Warrant records are public documents in Riverside, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). Under this legislation, government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Warrants, as judicial documents, fall within the scope of public records that citizens may access.
The California Public Records Act establishes the fundamental right of citizens to monitor governmental activities through access to public records. This transparency requirement extends to warrant information maintained by law enforcement agencies and courts within Riverside County. Public access to these records serves several governmental interests:
Certain limitations may apply to warrant information that contains sensitive details related to ongoing investigations or matters of public safety, as provided under Government Code § 6254(f). In such cases, portions of warrant records may be redacted or temporarily withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Members of the public seeking warrant information in Riverside County may utilize several official online resources:
Riverside County Sheriff's Department
4095 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955-2400
Riverside County Sheriff's Department
The Sheriff's Department maintains a searchable database of active warrants. Pursuant to departmental policy, this database is updated regularly to reflect current warrant status.
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside
4050 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147
Riverside Superior Court
The court provides public access terminals for searching case information, including warrant status. Additionally, the court's online portal allows for limited searches of case information, though some warrant details may require in-person verification.
Riverside County District Attorney's Office
3960 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955-5400
Riverside County District Attorney
The District Attorney's Office may provide information regarding warrants related to prosecutorial actions, particularly in cases where public notification serves a public safety purpose.
Individuals seeking to determine if a warrant has been issued for their arrest in Riverside County may employ several methods authorized under California law:
Direct Inquiry with Law Enforcement
The Riverside Police Department maintains current warrant information and can verify warrant status upon proper identification. Individuals may contact the department's Records Bureau at (951) 826-5700 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
Court Records Search
The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside provides public access to case information through:
Legal Counsel Consultation
Licensed attorneys may conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients through professional access to court information systems. Attorney inquiries are governed by Business and Professions Code § 6068, which establishes duties of confidentiality.
Riverside County Sheriff's Warrant Division
4095 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955-2450
The Warrant Division processes and maintains records of all warrants issued within Riverside County jurisdiction. Inquiries may be made in person with proper identification.
Riverside County maintains systematic procedures for warrant verification in accordance with California Penal Code § 850. Members of the public may utilize the following official channels to conduct warrant searches:
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Warrant Division
The Warrant Division processes approximately 5,000 warrants monthly and maintains a comprehensive database of active warrants. Pursuant to departmental policy, warrant searches require:
Records Bureau at Riverside Police Department
The Records Bureau maintains warrant information for cases within city jurisdiction. Public counter services are available at:
Riverside Police Department
4102 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 826-5700
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Superior Court Criminal Division
Court records, including warrant information, are maintained at:
Riverside Historic Courthouse
4050 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, certain court records are available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Warrant records maintained by Riverside County law enforcement agencies and courts contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 815. A typical warrant document includes:
Additional documentation may accompany the warrant, including:
Pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of warrant records to protect ongoing investigations or public safety.
The Riverside County criminal justice system maintains warrant records in accordance with California Penal Code § 1534, which governs the issuance and return of search warrants. Public access to these records is subject to statutory limitations and judicial discretion.
Search warrant records typically become public documents after execution and return to the issuing court. However, pursuant to Penal Code § 1534(a), a judge may order search warrant materials sealed for a period of 10 days, which may be extended upon showing of good cause.
Individuals seeking access to search warrant records may submit requests to:
Riverside County Superior Court
Criminal Records Division
4100 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147
Request procedures require:
The Riverside Police Department maintains records of search warrants executed within city limits. Records requests may be submitted to:
Riverside Police Department
Records Bureau
4102 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 826-5700
Pursuant to departmental policy, certain search warrant information may be withheld if disclosure would: