| Address | 9500 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 |
| Phone | (909) 387-3800 |
| Sheriff / Agency | San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department |
| Inmate Search | Official Inmate Roster → |
West Valley Detention Center is the main SB County facility.
Finding an inmate in San Bernardino County, California is straightforward when you know where to look. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department maintains a searchable inmate database that provides real-time information about individuals currently held in county facilities. This guide walks you through the official resources and procedures for conducting a San Bernardino County California inmate lookup.
If you need to secure the release of someone arrested in San Bernardino County, understanding bail and bond options is essential. Most bail bond companies in the county charge a non-refundable fee of approximately 10 percent of the total bail amount set by the judge. This fee is paid directly to the bail bondsman, who then posts the full bail amount with the court on your behalf. The bail bondsman becomes responsible for ensuring the defendant appears in court, and if the defendant fails to appear, the bondsman may pursue recovery efforts.
Arraignment hearings in San Bernardino County typically occur within 72 hours of arrest. During this hearing, the judge reviews the charges, sets bail or release conditions, and informs the defendant of their rights. Having a bail bondsman lined up before or immediately after arraignment can significantly speed up the release process. Many bondsmen offer 24-hour service and can have someone out of custody within hours once paperwork is processed and fees are paid.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department operates multiple detention facilities throughout the county. To locate an inmate or obtain information about visitation, bail, or other custody matters, reach out directly through the official channels below. Response times may vary during peak hours, so consider calling early in the morning or late afternoon for shorter wait times. You can also visit the facilities in person during designated business hours if you prefer face-to-face assistance.
The easiest way is to use the San Bernardino County Sheriff's online inmate search tool at wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/services/inmate-information/. Enter the person's full name or booking number, and the system will display their current custody status, charges, and bail information. If you cannot find them there, they may be in state or federal custody, or charges may not have been filed yet. You can also call the Sheriff's Department directly or visit a detention facility in person with a valid ID.
The booking process typically takes between two to four hours, depending on the complexity of charges and the facility's current volume. During this time, personal information is recorded, photographs and fingerprints are taken, and a medical screening is conducted. Once booking is complete, the inmate is assigned a housing unit and becomes searchable in the online database. The person should appear in the system within a few hours of arrival, though delays are common during overnight hours or weekends.
Yes, in-person visitation is permitted during designated hours, though schedules vary by facility and custody level. Video visitation is also available and can often be arranged more quickly than in-person visits. To visit, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID and follow all facility rules regarding dress code and conduct. Contact the specific facility where the inmate is housed to confirm current visitation hours, as they may change seasonally or due to staffing.
If someone does not appear in the county jail database, they may be held in a California state prison, a federal facility, or another county. Check the California Department of Corrections website at cdcr.ca.gov and the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator at bop.gov/inmateloc/. You can also contact other nearby county sheriff's departments. In some cases, charges may not have been filed yet, or the person may have been released. Contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney's office for case status information.
San Bernardino County offers several methods to deposit funds into an inmate's commissary account, including online payment systems, phone deposits, and in-person transfers at facility kiosks. Visit the official Sheriff's website or call the facility directly for specific instructions and accepted payment methods. Funds are typically available within 24 hours for commissary purchases, though exact timelines may vary. Some facilities also accept mail deposits via postal money orders; confirm this option with your specific facility before mailing.