Should you wish to obtain an arrest record in California, either your own or that of somebody else’s for background checks, you have to request access for such from the Department of Justice as it is the chief repository for criminal and arrest records in California. Unlike any other states in the US, California is stricter when obtaining arrest and criminal records. Access to such records maintained by the Department of Justice is restricted by law to legitimate law enforcement purposes and authorized applicant agencies. However, individuals have the right to request a copy of their own criminal history record from the Department to review for accuracy and completeness. Requests from third parties are not authorized and will not be processed.