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Public Information Policies

This guide is intended to assist the media and public in getting timely news information from the Monterey Police Department (MPD), while providing both the media and our officers with a basic outline of releasable information. This is only a reference guide and is not intended to cover every possible situation pertaining to MPD’s policy on the release of information.

It is our desire to return all media phone calls within 15 minutes; however, depending on the severity of the situation and the availability of personnel, there may be a delay in our response. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Information Policies

Public Disclosure of Crime and Arrest Reports
The following information will be provided upon request according to Government Code Section 6254(f), unless the information would endanger the successful completion of an investigation or a related investigation or would endanger the safety of a person involved in an investigation:

  1. Arrestee’s full name (except juveniles)
  2. Address
  3. Occupation
  4. Physical description
  5. Date of birth
  6. Sex
  7. Time and date of arrest
  8. Time and date of booking
  9. Location of arrest
  10. All charges including warrants
Disclosure of Complaints or Requests for Assistance
Government Code Section 6254(f):
The time, substance and location of all complaints or requests for assistance received by MPD.

  • The time and nature of the response.
  • Information regarding crimes alleged or committed or any other incident investigated.
  • The time, date and location of the occurrence.
  • The time and date of the report.
  • The name and age of the victim.
  • The factual circumstances surrounding the crime or incident.
  • Any injuries, property or weapons involved.
  • "…The name of a victim of any crime defined by Section 220, 261, 264, 264.1, 273a, 273d, 273.5, 286, 288, 288a, 289, 442.6, 442.7, 442.75 or 646.9 of the Penal Code may be withheld at the victim’s request, or at the request of the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor…"
The above disclosure information is available on our daily log.
Non-Releasable Information
  • Identity of suspect prior to arrest.
  • Results of investigating procedures prior to arrest.
  • Investigative proceedings involving officer involved shootings or other personnel actions.
  • Prior criminal record, reputation or character of suspect.
  • Identity of any personal information of a juvenile arrestee or suspect.
  • Confession or existence of a confession.
  • The officer’s opinion of a possible plea-bargain.
Media Access at Incident Scenes
  • 409.5(a)PC "…a menace to the public health or safety is created by a calamity such as a flood, storm, fire, earthquake, explosion, accident, hazardous materials spill, or other disaster…(the police Department may close the area)."
  • 409.5(d)PC "Nothing in this Section shall prevent a duly authorized representative of any news service…from entering the areas closed…"
Reasons For Denying Access To The Media
  • Access would clearly interfere with emergency crews.
  • The site is a crime scene.
  • An air disaster subject to control by the NTSB.
  • A safety hazard to the press does not justify restriction: however, it is MPD policy to warn the media of potential danger before allowing access.
If access is denied, the Monterey Police Department will endeavor to:
  • Lift the restriction as soon as possible.
  • Provide a "press area" with maximum access possible under the circumstances.
  • Organize a press "pool" to allow limited numbers access in the case of extended incidences.