California inmate records contain information about people currently incarcerated in correctional facilities, such as 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 theCalifornia Constitutionand the statePublic 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. However, the CDCR may 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 areconsidered publicmay be accessible from some third-party websites. Operating independently of any federal, state or local agency, such websites may simplify the search process as they are not limited by geographic location. In addition, third-party sites typically have search engines that can be used for filtering specific or multiple record(s). To begin using such a search engine on a third-party or government website, interested parties may need to 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 the person resides in or was accused in
However, third-party sites are independent of government sources and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Because of this, record availability cannot be guaranteed.
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 may 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 typically yields a list of all inmates with that name. Users then 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 theDivision of Juvenile Justice(DJJ) for inmate records of minors.
Members of the public who wish to obtain records of inmates incarcerated in county or city jails may contact the local arresting agency. 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 onLos Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, andOrange County Sheriff’s Departmentwebsites respectively.
How To Find A Federal Inmate In California?
Interested persons may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP)online portalto 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 theNational 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 Rehabilitationinmate 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. Requesters may find here the PIOs for CDCR’sadult institutions,adult parole operations, andjuvenile 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 aCalifornia state prisonin 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)
Vendors generally charge a service fee to complete each transaction. It typically takes between 1 and 3 days for the money to reflect in the inmate’s account. Note, funds sent by family or friends electronically via these vendors are 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 aMoney 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 for 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 theFacility Locator, and to figure out an inmate’s CDCR number, visit theInmate 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 theaccredited package vendorsfor 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 may be delivered in person, by mail, or electronically.
