San Bernardino County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In San Bernardino County?
Inmate records in San Bernardino County are official documents maintained by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records serve as the official documentation of an individual's detention history, current status, and related information pursuant to California Government Code § 6254.
The records typically include:
- Booking information and intake documentation
- Personal identification details
- Current custody status
- Facility location information
- Scheduled release dates (when applicable)
- Visitation eligibility
- Court case numbers and hearing dates
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies. Records are stored in electronic databases accessible to authorized personnel and, in certain circumstances, to members of the public through designated platforms.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department 655 East Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 (909) 387-3545 San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
Are Inmate Records Public In San Bernardino County?
Inmate records in San Bernardino County are considered public information with specific limitations as established by the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) and related statutes. The public accessibility of these records is designed to maintain transparency in the criminal justice system while balancing privacy considerations and security requirements.
Members of the public may access certain inmate information through:
- The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator system
- In-person requests at designated Sheriff's Department facilities
- Written requests submitted to the Records Division
However, access is restricted for certain categories of information, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Juvenile detention records (except as specified in Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Information that may compromise facility security
- Records sealed by court order
- Personal identifying information beyond what is necessary for identification purposes
The Sheriff's Department processes all requests for inmate records in accordance with California Government Code § 6253, which requires agencies to respond to requests within 10 days under normal circumstances.
What's Included Inmate Records in San Bernardino County
Inmate records maintained by San Bernardino County contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 4016.5 and departmental policies. These records serve administrative, security, and statistical purposes within the correctional system.
Standard information contained in San Bernardino County inmate records includes:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- CDCR number or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Current location within the correctional system
- Booking date and intake information
- Scheduled court appearances
- Charges and case numbers
- Sentence information (for convicted individuals)
- Projected release date (when applicable)
- Custody classification
- Bail amount (for pre-trial detainees)
The arrest logs maintained by local law enforcement agencies may provide additional information about the circumstances of an individual's initial detention prior to formal booking into the county correctional system.
It should be noted that the depth and specificity of information available to the public may be limited compared to what is maintained in the complete official record, in accordance with privacy laws and security protocols.
San Bernardino County Prison System
The San Bernardino County correctional system operates under a dual structure that includes county-operated detention facilities managed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and state prison facilities operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) within county boundaries.
The system is governed by:
- California Penal Code § 4000-4030 (county jails)
- California Penal Code § 5000-5072 (state prisons)
- Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations
- Federal court orders and consent decrees
The Sheriff's Department operates multiple detention facilities with a combined capacity of approximately 7,400 inmates. These facilities house individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than one year, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Detention and Corrections Bureau 630 East Rialto Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92415 (909) 386-0969 Corrections and Detention Information
State prison facilities within San Bernardino County are operated independently by CDCR and house individuals serving longer sentences for more serious offenses.
Types of Correctional Facilities In San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County maintains a diverse array of correctional facilities designed to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility type serves specific functions within the broader criminal justice system.
County-operated facilities include:
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West Valley Detention Center 9500 Etiwanda Avenue Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 (909) 463-5000 This maximum-security facility serves as the primary booking center for the western portion of the county.
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Central Detention Center 630 East Rialto Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92415 (909) 386-0969 A medium to maximum-security facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
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Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center 18000 Institution Road Devore, CA 92407 (909) 473-2500 A minimum to medium-security facility focusing on rehabilitation programs.
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High Desert Detention Center 9438 Commerce Way Adelanto, CA 92301 (760) 530-9300 A newer facility serving the northern regions of the county.
State-operated facilities within county boundaries include:
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California Institution for Men (CIM) 14901 Central Avenue Chino, CA 91710 (909) 597-1821
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California Institution for Women (CIW) 16756 Chino-Corona Road Corona, CA 92880 (909) 597-1771
Each facility maintains specific visiting hours, mail procedures, and security protocols based on its classification and the population it serves.
Who's in Prison In San Bernardino County
The inmate population in San Bernardino County correctional facilities represents diverse demographics and legal statuses. As of the most recent available data, the county facilities house approximately 5,800-6,200 inmates on any given day, with fluctuations based on seasonal and systemic factors.
The inmate population consists of:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving sentences of less than one year (misdemeanors)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Parole violators awaiting hearings
- Individuals in custody for immigration proceedings
Demographic information indicates that the population includes:
- Adult males (approximately 85%)
- Adult females (approximately 15%)
- Various age groups, with the majority between 18-45 years
- Diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds
The California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) system provides statistical information about individuals in state custody, including those from San Bernardino County. This information is maintained pursuant to California Penal Code § 5058 and related regulations.
