What Are Westminster City Public Records?
Westminster City public records are documents of any physical form or characteristics that contain information concerning the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any local or state entity. According to the California Public Records Act, custodians are exempt from disclosing the entire public records or part of public records if they contain:
- Information received in confidence by any government agency.
- Law enforcement information that may jeopardize personal safety or the successful completion of an ongoing investigation
- Medical, personnel, or related files that may constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy if disclosed
- Preliminary drafts, notes, or interagency or intra-agency communications
- Privilege communication between psychologist-patient, attorney-client, etc
- Proprietary information
- Records concerning pending litigation
- Scoring keys and tests questions for employment exams
- Some family court records
Westminster City Crime Statistics
According to the Part I crime data provided by the Westminster City Police Department, Westminster City recorded 2,271 crimes in 2020. There were no homicides, but indexed incidents include 15 arson cases, 17 rapes, 109 robberies, 117 aggravated assaults, 323 stolen vehicles, 437 burglaries, and 1,753 larcenies.
In contrast with the 2019 statistics, Part I crimes were 2,820 in total. These consisted of one homicide, 19 arson incidents, 19 rapes, 120 robberies, 126 aggravated assaults, 245 stolen vehicles, 469 burglaries, and 1,821 larcenies. Within these two years, total Part I crimes reduced by 19%, with changes in larceny (-3.7%), burglary (-6.8%), aggravated assault (-7.1%), robbery (-9.2%), rape (-10.5%), arson (-21.1%), and stolen vehicle (+31.8%).
Are Westminster City Criminal Records Public?
Pursuant to Section 11105 of the California Penal Code, only a fraction of Westminster City criminal records are publicly available. While the record subject, authorized representatives, and a few approved organizations can obtain copies of criminal history information from the California Department of Justice, third-party access requests are not processed. Moreover, juvenile records and expunged Westminster criminal records are also unavailable to unauthorized persons.
Eligible persons can conduct fingerprint checks by submitting the filled Request for Live Scan Service Form at Live Scan Sites, along with proof of identification, $25 DOJ processing fees, and fingerprint rolling fees. Live Scan Operators will provide applicant transaction identifier (ATI) numbers and give an official response from two days to two weeks. For additional information, contact the DOJ at:
California Department of Justice
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Analysis
Record Review & Challenge Section
P.O. Box 160207
Sacramento, CA 95816-0207
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Westminster City Police Department is responsible for gathering data or generating reports on traffic collisions, crimes, arrests, and other citywide incidents. The Police Department makes these records available to requestors through the Records Division, following the California Public Records Act. In some cases, Westminster arrest records and police reports may be strictly available to involved parties and authorized persons, or the department may restrict access to records concerning ongoing investigations.
Therefore, interested persons should first call (714) 548-3218 to confirm record availability at least 10 days before sending requests. Access to Westminster City arrest records depends on whether or not the case has been adjourned. Eligible applicants can only request copies of arrest records on ongoing cases by contacting the District Attorney’s Office. Otherwise, direct requests to the Westminster Police Department.
To request any police report, submit or mail a filled Release of Record request form, along with fees and proof of identification to:
Westminster Police Department - Records Manager
8200 Westminster Boulevard,
Building 5
Westminster, CA 92683
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) also issues crime, incident, and traffic reports, following in-person, mailed, faxed, or emailed requests. Involved persons should send completed request forms to:
In-person:
320 N. Flower Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Mail:
P.O. Box 449
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Fax: (714) 834-5466
Email: reportrequest@ocsd.org
The OCSD charges 15cents per page. Interested persons can access the 30 days online arrest log of individuals arrested by the Sheriff’s Department on their website. The OCSD also provides online access to accident reports filed since August 15, 2008.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Westminster City
The California Penal Code § 290.46 mandates the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to collate and maintain statewide sex offenders' information. The DOJ makes this information publicly available through the California Megan Law website. This searchable database allows people to find offenders by conducting searches by city, name, county, address, zip code, or map location to sex offenders living or incarcerated in different parts of the state. Search results will show available information such as the offender’s full name, mugshot, aliases, offense details, physical descriptions, addresses, and other public information through this website.
How to Find Westminster City Inmate Records
Persons incarcerated in Westminster City may be in Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) jail facilities. The OCSD maintains records of persons under its custody, and interested persons may find information on current or recently released inmates online using the searchable portal. Users may view the jail roster by clicking the “List Inmate Names” option or search for an inmate by last name, first name, middle name, gender, or age. For further information, contact the OCSD at:
320 N. Flower Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Fax: (714) 834-5466
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Westminster City Jail?
