How to Search for an Inmate in Southern California
Each county in California operates its own jail system and inmate search tool. There is no single statewide inmate search for county jails. To find someone recently arrested, you need to search the county where the arrest occurred.
If you are unsure which county the arrest occurred in, start with the county that includes the city of arrest. For example, an arrest in Anaheim would be in Orange County; an arrest in Long Beach would be in Los Angeles County; an arrest in Temecula would be in Riverside County.
City-to-County Quick Reference
Orange County
Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Orange, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Torrance, Burbank, Compton, Pomona
Riverside County
Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet, Indio, Palm Springs
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, Rialto, Chino
San Diego County
San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside, Vista, Santee, National City
Information You Will Need to Search
Having accurate information improves your chances of finding the correct record, especially when searching for someone with a common name.
Full Legal Name
Use the name as it appears on government-issued ID. Nicknames may not return results.
Date of Birth
Required by most county search tools to confirm identity.
City and County of Arrest
Determines which county inmate search to use.
Arresting Agency
Helps identify the initial holding facility (city jail vs. county jail).
Approximate Arrest Date and Time
Useful if the booking record has not yet appeared online.
Booking Number
A unique identifier assigned at booking. Speeds up the search significantly.
Bail Amount
If known, helps confirm you have the right record and assists with bail planning.
Court Case Number
Available after arraignment. Used to track court proceedings.
Important: An arrest record is not proof of guilt or a conviction. Charges may be rejected, changed, reduced, or dismissed. Confirm booking and court information through the appropriate government agency.
What Happens During the Booking Process?
Understanding the booking process can help you know what to expect and when information may become available.
- 1
Arrest and Transport
The person is arrested and transported to a police station or directly to a county jail facility.
- 2
Initial Processing
Personal property is inventoried and stored. The person is photographed and fingerprinted.
- 3
Identity Verification
Identity is confirmed and checked against existing warrants, court orders, probation or parole status, and other holds.
- 4
Charge Review
The booking charge is recorded. This may differ from the charges ultimately filed by the prosecutor.
- 5
Bail Determination
Bail is set based on the county bail schedule for the booking charge, or held for judicial review at arraignment.
- 6
Medical Screening
A health screening is typically conducted as part of the intake process.
- 7
Housing Assignment
The person is assigned to a housing unit based on classification, available space, and other factors.
- 8
Record Entry
After booking information is entered into the facility's system, some information may become available through the county's public search service. Public availability and update timing vary, and some information may not be displayed.
The total time from arrest to housing assignment varies by facility, volume of bookings, and individual circumstances. It may range from several hours to longer in high-volume facilities.
County Inmate Search Resources
Select a county below to view official inmate search links, detention facilities, court information, and bail bond help.
Bail After an Arrest
Once a person has been booked, release from jail typically requires one of the following:
Own Recognizance (O.R.) Release
The court releases the person without requiring bail, based on a determination that they are likely to appear for court. Not available for all charges or circumstances.
Cash Bail
The full bail amount may be deposited with the appropriate court or jail. If bail is later exonerated, the funds are handled according to the court's procedures and applicable orders. Deductions, applications of funds, processing requirements, or other outcomes may apply. Confirm the current procedure with the court or facility accepting the deposit.
Bail Bond
A licensed bail agent posts a bond guaranteeing the defendant's required court appearances. The applicable premium rate is the rate filed by the surety company with the California Department of Insurance. The consumer cost is most commonly 10% of the bail amount, but the applicable rate, approved discounts, expenses, payment terms, and collateral requirements must be disclosed in writing.
Judicial Bail Review
For some charges or circumstances, bail cannot be set at booking and must be determined by a judge at arraignment. The person remains in custody until that hearing.
Need Bail Help Right Now?
Post It Bail Bonds is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. We serve Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
State Prison Locator
Find inmates held in California state prisons — CDCR facility directory with official inmate locator links.
Federal Inmate Locator
Find people held in federal custody using Federal Bureau of Prisons resources.
Bail Bond Resources
Guides, court links, and resources for families navigating the bail process in Southern California.
Inmate Release Information
How to check LASD release status, why release takes time, and what holds can delay release.
Inmate Phone & Commissary Accounts
How to add money to an inmate account and set up telephone communication.
Can't Find Someone Recently Arrested?
Provide the information you have available. A Post It Bail Bonds representative can contact you regarding available booking, jail and bail information. If the situation is urgent, call 1-855-479-4345 for immediate assistance.
Sources
Content reviewed: August 20, 2026. Reviewed by Post It Bail Bonds, a licensed California bail-bond agency.
Inmate search links are provided for informational purposes only. Post It Bail Bonds does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information in third-party systems.
This page provides general educational and bail-bond information. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for emergency assistance. Bail schedules, facility assignments, and court procedures can change. Confirm current information with the appropriate jail, court, or qualified attorney.