California Inmate Search | CaliforniaCourtRecords.us (2024)

Inmate records are files that contain information about people currently incarcerated in correctional facilities; these include state prisons, conservation (fire) camps, county and city jails. Typically, the data held in these records include:

  • The inmate’s full name and nicknames
  • Registration number
  • The convictions that the inmate is incarcerated for
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • A mugshot
  • When the inmate was incarcerated and where the inmate is being held
  • Potential release date
  • Bail or bond conditions

Under the California Constitution and the state Public Records Act, residents of California have the right to inspect or obtain copies of these inmate records upon request. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is the single repository for inmate records incarcerated in state-owned facilities. The CDCR provides access to these records via an inmate search tool on its website. The CDCR will occasionally seal an inmate record or restrict access to it in response to a court order.

Inmate records for persons in county or city jails are held and provided by the sheriff’s office or police department supervising such local facilities. Generally, sheriff’s offices across California offer an inmate lookup service on their websites.

Records that are considered public may be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites often make searching simpler, as they are not limited by geographic location, and search engines on these sites may help when starting a search for a specific or multiple records. To begin using such a search engine on a third-party or government website, interested parties usually must provide:

  • The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
  • The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that person resides in or was accused in.

Third-party sites are independent from government sources, and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Because of this, record availability on third-party sites may vary.

How To Find An Inmate In California?

To locate information about people who are currently incarcerated in the state under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), requestors can call the California Inmate Identification Unit at (916) 445–6713.

Alternatively, requestors may use the ‘Locate Inmate' tool available on the CDCR website. The search tool allows users to query the database by two required filters, CDCR number or Last name. A search by the last name yields a list of all inmates with that name, select the relevant subject from the result page to view the inmate information. The information includes prison location and parole eligibility. Note, this tool only allows access to information of adult inmates, contact the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) for inmate records of minors.

When in search of inmates incarcerated in county or city jail, contact the local arresting agency for the inmate records. Most local jail administrators provide inmate information on their website for each public access. For example, requestors may find inmate records for persons incarcerated in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange counties on Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department websites respectively.

How To Find A Federal Inmate In California?

Interested persons may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) online portal to locate an inmate in a federal facility within California. Users have the option to search the database using the inmate’s name and biodata, such as their gender, age, and race. Alternatively, users may search via the portal using an inmate’s registration number. Applicable registration numbers are:

  • Bureau of Prison Registration number,
  • D.C. Department of Corrections number,
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation number,
  • The Immigration and Naturalization Services number assigned to the inmate upon incarceration.

Note that the BOP’s inmate management system does not hold information on individuals who were incarcerated before 1982. Records older than 1982 are maintained and provided by the National Archives Records Administration (NARA).

How Do I Find Inmate Records In California?

Persons interested in securing a California inmate record may print a copy of the information provided on the result page of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate locator. The result page offers basic information on the inmate under question. However, this photocopy may not suffice for legal representation as it is not a certified copy.

Under its public records policy, the CDCR provides interested persons with copies of inmate records upon request. To obtain this record, contact in writing or by calling the Public Information Officers (PIOs) at the facility where the inmate was held. Requestors may find here the PIOs for CDCR’s adult institutions, adult parole operations, and juvenile justice departments. This request may attract a nominal charge depending on the volume.

Similarly, requestors may contact the administrator of any county or city jail in California to obtain an official copy of an inmate record detained therein. For example, inmate records for persons held at the Los Angeles County Jail may be obtained by contacting the custody operations unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office by calling (213) 473–6100.

How To Put Money On Jail Inmates Book In California?

Family and friends may send money to an inmate in a California state prison in one of three ways; via an electronic funds transfer, Lock Box, or by mailing a check or money order directly to the facility where the inmate is incarcerated.

To send money using an Electronic Funds Transfer(EFT), the person may choose one of these three vendors to execute the transaction:

  • GTL/ConnectNetwork
  • JPay
  • Access Corrections (Access Corrections Information)

All vendors charge a service fee to complete each transaction. It takes between 1–3 days for the money to reflect in the inmate’s account. Note, funds sent by family or friends electronically via these vendors can only be credited into an inmate’s trust account or charged against restitution payments.

