Oakland Criminal Records Search

Criminal records in Oakland are managed by the Oakland Police Department and the Alameda County Superior Court. The OPD keeps police reports, arrest records, and incident files for all crimes that occur inside city limits. Court records for Oakland cases go through the Alameda County court system, since California does not have city-level courts. You can request police records online through the city's public records portal. The Alameda County Sheriff runs the jail system, so inmate lookups for people arrested in Oakland go through the county as well.

Oakland Police Department Records

The Oakland Police Department handles all police reports and arrest records for crimes within city limits. If you need a copy of a report, the OPD uses a public records portal run through NextRequest. You can submit your request online at oaklandca.nextrequest.com. The system lets you describe what records you need, upload any supporting documents, and track the status of your request. Copies cost 5 cents per page. Most requests get a response within ten business days, though complex requests can take longer.

The OPD Records Division is the main point of contact for all police record requests in Oakland. Their office is at 455 7th Street, Room 306, Oakland, CA 94607.

You can also reach the Records Division by email at opdrecordrequest@oaklandca.gov or by phone at (510) 238-7143. When you call, have the case number ready if you have one. Staff can search by name and date too, but a case number makes it faster. The OPD handles a large volume of requests each year given the size of the city. If you are the victim of a crime, mention that in your request since some fees may not apply to victim copies.

Note: The OPD public records portal is separate from the court system. Police reports cover the investigation and arrest. Court records cover what happens after charges are filed.

Alameda County Court Records for Oakland

All criminal cases from Oakland go through the Alameda County Superior Court. California does not have city courts. The county handles every criminal case, from misdemeanors to felonies. You can submit a criminal record request electronically through the court's online system at alameda.courts.ca.gov. The court uses the Odyssey Portal from Tyler Technologies for electronic submissions. You will get an email confirming the court received your request.

The main courthouse for Oakland cases is the George E. McDonald Hall of Justice. You can reach them at (510) 891-6005. The Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse is another option at (510) 627-4700. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies run $40. If you need a record search that takes staff more than ten minutes, the fee is $15. Having a case number helps, but staff can look things up by name if needed.

The court keeps records for all criminal cases filed in the county. That includes Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, and every other city in Alameda County. Online access is available for many case types, but some criminal records may need to be requested in person or by mail. Sealed and confidential cases will not show up in any public search.

Oakland Inmate and Jail Lookup

People arrested in Oakland are booked into the Alameda County jail system. The OPD makes the arrest, but the Alameda County Sheriff's Office runs the jails. Santa Rita Jail in Dublin is the main facility for the county. You can search for inmates online through the sheriff's inmate locator. The search tool shows current custody status, charges, bail amount, and facility location. Call (510) 272-6878 for general jail information.

For people who have been sentenced to state prison instead of county jail, use the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation search tool called CIRIS at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov. County jail holds people awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences. State prison is for longer terms. The two systems are completely separate, so you may need to check both depending on the situation.

Criminal Background Checks in Oakland

Oakland has several Live Scan locations for fingerprint-based background checks. The California DOJ maintains the statewide criminal history database. To check your own record, go to a Live Scan site and submit your prints using form BCIA 8016RR. The DOJ charges $25 for a personal record review. Each Live Scan site adds its own rolling fee on top of that. You can find a location near Oakland through the DOJ Live Scan locator. Some sites are at police stations. Others are at private businesses around the East Bay.

Employers in Oakland who need background checks use the same DOJ system. They must be authorized by the state to request criminal history information. Once you submit your fingerprints, you can track the status of your background check at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov using your ATI number and date of birth. Results typically come back in 48 to 72 hours when no criminal history exists. It takes longer when there is a record to review.

The sex offender registry at meganslaw.ca.gov is free to search. You can look up registered offenders by name, address, or zip code in Oakland and the surrounding area.

Clearing Oakland Criminal Records

California law provides several ways to clear or reduce a criminal record from Oakland. Penal Code Section 1203.4 is the main expungement statute. It lets you petition the Alameda County Superior Court to dismiss a conviction after you complete probation. The conviction will still appear on your record, but it shows as "dismissed" instead of a conviction. This helps with job applications and housing. You file the petition at the same courthouse where your case was heard.

Other options exist for different situations. Penal Code Section 851.87 lets you seal arrest records when no conviction resulted from the arrest. Proposition 47 allows resentencing for certain old drug and theft felonies. Proposition 64 covers past marijuana convictions. Each of these requires filing paperwork with the court.

• PC 1203.4 dismissal after completing probation
• PC 851.87 to seal arrest records with no conviction
• Prop 47 resentencing for nonviolent drug and theft crimes
• Prop 64 marijuana conviction relief
• Certificate of Rehabilitation for state prison sentences

Note: Record clearing in Oakland is not automatic. You have to file a petition with the Alameda County Superior Court for each case you want cleared.

Alameda County Criminal Records

Oakland is in Alameda County. All criminal court cases from the city are handled by the Alameda County Superior Court.

Nearby California Cities

These nearby cities also have criminal record resources and police departments.