Search San Francisco Custody Records
San Francisco bookings and releases flow through the San Francisco County Sheriff Department. The city and county are one jurisdiction in San Francisco. This makes things simpler than other California cities. When SFPD arrests someone, they go to county jail. You can search for inmates online using the sheriff's Find a Person in Jail system. Release information appears when custody ends. San Francisco operates jails at 850 Bryant Street and on San Bruno Avenue. Booking records update daily with new arrests from across the city. Most search tools are free and show real-time data for people in custody in San Francisco.
San Francisco Quick Facts
San Francisco County Jail Bookings
San Francisco County Sheriff handles all jail bookings in the city. Since San Francisco is a consolidated city and county, the sheriff runs the local jail system. Two main facilities operate in San Francisco. County Jail #2 at 850 Bryant Street downtown houses most inmates. County Jail #5 on San Bruno Avenue near the airport handles additional capacity.
Search for inmates at sfsheriff.com/find-person-jail. Enter the last name or booking number. Results show booking date, charges, bail, and which jail holds the person. The system covers both facilities in San Francisco. Updates happen throughout the day as new bookings process.
County Jail #2 is the main intake facility in San Francisco. Most new bookings start there. County Jail #5 serves as a medium security facility for sentenced inmates and some pre-trial detainees. Both locations fall under the same sheriff department. One search system covers both jails in San Francisco.
| Agency | San Francisco County Sheriff Department |
|---|---|
| Main Jail | County Jail #2 |
| Address | 850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 |
| Records Phone | (415) 554-7325 |
| Inmate Search | sfsheriff.com/find-person-jail |
Booking information includes details required under Government Code section 7923.610. California law mandates disclosure of arrestee name, occupation, physical description, arrest time and date, booking time and date, arrest location, circumstances, bail amount, release details, and all charges. San Francisco County Sheriff provides this through the online inmate locator.
San Francisco Police and Sheriff Bookings
SFPD makes most arrests in San Francisco, then transfers custody to the county sheriff. Police handle the arrest. The sheriff handles the jail. If you need a police report from SFPD, that request goes to the police department. Booking records come from the sheriff in San Francisco.
San Francisco Police Department has a Records Division that processes report requests. You can request reports through their online portal. Visit sanfranciscopolice.org/get-service/public-records-request to submit a request. Some records are available quickly. Others take longer based on the type of report and case status for arrests in San Francisco.
After SFPD arrests someone, that person will appear in the sheriff's inmate database once booking completes. This can take a few hours. Booking takes longer when jails are busy in San Francisco. Check the system again later if you do not find someone right away. The database updates as bookings finish processing at county jails.
For questions about SFPD records, call (415) 837-7000. The police department operates independently from the sheriff. They keep arrest reports and investigation files. The sheriff maintains booking logs and custody records. Know which type of record you need when making a request in San Francisco.
Release Records in San Francisco
Release data shows up in the inmate search when someone leaves custody. You can see the release date and time for recent departures from San Francisco jails. People get released for many reasons: bail posted, charges dismissed, time served, court order, or program placement. The system shows the release type and when it happened.
VINE provides free notifications for custody changes. Register at vinelink.com using the inmate's booking number from San Francisco. You will receive alerts by phone, text, or email when release happens. This service helps families stay informed about custody status in San Francisco County jails.
If the system shows "pending release," the person is still at the facility but discharge paperwork started. Processing takes time, sometimes several hours at busy jails in San Francisco. Call the jail directly if you need to confirm current status. Have the booking number ready to help staff locate the inmate faster.
Bail releases show the amount paid. OR releases mean own recognizance without bail. Time served releases happen when sentences end. Program releases go to alternative custody or treatment programs. Each release type appears in the San Francisco system. The database updates throughout the day as releases process.
Note: The inmate search shows releases from the past 30 days in most cases.
Visiting and Jail Services in San Francisco
San Francisco County Sheriff provides information about visiting inmates. Each facility has specific visiting hours and rules. County Jail #2 downtown has visiting on certain days. County Jail #5 has its own schedule. Check the sheriff's website at sfsheriff.com/services/jail-services/jail-visiting-information for current times and requirements.
Video visiting is available for inmates in San Francisco jails. This lets family and friends visit remotely without going to the facility. You schedule video visits through a third-party system. The sheriff's website has links and instructions for setting up video visits with people in custody.
Inmates can receive money in their accounts for commissary and phone calls. Use the approved deposit system to send funds. The sheriff's website lists the approved vendors for San Francisco jails. Do not send cash or checks by mail. Only use the authorized systems to put money on an inmate's account.
For general questions about jail services in San Francisco, call (415) 554-7325. The sheriff's office can answer questions about visiting, phone calls, mail, and inmate accounts. They can also help with questions about custody status and booking records.
Requesting Detailed Booking Records
The online inmate search shows basic booking information for free. If you need copies of actual booking documents, you submit a formal records request. San Francisco County Sheriff has a public records process for detailed files. Some information may be exempt from disclosure under California law.
Government Code section 7923.600 protects investigatory files during active investigations. But basic arrestee data listed in section 7923.610 must be disclosed for San Francisco bookings. This includes name, charges, booking time, and release information.
Submit records requests to the Sheriff's Department. Call (415) 554-7325 to ask about the process. Some requests get handled quickly. Others take longer based on what you need. Fees may apply for copies and staff time. Ask about costs when you make your request for San Francisco booking records.
The sheriff may have an online portal for records requests. Check their website for current submission methods. Some records can be emailed. Others require pickup or mail delivery. Processing times vary based on complexity and staff availability in San Francisco.
Legal Help in San Francisco
San Francisco has legal aid groups that help with criminal matters. The Public Defender's Office represents people who cannot afford lawyers. Call (415) 553-1671 for information. Legal Aid Society of San Francisco offers free services at (415) 982-1300. These groups can help with questions about bookings and court cases in San Francisco.
San Francisco Superior Court runs an online case search. Visit sfsuperiorcourt.org to look up criminal cases. You can search by name or case number. Court records link to booking records once charges get filed. The court system shows case status, hearing dates, and outcomes for San Francisco cases.
For help with record clearing, several groups offer expungement services. Clean Slate Program helps people clear old records. The Public Defender has a record clearing unit. Community legal clinics throughout San Francisco also help with record matters. Check with local groups for scheduled clinic times and eligibility requirements.
San Francisco is both a city and a county. There are no other cities in San Francisco County. The same sheriff department handles all bookings for the jurisdiction. One database covers the entire city and county area for San Francisco.
San Francisco County Bookings and Releases
San Francisco is a consolidated city and county. The county sheriff operates all jails in the jurisdiction. For complete information on jail facilities, visiting hours, inmate programs, and additional resources, see the San Francisco County bookings and releases page.