Find Kings County Inmate Records
Kings County provides an online inmate locator to search bookings and releases. The database shows people held in county jail facilities right now. You can search by name or booking number to find current inmates. Information updates as new bookings happen and releases occur at Kings County detention facilities. The system includes names, booking dates, charges, bail amounts, and physical descriptions. California law requires this information be made public. Kings County Sheriff operates the jail and maintains custody records. Access is free through the web-based inmate locator tool.
Kings County Detention Facts
Kings County Inmate Locator
The Kings County Inmate Locator is the main tool for finding people in custody. This online database shows current inmates held at county jail facilities. Search by entering a last name or booking number. The system returns matching results from the active custody population in Kings County. You can view detailed information about each inmate.
Search results display full name and physical description including date of birth, race, height, and weight. Booking date and time appear with current custody status. Charges show with code sections and descriptions. Bail amounts display when set by the court. The locator shows housing location within Kings County jail facilities when available in the system.
Information comes from live custody data. Updates happen as staff process new bookings and releases throughout the day. Someone who was just booked may not appear immediately. The database updates once booking paperwork is complete in Kings County. Released inmates drop from the active list. The locator shows current custody only, not historical bookings.
Note: The inmate locator requires a last name or booking number to search.
Sheriff Records Division
Kings County Sheriff Records Division maintains all booking and custody documentation. This office processes public records requests under California law. Staff keep files on arrests, bookings, and detention at county facilities. The division also handles fingerprinting and background check requests in Kings County.
You can contact the Records Division for copies of booking records, arrest reports, and related documents. Requests should include specific details like full name, booking date, and case number if available. More information helps staff locate the right records faster in Kings County. State what documents you need clearly in your request.
Processing times vary based on request complexity. Simple booking record requests typically process faster than complex multi-year searches. Kings 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 Kings County Jail Records
Submit public records requests in writing to Kings County Sheriff. Include your full name and contact information. Specify the records you want with as much detail as possible. Provide the name of the arrested person, approximate date range, and location if known. Clear requests process faster at the county level.
Fees are limited to the direct cost of duplication under California law. Kings County charges for copies and staff time when extensive research is needed. Simple requests cost less than complex redaction 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. Kings County follows these statutes in responding to public records requests. The law grants broad rights to inspect most government records.
Certain records remain confidential during active investigations under Government Code section 7923.600. Investigatory files are exempt from mandatory disclosure in California. But basic booking information must still be provided even when investigations continue. Kings County separates what must be disclosed from exempt investigatory details.
Required Arrestee Information
California mandates disclosure of specific booking details. Government Code section 7923.610 lists what law enforcement must make public. This law applies to Kings 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 in Kings County. Time and date of arrest must be public. Time and date of booking appears in mandatory disclosures. Location where the arrest occurred is public information. Factual circumstances surrounding the arrest must be disclosed.
Bail amount set by the court is required information. Time and manner of release or current location must be shared with the public. All charges are public including outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions, parole holds, and probation holds. Kings County can withhold only when disclosure would endanger safety or compromise an investigation. This exception is narrow and does not permit blanket withholding.
Background Checks and RAP Sheets
Statewide criminal history records differ from county booking logs. The California Department of Justice compiles criminal history summaries for all arrests and dispositions. These records are commonly called RAP sheets. Access is restricted under Penal Code section 11105. Only authorized parties can obtain them in California.
Law enforcement agencies have access for official purposes. Certain employers and regulatory agencies can request records for specific uses. The subject of the record can request their own copy. Third parties cannot obtain criminal history records from DOJ. This protects privacy while allowing necessary access for authorized purposes in California.
You can request your own criminal history for $25. California residents must submit Live Scan fingerprints at an authorized location. 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 simple 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 statute is a misdemeanor offense under California law. Kings County follows these state rules on criminal history access.
Penal Code section 13125 sets minimum data standards for arrest documentation. 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. Court data includes case information and outcomes. Kings County follows these standards for all bookings.
Correcting Jail Record Errors
Booking records may have errors. Contact Kings County Sheriff if you find incorrect information. The Records Division reviews correction requests. You must provide documentation showing the error. This might include court orders or official records that contradict the booking data. Kings County cannot change records without proper authority.
For state criminal history records, use the DOJ challenge process. First obtain a copy of your record from the California Department of Justice. Form BCIA 8706 comes with your record. This is the Claim of Alleged Inaccuracy or Incompleteness form. Penal Code sections 11120 through 11127 establish procedures to review and challenge your record in California.
Arrest and court information can only be modified by court order or direction from the arresting agency or district attorney. DOJ lacks authority to delete entries on its own. The same applies at county level. Kings County Sheriff staff need authorization from courts or prosecutors to modify official records. This protects the integrity of custody documentation.
Victim Notification Service
VINE offers free custody status notifications. This stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. The service alerts victims when custody status changes in Kings County. You can register by phone or online through VINELink. Choose how to receive alerts including phone calls, text messages, or emails.
The system sends automatic notifications when an inmate is released, transferred, or has a court date. You can update your contact information at any time. VINE operates 24 hours a day across California. This helps victims stay informed without checking databases daily in Kings County.
Surrounding California Counties
Kings County borders other counties in the Central Valley. Each operates separate jail systems and databases. Check where the arrest occurred to find custody records. Nearby counties include:
Each county maintains its own inmate locator and records division. Kings County Sheriff handles bookings within county boundaries. Regional cooperation exists for warrants and transport. But each county keeps independent custody databases and operates separate detention facilities in California.