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1. How can I be sure to receive the records that I want?

The Chino Police Department prefers that all Public Records Act (PRA) requests are made in writing, either using our Online Request Form or by completing and returning our Report Request Form (Report Request Form (English) (PDF)/Report Request Form (Spanish) (PDF)) to help ensure that we can accurately identify the records being sought in the request. Please include the following information in your request, so that we may respond to your request in a timely manner:

• Provide a clear and specific description of the requested information. Identify dates and times, report numbers, the names of persons involved and other specific information. The police department may ask you for additional information if the request is not specific enough to permit identification of the records you seek.
• Provide contact information so that our staff can obtain clarifying information if needed to ensure a prompt and accurate response to your request.

2. Can I access any record held by the Police Department?

No. Some records are exempt from release by law, including cases where the public interest in confidentiality outweighs the public interest in disclosure (Government Code 6254 - known as the California Public Records Act (PRA)). Additionally, the PRA only applies to records that already exist, and as such, the Police Department is not required to create a record, list or compilation.

3. Do I need to show identification to make a public records request from the Police Department?

Although you are not required to provide identification, doing so will help the Chino Police Department serve you more promptly. Your identification will allow us to determine which records may be released in accordance with the Public Records Act. The following types of photo identification are most useful to help you: (one of the following):

• State or Federal identification card
• Driver license
• Passport

4. How soon will I receive a response to my request from the Police Department?

The Public Records Act requires a prompt response to requests for access to records, usually within ten days of the request. Within the first ten days following receipt of a public records request, the Chino Police Department will determine if the Department has records that are responsive to the request, and whether the information is disclosable. The Department will then notify the requester of the determination and provide an estimated date by which the records will be provided. In some circumstances, the 10-day time limit for this notification may be extended up to an additional fourteen days by written notice to the requester.

5. What if I was arrested?

If you have been arrested and have not appeared in court, the Records Unit will not release the report. The case must be adjudicated before the report may be released. The court or prosecution will discuss options for obtaining the report at your arraignment.

6. What if a report involved a juvenile (under 18 years of age)?

Juvenile information includes any document relating to juvenile contacts and arrests, including being a victim of any crime. Access to juvenile court records is limited in accordance with the California Rule of Court 5.552 and Welfare and Institutions Code Section 827. Release of juvenile information requires the authorization of the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court.

Parents of a juvenile may receive a copy of certain types of reports (i.e. traffic collision reports). Availability of these records is restricted to court personnel, the minor, parents or guardian, attorneys involved in the case, and other persons designated by statute. All others will need to petition Juvenile Court directly for the release of that record.

7. When may I inspect public records at the Police Department?

Public records are open to inspection during office hours, generally between 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Advanced notice is not required to inspect public records; however, a review may be delayed if staff are busy assisting other customers. It is advisable that any person who wishes to inspect records contact the Records Unit Supervisor prior to a planned request to assure that the records and staff are available to avoid delays. A requester may have to schedule an appointment if the records must be found and reviewed, or if redaction of confidential information is necessary.

8. May I obtain records in electronic format?

Yes, under certain conditions. The Chino Police Department may provide an electronic public record in the electronic format in which it retains its information or in one that is used by the department to create copies for its own use or provision to other agencies.

9. What are the fees to inspect records and for copies of records that I request?

There is no charge for reports that contain 10 or fewer pages. For reports greater than 10 pages in length, a fee of $0.10 per page is due and payable before the report will be released. There are no fees for reports delivered via secure email, but additional fees may apply to reports that include photos and/or videos, and for reports that must be delivered on physical media (e.g. CDs, DVDs, 'Thumb Drives', etc.). Payment may be made by cash, check or credit card. Victims of crimes are provided the first copy of a report at no cost. There is no charge to inspect records in person at the Chino Police Department.