San Francisco Criminal Records

Criminal records in San Francisco are managed by the city police department and the county court. San Francisco is both a city and a county, which makes it unique in California. The SFPD handles police reports and arrest records. The San Francisco Superior Court manages criminal case filings. Because the city and county share the same borders, there is no separate county sheriff patrol. One set of agencies covers everything. Police reports in San Francisco are free, which is unusual compared to most California cities that charge fees for copies.

SFPD Police Records in San Francisco

The San Francisco Police Department provides police reports at no cost. This is one of the few cities in California where copies of crime reports are free. The department handles all report requests through a dedicated records portal.

Submit your request online at the SFPD records portal. You create an account, describe the report you need, and the system tracks your request from start to finish. If you prefer to go in person, the SFPD Records Division is at 1245 3rd Street, 1st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158. You can also reach them by email at sfpd.records@sfgov.org or call 415-575-7232. The records staff handles a high volume of requests from attorneys, insurance companies, and the public.

Even though reports are free, processing still takes time. Simple requests may be ready in a few days. Reports that need review for redactions or that involve ongoing investigations can take longer. Have the incident number ready if you have it. That helps staff pull the right report faster.

Note: The SFPD records office is at a different location from the main police stations. Do not go to a district station for records requests.

San Francisco Court Criminal Cases

Criminal cases in San Francisco go through the San Francisco Superior Court. Since the city and county are the same jurisdiction, there is one court system for the area. You can search for case information online at sf.courts.ca.gov. The system provides basic case data including parties, charges, and hearing dates. For criminal records specifically, call the Criminal Records Department at (415) 551-0651.

If you need physical copies, the fees follow standard California court rates. A certified copy costs $25 plus 50 cents per page. Non-certified copies are 50 cents per page. A certificate of the record is $40 per court number. If you do not have a case number already, the court recommends getting a RAP sheet first from the SFPD Identification Bureau, which is on the 4th floor of the Hall of Justice at 850 Bryant Street.

The Hall of Justice is the main criminal courthouse in San Francisco. Most criminal arraignments and trials happen there. Parking near the building is limited and expensive. Public transit is the better option for visiting the courthouse if you can manage it.

San Francisco Inmate Search

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department runs the county jails. People arrested in San Francisco are booked into the county jail system. You can search for inmates online through the sheriff's inmate search tool. It shows current custody status, charges, and bail. The jail information line is (415) 553-1430.

San Francisco has multiple detention facilities. County Jail #2 at 425 7th Street in the Hall of Justice is a primary booking location. The information on the sheriff's website updates regularly, but there can be a delay between booking and when a name shows up online. If you need immediate information, calling the jail information line is the fastest route. For people in state prison instead of county jail, the CDCR's CIRIS system at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov covers all California state inmates.

Background Checks in San Francisco

Criminal background checks in San Francisco use the statewide Live Scan fingerprint system. The California DOJ runs the criminal history database. To review your own record, visit a certified Live Scan site with form BCIA 8016RR. The DOJ fee is $25, and the Live Scan operator charges a separate rolling fee. Use the DOJ Live Scan locator to find a site near you in San Francisco. There are options at government offices and private businesses throughout the city.

Track your background check status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov after submitting fingerprints. You will need your ATI number and date of birth. Results come back in 48 to 72 hours when no criminal history is found. Matches that need technician review take longer. Employers in San Francisco also use this system, but they receive results through their own authorized channel.

San Francisco has local hiring laws that affect how employers can use criminal records in hiring decisions. The city's Fair Chance Ordinance restricts when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process. This local law adds protections beyond what state law provides.

Clearing Criminal Records in San Francisco

San Francisco residents with criminal records have several ways to seek relief under California law. Penal Code Section 1203.4 allows you to petition for dismissal of a conviction after finishing probation. File the petition at the San Francisco Superior Court. If granted, the conviction shows as "dismissed" on your record. It does not erase the record entirely, but it removes the guilty plea.

Other options depend on your situation. PC 851.87 covers sealing arrest records when you were not convicted. Proposition 47 provides resentencing for certain nonviolent drug and theft cases. Proposition 64 handles past marijuana convictions. San Francisco has been active in processing Prop 47 and Prop 64 petitions, with the district attorney's office sometimes initiating relief on its own for eligible cases.

• PC 1203.4 dismissal for probation cases
• PC 851.87 arrest record sealing
• Prop 47 felony resentencing
• Prop 64 marijuana record relief
• Certificate of Rehabilitation for prison terms

Note: The San Francisco Public Defender's office runs a Clean Slate program that helps people clear their records at no charge.

San Francisco County Criminal Records

San Francisco is both a city and a county. The San Francisco Superior Court handles all criminal cases within the city-county boundaries.

Nearby California Cities

Major cities near San Francisco with criminal record offices and resources.