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There are often questions about the sharing of information, including press releases and arrest photos, on incidents that take place in the City of Merced. Public records laws are comprehensive and can be confusing. It is important to comply with the law, to provide for the public safety, to balance the privacy interests of involved parties of reported incidents, and to be transparent about activities and provide information to the public. To that end, this guide helps explain procedures when it comes to the release of information from the Merced Police Department.

Frequently received requests for information include:

• Felony crimes that occur in our community
• Fatal traffic collisions
• Human trafficking and sex crimes
• Sex- or child-related suspicious circumstances cases
• Significant crime trends and/or associated arrests
• Crimes that diminish the quality of life in our community
• Other cases where a release of information would benefit the interest of community safety

When are suspects identified?  

• If the suspect is an adult who is at least 18 years old and who is arrested for misdemeanor or felony offenses, a release of their name, age, city of residence and oftentimes, their photo. When photos are released of adults, it is either because there is a community need or interest.
• If the suspect is a juvenile (under 18 years old), we will not identify them by name nor release their photo. Their age and city of residence may be released on a case-by-case basis. An exception to this would be for serious cases where releasing identifying information is for the public’s safety.

Where is information released?

• On our social media pages:
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercedpolice/
  • Twitter: @MercedPolice
  • Instagram: @mercedpolicedepartment
• Our online crime blotter
  • https://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/merced

Why is information released?

• The Merced Police Department believes in transparency and being forthcoming with our community about crimes and events that occur in the City of Merced.
• To share with the community how officers use their time.
• Releasing information in a timely manner gives our community an accurate account of events. It also provides members of the community with a way to not only be aware of what is going on in their city, but allows them to take necessary precautions, if they so choose, so they too are not victimized.

All release of information is done in accordance with California state law.

Traffic Collision Information:

Traffic collision reports are confidential under California Vehicle Code sections 20012, et seq., but disclosure to authorized parties is allowed. Those parties include:

• The driver or drivers involved
• The guardian or parent of a minor driver
• Any named person injured
• Any named person who owns the vehicle involved or damaged property
• Any law enforcement agency
• An insurance company

The following can be provided about collisions: time, date and location of an accident, along with confirmation of whether there were any injuries. A factual synopsis of a collision can be provided as it becomes available. If someone is arrested, we will release that information as well. If the collision results in a fatality, we will also confirm that information. Identities of the deceased must be obtained through the Merced County Coroner.

We do not release details of injuries or identities of those involved. Also, initially we cannot release who may have been at fault, as that is determined by our officers during their investigation. Please note, the purpose of the California Vehicle Code is to protect the privacy of those involved in a collision.

WEEKLY REPORTS includes three Excel files.  One file is arrests for a previous two week period typically a Wednesday-to-Wednesday date range.  The other file is tickets for a previous two week period typically a Wednesday-to-Wednesday date range. The third file includes incidents for the previous one week period typically a Tuesday-to-Tuesday.  The file names will reflect the dates included on the Excel file. These files are manually uploaded each Wednesday, so staffing issues may cause the files to be uploaded a day or two later. Contact Lance Eber, Crime Analyst at 209-385-4701 or eberl@cityofmerced.org if you have questions about these three files.

Go to the Transparency Hub HERE

https://portal.arxcommunity.com/dashboards/community/ca-ci-merced-pd