However, using Lock Box to send money to an inmate does not require a fee. Individuals sending money using Lock Box are required to complete a Money Order Deposit Form. Indicate the amount to be sent on the form, subject to a maximum sum of $999.99 per transaction. Ensure to make the fund payable to “JPay,” and mail the completed form to:

JPay
2202 South Figueroa Street
Box #3001
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Note, any personal letters or notes included in this payment method will not be delivered to the inmate. A sender does not require a JPAY account to deposit funds via Lock Box. Typically, checks are held to ten business days prior to finalizing the transaction.

Family and friends also have the option of mailing a check or money order directly to the institution where the inmate is being held. Depositing funds by check or money order requires no fees and typically takes 30 business days to process. On the check or money, individuals are required to provide:

  • their name and address,
  • the inmate’s name and CDCR number

Ensure to make the check or money order payable to “CDCR.” To find the facility where an inmate is being held, use the Facility Locator, and to figure out an inmate’s CDCR number, visit the Inmate Locator. Relatives are also allowed to send packages to inmates in any CDCR facility on a quarterly basis. Purchases are taken at the buyer’s sole risk. For further inquiry, contact any of the accredited package vendors for CDCR.

For inmates in custody at the county or city jails, family and friends may contact the appropriate sheriff’s department or police department to determine the means of depositing funds into an inmate’s account. Typically, funds are deposited with county jail authorities by government checks or money orders, which can be delivered in person, by mail, or electronically.

What Are California Inmate Records?

Inmate records are files that contain information about people currently incarcerated in correctional facilities; these include state prisons, conservation (fire) camps, county and city jails. Typically, the data held in these records include:

  • The inmate’s full name and nicknames
  • Registration number
  • The convictions that the inmate is incarcerated for
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • A mugshot
  • When the inmate was incarcerated and where the inmate is being held
  • Potential release date
  • Bail or bond conditions

Under the California Constitution and the state Public Records Act, residents of California have the right to inspect or obtain copies of these inmate records upon request. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is the single repository for inmate records incarcerated in state-owned facilities. The CDCR provides access to these records via an inmate search tool on its website. The CDCR will occasionally seal an inmate record or restrict access to it in response to a court order.

Inmate records for persons in county or city jails are held and provided by the sheriff’s office or police department supervising such local facilities. Generally, sheriff’s offices across California offer an inmate lookup service on their websites.

How To Find An Inmate In California?

To locate information about people who are currently incarcerated in the state under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), requestors can call the California Inmate Identification Unit at (916) 445–6713.

Alternatively, requestors may use the ‘Locate Inmate' tool available on the CDCR website. The search tool allows users to query the database by two required filters, CDCR number or Last name. A search by the last name yields a list of all inmates with that name, select the relevant subject from the result page to view the inmate information. The information includes prison location and parole eligibility. Note, this tool only allows access to information of adult inmates, contact the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) for inmate records of minors.

When in search of inmates incarcerated in county or city jail, contact the local arresting agency for the inmate records. Most local jail administrators provide inmate information on their website for each public access. For example, requestors may find inmate records for persons incarcerated in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange counties on Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department websites respectively.

How To Find A Federal Inmate In California?

Interested persons may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) online portal to locate an inmate in a federal facility within California. Users have the option to search the database using the inmate’s name and biodata, such as their gender, age, and race. Alternatively, users may search via the portal using an inmate’s registration number. Applicable registration numbers are:

  • Bureau of Prison Registration number,
  • D.C. Department of Corrections number,
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation number,
  • The Immigration and Naturalization Services number assigned to the inmate upon incarceration.

Note that the BOP’s inmate management system does not hold information on individuals who were incarcerated before 1982. Records older than 1982 are maintained and provided by the National Archives Records Administration (NARA).

How Do I Find Inmate Records In California?

Persons interested in securing a California inmate record may print a copy of the information provided on the result page of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate locator. The result page offers basic information on the inmate under question. However, this photocopy may not suffice for legal representation as it is not a certified copy.

