What are Stockton Public Records?
Stockton public records refer to non-confidential documents and information generated by city offices, departments, divisions, and other agencies. In keeping with the CPRA, members of the public may inspect or access these records, except where prevented by court order or law. Access to Stockton public records does not extend to some judicial records or sensitive records such as the personal information of public officers. Other types of information that may be exempted from public view include:
- Records containing geophysical and geological data
- Records containing examination data used in administering a license
- Records containing confidential financial or taxpayer information
- Records containing drafts, notes, or preliminary memoranda
- Records containing information that may threaten homeland security
- Records containing engineering estimates
- Records with information associated with pending litigation
Stockton Crime Statistics
The Stockton Police Department compiles, maintains, and publishes annual crime statistics as part of its participation in the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. According to records released for 2019, the city recorded a total of 16,875 total crimes. Property crimes accounted for most cases with 11,996 incidents. A further breakdown reveals that larceny-theft was the most recurring property crime while aggravated assault was the most common violent crime with 8,480 and 3,007 cases respectively. Compared to the previous year, the city’s crime total increased by 3 percent. Property crimes rose by 4.2 percent while violent crimes dipped by 0.1 percent. While reports of larceny-theft increased by 14% through the year, cases of arson and motor vehicle theft recorded the steepest dip with a 34.7% and 18.3 percent drop in total incidents.
Are Stockton Criminal Records Public?
Stockton criminal records are generally open to the public. However, access to some criminal records may be restricted by law or court order. Record custodians may also prevent access to a record if the office determines that the "public interest served by disclosure of the record doesn’t outweigh the public interest served by restricting its access". In compliance with California state laws, access to incident reports and other police reports may be restricted to only authorized applicants. Requests can be made by witnesses or victims of a crime, insurance carriers, or legal representatives of victims. In addition, requesters who wish to obtain the address of a victim or person arrested will need to indicate if the record is going to be used for a political, scholarly, journalistic, or government task - as provided by California law.
How to Obtain Stockton Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Stockton residents can obtain public criminal records by submitting a public records request form at a station or sending the request via mail. The fee for the average report is $10. Additional charges may be incurred based on the size of the report. Modes of accepted payments include cash, checks, money orders, or debit/credit cards. All requests should include a government-issued I.D and applicable fees.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Stockton
The California Department of Justice maintains a searchable online index of registered offenders residing in the city of Stockton and other parts of the state. The registry provides information such as the address, name, and photos of offenders. Users can also filter the result of searches to reveal sex offender information by zip code.
How to Find Stockton Inmate Records?
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office provides an online who-is-in-custody tool that members of the public can use to locate persons currently held in custody. Searches can be conducted using the first and last name of an inmate. Residents can also obtain information about whether a person is in custody by contacting the sheriff’s office. The office also provides general information on inmates and jail visitation on its website.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Stockton Jail?
Inmate visits at the Stockton Jail are only permitted for approved visitors. Friends and families who wish to visit an inmate housed in Stockton Jail must first submit an application for inclusion in the visitor’s list. Visitors can opt to either schedule visits online or by directly contacting the jail at
Stockton Jail,
22 East Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 937-8377
The Stockton jail facility is divided into three different units: the main jail, south jail, and Honor farm. Inmate visits are permitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Monday through Sunday.* Visitors are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of a scheduled visit. Inmates housed at the main jail are permitted a maximum of three 45-minute social visits each week, while inmates at the other units have a maximum of two 45-minute visits. Visitors to the Stockton jail must be at least 18 years. Visitors are also required to provide a valid government-issued I.D such as a driver’s license, DMV photo ID card, passport, or military identification.
Visits are extended until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
COURT RECORDS
The city of Stockton is home to the San Joaquin County Superior Court, which presides over civil, juvenile, family, small claims, probate, traffic, and eviction cases. The Records Management Division of the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin manages all archived court records. Court records can be obtained by mail or online. Members of the public may also be able to obtain copies of a record by visiting the courthouse at:
San Joaquin County Superior Court - Stockton Courthouse
180 East Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 992-5555
Note: Online requests can only be made for files, not copies of records.
How to Obtain Court Records
All in-person and mailed applications should include a completed request form. Interested parties can obtain records in person by contacting the clerk's office at 180 East Weber Avenue, downtown Stockton. Written requests should be sent to the:
Superior Court of California – San Joaquin
Records Management
180 E Weber Ave. Ste 204
Stockton, CA 95202
Mailed requests should be enclosed in a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The processing time is typically fifteen (15) workdays from the date of receipt.
Are Stockton Court Records Public?
The majority of Stockton court records can be accessed by the public. However, record custodians may limit access to court records of ongoing cases. Records of court cases involving juveniles are also likely to be inaccessible to the general public. Court records can be obtained by contacting the record custodian (typically the clerk) of the court where the case was filed. Online access may be restricted to recently filed cases.
Vital Records
Stockton vital records are processed at the county and state level. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, and records of domestic partnership. Applicants may be restricted from obtaining certified records depending on their eligibility and relationship to the individual on record.
How to Obtain Divorce Records
Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained at the San Joaquin County Superior court. The court maintains an online service that applicants can use to search for records. Interested parties can also make requests in person at 180 E Weber Ave, Stockton CA 95202. The office opens between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Any application must include the full names of the spouses, the city where the divorce was granted, and the date of the event.
How to Obtain Certificate of Records for Divorce
The California Department of Public Health 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 Marriage Records
The California Department of Public Health Vital Records manages records for marriages that occurred within the state from 1905 till present (excluding 2000 through 2008). Interested parties will need to contact the San Joaquin County Recorder's Office where the marriage license was issued for records ranging from 2000 through 2008. Applicants that need marriage records that are less than 6 months are advised to make requests from the recorder-county clerk office in San Joaquin County. Confidential marriage records are only available from the recorder-county clerk office in San Joaquin County. Only the two individuals named on the marriage certificate can obtain copies of confidential marriage records.
Requests directed at the California Department of Health Vital Records must include a completed application form and the correct fee sent to:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records- MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
For applications through the San Joaquin County Recorder, requesters must send a completed application form and the appropriate fee to the:
San Joaquin County Recorder
P.O. Box 1968
Stockton, CA 95201
How to Obtain Birth and Death Records
Birth records can either be issued by the state or the county. At the state level, the California Vital Records office functions only as a processing and storage unit. Written or in-person applications should include a completed application form and the appropriate fee. All applications and written inquiries should be mailed to:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records- MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
The department charges $25.00 per copy requested.
Applicants that require certified copies of certificates within the first three months after the date of birth can obtain them by directing requests to the recorder–county clerk office at:
San Joaquin County Recorder
P.O. Box 1968
Stockton, CA 95201
Obtaining Death Records
In compliance with state laws, death records are issued to authorized persons only. The San Joaquin County Recorder processes both written and walk-in requests. To obtain records, requesters must send a completed application form and the appropriate fee to:
San Joaquin County Recorder
P.O. Box 1968
Stockton, CA 95201
All requests must include a copy of a valid picture ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, military identification card, or state identification card.
