Alameda County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Alameda County?
Inmate records in Alameda County are official government documents maintained by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously in custody within the county's detention facilities. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13150, these records document the custody status, charges, and other pertinent information related to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda maintains case files documenting judicial proceedings, charges, and legal outcomes, the Sheriff's Office maintains custody records that track an individual's physical location, status, and management within the correctional system. These separate record systems serve different governmental functions but may contain overlapping information.
The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Initial creation occurs during booking/intake when an individual is first processed into custody
- Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes movements between facilities, disciplinary actions, and program participation
- Records are administratively closed upon release but maintained according to California Government Code § 26202 retention requirements
The Alameda County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records for individuals held in county facilities, while the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains records for those transferred to state prison facilities.
Are Inmate Records Public In Alameda County?
Inmate records in Alameda County are partially accessible to the public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), specifically Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns and security considerations.
Under current law, certain elements of inmate records are publicly available, while others remain confidential. The California Penal Code § 13300 further regulates the dissemination of criminal history information and establishes parameters for public access to such records.
Information that is typically available to the public includes:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Booking information including date and time
- Charges filed against the individual
- Mugshots (with certain restrictions)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
- Current housing facility
Information that is generally not publicly accessible includes:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Detailed personal information (Social Security numbers, etc.)
- Juvenile records (subject to special confidentiality provisions)
- Records sealed by court order
Members of the public seeking inmate information may utilize the Alameda County Sheriff's Office Inmate Locator system or submit formal public records requests for information not available through online resources.
What's Included Inmate Records in Alameda County
Inmate records maintained by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information organized into several categories. The following elements are typically included in these official records:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Unique booking number or identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Current custody status (in custody, released, transferred)
- Housing location within the facility
- Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Scheduled court appearances
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed (including statute numbers)
- Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Warrant information, if applicable
- Probation/parole status, if applicable
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set by court
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court case number(s)
- Assigned courtroom
- Scheduled court dates
- Court of jurisdiction
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Credit for time served
- Participation in alternative sentencing programs
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
These records are maintained in accordance with California Government Code § 26205, which establishes requirements for record keeping by county sheriffs and other officials.
Alameda County Prison System
The Alameda County correctional system operates under the authority of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, which maintains jurisdiction over local detention facilities. This system is designed to house individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of up to one year, or awaiting transfer to state prison facilities for longer sentences.
It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons. County jails in Alameda County primarily house:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to one year)
- Individuals serving certain lower-level felony sentences under California's Public Safety Realignment Act (AB 109)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison or other facilities
In contrast, state prisons operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation house individuals convicted of more serious felonies with sentences exceeding one year.
The Alameda County Sheriff's Office Detention and Corrections Division is responsible for the operation of the county's jail facilities:
Alameda County Sheriff's Office
1401 Lakeside Drive, 12th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-6878
Alameda County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains multiple detention facilities throughout the county to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Alameda County
Alameda County operates several distinct correctional facilities, each serving different functions within the county's detention system:
Santa Rita Jail
5325 Broder Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 551-6500
Santa Rita Jail
Santa Rita Jail is the primary detention facility in Alameda County and one of the largest county jails in California. This maximum/medium/minimum security facility houses both male and female inmates and includes:
- Housing units for various security classifications
- Medical and mental health services
- Educational and vocational programs
- Religious services
- Visitation areas
- Court facilities for certain proceedings
Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility (Currently Closed)
550 6th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
The Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility was previously operated as a medium/maximum security facility but has been closed as part of consolidation efforts. All inmates previously housed at this facility have been transferred to Santa Rita Jail.
Juvenile Justice Center
2500 Fairmont Drive
San Leandro, CA 94578
(510) 667-7900
Juvenile Justice Center
While operated by the Alameda County Probation Department rather than the Sheriff's Office, this facility houses juvenile offenders and provides:
- Secure detention for juveniles awaiting adjudication
- Educational services
- Counseling and rehabilitation programs
- Medical and mental health services
Alternative Detention Facilities
The Alameda County Sheriff's Office also operates several alternative detention programs, including:
- Electronic monitoring program
- Work alternative program
- Weekend alternative program
- Pre-trial services
These facilities and programs operate in accordance with standards established by the California Board of State and Community Corrections and are subject to regular inspections and audits.
