San Francisco County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In San Francisco County?
Inmate records in San Francisco County are official government documents maintained by the San Francisco Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals in custody within the county jail system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration history from initial booking through release. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 4024.1, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco maintains case files documenting legal proceedings, charges, and court appearances, the San Francisco Sheriff's Office maintains custody records documenting the physical detention and daily management of incarcerated individuals. This separation of record-keeping responsibilities reflects the distinct functions of the judicial and correctional systems.
The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Initial creation occurs during booking/intake when an individual is first taken into custody
- Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and program participation
- Records are finalized upon release but maintained according to retention schedules
The San Francisco Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with California Government Code § 6254(f), which governs the disclosure of law enforcement records, including those pertaining to individuals in custody.
Are Inmate Records Public In San Francisco County?
Inmate records in San Francisco County are partially public under California law. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain information about individuals in custody. However, this access is balanced against privacy concerns and security considerations.
The San Francisco Sheriff's Office makes specific inmate information publicly available in accordance with state law. Members of the public may access:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (date and time of arrest)
- Charges filed against the individual
- Bail or bond amounts set
- Scheduled court appearances
- Expected release dates (when available)
- Current housing facility
Certain information remains confidential and is not publicly accessible, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Detailed personal information beyond basic identifiers
- Juvenile records (subject to stricter confidentiality requirements)
- Information that would compromise institutional security
Access to public inmate records is provided through the San Francisco Sheriff's Office online inmate locator system and through formal public records requests. The Sheriff's Office processes these requests in accordance with the California Public Records Act, which generally requires a response within 10 days.
What's Included Inmate Records in San Francisco County
Inmate records in San Francisco County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's time in custody. These records include multiple categories of information maintained by the San Francisco Sheriff's Office:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Assigned identification number
- Gender/sex as recorded during booking
- Last known address (may be partially redacted in public records)
Custody Information:
- Date and time of admission to facility
- Booking agency and arresting officer
- Current housing assignment within facility
- Classification status (security level)
- Projected release date (when applicable)
- Previous incarceration history within San Francisco County
Charge Information:
- Current charges (including statute numbers)
- Case numbers associated with charges
- Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Charge status (pending, sentenced)
- Warrant information (if applicable)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set by court
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court appearance
- Court location and department number
- Name of assigned judge (when available)
- Court case numbers
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Credit for time served
- Parole or probation eligibility dates
- Special sentencing conditions
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Type of release (completion of sentence, bail, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Release conditions
This information is maintained in secure databases operated by the San Francisco Sheriff's Office and is updated regularly throughout an individual's period of incarceration.
San Francisco County Prison System
The San Francisco County correctional system operates under the authority of the San Francisco Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the custody and care of individuals detained pre-trial or serving sentences of up to one year. It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and state prisons. The San Francisco County jails house individuals awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences, or serving felony sentences of one year or less, while the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) operates state prisons for individuals serving longer felony sentences.
The San Francisco Sheriff's Office operates multiple jail facilities throughout the county, collectively housing approximately 1,300 inmates at any given time. These facilities vary in security level and programming options to accommodate different populations within the correctional system.
San Francisco Sheriff's Office
City Hall, Room 456
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-7225
San Francisco Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains administrative oversight of all county correctional facilities, including staffing, security protocols, inmate programming, and record-keeping. Under California law, specifically Penal Code § 4000-4030, county sheriffs are responsible for the operation of county jails and the welfare of individuals in their custody.
Types of Correctional Facilities In San Francisco County
San Francisco County maintains several distinct correctional facilities, each serving different populations and security needs within the county jail system:
County Jail #1 (Intake and Release Center)
425 7th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 575-4410
San Francisco Sheriff's Office Jail Facilities
This facility serves as the primary intake and processing center for all individuals entering the San Francisco County jail system. It houses the booking area, medical screening services, and temporary holding cells. No inmates are permanently housed at this location.
County Jail #2
425 7th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 575-4410
San Francisco Sheriff's Office Jail Facilities
This medium-security facility primarily houses male inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences. The facility includes housing units, medical services, educational programming, and recreational areas.
