Navigating the CDCR Inmate Locator
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety through the management of the state's prison system. The Inmate Locator & Search Services allow individuals to find information about inmates within the California prison system. This service is freely accessible to the public, empowering friends, family, legal representatives, and the general public to find specific inmates and gather essential details about their incarceration.
Users can visit the official CDCR website and navigate to the Inmate Locator page. From there, they can enter specific details such as the inmate's first and last name, CDCR number, or other identifying information. The system will then generate a list of matching results, allowing users to click on individual profiles to obtain more detailed information.
The Inmate Locator may provide the inmate's current location, custody status, release date, aliases, criminal history, sentence length, and parole eligibility.
Significance of Inmate Locator Services
Communication
Inmate Locator services facilitate communication between inmates and their loved ones by providing up-to-date information on an inmate's location and status.
Transparency
The availability of inmate information promotes transparency within the criminal justice system, fostering trust between the public and law enforcement agencies.
Legal Support
Attorneys and legal representatives can use the Inmate Locator to access important details about their clients, aiding in the legal process and ensuring due process is upheld.
Community Awareness
Accessible inmate information contributes to community awareness, allowing residents to stay informed about individuals in their vicinity who may have a criminal history.
CDCR Inmate Services
Accounts & Phone Calls
Stay connected with your loved ones through phone calls, messages, visits, deposits, and support.
Learn moreFacility Visiting Status
Check this page frequently for updates on the phase status of each institution and important details for requesting a visit with an inmate.
Learn moreVictim Registration
If you are a victim of a crime and would like to register with the Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services to receive notifications regarding parole hearings, complete a Request for Victim Services application.
Learn moreCalifornia State Prisons List
CDCR Inmate Institution Locator — all 33 active facilities
California City Correctional Facility
CAC22844 Virginia Blvd., California City, CA 93505
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
LAC44750 60th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93536
The California Model
The California Model draws on international best practices to change culture within CDCR and CCHCS. The Department is committed to improving working and living conditions for all who live in, work in, and visit state prisons. CDCR has embarked on a once-in-a-generation transformation built on four foundational pillars:
Dynamic Security
Cultivating positive relationships between staff and incarcerated individuals through purposeful activities and professional, respectful communication to create an environment conducive to rehabilitation.
Normalization
Striving to align prison life with life outside the prison walls to facilitate a seamless transition for individuals reentering the community.
Peer Mentorship
Empowering incarcerated individuals to use their personal experiences as mentors to support their peers, fostering a sense of community and encouragement.
Becoming a Trauma-Informed Organization
Educating staff at all levels to recognize the impacts of trauma, ensuring the physical and emotional safety of both staff and incarcerated individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at [email protected] if you cannot find an answer to your question.
How can I find information about an inmate in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)?
Visit the official CDCR Inmate Locator at cdcr.ca.gov and enter the inmate's full legal name or CDCR number. For additional assistance, the CDCR Identification Unit can be reached at (916) 445-6713, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This search returns adults currently in CDCR custody only.
What details can I obtain about an inmate using the CDCR inmate locator?
The CDCR Inmate Locator may provide the inmate's current facility location, custody status, projected release date, aliases, sentence length, and parole eligibility information.
How do I send mail to an inmate in a California prison?
Mail must be addressed to the inmate's full legal name and CDCR number at the specific institution where they are housed. Each facility has its own mailing address and rules. Contact the specific facility directly or visit cdcr.ca.gov for current mail guidelines.
How can I find out about parole hearings for an inmate?
Parole hearing information is managed by the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH). Victims and registered parties can receive notifications through the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS). Visit cdcr.ca.gov/victim-services for registration information.
What rehabilitation programs are available for inmates in California prisons?
CDCR offers academic education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral programs, and re-entry services. Program availability varies by facility. The California Model initiative is expanding these offerings statewide.
Can I visit an inmate if they are in a California prison located far from my residence?
Visiting is permitted at most CDCR facilities, subject to the facility's current visiting status and phase. Check the CDCR website before traveling. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visiting list and comply with all facility rules.
How can I get information on a specific prison's rules and regulations?
Each CDCR facility publishes its own visiting rules, mail policies, and inmate services information. Contact the facility directly using the phone numbers listed on this page, or visit the CDCR facility locator at cdcr.ca.gov.
How do I send money to an inmate in a California state prison?
Money can be sent through approved vendors such as JPay. Visit cdcr.ca.gov or contact the specific facility for current approved deposit methods and limits.
How do tablets and telephone calls work for CDCR inmates?
CDCR provides tablets and telephone access to inmates at most facilities through approved vendors. Families can set up accounts to receive calls and communicate with incarcerated loved ones. Contact the specific facility or visit cdcr.ca.gov for current program details.