Under its public records policy, the CDCR provides interested persons with copies of inmate records upon request. To obtain this record, contact in writing or by calling the Public Information Officers (PIOs) at the facility where the inmate was held. Requestors may find here the PIOs for CDCR’s adult institutions, adult parole operations, and juvenile justice departments. This request may attract a nominal charge depending on the volume.

Similarly, requestors may contact the administrator of any county or city jail in California to obtain an official copy of an inmate record detained therein. For example, inmate records for persons held at the Los Angeles County Jail may be obtained by contacting the custody operations unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office by calling (213) 473–6100.

How To Put Money On Jail Inmates Book In California?

Family and friends may send money to an inmate in a California state prison in one of three ways; via an electronic funds transfer, Lock Box, or by mailing a check or money order directly to the facility where the inmate is incarcerated.

To send money using an Electronic Funds Transfer(EFT), the person may choose one of these three vendors to execute the transaction:

  • GTL/ConnectNetwork
  • JPay
  • Access Corrections (Access Corrections Information)

All vendors charge a service fee to complete each transaction. It takes between 1–3 days for the money to reflect in the inmate’s account. Note, funds sent by family or friends electronically via these vendors can only be credited into an inmate’s trust account or charged against restitution payments.

However, using Lock Box to send money to an inmate does not require a fee. Individuals sending money using Lock Box are required to complete a Money Order Deposit Form. Indicate the amount to be sent on the form, subject to a maximum sum of $999.99 per transaction. Ensure to make the fund payable to “JPay,” and mail the completed form to:

JPay
2202 South Figueroa Street
Box #3001
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Note, any personal letters or notes included in this payment method will not be delivered to the inmate. A sender does not require a JPAY account to deposit funds via Lock Box. Typically, checks are held to ten business days prior to finalizing the transaction.

Family and friends also have the option of mailing a check or money order directly to the institution where the inmate is being held. Depositing funds by check or money order requires no fees and typically takes 30 business days to process. On the check or money, individuals are required to provide:

  • their name and address,
  • the inmate’s name and CDCR number

Ensure to make the check or money order payable to “CDCR.” To find the facility where an inmate is being held, use the Facility Locator, and to figure out an inmate’s CDCR number, visit the Inmate Locator. Relatives are also allowed to send packages to inmates in any CDCR facility on a quarterly basis. Purchases are taken at the buyer’s sole risk. For further inquiry, contact any of the accredited package vendors for CDCR.

For inmates in custody at the county or city jails, family and friends may contact the appropriate sheriff’s department or police department to determine the means of depositing funds into an inmate’s account. Typically, funds are deposited with county jail authorities by government checks or money orders, which can be delivered in person, by mail, or electronically.

What Are California Inmate Records?

Inmate records are files that contain information about people currently incarcerated in correctional facilities; these include state prisons, conservation (fire) camps, county and city jails. Typically, the data held in these records include:

  • The inmate’s full name and nicknames
  • Registration number
  • The convictions that the inmate is incarcerated for
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • A mugshot
  • When the inmate was incarcerated and where the inmate is being held
  • Potential release date
  • Bail or bond conditions

Under the California Constitution and the state Public Records Act, residents of California have the right to inspect or obtain copies of these inmate records upon request. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is the single repository for inmate records incarcerated in state-owned facilities. The CDCR provides access to these records via an inmate search tool on its website. The CDCR will occasionally seal an inmate record or restrict access to it in response to a court order.

Inmate records for persons in county or city jails are held and provided by the sheriff’s office or police department supervising such local facilities. Generally, sheriff’s offices across California offer an inmate lookup service on their websites.

How To Find An Inmate In California?

To locate information about people who are currently incarcerated in the state under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), requestors can call the California Inmate Identification Unit at (916) 445–6713.

Alternatively, requestors may use the ‘Locate Inmate' tool available on the CDCR website. The search tool allows users to query the database by two required filters, CDCR number or Last name. A search by the last name yields a list of all inmates with that name, select the relevant subject from the result page to view the inmate information. The information includes prison location and parole eligibility. Note, this tool only allows access to information of adult inmates, contact the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) for inmate records of minors.

