Warrant records are public documents in Taft, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that most government records, including warrants, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b) further reinforces the public's right to access information concerning the conduct of government business.
Members of the public may access warrant information through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. This transparency serves multiple public interests:
Certain warrant information may be redacted or restricted when disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy rights protected under state law, or endanger public safety as specified in Government Code § 6254.
Residents of Taft seeking warrant information online may utilize several official resources:
Kern County Superior Court: The court maintains an online case information search system where members of the public may search for case information, including active warrants. Users must acknowledge terms of use before accessing the database.
Taft Police Department: The department provides limited warrant information through their records division. While not all records are available online, the department can verify warrant status upon proper request.
Kern County Sheriff's Office
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 861-3110
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of warrants issued within their jurisdiction, including Taft.
California Department of Justice: For statewide warrant information, the California DOJ maintains certain databases accessible to law enforcement and, in some cases, to the public through authorized channels.
Pursuant to Penal Code § 1534(a), search warrant records may remain sealed for 10 days after execution, after which they generally become public unless a court order extends the sealing period.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Taft may employ several methods in accordance with current procedures:
Kern County Superior Court Records: The Superior Court of Kern County maintains warrant records and provides public access to this information. Individuals may search by name through the court's case information system.
Direct Inquiry at Taft Police Department
320 Commerce Way
Taft, CA 93268
(661) 763-3101
The Records Division accepts in-person inquiries during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
Legal Representation: Licensed attorneys may conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients and provide counsel regarding appropriate responses to active warrants.
Kern County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 861-3110
The Sheriff's Office can verify warrant status for individuals who provide proper identification.
Pursuant to Penal Code § 980, warrants remain in effect until executed, recalled by the court, or otherwise resolved through legal proceedings. Individuals with active warrants should consult legal counsel regarding appropriate steps to resolve the matter.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Taft requires following established protocols to ensure accurate information:
In-Person Court Records Search: Individuals may visit the Kern County Superior Court, Taft Branch, located at 311 North Lincoln Street, Taft, CA 93268. Court clerks can assist with searching public records during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM).
Online Court Records: The Kern County Superior Court's online case information system allows searches of court records, including warrant information. Users should note that not all records may be immediately updated in the system.
Telephone Inquiry: The Taft Police Department Records Division accepts telephone inquiries at (661) 763-3101. Callers must provide sufficient identifying information to facilitate an accurate search.
Written Request: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), written requests for warrant information may be submitted to the appropriate agency. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and other identifying information.
Individuals should be aware that pursuant to Traffic Court regulations, failure to appear at mandatory court hearings for traffic violations may result in the issuance of bench warrants.
Warrant records maintained by Taft law enforcement agencies and the Kern County Superior Court contain specific information as required by California Penal Code § 815. Standard warrant documents include:
Subject Identification: Full legal name of the subject, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, identifying numbers such as driver's license or social security number.
Case Information: Court case number, filing date, and jurisdiction of issuance.
Warrant Classification: Designation as arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or other specialized warrant type.
Judicial Authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate, date of issuance, and court of origin.
Alleged Offense: Description of the alleged violation, including relevant Penal Code sections and offense classification (misdemeanor or felony).
Bail Information: When applicable, the predetermined bail amount or notation of "no bail" status.
Service Instructions: Special instructions for executing officers regarding service parameters, time restrictions, or safety considerations.
Return Documentation: For executed warrants, information regarding date of service, arresting officer, and disposition.
Pursuant to Penal Code § 1534, search warrant returns must be filed with the court within 10 days after issuance, documenting items seized and circumstances of execution.