Key Resources for California Inmate Search
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR): 1515 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 (View on Google Maps)
- Phone: 916-324-7308
- Search the State Inmate Database
- Send Money to an Inmate
- Visitation Information
Remember to always confirm the accuracy and timeliness of inmate data using the official CDCR portals.
Overview of California Inmate Search
In California, individuals can be incarcerated either in state-run prisons or in county jails. The official state system tracks those in long-term state custody, while county jails hold people for more recent bookings or shorter terms. The California Inmate Locator, a tool provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), allows you to search for individuals incarcerated in state prisons. However, this tool does not track people who are only held in local jails or those who have been recently booked.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official CDCR portal, especially if the individual has been recently transferred to or from state custody.
State Offender Search Portal
The official way to search for individuals incarcerated in California’s state prisons is through the CDCR Inmate Locator. This tool allows you to search by an inmate's name or CDCR number, the most accurate way to find specific information about an incarcerated individual. The results will include their current custody status (e.g., In-Custody, Parole), facility location, and relevant dates such as their admission or parole eligibility.
For detailed information, always use the CDCR’s official portal, as third-party websites may not have the latest updates.
County Jail Handoff
Statewide search tools, like the CDCR Inmate Locator, are designed to track individuals in long-term state custody. However, if you are looking for someone who has recently been arrested or is only held at the county level, you’ll need to use county-specific resources. County jails handle short-term detention, recent arrests, and pending local charges, and each county may have its own portal for jail records and inmate searches. Therefore, if the person is not listed in the state database, it is important to check with the local sheriff’s office or the county jail.
| County | Inmate Search |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | Search |
Visitation, Communication, and Funds
CDCR has specific policies governing visitation, communication, and sending money to incarcerated individuals. You can send money to inmates through official services such as JPay, GTL, or Access Corrections. Additionally, CDCR allows visitation under specific conditions, and visitors must follow all rules outlined by the CDCR. Make sure to check the official Visitation Information for up-to-date details on how to schedule a visit, what to bring, and how to stay in contact with an inmate.
Limitations and Safety Tools
While the CDCR Inmate Locator is a helpful tool, it has certain limitations. It may not include recent bookings, county-specific arrests, or sealed records. If you're looking for real-time updates, such as transfers or releases, VINElink is a great tool for monitoring offenders in the system. It provides notifications about changes in custody status, including when an offender is moved or released. For public safety concerns, CDCR also publishes information about escapees and absconders.