How to Find an Inmate in California

Michelle Wilson - November 8, 2023

There are many reasons to track an inmate’s location within the judicial system, whether you’d like to send them a care package or determine whether someone was arrested. To connect with an inmate, you’ll need the offender’s location. The facility’s address is critical for establishing communication, particularly if you’d like to visit the facility.

Unfortunately, locating the address isn’t always straightforward. While most records are publicly available, you’ll need to check a few different avenues to access the details. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation offers an online search option for current inmates. Users can also review the Los Angeles Inmate Locator, a Federal Inmate Search, and the California Inmate Finder. A background check platform like CheckPeople can also help individuals connect with an inmate, using standard personal identification and a few verifying questions to compile a comprehensive report.

Table of Contents

Using a Background Check Platform to Find an Inmate

One of the easiest ways to find an incarcerated individual is by performing a background check. Although a few background check websites charge a nominal fee to complete the report, it often saves users time and energy. All details are compiled automatically with a background report, meaning one search will include all state and federal inmate records.

Platforms like CheckPeople allow individuals to review all public records without manually searching for documents. When searching for an inmate, you’ll need the first and last name to start the search process. A few background check websites will ask for verifying information about the applicant, including birthdate and any known details.

Background Check Services for Inmate Results

As the algorithm generates results, users will receive a prompt to identify the individual further. Questions about residence, relatives, or criminal history can all verify the details. After verification, users will have instant access to the background report. Details within the report will vary according to the company but will include any inmate information, if applicable.

Other Information Included in Background Reports

A background check offers a wide range of details about an individual, often extending beyond incarceration details. The background report will include criminal records, financial information, civil documents, and lawsuits. All arrest records will consist of components of the person, including the arrestee, the arresting officer, details of the supposed crime, and the jail address.

Likewise, a background report will often include any contact information for the individual, including phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, and social media accounts online. Most background check websites will also reference any given names against others on file, including maiden names or aliases. Anyone using a pseudonym will also show results in the report for reference purposes. Finally, the background report will include the user’s social security number. Purchasing a background report to intimidate or harass an individual is illegal and could pose legal consequences if used maliciously.

Using the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Locator

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation allows users to try the free locator tool on the website when searching for an inmate. The search functionality offers generic results but doesn’t provide a complete record. To use the search feature, start by entering the first and last name into the required fields. An automated list will populate any names matching the search. Additionally, users can enter an inmate’s ID into the search function, increasing the likelihood of a result.

All search results will include the inmate’s name, age, location, and admittance time in the facility. These details may also include any parole information. Unfortunately, this search option will only list current individuals within the facility, excluding previous records. The results will exclude any results under 18 years of age.

Performing a Search with LASD Inmate Locator

Similar to the CDCR, the LASD offers a basic search history of any current inmate within Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The search requirements include the inmate’s first and last name or the inmate’s ID. After entering the name into the search bar, all potential applicants will appear for review on the results page.

The LASD extends beyond the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, offering an extended history functionality using the inmate’s birthday as a reference. Unfortunately, the first and last name fields are mandatory, making the extended search option irrelevant if individuals don’t have all the required information.

Running a Search with the Federal Inmate Search Function

The Federal Inmate Search is comprehensive, working as a national database. Records started in 1892, offering extensive search options for interested parties. The quantity of records may prove overwhelming for tracking an individual, although several queries are available. Users can use age, race, sex, or ID numbers to locate an inmate. Unfortunately, the search functionality uses all 49 states as a default setting, making it difficult to reference.

Inmate Search Options with the California Inmate Finder

One of the most helpful search options for locating an inmate is the California Inmate Finder. This platform combines multiple search fields connected to the CDCR database. The search function allows users to track inmates without a complete first and last name. Numerous records are available, including a phone number and license plate screening.

To locate an individual on the California Inmate Finder:

Select the Inmate Locator under the Offender Info tab.
Read the terms and agree to start your search.
Enter the inmate’s CDCR number or offending last name.

Alternatively, users can enter the first name and other known details about the offender. To see the results, click the Search for Inmate button.

Find an Inmate in California on Your Own

To locate an individual without running a database screening, visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. This platform offers a search function under the inmate’s menu, where users can find people through a name or number search. All matching results will appear on the screen.

Track an Inmate Through California County Jail Website

When searching for an incarcerated individual, consider looking for them on the Write a Prisoner website. These platforms connect interested people with currently incarcerated people using a search function. Users can visit the website and choose the Inmate Locator on the home screen. Results will show all county jails within the area, including a list of all inmates within the facility.

Conclusion

There are many ways to find an inmate in California. Unfortunately, records aren’t always direct or inclusive, depending on the search type. Users may need to run the individual’s name through several search options before uncovering the required results. Alternatively, users can perform a background check on the person they’re trying to locate, automatically scanning through public databases. Although the reasons for trying to find an inmate may vary, accessing public records is always the easiest way to start.