The Records Bureau performs essential clerical and technical services within the Menifee Police Department in addition to providing service to the community at the Front Counter and by telephone. In addition to assisting the general public, Records Bureau technicians assist sworn personnel with report and database management. The Records Bureau is responsible for collecting, verifying, maintaining, and distributing all police reports and associated records.
PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REQUESTS
In 1968, the California Legislature passed the California Public Records Act (CPRA) as outlined in Government Code (GC) sections 6250-6270 (recodified to 7920.000 – 7931.000 in January 2023). In its findings and declarations, recognizing the importance of individual privacy rights, the Legislature affirmed the public's entitlement to access information regarding governmental affairs.
All requests for public records are coordinated through the City of Menifee’s office of the City Clerk.
To initiate a Public Records Act Request with the Menifee Police Department, please visit the provided online link below.
Ensure to include the following details to clarify the scope of your request and enable personnel to ascertain the availability of the requested records:
- Date(s) of the record
- Subject of the record
- Clear and specific description of the record
- Any additional information aiding in record identification
- Complete contact information for notification upon request availability
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) mandates prompt access to public records (Government Code 7922.535). The 10-day period mentioned allows for our review and response to your request, however, does not guarantee release of the requested record. Records will be released upon determination.
CPRA grants rights to inspect or obtain copies of identifiable records but doesn't compel list or report creation (Government Code 7922.530). Agencies may charge direct costs or statutory fees for providing copies of identifiable records.
TYPES OF RECORDS
The law mandates that law enforcement agencies must provide the public with information they have a right to know, while also retaining the authority to withhold information if its release would endanger an individual's privacy rights. All agency records not protected by statutory or case law exemptions are accessible. However, certain records or parts thereof may be shielded by privacy laws or other exemptions, making them rarely available for public viewing. Common public records requests are for:
- Arrest logs
- Call for service logs
- Statistics
- 911 and telephone recordings
- Crime reports
- Accident reports
- Registrant files (Megan’s Law)
- Traffic Citations
- Clearance Letters for an individual
- Juvenile Records
RECORD EXCEPTIONS
Government Code 7923.600
GC 7923.600 specifies exemptions in order to balance the individual’s right to privacy with the public’s need for information. Items that will most likely be redacted from Menifee Police Department public records are:
- Identifying juvenile information
- Identifying victim information associated with crimes to Penal Code Sections 261,264,264.1,273a,273d,286,288 or 289
- Identifying confidential informant information
- Criminal offender record information
- Information that may endanger the safety of a witness or the other person
- Information that may jeopardize an investigation, related investigation or law enforcement proceeding
- Any portion of the report that reflects analysis, recommendation or conclusion of the investigating officer
- Information that may disclose investigative techniques
- Information that may deprive a person of a fair trial
- Preliminary drafts, notes, or memorandums which are not retained in the ordinary course of business
- Records pertaining to pending litigation to which the city is a party until the litigation is adjudicated or settled
- Personnel, medical or similar files
POLICE REPORTS
Police report copy requests are processed in person, with verification of the requestor’s identification and confirmation the requestor has legal access to the report. Upon receipt, the Records Bureau has ten (10) calendar days to respond to your request.
Arrested persons are not allowed copies of their arrest reports until the case has been adjudicated.
Reports involving juvenile suspects are subject to the County T.N.G. order. Please contact the Records Bureau for further information.
REQUEST A REPORT BY MAIL:
To request a report by mail:
Menifee Police Department ATTN: Records Bureau 29714 Haun Road Menifee, CA 92586
Information required to provide a copy of a police report:
-Case or Event number (if known)
-Date of incident
-Time of incident
-Location of incident Parties involved
-Copy of photo identification (required for reports)
Police report copies can either be mailed or retrieved in person; however, reports cannot be emailed or faxed.
CLEARANCE LETTERS
A clearance letter is a document issued by the local police department where the requestor has lived or worked. The letter confirms the person has a clean
criminal record within the local agency’s jurisdiction. This document is typically requested to change or update a visa and occasionally, for employment.
The requestor must provide the following:
1) Valid government-issued identification
2) Proof of Residence or Local Employment
3) Official letter requesting the local background check
For comprehensive criminal history requests required for employment, licensing, certification, or immigration clearances, please visit the California Department of Justice website.
MENIFEE PD FEE SCHEDULE
POLICE REPORTS
$18
$18
MEDIA DUPLICATION
$20
$20
CLEARANCE LETTER
$20
$20
CITATION SIGN OFF
$20
$20
VEHICLE RELEASE
$100
ABANDONED OR STORED
$100
VEHICLE RELEASE
$150
IMPOUNDED OR STORED FOR DUI
$150
VEHICLE REPOSESSION FEE
$15
$15
