Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Records Unit of the Fontana Police Department is responsible for compiling police records and disseminating copies to eligible persons. The department processes requests for reports, background checks and provides live scan fingerprinting.
How to Obtain Police Reports
Requests for records can be made in person or by mail. To obtain a copy in person, interested parties must submit a completed request form at the Fontana Police Department, located at 17005 Upland Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. The lobby is open from Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Requesters will be expected to provide a case/incident number, valid photo I.D and the appropriate fee. The form must also include the type of incident, nature of the applicant’s involvement in the case (victim, driver, or passenger) and the reason for the request. Request sent by mail should include a check or money order made out to the City of Fontana. The department charges $18 for traffic/accident reports, crime reports or any other reports.
How to Obtain Inmate Information
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department manages records on inmates and county jail facilities. Information on persons currently held in facilities within San Bernardino or the rest of the country can be accessed via an online inmate locator tool. Members of the public can conduct searches, using a known booing number or by proving the last name, date of birth and gender or the inmate. In addition, the Sheriff’s office provides an out-of-custody search list.
How to Obtain Criminal Records (Clearance Letter)
Interested parties can obtain criminal history summaries by contacting the California State Department of Justice (DOJ). Individuals are allowed to only request their own records. Third-party requests for criminal records are not authorized. Applications must include live fingerprint scans. The department charges a $25 fee for this service.
Crime Statistics
The Fontana Police Department monitors and compiles citywide crime data. In 2017, the city recorded a total of 4,450 reported index offenses. Larceny-theft accounted for most crimes with 2,292 incidents. Compared to the previous year, the city crime rate decreased by 14%. Violent crime reduced by 13% while property crime dropped by 14%. Fontana averaged 5.76 daily crimes per 100,000 residents, making it safer than 39% of the cities in the U.S. The overall crime rate was 29% lower than the state average and 23% lower than the national average.
Court Records
The Superior Court of California for San Bernardino County manages a vast database of court records, ranging from criminal records, civil records, family records, juvenile records, and probate records amongst others. Records can also be viewed or obtained in person at the Superior Court of California, Fontana District, 17780 Arrow Boulevard (Fontana, CA 92335). In addition, the court provides remote access to document images from civil case filings. Searches are charged at $0.50 per page, with a maximum charge of $50.00 for each document. Certified records incur an additional $25.
How to Obtain Court Records
Residents of Fontana can access case information and court records in person at the courthouse location where the case was filed. Requesters can also obtain records via mail by sending a request to the court. Written requests should include a self-addressed stamp envelope for the return of the copies. Interested parties may be required to provide valid photo identification along with their request. Acceptable forms of identification include:
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United States Military ID
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United States Passport
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Driver’s License
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DMV-issued ID
Vital Records
Vital records for San Bernardino are processed at the county and state level. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, and records of domestic partnership. Residents may be restricted from obtaining certified records depending on their eligibility.
How to Obtain Divorce Records
Copies of divorce decrees that were issued in San Bernardino County can be obtained by visiting the Superior Court of California for the county. Requests can be made in person or by mail at the Family Law clerk's office. To obtain copies of a court record by mail, applicants must send a request to the:
Superior Court of California
County of San Bernardino
San Bernardino District – Attn: Family Law Clerk’s Office
351 N. Arrowhead Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Family Law: 92415-0245
Written requests must specify the type of document required, case number, requester’s name, and contact address. The court charges $15 for searches that take longer than 15 minutes and an additional $15 for certified copies of dissolutions ($10 for requests made by public agencies).
How to Obtain Certificate of Records for Divorce
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issues certificates of record for divorces granted between 1962 and June 1984. It includes the names of the involved parties, court case number, and the county where the divorce was filed. Requests can be made by completing an application form and mailing it to the California Department of Public Health.
Note: Divorce records for decrees issued after 2004 can be obtained at the originating courthouses where the divorce was filed.
How to Obtain Birth and Death Records
The San Bernardino vital records office maintains birth and death records for events that occurred in Fontana and the rest of the county within the last 24 months. Copies may also be obtained from the Recorder-County Clerk's office. Interested parties can obtain records in person or via mail by sending a request to the:
San Bernardino County Recorder's Office,
222 West Hospitality Lane,
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Requesters parties must submit a completed application form with a copy of a government-issued ID and the appropriate fee. The county recorder-clerk charges $28.00 for birth certificates and $21.00 for death certificates. Requests by mail should include a check, postal order or money order made payable to the “San Bernardino County Recorder.” Birth, death and marriage records are also maintained by the California Department of Public Health Vital Records (CDPH). The office charges a $25.00 fee for birth certificates and $21.00 for death certificates.
How to Obtain Marriage Records
The San Bernardino Recorder-County Clerk’s Office processes request for records of marriages licenses granted in Fontana and the rest of San Bernardino County. Interested parties can obtain certified copies in-person or by mail. Certified copies are only issued to eligible persons, namely the persons named on the record. Walk-in and written requests must be accompanied by a completed and signed application form sent to:
San Bernardino County Recorder's Office,
222 West Hospitality Lane,
San Bernardino, CA 92415