Who's in Prison In Alameda County
The Alameda County jail system houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. Under current law and practice, the following categories of individuals may be found in Alameda County detention facilities:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
- Those who have not posted bail or were denied bail
- Individuals deemed flight risks or dangers to the community
Sentenced Offenders:
- Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (up to one year)
- Individuals serving sentences for certain felonies under California's Public Safety Realignment Act (AB 109)
- Those serving "split sentences" with a portion in custody and a portion under mandatory supervision
Specialized Populations:
- Individuals in custody for probation or parole violations
- Persons awaiting transfer to state prison, mental health facilities, or other institutions
- Those held on immigration detainers in cooperation with federal authorities
- Individuals participating in in-custody treatment programs
Temporary Holds:
- Persons in transit to court appearances
- Individuals awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions
- Those temporarily returned from state prison for court proceedings
According to data from the California Board of State and Community Corrections, the average daily population in Alameda County detention facilities fluctuates but typically includes approximately 2,000-2,500 individuals. This population reflects the demographic diversity of Alameda County, though certain communities may be disproportionately represented.
The length of stay varies significantly based on case status, with pre-trial detainees potentially remaining in custody for extended periods while their cases proceed through the court system, and sentenced individuals serving terms as determined by the courts.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Alameda County in 2026
Members of the public seeking information about individuals in custody in Alameda County may utilize several methods to access inmate records. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate searches:
Online Inmate Locator System:
- Visit the Alameda County Sheriff's Office Inmate Locator website
- Enter the required search criteria (at least one of the following):
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Booking number (if known)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate's name and booking number
- Physical description
- Current housing location
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bail amount
- Next court date (if scheduled)
In-Person Records Request:
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Visit the Records Division at Santa Rita Jail:
Santa Rita Jail Records Division
5325 Broder Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 551-6500Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
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Complete an Inmate Information Request Form
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Present valid government-issued photo identification
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Pay any applicable fees for copies of records
Written Records Request:
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Submit a written request to:
Alameda County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
5325 Broder Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568 -
Include in your request:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Specific information requested
- Your contact information
- Copy of your identification
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Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
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Include payment for any applicable fees (check or money order)
Telephone Information: Limited information may be available by calling the Santa Rita Jail at (925) 551-6500. However, detailed inmate information is generally not provided over the telephone due to privacy and security concerns.
All requests for inmate information are processed in accordance with the California Public Records Act and applicable privacy laws.
How To Find an Inmate in Alameda County for Free?
Alameda County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody within the county jail system. These free resources are available to the general public:
Online Inmate Locator: The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the Alameda County Sheriff's Office Inmate Locator system. This online database:
- Is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Requires no registration or account creation
- Provides real-time information on current inmates
- Allows searches by name, booking number, or date of birth
- Displays basic custody information including charges and next court date
Telephone Information Line: Basic inmate location information may be obtained by calling:
- Santa Rita Jail: (925) 551-6500
- Sheriff's Office Main Line: (510) 272-6878
When calling, be prepared to provide:
- Inmate's full legal name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Court Records Search: The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda maintains public case information that can help locate individuals in custody:
- Visit the court's public access terminals at any courthouse location
- Search by the individual's name
- Review case information, which often includes custody status
Courthouse Locations:
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Rene C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000 -
Hayward Hall of Justice
24405 Amador Street
Hayward, CA 94544
(510) 690-2700 -
East County Hall of Justice
5151 Gleason Drive
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 227-6700
Visiting the Detention Facility: Information about an inmate's custody status can be obtained by visiting the public lobby of Santa Rita Jail:
Santa Rita Jail
5325 Broder Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, daily
Staff at the information desk can confirm if an individual is in custody and provide basic information about visitation procedures.
These free methods provide basic custody information, though more detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees.
