San Francisco Inmate Search
An arrest occurs in San Fransico County when a person violates county, state, or federal law. An arrested person may be brought to the police station and eventually sent to jail, depending on the gravity of the offense. Arrest and inmate records are usually available to the public and can be retrieved during an inmate search.
Per Cal. Pen. Code § 834, an arrest occurs when a person who has committed a crime is brought into custody by a peace officer or a private person. Per Cal. Pen. Code § 836, a peace officer can arrest a suspect with a warrant or without a warrant when there is probable cause that the person has committed a crime.
After a person is arrested in San Fransisco County, they are taken to the Intake and Release Center for booking. After booking, the arrested person would either be released or transferred to one of the county jails to await arraignment. The arraignment is usually the suspect’s first court appearance, during which the judge reads the charges against the suspect. Also, the suspect can choose to plead not guilty or otherwise with the help of an attorney. After the plea, the judge will determine if the suspect (defendant) should be released, held without bond, or released with specific conditions or a bond. If the case continues to trial, the defendant can decide to opt for a court or jury trial. The judge or jury will listen to the prosecutor and defense attorney’s arguments during the trial. The attorneys will present their evidence and examine witnesses. Afterward, the jury or judges will give their verdict. If the defendant is found guilty, they may be sentenced to any of the San Fransisco County jails or be asked to pay fines.
Inmate records are considered public in the United States and therefore are made available by both traditional governmental agencies as well as third-party websites and organizations. Third-party websites may offer an easier means to search, as these services do not face geographical limitations. However, because third-party sites are not government-sponsored, the information obtained through them may vary from official channels. To find inmate records using third-party aggregate sites, requesting parties must provide:
- The location of the sought-after record, including state, county, and city where the inmate resides.
- The name of the person listed in the record, unless it is a juvenile.
San Francisco Crime and Incarceration Statistics
According to the 2021 OpenJustice report on the California Department of Justice website, about 9,638 people were arrested in San Fransico County. About 4,851 of them committed felonies, while the remaining 4,787 committed misdemeanors.
San Francisco Prison System
The Sheriff’s Department maintains the San Fransisco prison system. The Offices oversee the operation of the following jails:
- Intake and Release Center
- San Fransisco County Jail #2
- San Fransisco County Jail #2 Annex (formerly known as County Jail #4)
- San Fransisco County Jail #3 (formerly known as County Jail #5)
County Jail #2 can hold over 390 inmates. It is the only jail that houses women. County Jail #3 is the largest jail in San Fransisco and houses 768 inmates. As of February 2023, County Jail #2 Annex housed 124 inmates. As of 2022, the average daily population at San Fransico County jails was 775. About 116 of them were sentenced, and 659 were not. Between June and August 2021, the San Fransisco Sherrif’s Office booked 2,729 inmates and released 2768 inmates. The average daily population in that period was 29.
As of December 2019, about 745 inmates in custody at state prisons were from San Fransico County, with 7 new admissions. About 18 San Fransico inmates were released to parole, and 4 were released to post-release community supervision. That same year, approximately 915 San Fransico County inmates were on parole. The total number of San Fransico County offenders admitted to state prison in 2019 was 174. About 378 San Fransico County inmates were released that same year.
How to Find an Inmate in San Francisco
An inquirer can find an inmate online or in person at the San Fransico Sheriff’s Department. An online search can be conducted by clicking on the “Find a person in jail” menu at the top of the homepage. A search can be done by name, SF number, or booking number. This service is usually free. Alternatively, requesters can visit the Department during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to conduct an inmate search. Basic inmate information will be requested, and a small fee may be required to obtain copies of inmate records. The Sheriff’s Office is located at:
San Fransico Sheriff’s Office
City Hall, Room 456
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-7225
Fax: (415) 554-7050
How Does a San Francisco Inmate Search Work?
An inquirer can conduct an inmate search in San Fransico because inmate records are considered public records. Per California Public Records Act (PRA), anyone can inspect or obtain copies of inmate records maintained by any law enforcement agencies in the state. However, certain inmate records or portions of inmate records are exempted from public viewing. For example, juvenile records, portions of a record that reflect investigative techniques, and records relating to pending litigation are confidential. Below is the kind of information that can be found during an inmate search in San Fransico County:
- Inmate’s first and last names
- Age
- SFNO number
- Booking date and time
- Next court date
- Booking number
- Total bond
- Court department
- Docket number
- Statute
- Description
- Charge disposition
- Attempt
- Scheduled release date
Where to Find a San Francisco Inmate Locator
Requesters can find inmate locators on most law enforcement agency websites. For instance, the San Fransisco Sheriff’s Office has an inmate locator called “Find a person in jail” that can be used to retrieve information regarding inmates. A search can be conducted by entering the inmate’s name, SF number, or booking number in the spaces provided. A search by name requires the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name be provided.
Individuals can also find an Inmate Locator on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) website. Click on the Locate Inmate tool on the homepage. Then click on the “Agree and Proceed to Search” menu at the bottom of the Disclaimer page. Provide the inmate’s CDCR Number or Last Name in the appropriate search box, then click the “Search for Inmate” button. Provide the inmate’s first and middle name to streamline the search. Search results typically reveal the inmate’s name, CDCR number, age, admission date, currennt location, location link, and parole eligible date and information.
At the federal level, record seekers can find an Inmate locator on the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) website. Click on “Inmates” at the top bar of the homepage. Click on the “Find an Inmate” link from the drop-down menu to conduct a search by number or name. The search result will reveal an inmate's first and last name, register number, age, race, sex, and release date.
