California has more than 100 jails and state prisons housing over 200,000 inmates, making it one of the most populated penal systems in the United States. If you are in California and need to find information on inmates, you might need to look in multiple places to locate the information required. In this article, we will discuss five credible sources of inmate information in California.
1. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
The CDCR is the primary agency responsible for the care, custody, and control of the state’s incarcerated population. Their website offers a free search tool called ‘Inmate Locator’ where you can search for inmates statewide. You can search by name, CDCR number, age, or gender. This search tool provides basic information such as the inmate’s location, parole eligibility, and release date.
2. County Sheriff’s Office
Each county in California operates its jail and detention facilities. The sheriff’s office is responsible for running the county’s correctional facilities. You can contact the local sheriff’s office or visit their website for inmate information within their jurisdiction. Some county sheriff’s offices offer online inmate search tools where you can find out information such as booking date, bail amount, and anticipated release date.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
If the inmate you are searching for is serving a federal sentence, the BOP maintains a searchable database of federal prisoners. You can search via their inmate locator tool, which allows you to search by BOP register number, DCDC number, FBI number, INS number, or name. This database displays details such as the inmate’s name, age, sex, release date, and location.
4. VINELink
Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINELink) is a free, online, nationwide victim notification system that provides users with real-time updates on inmate custody status and transfer information. You can register for this service to receive updates via text, email, or phone calls for the inmate’s release, parole date, or custody change.
5. Law Enforcement Agencies
If the inmate is still under investigation or a trial, you can contact the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. They can provide information on the inmate’s charges, court dates, and location. You can use county police department websites or contact them directly to get this information.
In conclusion, locating information on inmates in California can be a challenging and time-consuming task. The five sources mentioned above are credible and reliable sources of information for inmate information. Whether you want to locate an inmate or receive notifications about their custody status, these sources can help you find the information you need. Always keep in mind that inmate records are public records, and you are eligible to access such information.
