Open Access San Bernardino County Criminal Records gives families, lawyers, and the public a fast way to find real-time inmate and court case data online. The county’s digital tools let users search jails, view court files, and track case updates without visiting offices. These systems update nightly and support secure access to accurate records. People use these resources to plan visits, check charges, confirm court dates, or research public safety trends. All services follow California law and protect privacy while offering full transparency.
How to Search for Inmates in San Bernardino County
The Sheriff’s Department runs two main inmate search tools. The first is the online Inmate Locator at the Sheriff’s website. It lets anyone search by name, birth date, gender, or booking number. If you only know an approximate age, the system expands the search two years older and two years younger. This helps catch matches even with incomplete data. Results show the inmate’s name, photo, charges, bond amount, housing unit, intake date, and expected release. Each result also links to the court docket so you can see upcoming hearings.
The second tool is the County Booking Search page. It works the same way but may show slightly different details based on when data was last updated. Both systems pull from the same database, which refreshes every night at 2:00 AM Pacific Time. That means changes from the day—like new bookings or releases—appear by early morning. You don’t need an account to search. Just enter known details and click “Search.”
Booking Numbers and Why They Matter
A booking number is a ten-digit code given when someone is arrested. It stays with the person through their entire stay in jail. Using this number gives the most accurate and complete record. If you have it, select “Search by Booking” for instant results. If not, use name and birth date. Always double-check spelling. A single letter error can hide a match.
Scheduling a Jail Visit
Visits must be scheduled in advance. After finding an inmate, look for the “click here to schedule a visit” link. It only works on Tuesdays starting at 8:00 AM PT and stays open for 24 hours. During that window, enter your full name, relationship to the inmate, and a valid photo ID number. Accepted IDs include driver’s licenses, passports, or state-issued cards. Once confirmed, you’ll get an email with the date, time, location, and rules. Bring only approved items. Phones, cameras, tobacco, and recording devices are banned.
San Bernardino County Jail Facilities
Four main jails hold adults in San Bernardino County. The Central Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga handles intake and short-term holds. The East Valley Detention Center in San Bernardino keeps people awaiting trial. The High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto offers work-release programs for eligible inmates. Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center in San Bernardino provides long-term care, including drug treatment, job training, and school classes.
Together, these facilities have 7,400 licensed beds. On average, about 5,000 people are held each day. Each jail has its own rules for mail, phone calls, and commissary. Visit the Sheriff’s website for facility-specific guidelines. All visitation is managed through the central Visiting Center. Call (909) 887-0364 between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM PT, Monday through Saturday, to ask questions or reschedule.
Virtual Visits Are Available
If you can’t come in person, use Zoom Visitation. You must book ahead and get a verification code. The system works on smartphones, tablets, or computers with a camera and internet. Sessions last 30 minutes. Only one visitor per session is allowed. Test your tech 15 minutes early. Poor connections may cancel the visit.
Court Records and Case Information
The Superior Court launched eCase in July 2023. This digital platform holds all criminal and traffic cases. It includes indictments, plea deals, sentencing notes, and motions. To view files, you need a court-issued user ID and two-factor authentication. This keeps data safe while letting the public track cases.
During migration from January to June 2023, staff scanned over 1.2 million pages. They used optical character recognition so you can search by keyword, name, or case number. You can download PDFs, read summaries, and see hearing schedules. The court also offers a free CSV file listing all active criminal dockets. Researchers, journalists, and nonprofits use it for public policy work.
Misdemeanors vs. Felonies
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes. Examples include petty theft, first-time DUI, or simple assault. Penalties are up to $1,000 in fines or one year in county jail. Felonies are more severe. They include murder, rape, robbery, and large drug crimes. Punishments range from state prison time to life sentences or, in rare cases, the death penalty. All defendants must appear for arraignment within 48 hours unless they sign a waiver.
Self-Help Center Support
The court runs a self-help center with free pamphlets. Topics cover bail, plea bargaining, victim rights, and how to represent yourself. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they explain procedures clearly. Forms are available in English and Spanish. Call (909) 555-0123 for help reading locator results or setting up attorney meetings.
Expungement and Record Sealing
If you were arrested but never charged, you may qualify to seal your record. File a Petition to Seal and Destroy under Penal Code § 851.8. Send it to the Civil Liabilities Division at 909-387-3708. Include proof like a clearance letter or witness statement. The division checks that no charges are pending and no conviction exists. If approved, the record is destroyed within 30 days. You’ll get a written notice and a case number for your files.
