San Bernardino County Inmate Records
San Bernardino County operates multiple jail facilities that serve the largest county by area in the lower 48 states. The Sheriff's Department provides online tools to search bookings and releases across all detention centers. You can find current inmates, view booking details, and check custody status through their web portal. The booking search system updates as new arrests occur and inmates are processed through the facilities. California law requires public access to booking information, and San Bernardino County maintains these records for anyone to search. The database includes full names, booking dates, charges, bail amounts, and housing locations within the county jail system.
San Bernardino County Jail Quick Facts
Inmate Search for San Bernardino County
The San Bernardino County booking search lets you find people in custody. You can search by name or booking number. Results show which facility holds the inmate. The system displays current custody information from all detention centers in the county.
Search results include full name and physical description. You will see booking date and time. Charges appear with bail amounts set by the court. The database shows current housing location within San Bernardino County jails. Updates happen throughout the day as bookings occur.
Some records may not appear immediately after an arrest. The booking process takes time. Officers must complete paperwork and enter data into the system. Complex cases with multiple charges may take longer to process in San Bernardino County.
How to Use the Inmate Locator
The inmate locator requires at least a last name to search. First name helps narrow results. Booking numbers provide exact matches. You can also search by date range to find recent bookings in San Bernardino County.
Results list multiple inmates if names match. Check birth dates to find the right person. Each entry shows a booking number you can use for future searches. The system displays photos when available in the database.
Visit the inmate locator information page for details about using the search tool. This page explains what data is available and how to interpret results. It also covers common issues users encounter when searching for inmates in San Bernardino County.
The database only shows current inmates. Released individuals no longer appear in search results. For historical booking records, you must submit a records request to the Sheriff's Department in San Bernardino County.
Detention Facilities in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County operates four main detention facilities. West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga holds adult inmates. Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center focuses on work programs and alternative sentencing. Central Detention Center in San Bernardino serves as the main intake facility. Adelanto Detention Center houses ICE detainees under federal contract in addition to county inmates.
Each facility serves different purposes in the jail system. West Valley handles medium security housing. Glen Helen emphasizes rehabilitation and reentry programs. Central processes new bookings for the county. Total capacity exceeds 4,000 beds across all locations.
The inmate search shows which facility currently houses each person. Inmates may transfer between facilities based on classification changes, program needs, or space availability. Check the database regularly for updates on housing location in San Bernardino County.
Female inmates are housed separately from male populations. Each facility has designated areas for different security levels. Medical and mental health services are available at all detention centers operated by the Sheriff's Department.
Requesting Booking Records
You can request copies of booking records from the Sheriff's Department. The Records Division handles public records requests under California law. Requests must include specific information about the booking you want.
Provide the full name of the person booked into custody. Include the approximate date of booking if known. State the facility if you have that information. More details help staff locate records faster in San Bernardino County. Clearly describe what documents you need from the booking.
The California Public Records Act requires agencies to respond within 10 days. San Bernardino County may extend this deadline by 14 days for unusual circumstances. You will receive notification when records are ready or if delays occur. Some information may be exempt from disclosure under state law.
Fees cover the direct cost of copying records. The county charges for staff time when requests require extensive research or redaction. Simple booking record requests typically cost less. Ask about fees before the agency processes your request to understand costs.
Legal Requirements for Booking Information
California mandates disclosure of specific booking details. Government Code section 7923.610 requires law enforcement to make public arrestee information. This includes name, occupation, physical description, arrest time and date, booking time and date, arrest location, factual circumstances, bail amount, release information, and all charges including warrants.
San Bernardino County follows this statute by providing the online booking search. The law became effective January 1, 2023 statewide. Agencies can withhold information only when disclosure would endanger someone or compromise an investigation. This exception applies narrowly and does not allow blanket withholding.
The California Public Records Act grants broad access to government records. Investigatory files remain confidential during active investigations under Government Code section 7923.600. But basic booking information must still be disclosed even when investigations continue across San Bernardino County.
Criminal History Records vs Booking Logs
Booking logs differ from criminal history records. The California Department of Justice maintains statewide criminal history summaries. Access is restricted under Penal Code section 11105. Only law enforcement, authorized agencies, and the record subject can request them.
You can get your own record for $25. California residents must use Live Scan fingerprinting. Out of state residents submit manual fingerprint cards. Processing takes 2 to 3 days for simple records. Complex records may take up to 2 weeks at the state level.
You cannot provide your record copy to employers or other third parties. California Penal Code section 11142 prohibits this. Penal Code section 11125 prohibits anyone from requiring you to provide your record. Violation is a misdemeanor offense under California law.
Penal Code section 13125 establishes data standards for arrest documentation. This statute specifies what agencies must record. Personal ID data includes name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and fingerprints. Arrest data covers agency, booking number, date, charges, and dispositions in San Bernardino County.
Fixing Errors in Booking Records
Booking records may have errors. Contact the Sheriff's Records Division if you find mistakes. You need documentation that shows the error. This might include court orders or official records that contradict the booking information in San Bernardino County.
For state criminal history records, use the DOJ challenge process. Penal Code sections 11120 through 11127 establish procedures to review your record. You must first get a copy from DOJ. Form BCIA 8706 comes with your record. Use this form to claim inaccuracies.
Arrest and court information can only change by court order or direction from the arresting agency or district attorney. DOJ cannot modify entries on its own. The same applies at the county level. Sheriff staff cannot delete bookings without proper authorization from courts or prosecutors in San Bernardino County.
Custody Status Notifications
VINE provides victim notification services for San Bernardino County. This free system alerts you about custody changes. You can register by phone or online. The service sends notifications when inmates are released, transferred, or have court dates.
Notifications come by phone, text, or email based on your choice. You can update contact information anytime. The service runs 24 hours a day. VINE helps victims stay informed without checking databases daily in San Bernardino County.
Cities Served by San Bernardino County Jails
San Bernardino County includes many cities. Police departments in these cities book arrestees at county facilities. Check the county booking search regardless of which city made the arrest. The Sheriff's Department handles custody for the region.
Major cities include:
City police maintain their own records for reports and incidents. But all custody records appear in the county system. This centralized approach makes it easier to search for bookings and releases across San Bernardino County.
Note: Some cities also appear in the list of cities with populations over 100,000, which you can find on our cities page.