localcrimenews.com

November 26, 2025

What LocalCrimeNews.com Is

LocalCrimeNews.com is a website focused on publishing daily updates about arrests and crime-related information specifically within California, USA. It functions as a searchable database where users can look up recent arrest records in cities throughout the state. The site presents details about individual arrests, basic crime data, and aggregated arrest statistics that it says are collected from law enforcement agencies and various reporting sources across California.

The platform positions itself as a public resource for those who want to know who has been arrested in their city or neighborhood. It’s structured around an interactive search feature — you enter a name, city, or other details to pull up arrest records. It also offers additional tools like crime code lookups so users can understand what certain California criminal code sections represent.

Behind the scenes, LocalCrimeNews.com is linked to United Reporting Publishing Corporation, which operates a suite of crime-related information services. According to the publisher’s information, Local Crime News is part of a broader network that includes other arrest news products, syndication services for newspapers, and custom daily arrest feeds for subscribers.

How the Site Works

The core functionality revolves around letting visitors search arrest records. You can typically filter by first name, last name, city, middle name, ZIP code, arrest agency, and other fields if registered. The registration option — which is free — unlocks more search power and allows users to save searches, receive email notifications when new arrests match their criteria, or generate custom crime statistics reports by mail.

The site also includes tools like a crime code lookup section, which explains meanings of California crime code designations. For example, it shows that “11364” refers to possession of drug paraphernalia under the California Penal Code.

LocalCrimeNews.com claims its arrest information is collected and published daily and that it partners with local crime watch groups and community organizations to share this information.

What the Site’s Terms and Conditions Say

According to its published terms, LocalCrimeNews.com (through United Reporting) makes the information available as a service, not as legal advice, and with no guarantees on accuracy or completeness. Users agree that the site is for personal use and not for employment decisions, credit assessments, or insurance purposes. The terms also instruct users not to use the information to harass, stalk, or embarrass individuals, and that the publisher disclaims responsibility for the information’s accuracy.

The terms clarify that by using the site, visitors consent to tracked usage data, and that there’s no liability for damages resulting from use of the information. It also states that the information should not be treated as a comprehensive criminal background check, and that legal counsel should be sought for personal or legal decisions.

Content and Focus

LocalCrimeNews.com publishes arrest details that include names, alleged charges, and sometimes basic incident information. Because the site is centered on arrests, it does not provide in-depth reporting or analysis of crime trends like a news organization would. Instead, the content resembles an arrest log or database where entries are updated as new public records come in.

A crime code lookup section is available for visitors unfamiliar with legal codes, showing how the California Penal Code classifies offenses.

Public Perception and Controversies

LocalCrimeNews.com has mixed reviews from users. Some people find value in being able to quickly access local arrest information, particularly when official channels are slower or harder to search. Others have criticized the site, claiming it publishes incorrect or damaging information about individuals, and questioning its impact on people’s reputations.

Reviewers on public platforms like Sitejabber give the service a low overall rating, and multiple reviewers state concerns about inaccurate reports and potential reputational harm, while at least one reviewer calls the platform useful for checking local arrests.

It’s worth noting that arrest data, by definition, reflects charges and police actions, not convictions. Being listed as arrested on a public database doesn’t mean the person was found guilty in a court of law. Most of LocalCrimeNews.com’s own pages reiterate this point by stating that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Using the Site Responsibly

If you choose to use or reference LocalCrimeNews.com, it’s important to be aware of a few things:

  • Arrest information is not a complete criminal history: Arrest logs do not include case outcomes, dismissals, or convictions. Acting on the raw data without further verification can be misleading.

  • Personal data and reputation: Names and details listed can appear in search engine results; some people have had to request removal of their records from the site, and then ask search engines to purge cached search results.

  • Legal restrictions: The site’s terms state you shouldn’t use its data for employment decisions or background checks as defined by consumer reporting laws.

  • Accuracy isn’t guaranteed: The publisher disclaims any warranty on the completeness or currentness of its data.

How It Fits Into Local Crime Reporting

LocalCrimeNews.com isn’t a traditional news outlet covering crime through reporting and analysis. It’s a database service that aggregates arrest information, which is a specific slice of criminal justice data. For comparison, other crime news platforms — like SpotCrime.com — focus on mapping nationwide crime data sourced from police and open data feeds. SpotCrime’s model is broader, covering different types of crime incidents and offering maps rather than raw arrest logs.

The Pew Research Center notes that satisfaction with local crime news varies among the public, and that trust and perceived accuracy can depend on source type. Raw arrest databases like LocalCrimeNews.com may not be viewed with the same confidence as official law enforcement announcements or local journalism.

Key Takeaways

  • LocalCrimeNews.com is a California-focused arrest information website providing daily updates on arrests throughout the state.
  • It functions as a searchable database, not a traditional local news reporting outlet.
  • The platform is operated by United Reporting Publishing Corporation, which offers crime data services and syndication tools.
  • Its terms of use disclaim accuracy and restrict use for legal, employment, or insurance decisions.
  • Reviews are mixed, with some users criticizing accuracy and reputational impact.
  • Being listed in an arrest log doesn’t imply guilt; it reflects arrest data that may not be final.

FAQ

Is LocalCrimeNews.com a legitimate news organization?
No — it’s a database for arrest records, not a traditional newsroom producing investigative crime journalism.

Does the site include conviction outcomes?
Typically no; the focus is on arrests. It does not systematically provide case outcomes or convictions.

Can I remove my arrest record from the site?
Yes — the site offers an “Unpublish Record” option for individuals, but you may also need to ask search engines to clear cached results.

Is the information guaranteed accurate?
No; the site’s terms specifically disclaim warranties about accuracy, completeness, or reliability.

Can I use the site for background checks in hiring?
No; its terms expressly prohibit using the data for employment or other consumer background decisions.