This process removes the arrest from the county’s electronic database. It does not erase federal records or affect background checks run by private companies. For full clearance, consult an attorney. The Sheriff’s Information Services team only handles county-level records.
Public Safety Statistics
In 2017, San Bernardino County recorded 24,468 felony arrests and 49,306 misdemeanor arrests. Felonies dropped 3% from 2016, while misdemeanors rose slightly by 0.6%. Violent felonies—like aggravated assault, robbery, and attempted homicide—made up 8,855 cases. Property crimes such as burglary and car theft totaled 7,912. Drug-related felonies reached 4,321. Most arrests happened in San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Fontana.
These numbers come from the California Department of Justice. They are broken down by city and crime type. Researchers use them to spot trends and plan community programs. The data is public and updated annually.
How to Get Arrest Documentation
The Adult Records division handles requests for arrest reports. If your case never went to trial, you can ask for a copy. Call 909-387-3708 or visit the Information Services office at 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415. Bring a photo ID and the booking number if you have it. Reports are usually ready in 3–5 business days. There may be a small fee for copies.
For certified copies needed in court, allow extra time. The office processes petitions Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead saves time.
Contact and Office Hours
Main Address: 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0061 Non-Emergency Dispatch: (760) 956-5001 (Desert), (909) 387-8313 (Valley) Visiting Center Phone: (909) 887-0364 Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM PT All online systems update nightly at 2:00 AM PT. For urgent issues, call dispatch. For records or visits, use the numbers above. The website also posts budget reports, staff lists, and community event calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to find someone in jail, what records are public, and how to clear an arrest from their history. Below are clear answers based on current county policies and California law.
Can I search for an inmate without a booking number?
Yes. Use the Inmate Locator and enter the person’s last name, first name, gender, and birth date. If you don’t know the exact birth date, enter an estimated age. The system will search two years younger and two years older. This increases your chances of finding a match. Always double-check spelling. A small error can hide results. If you have the booking number, use it for the fastest and most accurate search.
Are court records free to view online?
Yes, case summaries and docket information are free on the eCase portal. You need a court-issued ID and two-factor authentication to log in. Downloading PDFs of motions or sentencing documents may require a small fee. The public CSV file of active criminal cases is completely free and updated regularly. It’s used by researchers, journalists, and advocacy groups.
How long does it take to seal an arrest record?
The process takes about 30 days after approval. First, submit a written petition to the Civil Liabilities Division with supporting evidence. They review it for compliance with Penal Code § 851.8. If approved, the record is destroyed within 30 days. You’ll receive a confirmation letter and a case number. Note: This only removes county records. Federal or private databases may still show the arrest.
Can I visit an inmate the same day I search?
No. Visits must be scheduled in advance. The “schedule a visit” link opens every Tuesday at 8:00 AM PT and stays active for 24 hours. You must provide your full name, relationship, and valid photo ID number. Once confirmed, you’ll get an email with the date, time, and rules. Arrive 30 minutes early for screening. Late arrivals are not admitted.
What happens if my visit is denied?
Denials occur if your ID is invalid, you’re on a no-visit list, or the inmate refuses contact. You’ll get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply after 30 days unless the ban is permanent. For virtual visits, technical issues like poor internet may also cancel sessions. Test your device beforehand.
Are mugshots public record in San Bernardino County?
Yes, photos taken during booking are part of the public record. They appear in search results on the Inmate Locator. However, the county does not publish them separately online. If you need a copy, request it through Information Services with proper ID. Some third-party sites may republish mugshots. The county cannot control those sites but follows state laws on privacy.
How often is inmate data updated?
All inmate status, warrant, and vehicle data update nightly at 2:00 AM Pacific Time. This includes new bookings, releases, transfers, and court dates. The system runs automatically, so information is current by morning. Court dockets update in real time as clerks enter new filings. For urgent changes, call the facility directly.
Official Resources
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415 Phone: (909) 887-0364 (Visiting Center) Non-Emergency: (760) 956-5001 Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino 351 N. Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92415 Phone: (909) 713-7000 Public Defender’s Office 303 West 3rd Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415 Phone: (909) 555-0123 Visiting hours for jails: Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM PT. Closed Sundays and major holidays.