When in search of inmates incarcerated in county or city jail, contact the local arresting agency for the inmate records. Most local jail administrators provide inmate information on their website for each public access. For example, requestors may find inmate records for persons incarcerated in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange counties on Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department websites respectively.

How To Find A Federal Inmate In California?

Interested persons may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) online portal to locate an inmate in a federal facility within California. Users have the option to search the database using the inmate’s name and biodata, such as their gender, age, and race. Alternatively, users may search via the portal using an inmate’s registration number. Applicable registration numbers are:

  • Bureau of Prison Registration number,
  • D.C. Department of Corrections number,
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation number,
  • The Immigration and Naturalization Services number assigned to the inmate upon incarceration.

Note that the BOP’s inmate management system does not hold information on individuals who were incarcerated before 1982. Records older than 1982 are maintained and provided by the National Archives Records Administration (NARA).

How Do I Find Inmate Records In California?

Persons interested in securing a California inmate record may print a copy of the information provided on the result page of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate locator. The result page offers basic information on the inmate under question. However, this photocopy may not suffice for legal representation as it is not a certified copy.

Under its public records policy, the CDCR provides interested persons with copies of inmate records upon request. To obtain this record, contact in writing or by calling the Public Information Officers (PIOs) at the facility where the inmate was held. Requestors may find here the PIOs for CDCR’s adult institutions, adult parole operations, and juvenile justice departments. This request may attract a nominal charge depending on the volume.

Similarly, requestors may contact the administrator of any county or city jail in California to obtain an official copy of an inmate record detained therein. For example, inmate records for persons held at the Los Angeles County Jail may be obtained by contacting the custody operations unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office by calling (213) 473–6100.

How To Put Money On Jail Inmates Book In California?

Family and friends may send money to an inmate in a California state prison in one of three ways; via an electronic funds transfer, Lock Box, or by mailing a check or money order directly to the facility where the inmate is incarcerated.

To send money using an Electronic Funds Transfer(EFT), the person may choose one of these three vendors to execute the transaction:

  • GTL/ConnectNetwork
  • JPay
  • Access Corrections (Access Corrections Information)

All vendors charge a service fee to complete each transaction. It takes between 1–3 days for the money to reflect in the inmate’s account. Note, funds sent by family or friends electronically via these vendors can only be credited into an inmate’s trust account or charged against restitution payments.

However, using Lock Box to send money to an inmate does not require a fee. Individuals sending money using Lock Box are required to complete a Money Order Deposit Form. Indicate the amount to be sent on the form, subject to a maximum sum of $999.99 per transaction. Ensure to make the fund payable to “JPay,” and mail the completed form to:

JPay
2202 South Figueroa Street
Box #3001
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Note, any personal letters or notes included in this payment method will not be delivered to the inmate. A sender does not require a JPAY account to deposit funds via Lock Box. Typically, checks are held to ten business days prior to finalizing the transaction.

Family and friends also have the option of mailing a check or money order directly to the institution where the inmate is being held. Depositing funds by check or money order requires no fees and typically takes 30 business days to process. On the check or money, individuals are required to provide:

  • their name and address,
  • the inmate’s name and CDCR number

Ensure to make the check or money order payable to “CDCR.” To find the facility where an inmate is being held, use the Facility Locator, and to figure out an inmate’s CDCR number, visit the Inmate Locator. Relatives are also allowed to send packages to inmates in any CDCR facility on a quarterly basis. Purchases are taken at the buyer’s sole risk. For further inquiry, contact any of the accredited package vendors for CDCR.

For inmates in custody at the county or city jails, family and friends may contact the appropriate sheriff’s department or police department to determine the means of depositing funds into an inmate’s account. Typically, funds are deposited with county jail authorities by government checks or money orders, which can be delivered in person, by mail, or electronically.

California Inmate Search | CaliforniaCourtRecords.us (2024)

FAQs

How do I find an inmate's record in California? ›

If you need an incarcerated person's conviction information, you may contact the court or jurisdiction. If you are unable to locate an Incarcerated Person, please contact the CDCR Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713.

How long does it take to get approved to visit an inmate in California? ›

The inmate shall send family members and friends an application (CDCR Form 106) to visit. All adult visitors must complete the application and return it to DMCCF by mail. The Visiting staff must approve the application before the family member and/or friend may visit. This should take approximately 30 working days.