Alternatively, a person can find an inmate locator on third-party aggregate sites. Having basic information about the inmate, like name or jail number, helps to facilitate the search. Generally, requesters may be asked to pay charges to complete inmate searches.
How to Send Money to a San Francisco Inmate
Typically, inmates in San Francisco County jails spend $100 per week on food, hygiene items, and other necessities. Therefore, family, friends, and loved ones are permitted to send money to them. Money can be deposited to an inmate’s account via the following means:
- Online deposits: Individuals can use their credit cards to deposit into inmates’ accounts online. This deposit can be made via a secure third-party website. However, deposit fees apply.
- In-person cash deposits: An individual can visit the Sheriff’s Office to deposit money in an inmate’s account. Funds can be deposited at the money window in the office on Wednesdays (8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.). The depositor must provide basic information about the inmate and show a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable funds are cash (no coins), certified or cashier’s checks, or money orders up to $100.
- 24/7 cash deposits: Inmates housed in the Intake and Release Center and County Jail #2 can receive funds in their accounts 24/7. An individual must use the computer at the kiosk in the facility's lobby to make deposits. Basic information about the inmate will be required, and no change can be made. No deposit fee is required.
- County Jail #3 cash deposits: A registered visitor can deposit funds in an inmate’s account at the kiosk in the County Jail #3 lobby. This deposit can only be made during visitations. This service is free. The depositor must input the inmate's first and last name or SF number and their contact information in the computer. Also, input the exact deposit amount because the kiosk does not give change.
How to Visit a San Francisco Inmate
Visitors can visit inmates housed in all San Fransico County jails except the Intake and Release Center. Visitations can be done online or in person. Before scheduling an inmate visit, use the “Find a Person in Jail” search tool to check if the person is in custody. A visitor must register for an account with an approved third-party site before they can be allowed to visit an inmate. A valid ID is required to create the account. Schedule a visit online a day before a visit. The inmate’s name or SF number will be required to book the appointment. A maximum of 3 persons can visit an inmate at a time. Visitors are advised to arrive at the jail 30 minutes before scheduling a visiting time. Visitors must provide valid government-issued photo IDs like a passport or driver’s license. Items like ID, money, and vehicle keys brought to the visiting area must be kept in visiting lockers. Visitors are not permitted to visit inmates more than once a day. Visitors can use public transport, including Muni buses and BART, to County Jails #2 and #3. CJ #3 has an additional free shuttle service. All visitors must be properly dressed. Items and behaviors that are not allowed during visitation are:
- Food, drink, or personnel items
- Taking pictures
- Yelling or swearing
- Electronic devices like a camera or cell phone
- Alcohol, medications, drugs, or tobacco products
- Weapons and explosives
- Showing gang signs, graffiti, or tattoo
- Hats, wave caps, bandanas,
- Gang-related clothing, colors, or accessories
- Clothes with prints that have offensive words or drawings
- Clothes in colors similar to those inmates wear
- Indecent clothes that reveal a person’s private parts.
For video visits, visitors must be connected to the website 5 minutes before the scheduled time. Minor visitors must be registered under their parent or legal guardian’s confirmed video visit.
Attorneys and pre-approved justice partners can visit inmates in county jails online or in person. Legal representatives must schedule video visits in advance by submitting an SFSO Legal Video Visit Request Form. Depending on several factors, same-day video visit requests are only permitted if it is urgent. Email the Sheriff’s office at sfso.visiting@sfgov.org to request a same-day visit. Alternatively, legal representatives can make in-person visits to county jails #2 and #3.
Inmates are permitted to request that their minor children visit them in jail. They are required to submit applications, complete parenting classes, and follow jail rules. However, such inmates must not have any charges involving a minor.
Unaccompanied minors between the ages of 16 and 17 can also apply to visit their parent, sibling, or legal guardian in jail. They must submit an Unaccompanied Minor Visiting Application Form to the San Fransisco Sherrif’s Department.
How to Send Jail Mail in San Francisco
Individuals can use the U.S. Postal Service to send mail to inmates in San Fransisco County jails. Mail must be 8-½ inches by 14 inches or less. Only newspapers, magazines, and books mailed directly from publishers or book distributors are accepted in jails. Only 3 or fewer publications can be sent in one mailing. Inmates cannot have more than 10 publications at a time. Individuals can send certified checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders from U.S. banks drawn on U.S. currency to inmates by mail. The amount cannot exceed $100. Cash and personal checks are not acceptable. All mail is searched, but legal mail is opened in front of the inmate it is addressed to. Items not acceptable via mail are:
- Food
- Clothing, jewelry, hair
- Postage stamps, stickers, and lottery tickets
- Polaroid photos
- Stationaries, glitter, posters, IDs
- Mail containing more than 20 photos
- Photo or drawing showing sexual activity or gang activity
- Items that cannot be searched without destruction
- Items made of wood, cloth, metal, plastic, or cardboard
- Publications not sent through the U.S. Postal Service from the publisher, bookstore, or book club.
- Material that tends to incite murder, arson, riot, violent racism, or other forms of violence
- Any material containing information on weapons or items that can be used to escape jail.
San Francisco Jails and Prisons
Below is the list of the names, addresses, and contact information of all the jail facilities and detention centers in San Francisco County:
Intake and Release Center
425 - 7th Street
San Francisco,CA 94103
Phone: (415) 553-1430
San Fransisco County Jail #2
425 - 7th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 553-1430
San Fransisco County Jail #2 Annex
850 Bryant Street, 7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
San Fransisco County Jail #3
1 Moreland Drive, San Bruno
San Bruno, CA 94066
San Francisco County Juvenile Hall
375 Woodside Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Phone: (415) 553-1430