County Jail #3
850 Bryant Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 553-1430
San Francisco Sheriff's Office Jail Facilities
Currently closed for renovations, this facility previously housed maximum-security inmates.
County Jail #4
850 Bryant Street, 7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 553-1430
San Francisco Sheriff's Office Jail Facilities
This maximum-security facility houses male inmates classified as high-risk or those charged with serious offenses. The facility includes housing pods, interview rooms, and limited programming space.
County Jail #5 (San Bruno Complex)
1 Moreland Drive
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 266-7500
San Francisco Sheriff's Office Jail Facilities
Located in San Bruno, this medium-security facility houses both male and female inmates. It features dormitory-style housing units, extensive programming space, vocational training areas, and recreational facilities. This facility emphasizes rehabilitation and reentry preparation.
Each facility operates under standardized policies established by the San Francisco Sheriff's Office while maintaining specific protocols appropriate to their security level and inmate population.
Who's in Prison In San Francisco County
The San Francisco County jail system houses several distinct populations of incarcerated individuals, each with different legal statuses and needs:
Pre-trial detainees constitute the largest population within the county jail system. These individuals have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. They remain in custody because:
- They have not posted bail or bond
- They have been denied bail due to public safety concerns
- They are awaiting arraignment or other court proceedings
- They have been remanded to custody by a judge
Sentenced offenders serving misdemeanor sentences represent another significant population. These individuals have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of up to one year in county jail. Common misdemeanor offenses include:
- Petty theft
- Simple assault
- Driving under the influence (first or second offense)
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
Individuals serving felony sentences under California's Public Safety Realignment (Assembly Bill 109) comprise a third major population. This legislation, enacted in 2011, redirects certain non-violent, non-serious, non-sexual offenders from state prison to county jails. These individuals may serve sentences longer than one year in county facilities.
Additional populations include:
- Individuals held on probation or parole violations
- Those awaiting transfer to state prison after sentencing
- Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions (including federal detainees)
- Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
According to data from the San Francisco Sheriff's Office, the average daily population across all county jail facilities is approximately 1,300 individuals, though this number fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing patterns.
How To Search for Inmate Records In San Francisco County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in San Francisco County may utilize several methods to access this information. The San Francisco Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate records and provides multiple access points for public information:
Online Inmate Locator System:
- Visit the San Francisco Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Who's in Jail" section
- Enter the required search criteria (at minimum, last name is required)
- Additional search parameters may include first name, date of birth, or booking number
- Review search results showing current custody status and basic case information
- Note that the online system only displays individuals currently in custody
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the San Francisco Sheriff's Office Records Division City Hall, Room 456 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco, CA 94103
- Complete a Public Records Request form
- Provide identifying information about the inmate (full name, date of birth)
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
- Allow processing time as specified by staff
Written Record Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail to: San Francisco Sheriff's Office Attn: Records Division City Hall, Room 456 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco, CA 94103
- Include the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Specify the information being requested
- Provide return contact information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting return by mail
Electronic Record Requests:
- Email a completed Public Records Act request to the designated Sheriff's Office email address
- Include all relevant identifying information
- Specify the records being requested
- Provide contact information for response
All requests are processed in accordance with the California Public Records Act, which generally requires a response within 10 business days. Some requests may require additional time based on complexity or record availability.
How To Find an Inmate in San Francisco County for Free?
San Francisco County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody. These resources are available to family members, friends, legal representatives, and members of the general public:
San Francisco Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the San Francisco Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function
- Enter the individual's last name (required)
- Add first name or date of birth for more precise results
- Review the search results, which include:
- Full name as recorded during booking
- Age
- Booking date
- Facility location
- Pending charges
- Next court date (when available)
- Bail amount (if applicable)
Telephone Information System:
- Call the San Francisco Sheriff's Office Inmate Information Line at (415) 553-1430
- Follow automated prompts to search by name
- Provide spelling of last and first name as requested
- Listen for custody status and basic facility information
- Note that detailed case information is not available through this system
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco:
- Visit the Superior Court's online services portal
- Select "Criminal Case Query"
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review case information, which may indicate custody status
- Note that this system provides case information but not detailed custody records
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) provides a statewide inmate locator service.