Do California prisoners get conjugal visits? ›

Each California prison has facilities for “family visits” (sometimes called “conjugal” visits) with “immediate family members.” These visits allow a person in prison to be with their family for approximately 30 to 40 hours in a private space, usually a small trailer on the prison grounds.

How do you get approved for an inmate in California? ›

How to Get Approved to Visit an Incarcerated Person
  1. Step 1: Receive Signed Visitor Questionnaire. You must apply for approval to visit by completing a Visitor Questionnaire (CDCR Form 106). ...
  2. Step 2: Complete the Visitor Questionnaire. ...
  3. Step 3: Mail the Visitor Questionnaire. ...
  4. Step 4: Receive Notice of Approval or Disapproval.

How do I look up someone's criminal record in California? ›

Requests for record searches may be made in person in the Criminal Operations Department at any Justice Center. Additionally, Online Case and Calendar access will now allow you to conduct record searches online by case number, person name or business name.

How do you check if someone you know went to jail? ›

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is the single repository for inmate records incarcerated in state-owned facilities. The CDCR provides access to these records via an inmate search tool on its website.

Can you wear a bra in jail? ›

Inmates may keep underwear provided it does not resemble gym shorts or swim trunks. Female inmates may also keep bras provided wires are removed.

Can an inmate attend a funeral in California? ›

add Can an inmate be temporarily released to attend a relative's funeral? Yes, by order of the court an inmate may temporarily be released to attend a relative's funeral.

Can felons visit inmates in California? ›

Visitors must present a copy of this form to the visiting deputy when coming to visit. No visits shall be granted to convicted felons who do not have proof of prior approval.

Can I spend the night with my husband in jail? ›

Conjugal and Extended Visitation Privileges Are Highly Regulated. To be granted a conjugal visit or extended family visit, generally, both the inmate and visitors must submit applications. Common rules include: requiring that the prisoner seeking such visits have a clean prison record of good behavior and no violence.

What are the new laws for inmates in California in 2024? ›

Beginning January 1, 2024, persons released from prison will have relocation options based on educational, treatment, housing or employment opportunities. These new rules will also apply to anyone already on Parole.

Can girlfriends do conjugal visits? ›

The four states that currently allow conjugal visits are California, Connecticut, New York, and Washington.

What is a Level 1 inmate in California? ›

What is meant by security levels? Level I – Facilities and Camps consist primarily of open dormitories with a low security perimeter. Level II – Facilities consist primarily of open dormitories with a secure perimeter, which may include armed coverage.

How much do CA inmates get paid? ›

How much does an Inmate make in California? As of Jun 15, 2024, the average annual pay for an Inmate in California is $48,319 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.23 an hour. This is the equivalent of $929/week or $4,026/month.

What is the dress code for visiting an inmate in California? ›

No clothing that exposes the breast, genitalia, or buttocks area; No very tight, form-fitting attire; No wigs, hairpieces, extensions, or other headpieces except for medical reasons and with prior approval; No hats or gloves, except with prior approval or in inclement weather; and.

Can you look up mugshots in California? ›

You can also find mugshots from every state on informational portals, database websites, and government sites. These include prisoner locator websites like the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the California State Archives.

Does California show mugshots? ›

The new law, Assembly Bill 994 & Penal Code 13665, now prohibits law enforcement from sharing suspect photos for nonviolent crimes, unless specified circ*mstances exist. Additionally, the new law requires agencies to remove suspect mugshots from social media after 14 days, unless special circ*mstances exist.

How do I request records from CDCR? ›

The person can send their inquiry by mail to California Correctional Health Care Services, Health Care Correspondence and Appeals Branch, P.O. Box 588500, Elk Grove, CA 95758 or by email to m_CCHCSPHCI@cdcr.ca.gov. Staff are supposed to try to respond to written inquiries within 45 business days.

How do I find the release date for CDCR inmates? ›

Each inmate's controlling parole eligible date is provided to the inmate and publically available on CDCR's website via the Department's “Inmate Locator” search engine.

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