The county's correctional population has experienced changes in recent years due to state realignment policies under Assembly Bill 109 and various criminal justice reform measures.
How To Search for Inmate Records In San Bernardino County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate information in San Bernardino County may utilize several official channels to access these records. The search process has been updated for 2025 to reflect current technological capabilities and regulatory requirements.
To conduct an inmate search:
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Online Search Options
- Visit the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator
- Enter the required information (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which will display current custody status and facility location
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Telephone Information
- Call the Inmate Information Center at (909) 386-0969
- Provide the requested identifying information to the operator
- Available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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In-Person Inquiries
- Visit the Records Division at 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415
- Complete an information request form
- Present valid identification
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For individuals in state custody, the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search system provides comprehensive information about current status and location.
Searches require basic identifying information such as the individual's full name and, ideally, date of birth or booking/CDCR number for more accurate results.
How To Find an Inmate in San Bernardino County for Free?
San Bernardino County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals within the county correctional system. These services are available to all members of the public without fees or subscription requirements.
Free inmate location services include:
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Sheriff's Department Online Inmate Locator The official inmate search tool provides real-time information about individuals in county custody. This service is available 24 hours per day and requires only basic information such as name or booking number.
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Court Records Search The San Bernardino Superior Court maintains searchable case information that may include custody status. Public terminals are available at courthouse locations during regular business hours.
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Telephone Information Line The automated information system at (909) 386-0969 provides basic custody information without charge.
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CDCR Inmate Locator For individuals transferred to state custody, the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search provides free location information.
Users should note that while basic information is available at no cost, obtaining certified copies of records or extensive documentation may involve processing fees as established by California Government Code § 6253.
How To Visit an Inmate In San Bernardino County
Visitation with inmates in San Bernardino County facilities follows structured procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with Title 15 regulations and facility-specific policies.
The visitation process includes:
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Scheduling Requirements
- Visits must be scheduled in advance through the online scheduling system
- Visitors must register in the system prior to scheduling
- Visits are typically limited to 30-60 minutes depending on facility and classification
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Identification Requirements
- All visitors over 18 must present valid government-issued photo identification
- Acceptable forms include driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID
- Identification information must match visitor registration details
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Visitation Guidelines
- Appropriate attire is required (no revealing clothing, gang-related items, or clothing resembling inmate attire)
- Personal items are restricted (check facility-specific rules)
- Children must be accompanied by an authorized adult
- Physical contact limitations vary by facility and inmate classification
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Facility-Specific Information
- West Valley Detention Center: (909) 463-5000
- Central Detention Center: (909) 386-0969
- Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center: (909) 473-2500
- High Desert Detention Center: (760) 530-9300
Special visits, including attorney visits, clergy visits, and emergency family visits, may have different scheduling procedures and requirements.
How To Send Money to a San Bernardino County Inmate
San Bernardino County provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses within the correctional facilities.
Authorized deposit methods include:
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Online Deposits
- Visit the approved third-party payment processor website
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's information and payment details
- Service fees may apply
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Kiosk Deposits
- Self-service kiosks are available in the lobby of each detention facility
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted
- Receipts are provided for all transactions
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Mail Deposits
- Money orders only (no personal checks or cash)
- Make payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
- Mail to the facility where the inmate is housed
- Include sender's full name and return address
For additional information about deposits and account balances, contact the Inmate Services Unit at (909) 350-2476 as noted on the Sheriff's Department Corrections page.
For inmates transferred to state facilities, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides separate money transfer services with different procedures and requirements.
How To Send Jail Mail In San Bernardino County
Correspondence with inmates in San Bernardino County facilities must follow established guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All mail is subject to inspection in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 15 § 3130-3147.
Mail procedures include:
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Addressing Requirements
- Inmate's full name (as booked)
- Inmate's booking number
- Facility name and address
- Sender's full name and return address (required)
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Permitted Items
- Letters (maximum 10 pages)
- Photographs (maximum 5, no larger than 4"x6")
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter)
- Money orders (in separate envelope from regular mail)
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Prohibited Items
- Cash or personal checks
- Packages without prior approval
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Perfumed or stained paper
- Polaroid photographs
- Hardcover books or magazines (must come directly from publisher)
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Legal Mail
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must include attorney's name, title, and State Bar number
- Will be opened in the inmate's presence
All mail should be sent via the United States Postal Service. Courier services are generally not accepted except for legal documents with prior approval.
Lookup Inmate Records in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County Inmate Locator
San Bernardino Superior Court Records