How do I find an inmate or search a jail roster?

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - CDCR (state prisons) / County Sheriff's Office (county jails)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Online searches free; certified records requests may involve fees ONLINE OPTION: Yes - CDCR CIRIS at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov; county sheriff websites for local jails WHERE TO GO: CDCR (state prisons); County Sheriff's Office (county jail)

Online Option

Yes - CDCR CIRIS at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov; county sheriff websites for local jails

Where to Go

CDCR (state prisons); County Sheriff's Office (county jail)

County-specific variations apply

Each of California's 58 county sheriffs maintains a separate jail roster. Online search functionality varies widely - LA, San Diego, Orange, Santa Clara, and other large counties have robust inmate search portals; some smaller rural counties may have limited online access requiring a direct call. Some cities also operate their own jails (e.g., San Francisco City Jail). County jails hold pre-trial detainees and those with sentences under 1 year; California state prisons hold inmates sentenced to more than 1 year.

California Notes

Important state-specific details

CDCR CIRIS replaced the old Public Inmate Locator system - use ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov for current state prison inmate searches.
California has the largest state prison population in the US - CDCR operates 35 adult institutions plus camps and community facilities.
California Realignment (AB 109, 2011): many non-violent, non-serious, non-sex offenders serve their sentences in county jail rather than state prison - if a person is not in CIRIS, check the county jail.
Sex offender registry: California Megan's Law database - meganslaw.ca.gov (searchable by public).
DOJ background check status: applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov for pending DOJ fingerprint-based background check requests.
For visitation, phone calls, sending money, commissary, or mailing to an inmate: inmateaid.com has California CDCR and county jail details.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - cdcr.ca.gov | CIRIS: ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov | (916) 445-6713 (ID Unit)