Imperial County Jail Bookings
Imperial County Sheriff operates jail facilities that house inmates in the county. Bookings and releases occur daily at the detention center. You can find information about current inmates through the Imperial County Sheriff Office. The jail serves all areas of the county including the cities of El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, and Imperial. Staff process arrestees from local police agencies and county sheriff deputies. The facility holds pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and sentenced inmates serving county jail time. Imperial County follows California law for public disclosure of booking information including names, charges, booking dates, and bail amounts set by courts.
Imperial County Detention Facts
Imperial County Jail Operations
The Imperial County Sheriff Jail operates detention facilities for the county. The main facility is located in El Centro. Staff handle all custody operations including intake, booking, classification, and release processing. The jail capacity exceeds 600 beds to serve Imperial County needs.
Bookings occur around the clock as arrests happen throughout Imperial County. Deputies and local police bring arrestees to the jail for processing. Staff collect personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and assign housing based on security classification. Medical screening happens during intake to identify health needs. The booking process typically takes several hours to complete at Imperial County facilities.
The jail houses different inmate populations including pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Pre-trial inmates await court proceedings on their charges. Sentenced inmates serve time for misdemeanor convictions in Imperial County. The facility operates separate housing units based on security level and classification. Programs include work release, education, and substance abuse treatment for eligible inmates.
Releases occur when courts order them or when inmates complete their sentences. Processing times vary based on time of day and administrative workload. Imperial County staff work to process releases as efficiently as possible. Some releases complete within a few hours while others take longer depending on circumstances and paperwork requirements.
Sheriff Support Services Division
The Imperial County Sheriff Support Services Division handles records and administrative functions. This division maintains booking records, arrest reports, and custody documentation. Staff process public records requests under California law. The division also handles background checks and fingerprinting services for Imperial County residents.
You can contact Support Services to request copies of booking records and arrest reports. Provide specific details in your request including full names, dates, and case numbers if available. More information helps staff locate records faster in Imperial County. State clearly what documents you need from the sheriff office.
Processing times depend on request complexity and volume. Simple booking record requests typically process faster than complex multi-year searches. Imperial County must respond within 10 days under the California Public Records Act. The agency can extend this deadline by 14 days for unusual circumstances. You will receive notification about when records are ready or explanations for delays.
Requesting Imperial County Records
Submit public records requests in writing to Imperial County Sheriff. Include your name and contact information. Specify the records you want with as much detail as possible. Clear requests help staff process them efficiently. Provide the arrested person's name, approximate date of booking, and location if known in Imperial County.
Fees are limited to the direct cost of duplication under California law. Imperial County charges for copies and staff time when extensive research or redaction is required. Simple requests cost less than complex work. Ask about fees before processing begins. Some records may be exempt from disclosure under state exemptions.
The California Public Records Act governs access to government documents. Government Code sections 7920.000 through 7931.000 establish the framework for requesting records. This law grants broad rights to inspect most government records in California. Imperial County follows these statutes when responding to public records requests.
Certain records remain confidential during active investigations. Government Code section 7923.600 exempts investigatory files from mandatory disclosure. But basic booking information must still be provided even when investigations continue. Imperial County separates what must be disclosed from exempt investigatory details under California law.
Required Arrestee Information
California law mandates disclosure of specific booking details. Government Code section 7923.610 lists what law enforcement must make public. This statute applies to Imperial County Sheriff and all California agencies. It took effect January 1, 2023 statewide.
Required information includes full name and occupation of every arrestee. Physical description covers date of birth, color of eyes and hair, sex, height, and weight. Time and date of arrest must be public information. Time and date of booking appears in mandatory disclosures for Imperial County. Location where the arrest occurred is required information. Factual circumstances surrounding the arrest must be disclosed to the public.
Bail amount set by the court is mandatory disclosure. Time and manner of release or current location must be shared. All charges are required including outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions, parole holds, and probation holds. Imperial County can withhold information only when disclosure would endanger someone involved in an investigation or would endanger successful completion of the investigation. This exception is narrow and does not allow blanket withholding of booking data.
Statewide Criminal History Records
Criminal history records differ from local booking logs. The California Department of Justice maintains statewide criminal history summaries. These compile all arrests and dispositions across California. Access is restricted under Penal Code section 11105. Only authorized parties can obtain them.
Law enforcement agencies have access for official purposes. Certain employers and regulatory agencies can request records for specific statutory uses. The subject of the record can request their own copy for $25. Third parties cannot obtain criminal history records from DOJ. This protects privacy while allowing necessary access in California.
California residents must submit Live Scan fingerprints at an authorized location to request their own record. Out of state residents send manual fingerprint cards on Form FD258. Include payment by check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank. Processing takes 2 to 3 days for most records. Complex cases may take up to 2 weeks for state review.
You cannot give your criminal record copy to an employer or other third party. California Penal Code section 11142 prohibits this. Penal Code section 11125 bars anyone from requiring you to provide your record. Violation of either section is a misdemeanor offense under California law. Imperial County follows these state restrictions on criminal history access.
Penal Code section 13125 establishes minimum data standards for arrest documentation in California. This statute specifies what information agencies must record. Personal ID data includes name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, fingerprints, and address. Arrest data covers agency, booking number, date, charges, and dispositions. Imperial County follows these standards for all bookings and custody records.
Correcting Booking Record Errors
Booking records may contain errors. Contact Imperial County Sheriff if you find incorrect information in custody records. The agency reviews correction requests when you provide documentation. This might include court orders or official records showing the error. Imperial County cannot modify records without proper authorization.
For state criminal history records, use the DOJ challenge process. Penal Code sections 11120 through 11127 establish procedures to review and challenge your record. You must first obtain a copy of your record from the California Department of Justice. Form BCIA 8706 comes with your record for claiming inaccuracy or incompleteness in California.
Arrest and court information can only be modified by court order or at the direction of the arresting agency or district attorney. DOJ lacks authority to delete entries on its own. The same applies at county level. Imperial County Sheriff staff need authorization from courts or prosecutors to modify official booking records. This protects the integrity of custody documentation.
Victim Notification Service
VINE offers free custody status notifications across California. This stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. You can register to receive alerts when custody status changes in Imperial County. The service notifies victims when an inmate is released, transferred, or has a court date. Registration works by phone or through the VINELink website.
Choose how to receive notifications including phone calls, text messages, or emails. The system sends automatic alerts when changes occur. You can update contact information at any time. VINE operates 24 hours a day. This helps victims stay informed without checking databases daily in Imperial County.
Surrounding Counties
Imperial County borders other counties and the international border with Mexico. Each California county operates separate jail systems and databases. Check where the arrest occurred to find custody records. Nearby counties include:
Each county maintains its own custody databases. Imperial County Sheriff handles bookings within county boundaries. Regional cooperation exists for warrants and prisoner transport. But each county keeps independent records and operates separate detention facilities in California.