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 can I find out an inmate's release date 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.

How do I find out an inmate's charges 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 many inmates is California releasing? ›

California releases roughly 786,970 men and 200,866 women from its prisons and jails each year. What is it doing to support them upon reentry?

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

The review and approval process could take 4-6 weeks. Upon approval, the incarcerated person is notified, and it is his /her responsibility to notify you. If you are denied, a letter will be sent to you from the Visiting Office which will state the reason for your denial.

Is there an app that tells you when an inmate is released? ›

The VINELink™ Mobile App is the on-the-go version of the Inmate Release Notification System that lets you access vital information from agencies right from your mobile device. The VINELink Mobile App is available for iOS and Android devices and is completely free for users.

How accurate is the projected release date? ›

That is accurate - but what nobody can predict with absolute certainty is whether he will get an earlier release and if so, when. Yes, he should serve a fraction of his actual time, but it cannot be accurately predicted where you will have a specific date.

Are criminal charges public record in California? ›

Criminal History Records are not subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act. In California, state and local summary criminal history information is confidential and access is strictly regulated by statute.

What does projected release date mean? ›

Projected release date — the projected date on which the offender will be released from prison. Sentenced prisoner — a prisoner sentenced to more than 1 year. Supervised mandatory releases — conditional release with post-custody supervision generally occurring in jurisdictions using determinate sentencing statutes.

How much does it cost for a prisoner in California? ›

In summary

The cost of imprisoning one person in California has increased by more than 90% in the past decade, reaching a record-breaking $132,860 annually, according to state finance documents.

What 3 prisons are closing in California? ›

The department estimates that it will save the state $778 million starting next year, after the closure of three state prisons: Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy in 2021, California Correctional Center in Susanville in 2023, and Chuckawalla State Prison in Blythe, scheduled to close in March 2025.

How much money do inmates get when released? ›

About $2 million of that will go directly to ex-inmates in the form of cash payments totaling about $2,400 each.

What is the new law to release inmates in California? ›

The First Step Act — This new law allows for the early release of certain inmates who had been convicted in federal court. More information regarding this new law is outlined below, in the section Facts About the First Step Act.

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.

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.

What are the benefits for inmates upon release in California? ›

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hundreds of Californians released from prisons could receive direct cash payments of $2,400 — along with counseling, job search assistance and other support — under a first-in-the-nation program aimed at easing the transition out of incarceration and reducing recidivism.

How do I find out someone's parole status in California? ›

It appears from the CDCR website that you need to direct your inquiry to the Division of Adult Parole Operations, and include in your written request: Name, DOB, CDCR #, return address, scope of request (exactly what you are looking for).

What does projected release date mean in California? ›

The projected release date refers to the estimated date when a person who is incarcerated will be released from custody.

When can inmates make phone calls California? ›

Beginning January 1, 2023, all telephone audio calls made from an incarcerated person in a California state prison will be free of charge to the incarcerated person and their friends and families.

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