The Office of the Sheriff maintains the Automated Regional Information Exchange System “ARIES” database and the Domestic Violence Relational Database. Both have been completed to collect data from California jurisdictions; and, multiple counties are planning to go online to utilize and share information to support increased monitoring and enforcement of law.

Since 1997, almost 32,000 countywide domestic violence reports have been entered into the Domestic Violence Relational Database. It is now linked to vital criminal justice records and can be accessed on-line by 48 law enforcement agencies. This enhanced technology has linked criminal justice agencies (as well as other counties) and increased investigative capacity significantly.

Investigative capacity has been enhanced because reporting on DV cases, from all 21 jurisdictions in the county, is now 100%. The system tracks active warrants or restraining orders; case disposition information; terms of probation/parole, injury specifics; and provides complete, accurate information on DV incidents in other jurisdictions. Investigators need this information to respond appropriately for victim safety and develop cases for the District Attorney.

Visit the Contra Costa County Sheriff's web pages.

The Bay Area Chiefs and Sheriffs Association (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties – which includes 80 law enforcement agencies) have developed an Action Plan for counties to join this relational database. Consequently, the database maintains the potential to enhance the capability of law enforcement statewide.