These free resources provide basic custody information, but they have limitations:
- Information is limited to individuals currently in custody
- Historical records may not be available
- Detailed case information may require formal records requests
- Some systems may experience delays in updating information
For the most current and accurate information, contacting the specific facility directly is recommended.
How To Visit an Inmate In San Francisco County
Visitation with inmates in San Francisco County jails is facilitated through established procedures designed to maintain security while supporting important family and community connections. The following guidelines apply to all San Francisco County jail facilities:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance
- Registration can be completed online through the Sheriff's Office website or by telephone
- Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
Visit Schedule:
- Visiting hours vary by facility and housing unit
- County Jail #2: Wednesday-Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- County Jail #4: Thursday-Monday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- County Jail #5: Saturday-Wednesday, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Special visits (attorney, clergy) may be arranged outside regular hours
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Visiting registration confirmation
- Essential medications (must be declared)
- Locker key (if using facility storage)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tools or items that could be used as weapons
- Drugs or alcohol
- Food or beverages
- Cameras or recording devices
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Excessive cash (over $50)
- Purses, backpacks, or large bags
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing resembling inmate attire
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone)
- Contact visits (limited physical contact allowed, available only for certain classifications)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Virtual visits (video visitation available at some facilities)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with active warrants will be denied entry
- Visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Visitors on probation or parole must have written permission
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
These regulations are established pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 1062, which governs visiting procedures in local detention facilities.
How To Send Money to a San Francisco County Inmate
Individuals in San Francisco County custody may receive funds from approved sources to purchase commissary items and pay for services. The San Francisco Sheriff's Office provides multiple methods for depositing money into inmate accounts:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the approved third-party payment processor website
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
- Select deposit amount
- Provide payment information (credit/debit card)
- Complete transaction and retain confirmation number
Kiosk Deposits:
- Locate a payment kiosk in the lobby of any San Francisco County jail facility
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Enter inmate information
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Confirm transaction and collect receipt
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order payable to the inmate (full legal name)
- Write inmate's full name and booking number on money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
- Mail to: San Francisco Sheriff's Office Inmate Accounts 425 7th Street San Francisco, CA 94103
Deposit Limits and Fees:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500
- Online transaction fee: $2.95-$9.95 (varies by amount)
- Kiosk transaction fee: $2.50-$8.00 (varies by amount)
- Money order deposits: No fee
Funds Usage Regulations: Inmates may use funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Certain educational materials
Funds may not be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Restitution payments
- Court fees or fines
- Transfers to other inmates
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides additional guidance on sending money to incarcerated individuals, though their specific procedures apply to state facilities rather than county jails.
All financial transactions are subject to review for security purposes. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially rejected. Unused funds are returned to the inmate upon release or can be transferred to another correctional facility if the individual is transferred.
How To Send Jail Mail In San Francisco County
Correspondence with individuals incarcerated in San Francisco County facilities follows specific guidelines established to maintain security while facilitating important connections with family, friends, and legal representatives:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked)
- Inmate's booking number (if known)
- Facility name and address
- Example address format:
Inmate Full Name, Booking # San Francisco County Jail #[facility number] [Facility street address] San Francisco, CA [ZIP code] - Sender's full name and return address must appear on envelope
- Mail without return address will not be delivered
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller)
- Money orders (following financial guidelines)
- Approved religious materials
- Legal documents (marked as legal mail)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon or marker writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Polaroid photographs
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Books or magazines (must come directly from publisher)
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Materials depicting violence or weapons
Legal Mail Procedures:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must include attorney's name and bar number
- Opened only in presence of inmate
- Not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books only (no hardcover)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review for security concerns
E-Messages (where available):
- Available through approved third-party vendor
- Subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
- Fees apply per message
- Messages printed and delivered with regular mail
All mail procedures comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 1063, which establishes minimum standards for correspondence in local detention facilities. The San Francisco Sheriff's Office reserves the right to reject any correspondence that violates these guidelines or presents security concerns.
Lookup Inmate Records in San Francisco County
San Francisco Sheriff's Office
Criminal Division of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS)