San Joaquin County Custody Status
The San Joaquin County Sheriff operates detention facilities that house individuals awaiting trial and serving sentences. You can search for current custody information through the Who's In Custody database maintained by the sheriff department. This online system provides details about bookings and releases at county jails. The database updates regularly to reflect current inmate populations. Public access to this information is mandated under California Government Code section 7923.610. Anyone can use the online search tool to locate inmates held in San Joaquin County facilities.
San Joaquin County Jail Overview
Finding Inmates in San Joaquin County
The Who's In Custody database lets you search for people currently held at San Joaquin County jails. Search by last name and first name to find booking records. The system shows booking date, charges, bail amount, and scheduled release date when available. Results display physical characteristics including age, height, and weight. You also see which facility holds the inmate.
San Joaquin County operates the Main Jail in French Camp and the Honor Farm facility. Both locations appear in the custody search results. The database covers all adults booked into county facilities. Updates occur throughout each day as new bookings happen and releases are processed. The system only displays current inmates. Historical records for released individuals require a formal records request.
Each search result includes charges filed at booking. Keep in mind that charges may change as cases progress through court. Bail amounts can be modified by judges at arraignment hearings. Release dates shift based on court orders or earned credits. Check the database frequently for the most current information on inmates in San Joaquin County.
Records Requests for Booking Data
The San Joaquin County Sheriff Records Division maintains all booking and arrest documentation. You can request copies of booking records, arrest reports, and related documents. The Records Division processes public records requests under California's Public Records Act. Staff respond within 10 business days to tell you when records are available or explain delays.
Submit requests in writing with specific details about the records you need. Include the full name of the arrested person, approximate booking date, and case number if known. More information helps staff locate records faster in San Joaquin County. You can submit requests by mail, email, or in person at the sheriff office.
California law limits fees to the direct cost of copying records. Charges may apply when extensive staff time is needed to locate or redact documents. Simple booking records typically have minimal fees. Ask about costs before the agency processes your request to avoid surprises on larger requests for San Joaquin County records.
Note: Some records remain confidential during active investigations under state law exemptions.
Jail Locations and Operations
San Joaquin County Main Jail sits on Charter Way in French Camp near Stockton. This facility houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. The jail includes multiple housing units separated by security classification. Medical and mental health services operate inside the facility. Booking happens at the Main Jail around the clock.
The Honor Farm provides alternative custody for low risk offenders. This facility uses a less restrictive environment compared to the Main Jail. Inmates may work on community projects or participate in rehabilitation programs. Not all inmates qualify for Honor Farm placement in San Joaquin County.
Total capacity across both facilities exceeds 1,000 beds. Daily population changes based on new bookings from law enforcement agencies throughout the county. The Who's In Custody system shows which facility currently holds each inmate. Jail staff process releases as soon as bail is posted or court orders require discharge.
California Booking Disclosure Laws
State law requires San Joaquin County to disclose specific booking information to the public. Government Code section 7923.610 lists mandatory disclosures. This includes arrestee name and occupation. Physical details like date of birth, hair, eyes, height, and weight must be shared. Agencies must provide arrest time and date along with booking time and date.
Location of the arrest becomes public under this statute. The factual circumstances surrounding the arrest get disclosed too. Bail amount set by the court or bail schedule appears in booking records. Time and manner of release or current custody location must be made available. All charges including warrants from other places, parole holds, and probation holds get listed publicly.
Law enforcement can withhold information only when disclosure would endanger someone or compromise an investigation. This exception applies rarely in San Joaquin County. Most booking information becomes public immediately. The statute took effect statewide on January 1, 2023 to ensure transparency in arrest data.
The California Public Records Act provides the broader framework for access to government documents. Government Code section 7923.600 protects investigatory files from disclosure during active cases. But this exemption does not apply to basic booking data that must be released under section 7923.610 across California.
State Criminal History Checks
Criminal history records differ from local booking logs. The California Department of Justice maintains a statewide database of criminal history information. Penal Code section 11105 restricts access to these records. Only law enforcement, certain employers, regulatory agencies, and the person who is the subject can request them in California.
You can get a copy of your own record for $25. California residents must submit Live Scan fingerprints at an authorized location. Out of state residents mail manual fingerprint cards using form FD258. Processing takes 2 to 3 days for most requests. Some records need up to 2 weeks when additional review is required.
Employers cannot ask you for your criminal record copy. Penal Code section 11142 prohibits giving your record to unauthorized third parties. Section 11125 makes it illegal for anyone to require you to provide your record. Both violations are misdemeanor offenses under California law.
Penal Code section 13125 sets minimum data standards for arrest records. This statute defines what information gets captured at booking. Personal ID data includes name, aliases, birth date, and physical description. Arrest data covers agency, booking number, date, charges, and outcomes. San Joaquin County follows these standards for all jail bookings.
Fixing Errors in Records
Booking records may have mistakes. Contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff Records Division if you find errors. Staff review correction requests when you provide supporting documents. This might include court papers or official records that show the mistake. Local jail records can only be changed with proper authorization from courts or prosecutors.
For state criminal history records, use the Department of Justice challenge process. Penal Code sections 11120 through 11127 establish how to review and challenge your record. First request a copy from DOJ. Form BCIA 8706 comes with your record for claiming inaccuracy or incompleteness. Submit this form with evidence that supports your challenge.
Custody Notification Services
VINE offers free notifications about inmate custody changes. This stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. Register online or by phone to receive alerts when an inmate in San Joaquin County gets released, transferred, or has court dates. The service operates around the clock.
Choose to receive alerts by phone call, text message, or email. You can update your contact preferences anytime. VINE helps victims and concerned parties stay informed without checking databases every day. San Joaquin County participates in this statewide notification system.
San Joaquin County Cities
San Joaquin County includes several cities with local police departments. All arrests from these cities result in bookings at county jail facilities. Search the Who's In Custody database regardless of which agency made the arrest. The sheriff handles all detention operations for the region.
Stockton is the largest city and county seat. Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, and Ripon also have municipal police departments. Each city maintains its own police reports and incident records. But all custody information appears in the county sheriff system for San Joaquin County.
City police department records divisions handle requests for police reports. Contact the specific city for incident reports or traffic collision records. Booking and custody records come from the county sheriff even when city police made the arrest in San Joaquin County.