What is the Arrest Process in Burbank?

There are a number of ways that persons arrested are processed in the city of Burbank. Some methods are much less intrusive, and can have a significant impact in the resolution of the case. For example, officers have some degree of discretion in misdemeanor cases in Burbank. In certain situations where the bail amount would be diminimus, officers may choose a less drastic method of arrest. One less intrusive method is the citation process, where a person agrees to appear in court on a specified time and date, and is released in the field without a formal booking at jail. This method is utilized to save city resources, as well as to minimize the overall inconvenience of booking at Glendale City Jail, since Burbank Jail is currently closed for construction. Misdemeanor charges which may qualify for this include: Driving with a Suspended Driver's License, Reckless Driving, Shoplifting/Petty Theft, to name a few.

So what dictates a less formal arrest versus a more formal arrest? For example, in misdemeanor cases where the accused is cooperative, has no prior record, and the severity of the violation is deemed relatively low, officers may choose to "cite" the person at the scene with an order to go to court. The significance of this scenario is that the person is spared what is oftentimes a negative experience of being formally booked at jail, and if the case can be resolved in court without requirement of jail time, the case may not be considered as serious for two reasons: 1. It might not be a priorable charge which could enhance a future similar accusation, and; 2. It may provide a basis for a less serious resolution in court, since it was not deemed important enough to formally book the person at the time of arrest.

Formal arrests include more in depth processes. Law enforcement officers sometimes conduct an immediate booking and release in the field for misdemeanors through the "IBAR" system. Law enforcement officers may also bring an arrested person to jail for a more formal booking, which is much more time intensive. In felony cases, law enforcement will generally formally arrest and book an arrested person at the jail.