Nationwide Inmate Records Online Check

Jail records, court & arrest records, mugshots and even judicial reports

California

California Inmate Search

Updated on: December 16, 2024
Department Name
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Location
1515 S St, Sacramento, CA 95811, United States
Phone Number
916-324-7308

About California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Use this website for informational purposes only.

California's correctional system is among the largest in the United States and comprises a number of state prisons, county jails, city jails, and federal prisons. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) manages all state prisons, while county jails are managed by the individual counties' Sheriff's Departments, and city jails by their respective city's Police Departments. Federal prisons are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

Each facility has its own systems for maintaining order, discipline, and security. The overarching goal is to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment for both staff and inmates while also focusing on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

Types of Correctional Institutions in California

State Prisons

The CDCR operates 35 state prisons, including 3 women's facilities. Some of the largest and most well-known include:

  • San Quentin State Prison
  • Folsom State Prison
  • Corcoran State Prison

Each prison has its own unique capacity and level of security, ranging from minimum to supermax. More updated information can be found on the CDCR's website.

County Jails

California has 58 counties, each with its own county jail system. These facilities hold inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. Larger counties such as Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and Orange County have multiple jail facilities.

City Jails

City jails are typically small facilities managed by local police departments. They're designed for short-term holding of arrested individuals before their transfer to a county jail.

Federal Prisons

California is also home to several federal prisons, which house individuals convicted of federal crimes. These include:

  • United States Penitentiary, Atwater
  • Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota
  • Metropolitan Detention Center, Los Angeles

Inmate Search Options in California

There are multiple online and offline ways to locate individuals in the California correctional system.

State Prisons

The CDCR Inmate Locator is an online tool for finding inmates in California state prisons. The service is available 24/7 and requires the inmate's CDCR number or their full name and date of birth.

For offline searches or more detailed information, you can contact the CDCR Identification Unit by phone at (916) 445-6713, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

County Jails

Each county jail in California typically has its own online inmate locator. Here are a few examples:

  • Los Angeles County Inmate Search
  • San Diego County Inmate Locator
  • Orange County Inmate Search

For offline searches, you can contact the Sheriff's Office in the respective county.

City Jails

City jails may not always have online inmate locators, and in these cases, you'll need to contact the local police department directly for information.

Federal Prisons

The BOP Inmate Locator is an online tool for locating inmates in federal prisons, including those in California. For offline searches, you can contact the specific federal prison or the BOP's central office.

Remember that while these tools can help you locate an inmate, additional steps may be needed to visit or communicate with them, including securing permissions and following specific facility protocols. Always check with the correctional facility for their rules and procedures.

This site is not owned or operated by any state government agency, read more.

Types of Correctional Facilities in California

California Prisons and Jails