Crime Statistics
The Oceanside Police Department (OPD) monitors and compiles citywide crime statistics. Records released for 2018 reveal that the city recorded a total of 4,505 index crimes. Larceny-thefts accounted for more than half the total crimes, with 2,845 reported incidents. Aggravated assault was the most common violent crime with 433 assaults. Compared to 2017, the city recorded a 5.8% drop in total crimes. Burglaries and robberies dropped by 11% and 4% while reports of auto-theft slid by 6.3%.
Criminal Records
The Oceanside Police Department Records Section manages the storage and dissemination of criminal investigation documents, including incident reports, arrest reports, criminal reports, and homicide reports. It also processes requests for 911 recordings, CAD incidents, calls for service and other public records made in person, over the phone or via mail.
Who Can Obtain a Police Report?
Members of the public may access a wide variety of public records. However, records may be exempted for release if it jeopardizes an individual’s right to privacy. For instance, records may also be exempted for if they:
- Include information that may deprive a person of a fair trial or disclose investigation techniques
- Include information that may endanger the safety of a person or witness
- Include confidential information or information related to a minor
- Disclose sensitive victim information
Note: A government-issued photo ID is required to obtain police reports. Most requests typically take one to two weeks to process.
How to Obtain Copies of a Police Report
Eligible parties can request for copies of a police report by submitting a request in person or by mail. Submitted applications must include relevant information such as the case number, date of the incident, and location of the incident. Mail requests should be sent to the:
Oceanside Police Department,
Attn: Records,
3855 Mission Avenue,
Oceanside, CA 92058
How to Find Criminal Records
Residents of the city can obtain local criminal records by submitting a request to the Records Section of the OPD. Requests must be accompanied by a valid photo I.D and proof of residency. The department charges $10.00 per request. However, the results of the background check are restricted to only local records. It doesn’t include records of any crime or arrests that may have occurred outside the city. Broader, statewide searches are available at the Attorney General’s office.
How to Obtain Sex Offender Information
Records of sex offenders can be obtained from the State of California Department of Justice. It maintains an online platform that contains profiles of registered sex offenders. Interested parties can conduct searches by zip code, address, county, city or name. Individuals can also conduct location-based searches to reveal sex registrants living nearby.
How to Obtain Inmate and Jail Information
The San Diego County Sheriff department maintains records of persons held in county jails in Oceanside and the rest of the county. It also provides an online “who is in jail” tool that members of the public can use to conduct searches. Searches may be made using the first and last name of the subject.
Records of individuals held in correctional inmate facilities across the state are managed by the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (CDCR). It also provides an online inmate locator that individuals can use to find adult inmates held by the CDCR. Searches can be made using the inmate’s first and last name or using a known inmate number. Information on some inmates may be kept from the public for safety or security reasons. Additionally, information on recently admitted inmates may be unavailable for several days until the portal is updated.
Court records
The Superior Court of San Diego provides a searchable online index of cases as well as online access to court case files. Interested parties can also request a copy of a file or view the file directly at the courthouse. Court records can also be obtained by mail. To request a copy of a court record via mail, applicants must provide relevant information, such as the case number and location of the courthouse. Mailed requests must also be accompanied by the appropriate fee, the names of the parties involved, and the names of the documents.
To request a copy in person, members of the public must visit the courthouse where the file is located and provide the clerk with the case number. Individuals without a case number will need to search the public index to find the right case. Alongside the case number, requestors must provide a picture identification card.
A $0.50 fee is charged for each page of an ordered copy. Acceptable payment options include check, money order, credit card, and cash.
How to Find Divorce Records
Records of divorces can be obtained by contacting the clerk of court in the courthouse where the decree was granted. Family law cases are filed at the:
San Diego County Superior Court - North County Regional Center
325 South Melrose Drive
Vista, CA 92081
Eligible persons may request records in person or by mail.
In addition, the California Department of Public Health issues certificates of record for divorces granted between 1962 and June 1984. Requests can be made by completing an application form and mailing it to the:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records - MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
Note: Records for cases filed after 2004 can be obtained at the originating courthouses where the divorce was filed.
How to Find Birth and Death Records
The Office of Vital Records and Statistics of the San Diego County government manages birth and death documents from 1958 to the present. It also processes requests for authorized and informational copies of birth and death records made in person or received through the mail. To obtain an authorized copy of a birth or death certificate, you’ll need to provide a notarized sworn statement declaring your eligibility. Informational certified copies do not require sworn statements and are marked “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.'
How to Obtain Birth/Death Records by Mail
To obtain a certified copy of a birth or death record download and complete an application form for birth records or an application form for death records and send it to the:
HHSA Office of Vital Records MS P529
3851 Rosecrans Street. Suite 802
San Diego, CA 92110
The form should indicate if the request is for an authorized or informational certified copy. The form must also include the related birth or decedent information, mother's maiden name (in the case of birth certification) and a sworn statement of eligibility (if the request is for an authorized copy). The department charges a $28.00 for either option. Payment must be sent by cashier’s check, money order or check made payable to the County of San Diego Public Health Services.
