Stockton Jail and Custody Information
Stockton bookings and releases go through San Joaquin County Sheriff custody facilities. Arrests made by Stockton Police Department result in transport to county jail for booking and detention. The county sheriff maintains an online system called Who's in Custody where you can search for current inmates. This database shows people held in San Joaquin County jails including those arrested in Stockton. You can find booking dates, charges, bail amounts, and custody locations through the online search tool. California law requires public access to this booking information which is why the county provides free searches. The system updates throughout each day as new arrests are processed and inmates are released from San Joaquin County detention facilities serving Stockton.
Stockton Quick Facts
San Joaquin County Inmate Search
The San Joaquin County Who's in Custody system is the main search tool for jail records. This online database covers all detention facilities in the county. You can look up people arrested in Stockton or any other part of San Joaquin County.
Search by last name to find inmates. First name helps narrow results when multiple people share a last name. The system shows booking information including full name, date of birth, and booking number. Arrest date and charges appear in the results. Bail amounts show what judges set for release.
Current facility location tells you which jail holds the person. Physical descriptions include height, weight, hair color, and eye color. The database updates continuously as bookings occur and releases happen at San Joaquin County jails serving Stockton.
You can only search for current inmates through this system. People already released do not appear unless you have their specific booking number. For past booking records from Stockton arrests, you need to submit a records request to the sheriff.
San Joaquin Sheriff Records Division
The San Joaquin County Sheriff Records Division handles requests for booking records and custody documentation. This is separate from the online inmate search. The records division maintains historical booking data and can provide copies of specific records.
You can request booking records for past arrests in Stockton. Include the full name of the arrested person in your request. Add the approximate date of arrest if you know it. The sheriff processes requests under the California Public Records Act.
The records division is at 7000 Michael Canlis Boulevard in French Camp. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can call (209) 468-4400 for information about requesting records. Staff can explain what documents are available and how to submit a request.
Stockton Police Reports
Stockton Police Department maintains arrest reports separate from jail custody records. When SPD makes an arrest in the city, they create a police report that includes details about the incident and investigation. These reports stay with the police department even after someone is booked at county jail.
You can request police reports from Stockton PD. This includes arrest reports, incident reports, and traffic collision reports. The police department has procedures for releasing reports to the public. Some information may be redacted to protect active investigations or privacy interests.
Police reports contain different information than booking records. The arrest report describes what happened and why police made the arrest. Booking records show custody status, bail, and jail location. You may need both types of records depending on what information you are seeking about a Stockton arrest.
Detention Facilities in San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County operates jail facilities that serve Stockton and other cities. The main county jail is in French Camp. This facility handles most bookings and houses various custody classifications. Capacity at the main jail is several hundred beds.
People arrested in Stockton typically get booked at the county jail in French Camp. After booking, they may stay there or be moved based on their custody classification and case status. The Who's in Custody system shows current facility location for each inmate.
Jail population changes daily with new arrests and releases. The county processes thousands of bookings each year from Stockton and throughout San Joaquin County. The online system reflects these changes as they occur.
Requesting Booking Records
You can request specific booking records from San Joaquin County Sheriff. Written requests work best for detailed information. State what records you need and provide identifying information like full name and approximate arrest date for Stockton bookings.
The sheriff must respond within 10 days under California law. This response tells you when records will be ready or explains delays. Complex requests may take longer if they involve many records or require review for exempt content. The county can extend response time by 14 days for unusual circumstances.
Fees apply for copying and staff time when requests are extensive. Simple booking record requests typically cost less than complex multi-person searches. Ask about fees before the county processes your request so you know costs upfront.
Some records may be exempt from disclosure. Active investigations may delay release of certain information. Basic booking details must be released even during ongoing cases per state law. The sheriff will explain if any exemptions apply to your request for Stockton booking records.
Public Access Laws
California law mandates disclosure of booking information. Government Code section 7923.610 requires law enforcement to make public specific arrestee details including full name and occupation, physical description with date of birth, time and date of arrest, time and date of booking, location of arrest, factual circumstances, bail amount set, release time or current location, and all charges including warrants and holds.
San Joaquin County Sheriff follows this law through the Who's in Custody system. Agencies can withhold information only when disclosure would endanger someone or compromise an investigation. This exception is narrow and does not allow blanket refusal to provide booking data for Stockton arrests.
The California Public Records Act provides broader access rights. Government Code section 7923.600 exempts certain investigatory files during active cases. Basic booking information remains public even when investigation details stay confidential.
State Criminal Records
Criminal history summaries differ from local booking logs. The California Department of Justice maintains statewide rap sheets with compiled arrest and court records. Penal Code section 11105 restricts access to these summaries. Only authorized agencies and the record subject can obtain them.
You can request your own criminal history for $25. California residents must use Live Scan fingerprinting. Out of state residents submit manual fingerprint cards. Normal processing takes 2 to 3 days. Complex records may require up to 2 weeks.
You cannot provide your criminal record copy to employers or others. Penal Code section 11142 prohibits this. No one can require you to furnish your record under Penal Code section 11125. Both violations are misdemeanors under California law.
Custody Status Notifications
VINE offers free alerts about custody changes. Victim Information and Notification Everyday operates in San Joaquin County. You can register to receive notifications when inmates are released, transferred, or have court dates approaching. The service covers all county jail facilities where Stockton arrestees may be held.
Notifications arrive by phone, text, or email based on your settings. This helps victims stay informed without checking the database constantly. Registration is free online or by phone. The service runs 24 hours every day of the year.
San Joaquin County Custody Information
Stockton is the county seat of San Joaquin County. All jail operations for the city go through the San Joaquin County Sheriff system. The county manages detention facilities serving Stockton and surrounding communities. For complete information about county jails, search tools, legal requirements, and additional resources, visit the San Joaquin County page.