The Records Unit provides information resources and law enforcement records to University departments, members of the public, and law enforcement affiliates. The Records Unit serves as the “clearing house” for information developed and recorded by most units of the Police Department. Services include processing citations and reports for filing with the District Attorney’s Office and the Superior Court; crime analysis and statistical reporting; releasing stored and impounded vehicles; and police record maintenance and control.

The Records Unit is open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). Records personnel assist citizens with crime reports, accident reports, and other services. Records personnel also assists other agencies with local records checks and additional relevant information.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

Office Hours:
Phone: (805) 893-3886 UC Santa Barbara Police Department Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Fax: (805) 893-8569 Attn: Records  
Email: records@police.ucsb.edu Public Safety Building #574  
  Santa Barbara, CA 93106  

 

Records Requests: 

The California Public Records Act states that police crime reports are public records but are exempt from release to the public. Exceptions are:

  • Crime reports may be released to the victim, their authorized representative, or an insurance carrier against which a claim might be made. [CaGC 7920]
  • Arrest information (including arrest reports) is classified as confidential after 30 days from the date of the arrest.
  • Collision reports are releasable to drivers, an authorized representative of the driver, owners of vehicles or of property damaged, and persons who may incur civil liability. [CVC 20012]

Police reports must be requested in writing.

Personal Requests

  1. Complete the application found here: UCSB PD Records Request Form.
  2. Mail or email the completed form along with a photo of your valid government-issued ID (state ID card, driver’s license, passport). You may also submit an application in person by appointment only during regular business hours (M-F 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.) at the UC Santa Barbara Police Department.

Attorneys and Insurance Companies

Submit your request on your company letterhead by email, fax, or mail with a self-addressed envelope.

Law Enforcement Agencies

Fax or email the request on your department letterhead. No fee is required.

 

The cost of a report is $10.00. We accept credit card, check, or money order made payable to the "UC Regents." Please allow 10 days for the UC Santa Barbara Police Department to process your request.

**Fee Waived for Victims of Domestic Violence and Identity Theft**

California legislation provides that victims of domestic violence may request a copy of their crime report without charge. Due to the severe time constraints imposed upon local law enforcement agencies for providing a copy of the report, victims of domestic violence should apply directly to the concerned area of occurrence for a copy of their report. Records will continue to process requests received by mail from victims of domestic violence as expeditiously as possible. There will be no fee charged to the victim.

CONTACT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.

 

Background Checks:

The UC Santa Barbara Police Department processes background check requests that are received by fax, email, or mailed to our office with a self-addressed envelope. All requests must include an authorization form signed by the applicant within the last year (unless otherwise stated on the waiver). Please allow 10 days for the UC Santa Barbara Police Department to process your request.

CONTACT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.

 

Clearance Letters:

The UC Santa Barbara Police Department provides clearance letters free of charge. The letter details whether the applicant does or does not have an arrest record within our UC Santa Barbara jurisdiction only.

Applicants may download and print out the application here, or pick up a Clearance Letter Request form by appointment only from the UC Santa Barbara Police Department during regular business hours (M-F 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.). Please allow 10 days for the UC Santa Barbara Police Department to process your request.

The process:

  1. Submit the application. Name, DOB, and phone number must be legible
  2. You will be contacted when the letter has been completed
  3. Show a valid photo ID when picking your letter up. (Only the applicant may pick up the letter)
CONTACT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.

 

 

Vehicle Impound Release:

If your vehicle was impounded due to a specific vehicle code violation, you are required to obtain a release from the police department prior to the vehicle's release to you from the tow yard. The tow yard will require all towing fees are paid prior to release (Note: fees are NOT paid at the UC Santa Barbara Police Department). The vehicle is released to the registered owner, and the vehicle must be currently registered with DMV.

The registered owner must have a valid license, or have a licensed driver who is willing to take responsibility for driving the vehicle from the tow yard.

CONTACT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.