.
Traffic collision reports document car crashes investigated by police. San Mateo County officers create these reports when they respond to an accident scene. The report includes the date, time, location, vehicles involved, and any injuries or damage. Drivers and other parties of interest can request copies under California Vehicle Code Section 20012. Reports are usually ready within seven to ten business days of the crash in San Mateo County.
Body camera footage is generally not subject to release under the California Public Records Act. Agencies must provide footage from critical incidents like officer-involved shootings. These requests are handled separately under Government Code Section 7923.625. Regular body cam video from routine calls is exempt from disclosure in San Mateo County.
How to Request Police Records
Start by finding out which agency has the records you need. If the incident happened in an unincorporated area or a contract city, contact the Sheriff. If it happened in a city with its own police department, contact that city agency in San Mateo County. You can usually find this info by calling the non-emergency number and asking which department responded.
Once you know the right agency, submit your request in writing. Most San Mateo County agencies accept requests by email, mail, or online portal. Include the following details:
- Your name and contact info
- Date and location of the incident
- Names of people involved if known
- Case number or report number if you have it
- Type of record you are requesting
The agency will review your request and respond within ten days. This is just the initial response. They may tell you the records exist and provide a cost estimate. It can take longer to actually produce the records. Some requests need more review before release in San Mateo County.
Not all records can be released to the public. Active investigations, personnel files, and certain confidential documents are exempt from disclosure. The agency will cite the specific exemption if they deny your request in San Mateo County.
Fees and Wait Times
San Mateo County agencies charge fees to cover the cost of searching for and copying records. The Sheriff charges at least ten cents per page for paper copies. Some records may cost more if they require extensive redaction or review. Digital records sent by email may be free in San Mateo County.
Processing times vary based on the complexity of your request. Simple requests for a single report can often be filled in five to ten business days. Large requests requiring review of multiple files may take weeks. The agency will give you an estimated completion date when they acknowledge your request in San Mateo County.
Some records must be provided faster under California law. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking can get free copies of their incident reports within five days. SB 1421 records related to officer misconduct must be released within 45 days. Regular public records requests have no set deadline beyond the ten-day response requirement in San Mateo County.
Note: Contact the specific agency for current fee and timeline information before submitting your request.
California Police Records Laws
The California Public Records Act in Government Code Sections 7920-7931 gives you the right to access police records. Any person can make a request. You do not need to be a resident of San Mateo County or California. Agencies must respond within ten days. They can extend this by 14 days if needed.
Penal Code Section 832.7 covers peace officer personnel records. This law was changed by SB 1421 and SB 16 to require more transparency in San Mateo County. Agencies must disclose records of officer-involved shootings, use of force causing serious injury or death, sustained findings of sexual assault by an officer, and sustained findings of dishonesty. These records must be released within 45 days unless an extension applies.
Government Code Section 7923.625 addresses body camera footage. Agencies must release footage from critical incidents within 45 days. This includes shootings and serious use of force cases. Other body cam video is generally exempt from disclosure in San Mateo County.
Vehicle Code Section 20012 requires agencies to provide traffic collision reports to involved parties. This includes drivers, passengers, owners, and insurance companies with a valid claim. The law sets out who qualifies as a party of interest in San Mateo County.
Online Police Records Resources
The San Mateo County Sheriff offers an online public records request portal at smcsheriff.com/public-records-request. Use this portal to submit requests for Sheriff records in San Mateo County. You can track your request status online.
Some city police departments in San Mateo County use online systems for records requests. Check the city website or contact the police department to find out if they offer online submission. Many agencies accept email requests even if they do not have a formal portal.
For criminal history information, visit the California Department of Justice website at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record-review. You can request your own criminal record through the DOJ for a $25 fee in San Mateo County. This process requires fingerprints.
Traffic collision reports from the California Highway Patrol can be requested online at crashes.chp.ca.gov. Use this system if your crash was investigated by CHP officers in San Mateo County.
Nearby Counties
If you need police records from neighboring areas, visit these county pages: