San Bernardino County Inmate Locator

Finding an Inmate in San Bernardino County Jail

Looking for an incarcerated loved one or friend being held in a San Bernardino County jail? This guide will walk you through how to locate inmates using the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Inmate Information Center.
Finding someone who’s been booked into county jail can be stressful, but having the right information makes the process easier. Just follow these steps to search for San Bernardino County jail inmates online or over the phone.

Search for San Bernardino County Inmates Online

The quickest way to find an inmate is by searching the San Bernardino County Inmate Information Center. This online database lets you look up the location and booking details of people detained in county facilities.
Here’s how to search for a San Bernardino County jail inmate online:

1. Go to the Inmate Information Center website at wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/inmate-information-center
2. Enter the inmate’s first and last name in the search fields
3. Select whether you want to search by “Starts with”, “Contains”, or “Exact match” for each name
4. Click the “Search” button to view results
5. If multiple records match the name, you can filter by age, race, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, etc. to identify the correct person
6. Click on the inmate’s name to see details like mugshot, booked date, expected release date, bail amount, charges, and housing location

Pretty straightforward, right? As long as you have the full legal name of the incarcerated person, finding them in the San Bernardino County system is usually quick and easy.
One thing to keep in mind is name variations or nicknames may cause issues. So if your first search comes up empty, try searching for common abbreviations or shortened versions of the first or last name.
You can also broaden the filters to cast a wider net. For example, search by just the last name and scan all records manually to catch any naming inconsistencies.

Call the San Bernardino County Inmate Information Line

If the online inmate lookup isn’t working or you need help finding the right record, call the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s inmate information line at (909) 387-3615.
This automated phone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can search for inmates by entering their booking number on the keypad or saying their first and last names.
Here are some tips for using the inmate info line:

• Speak clearly and slowly when stating names
• Have the inmate’s date of birth handy to confirm identity
• Write down the 6-digit booking number if provided
• Ask for help from the operator if you’re having trouble locating someone

Calling this hotline gives you another option for tracking down people booked into San Bernardino County correctional facilities like West Valley Detention Center.
And even if the online lookup showed no matches, try the phone service as details may have been manually entered differently by staff. Between both search methods, you should be able to find any county inmate.

Understand San Bernardino County Jail Records

Once you locate a San Bernardino County inmate in the system, their record provides lots of details about their case. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the key data points:

Housing Location

This shows which jail facility the inmate is being held at. For reference, San Bernardino County has five main county jails:

• West Valley Detention Center (Rancho Cucamonga)
• Central Detention Center (San Bernardino)
• High Desert Detention Center (Adelanto)
• Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center (Devore)
• Big Bear Jail

Knowing the housing location is essential for visits or sending mail. Each facility has different rules, so be sure to check their website for specifics.

Booking Number

This unique 6-digit number identifies the inmate and their arrest record in the county system. Having it handy makes searching faster if you ever need to look them up again.

Booking Date

The date and time the person was booked into county jail after their arrest. This starts the clock on the pre-trial detention process.

Projected Release Date

If this date is available, it estimates when the inmate may be released based on possible sentence length, good behavior credits, etc. It’s not guaranteed, but gives a ballpark timeframe.

Bail Amount

For inmates awaiting trial, this dollar amount is what must be paid to allow pre-trial release from custody. Rules around bail bonds, sureties, refunds, etc. vary by case.

Assigned Housing

Indicates the exact unit, cell, bunk, etc. where the inmate is housed within the jail. Useful to know ahead of visits for scheduling.

Assigned Cell Mate(s)

Most inmates must share cells/rooms due to limited space. Housing assignments happen by chance based on availability.

Charges

The specific Penal Code sections the inmate was booked on, which leads to their arrest and detention. This also provides insight into the suspected offenses.

Case Information

Additional details like court case numbers, session dates, prosecution/defense attorneys, etc. related to the charges.
Monitoring these details periodically lets you follow along with the pre-trial process as the case proceeds through the local criminal justice system.

Schedule Visits with Inmates

Once you confirm an inmate’s location in the San Bernardino County system, the next step is likely organizing visits. Each facility has its own policies, so procedures vary.
But in general, here’s what to expect and how to plan your visit:

Verify Visitation Hours

Most San Bernardino County jails allow visitation on weekends and evenings. But hours are limited, so confirm open blocks through the individual facility’s website.
You’ll need to schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance due to high demand. Same-day requests are rarely allowed.

Create Visitor Account

First-time visitors must create an account online and get approval before visits. You submit basic personal details, ID scans, emergency contacts, etc.
The inmate must also consent to adding you as an approved visitor in the system.

Adhere to Visitation Rules

Come prepared to follow all facility policies, including:

• Dress code prohibiting revealing clothing, gang colors, etc.
• Strict security screening to enter (metal detectors, pat downs, etc.)
• Limits on items you can bring inside
• Special instructions for minors
• No physical contact with inmates
• Potential phone/video visits instead of in-person

Get familiar with the regulations listed on the jail’s website to avoid issues. Rules are strictly enforced to maintain safety and order.

Confirm Hearing Accommodations

Let staff know ahead of time if you or the inmate requires ADA assistance like sign language interpreters, amplified headsets, wheelchair access, etc. The county must provide resources per federal disability laws.

Check Cancellation Policies

Schedules shift often in jails, so inmate visits sometimes get cancelled last minute. This can be frustrating, but facilities tend to have generous rebooking allowances.
There’s usually no penalty for the first couple cancellations. But at some point, visitation privileges may be suspended for excessive cancellations/no-shows.

Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of time to park, wait in line, and clear security checkpoints. Visitors who show up late risk losing their spot to someone else.
And if you’re late, staff won’t expedite the process since this unfairly delays other families’ visits.
Following these tips will help you have an easy, smooth visit. But don’t hesitate to call the respective jail with any other questions along the way.

Send Mail to Inmates in San Bernardino County

Writing letters is another way to communicate with incarcerated friends and family. Here are some key things to know about sending mail to San Bernardino County jail inmates:

Get the Proper Mailing Address

Always verify the exact mailing address through the facility’s website or staff. Using the wrong details causes delays or returns.
The basic format is:

Inmate Name & Booking Number

Specific Housing Unit / Cell

Jail Name

Street Address

City, State, Zip Code

But confirm the specifics to ensure delivery.

Follow Mail Rules and Restrictions

There are lots of dos and don’ts for jail mail content and packaging. Check each facility’s current guidelines on:

• Approved mail types (postcards, letters, photos, books, etc.)
• Writing implements (colored pencils only, no pens or markers)
• Language and content checks
• Paper thickness, envelope backing, binding types
• Stamps, stickers, glue, laminations, etc.

Violating certain rules means mail won’t reach the inmate. So read carefully!

Be Patient

Note that non-legal mail is low priority for understaffed jails. Plan for letters to take weeks to arrive compared to regular postal service.
Inmates also have limited opportunities to read and reply to correspondence. Allow extra response time.
With some flexibility and understanding of county jail mail procedures, maintaining written communication with incarcerated individuals is very possible.

Send Money to Inmate Trust Accounts

While serving time in San Bernardino County jail, inmates can purchase approved items through commissary using money deposited into their inmate trust account.
Adding funds allows them to get snacks, toiletries, stationery, etc. beyond the basic necessities provided. Here’s how it works:

Open an Account

Family and friends can request an account number to send monetary deposits. The inmate must first authorize specific individuals to transact on their behalf.

Fund the Account

Make deposits by phone, online, mail, or lobby kiosks 24/7 using the provided account credentials. Cash is not accepted. Allow 48 hours for funds to post.

Spend at Commissary

Inmates use the available balance to shop for approved items according to set spending limits at the commissary. Purchases are deducted immediately at checkout.

Transfer Unused Funds

Upon release, inmates can retrieve remaining money via cash, check, or account transfer. Unclaimed funds may be processed as abandoned property after set time periods.
While not mandatory, keeping some money in an inmate’s account improves quality of life while doing time in county jail. Manage deposits and balances wisely based on actual needs.

Hire an Attorney

Navigating the criminal justice system is extremely difficult without legal counsel. Consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer if your incarcerated loved one faces charges in San Bernardino County. Qualified representation may help with:

• Posting bail or qualifying for pretrial release
• Reducing or dismissing charges
• Gathering evidence and witnesses
• Filing motions and pleadings
• Negotiating favorable plea bargains
• Mitigating sentences if found guilty

The outcomes of criminal cases often hinge on the quality of defense strategies. Private lawyers have the focused time and expertise to build a strong case compared to overburdened public defenders.