How To Visit an Inmate In Alameda County
Visitation with inmates housed in Alameda County detention facilities is governed by established procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important personal connections. The following guidelines apply to visits at Santa Rita Jail, the primary detention facility in Alameda County:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Pre-registration is required for all visits through the Alameda County Sheriff's Office Visitation Portal
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
- Visitors are subject to search upon entry to the facility
- Visitors with outstanding warrants may be subject to arrest
Visit Schedule:
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy): Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Public visits: Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Visit duration: 30 minutes per session
- Inmates are allowed two visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID)
- Visitation confirmation number
- Vehicle keys (all other personal items must be secured in lockers)
- Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, medical devices)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs or alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras)
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive cash (over $50)
- Tobacco products
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related attire or colors
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Contact visits: Generally not available except in special circumstances
- Non-contact visits: Conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication
- Video visitation: Available through on-site terminals
Visit Restrictions:
- Inmates in disciplinary status may have limited or suspended visitation privileges
- Special housing units may have modified visitation schedules
- Court-ordered restrictions may limit certain visitors
- Visitors who violate rules may be permanently banned from the facility
These visitation policies are established in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 15, § 1062, which governs visiting procedures in local detention facilities. For the most current information on visitation policies, visitors should consult the Alameda County Sheriff's Office website.
How To Send Money to a Alameda County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Alameda County detention facilities have several approved methods for sending funds. These funds are deposited into the inmate's commissary account for purchasing approved items and services.
Approved Money Transfer Methods:
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Online Deposits
- Visit the Access Corrections website
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Alameda County" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's information (name and booking number)
- Follow prompts to complete payment using credit/debit card
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Kiosk Deposits
- Available in the lobby of Santa Rita Jail
- Located at: 5325 Broder Boulevard, Dublin, CA 94568
- Accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- Available during lobby hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
- Provides immediate deposit to inmate accounts
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Money Order by Mail
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Make money order payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
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Do not send personal checks or cash
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Mail to:
Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Santa Rita Jail
5325 Broder Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
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Phone Deposits
- Call Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884
- Provide inmate information and payment details
- Service available 24/7
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $1.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00 per inmate
- Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00 per inmate
Transaction Fees:
- Online deposits: $2.95 - $9.95 (fee varies based on amount)
- Kiosk deposits: $2.95 - $8.95 (fee varies based on amount)
- Money order by mail: No fee
- Phone deposits: $4.95 - $12.95 (fee varies based on amount)
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash through the mail
- Personal checks
- Traveler's checks
- Third-party checks
- Foreign currency
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Educational materials
- Restitution payments
- Court fees and fines
Restricted Uses:
- Funds cannot be transferred between inmates
- Funds cannot be used to purchase prohibited items
- Funds cannot be withdrawn as cash while in custody
- Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check. For additional information regarding inmate accounts, contact the Inmate Accounts Office at (925) 551-6500.
How To Send Jail Mail In Alameda County
Correspondence with individuals incarcerated in Alameda County detention facilities is permitted through established mail procedures. All mail must comply with facility regulations to ensure security and safety.
General Mailing Address Format:
Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Housing Unit (if known)
Santa Rita Jail
5325 Broder Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
Letter Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include a return address
- Letters must be written on plain white, lined, or colored stationery
- Envelopes must be standard-sized and white or manila in color
- Contents are limited to 10 pages per envelope
- All mail is opened, inspected, and may be read by facility staff
- Mail with suspicious substances or odors will be rejected
Approved Items That May Be Sent:
- Personal letters
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope)
- Must be 4" x 6" or smaller
- No Polaroid photos
- No sexually explicit images
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or electronic components)
- Money orders (see previous section for details)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (subject to review)
Prohibited Items:
- Cash, personal checks, or currency
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented papers
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Photos depicting gang signs, weapons, or illegal activities
- Sexually explicit materials
- Any items with biohazards or unknown substances
Books and Publications:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books only (hardcover books are prohibited)
- Limited to 3 books per package
- Subject to content review by facility staff
- Address packages to inmate with clear indication of contents
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must include attorney's name, title, and bar number
- Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
- Should be sent via trackable delivery method
E-Messages: Alameda County currently offers electronic messaging through the Access Corrections system:
- Create an account on the Access Corrections website
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages to inmates
- Standard fees apply (typically $0.25 - $0.50 per message)
- Messages are subject to review and monitoring
All mail procedures are established in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 15, § 1063, which governs correspondence in local detention facilities. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of correspondence and possible suspension of mail privileges.