Inmates in the Orange County Jails can receive one 30-minute public visit per designated visiting day. Visitors are advised to schedule appointments to avoid being turned away due to multiple visitors for the same inmate. A maximum of two adults and one minor (under five years old) or one adult with two minors, may visit one inmate per session. Without the Watch Commander's approval, family members or persons who were released from jail within 60 days are ineligible for a visit.
Visitors must come to the facility properly dressed, with valid government-issued identification, and submit to security screening. Avoid taking food, drinks, weapons, cell phones, money, or other personal items into the facility as this may lead to visit cancellation, suspension, or jail terms. For jail rules, directions, and visiting hours, check the visiting page on the OCSD website or call:
Theo Lacy Facility: (714) 935-6940
Central Jail Complex: (714) 647-4666
Court Records
As a component of the California Judicial branch, the Orange County Superior Court grants access to different Westminster City court records such as civil court records, criminal court records, administrative records, traffic records, and probate records. The Superior Court located in Westminster City is at:
Orange County Superior Court - West Justice Center
8141 13th Street,
Westminster, CA 92683
Phone: (677) 622-5900
Other County Courts that may serve residents of Westminster City include:
Orange County Superior Court - Central Justice Center
700 Civic Center Drive West,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (657) 622-6878
Orange County Superior Court - Community Court
909 North Main Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (657) 622-5800
Orange County Superior Court - Complex Civil Center
751 West Santa Ana Boulevard,
P.O. Box 22028
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Phone: (657) 622-6878
Orange County Superior Court - Harbor Justice Center Newport Beach
4601 Jamboree Road,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (657) 622-5400
Orange County Superior Court - Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Drive South,
Orange, CA 92868
Phone: (657) 622-6878
Orange County Superior Court - North Justice Center
1275 North Berkeley Avenue,
Fullerton, CA 92832
Phone: (657) 622-5600
Are Westminster City Court Records Public?
Yes, individuals can access Westminster City court records online or following requests to the appropriate custodian. However, not all court-generated records are publicly available due to the nature of the case, confidentiality of information contained, or both. Examples of exempted information include:
- Records concerning pending litigation
- Personnel or medical records
- Sealed records
- Child custody cases
- Juvenile delinquency records
Note: The court may still provide the record by redacting the exempted information or sections from the document, and the requester with legitimate reason may petition the court for access.
How to Obtain Westminster City Civil Court Case Records
Obtaining Westminster court records that contain civil case summaries and register of action information is possible online, in-person, or via mailed requests. Interested persons may search and download court documents on the Orange County Court online portal. The portal provides civil case information filed since 1996, unlimited/complex civil actions since 2005, and download documents filed since 2008 (fees apply).
These and older civil case records may also be obtainable following in-person or mailed requests. Interested persons should visit the filing court in person or mail filled copy request forms to the respective Justice Centers. Information that will help find civil case records regardless of the medium includes case numbers, party or business name, filing date or year, and document name. The court charges 50 cents per page (no cash) requested in-person or via mail, but requesters should indicate the fee limit below the amount line on your check. For example, "not to exceed $50.00."
How to Obtain Westminster City Criminal Court Records
The Orange County Superior Court provides Westminster City criminal court records. Individuals may search or access criminal case information through the online services portal or request copies in-person or via mail. Information that may help online searches includes the case number, party names, and filing date or year, but in-person requests may require additional information such as birthdate, date of violation, driver’s license number, full names, and location.
In-person requests should visit the Criminal Operations Department at the Justice Center and provide the above information and fees. For mailed requests, send a filled record search/copy request form to the Criminal Operations Department at the Justice Center where the case was filed. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and fees in check, credit card, or money order. Record search costs $15, each copy costs 50 cents, and certification costs $40.
What Are Westminster City Vital Records?
Westminster City vital records refer to official documents that provide information on life events that occurred in the city, which are recorded by local, county, or state-run agencies. These documents include certificates, licenses, decrees, and letters that prove that events like births, divorces, marriages, and death happened in Westminster City. While the California Department of Public Health is the statewide repository of vital records, individuals can also find records locally.
Where and How to Obtain Westminster City Divorce Records
The Orange County Superior Court provides Westminster City divorce records. Interested persons may obtain information using the online services portal or get certified copies of the divorce decree for $15 following in-person or mailed requests. For in-person requests, visit the Justice Center where the divorce took place. For instance, to get records of divorces filed in the West Justice Center, requests should be done at:
Orange County Superior Court - (WJC)
8141 13th Street,
Westminster, CA 92683
Phone: (677) 622-5900
Requesters will have to provide information such as party names, case type, filing date or year, and other known details. To make mailed requests, record seekers must download, fill, and send a record search/copy request form to the Criminal Operations Department at the Justice Center where the divorce was filed. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and fees in check, credit card, or money order. Certified divorce decrees cost $15 each.
