The department has an online database, which they started running in 1988, where they keep digital copies of arrest records. Copies of the records are forwarded to the California Department of Corrections and eventually the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Arrest records are created immediately after an arrest is executed. If the arrested person is incarcerated, the record becomes permanent. If incarceration is not necessary, the record will be expunged. On the record are the name of the offender, the offense committed, the date and place where it was committed, name of arresting officer, and other valuable pieces of information.

Members of the general public are granted access to criminal records, including arrest records, because they are deemed as part of the public domain. However, there are guidelines that need to be observed in terms of how they can be use. They can be used as a supporting document in a court hearing or