The California Department of Public Health can also issue a “Certificate of Record” for divorces from 1962 to June 1984. This certificate only provides party names, divorce case numbers, county, and filing date. Interested persons should mail request forms (Spanish), $14 fees in check or money order, and a self-addressed envelope to:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records – MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Westminster City
The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department maintains confidential Westminster City marriage records and only issues copies to the bride and groom mentioned in the document. Authorized parties may request this record in person by visiting the following locations with your valid government-issued picture identification.
Clerk-Recorder Department – Central Office
601 N. Ross Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Clerk-Recorder Department – North County Branch Office
222 S. Harbor Boulevard
Suite 110A
Anaheim, CA 92805
Clerk-Recorder Department – South County Branch Office
24031 El Toro Road,
Suite 150
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
For mailed order, send a filled and notarized request form to:
Hugh Nguyen
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
P.O. Box 238,
Santa Ana, CA 92702
County Administration South
601 N. Ross Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
The department charges $15 for copies of Westminster City marriage certificates. Payment options for in-person requests include cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, and credit/debit card, while mail-in payment should be in check or money order.
Where and How to Get Public Westminster City Marriage Records
Westminster City marriage records are available at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department. Only legally authorized persons like the married couple, parent/legal guardian, children, close relatives, and legal representatives can receive certified copies of the document, while unauthorized individuals get informational certified copies with "Informational, Not A Valid Document To Establish Identity” stamped across the record. Interested persons may request this record in person by visiting the following locations with fees, marriage description, and valid government-issued picture identification.
Clerk-Recorder Department – Central Office
601 N. Ross Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Clerk-Recorder Department – North County Branch Office
222 S. Harbor Boulevard
Suite 110A
Anaheim, CA 92805
Clerk-Recorder Department – South County Branch Office
24031 El Toro Road,
Suite 150
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
For mailed order, requests will need to send a filled request form to:
Hugh Nguyen
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
P.O. Box 238,
Santa Ana, CA 92702
County Administration South
601 N. Ross Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
The department charges $15 for copies of Westminster City marriage certificates. Payment options for in-person requests include cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, and credit/debit card, while mail-in payment should be in check or money order.
Note: Requests for certified copies must be notarized.
Where and How to Find Westminster City Birth Records
The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department maintains Westminster City birth records and issues copies for $28 each. Authorized persons can request certified copies, while unauthorized persons may get informational copies with "Informational, Not A Valid Document To Establish Identity” stamped across the record. For mailed orders, interested parties must send a request form with birth details, along with fees in check or money order to:
Hugh Nguyen
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
P.O. Box 238,
Santa Ana, CA 92702
County Administration South
601 N. Ross Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
For in-person requests, provide fees, birth details, valid government-issued picture identification at any of the following locations:
Clerk-Recorder Department – Central Office
601 N. Ross Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Clerk-Recorder Department – North County Branch Office
222 S. Harbor Boulevard
Suite 110A
Anaheim, CA 92805
Clerk-Recorder Department – South County Branch Office
24031 El Toro Road,
Suite 150
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Payment options for in-person requests include cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, and credit/debit card, while mail-in payment should be in check or money order.
Note: Requests for certified copies for Westminster City birth certificates must be notarized.
Where and How to Find Westminster City Death Records
Records of deaths that happened in Westminster City are available at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department. Authorized persons can request certified copies, while unauthorized persons may get informational copies with "Informational, Not A Valid Document To Establish Identity” stamped across the record. Interested persons may request this record in person by visiting the following locations with fees, required information, and valid government-issued picture identification.
Clerk-Recorder Department – Central Office
601 N. Ross Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Clerk-Recorder Department – North County Branch Office
222 S. Harbor Boulevard
Suite 110A
Anaheim, CA 92805
Clerk-Recorder Department – South County Branch Office
24031 El Toro Road,
Suite 150
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
For mailed orders, residents must send a filled request form and other requirements to:
Hugh Nguyen
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
P.O. Box 238,
Santa Ana, CA 92702
County Administration South
601 N. Ross Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
The department charges $21 per copy of Westminster City death records. Payment options for in-person requests include cash, check, cashier's check, money order, and credit/debit card, while mail-in payment should be in check or money order.
Note: Requests for certified copies must be notarized.
