Santa Clara County, California Inmate Search

Santa Clara County provides several authorized methods for obtaining records of individuals housed in its correctional facilities, through online systems and in-person resources. In Santa Clara County, records are generated by the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement agencies, including the San Jose Police Department (SJPD) and the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS). A typical inmate search may provide access to information, such as:

• Booking details
• Custody status
• Charges filed
• Booking number
• Bail amount (if available)
• Upcoming court dates
• Facility location
• Possible release date.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office offers an inmate search tool for finding information on individuals in county jails. Log in to the Santa Clara County Inmate Locator and search for inmates using their name, personal file number (PFN), or booking number. When Santa Clara County transfers inmates to state prisons, their records are accessible through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Inmate Locator, searchable by name or CDCR number. Inquirers may also contact the CDCR Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713. For individuals convicted and transferred to federal facilities, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers a public Inmate Locator on its website for federal prisoners.

Individuals seeking additional assistance or wishing to inquire about Santa Clara inmate records in person should contact or visit the Sheriff's Office at:

How to Find an Inmate in Santa Clara County Jail

Through its Custody Bureau, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office oversees and operates the county's adult jail facilities, which include the Main Jail in San Jose and the Elmwood Men's and Women's Facilities in Milpitas. To locate inmates housed in these facilities, record seekers may log in to the Santa Clara Inmate Locator and search using:

• Booking Number (CEN)
• Personal File Number (PFN)
• Name.

Individuals should be aware that inmate information is updated regularly, especially in the first few days after booking. For the most current information, call the inmate information line at (408) 299-2305. Inquirers may also obtain information in person by visiting the jail facility lobbies during public hours at:

How to Use the Santa Clara Jail Roster

The Santa Clara County Inmate Locator is an online tool operated by the Sheriff's Office Custody Bureau that enables the public to search for individuals currently in custody. First-time users of this portal should follow these steps:

• Access the Santa Clara Inmate Search Page
• Select a search criterion
• Booking Number (CEN): the inmate's 7- or 8-digit booking number
• Personal File Number (PFN): a unique identifier assigned to each inmate
• Name: first or last name, including the inmate's date of birth or booking date
• Enter the details accurately, and the system will return the search results showing the inmate's status, charges, and current location within the county jail system.

If no results appear, try searching using a different method. Users should note that inmate information may take time to appear and may not be available immediately after booking. For further assistance, contact the inmate information line at (408) 299-2305.

What Information is Included in the Santa Clara Inmate Roster

Like most inmate rosters, the Santa Clara County Inmate Locator provides information on individuals currently in custody within the county's law enforcement system. The information typically available includes:

• The inmate's name
• Booking number (CEN)
• Personal file number (PFN)
• Booking date and time
• Charges filed against the inmate
• Bail information
• Custody status (whether in custody, released, or pending transfer)
• Facility location (if the inmate is located at the Main Jail Complex in San Jose or the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas).

Although basic inmate information in Santa Clara County jails is publicly available through the Inmate Locator, records concerning juveniles, victims, medical information, and security-sensitive details are restricted. The California Public Records Act (CPRA) limits access to these records to legally authorized individuals or entities.

Contact Details for Santa Clara Jail or Sheriff's Office

Individuals seeking information regarding inmates in Santa Clara County may call the inmate information line at (408) 299-2305. They may also contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, visit the Main Jail or Elmwood Correctional Facility in person during public hours.

Jail Facility Overview in Santa Clara

Santa Clara County's correctional system comprises two main facilities: the Main Jail Complex in San Jose and the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, which includes separate men's and women's units. Elmwood is the larger of the two, with the Men's Facility accommodating around 2,093 medium and minimum security inmates. The Women's Facility houses inmates across all security levels and has a capacity of about 250. The Main Jail Complex holds medium and maximum-security inmates and serves as the county's central intake and booking center.

Additionally, Santa Clara County has two main facilities for juvenile offenders. The Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall in San Jose is a temporary, secure facility for youth awaiting court decisions. In contrast, the William F. James Ranch is a long-term rehabilitative facility in Morgan Hill for male offenders with court-ordered placements.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Elmwood Correctional Facility

The Santa Clara County Department of Corrections (DOC) only allows approved methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account at the Elmwood Correctional Facility and the Main Jail Complex. Deposits may be made online through authorized third-party portals using a credit or debit card, or in person at self-service kiosks located in the jail lobbies, which accept cash, credit, and debit payments. Third-party services, including online portals and kiosks, apply a service fee to each transaction.

Friends and family may also mail money orders or cashier's checks to the appropriate detention facility. Payments should be made payable to the 'Santa Clara County Department of Corrections' and include the inmate's name and PFN. Please note that the facility does not accept cash or personal checks by mail.

The correctional facility imposes restrictions on the amount of money that may be deposited. Additionally, the facility generally does not refund deposited funds; it provides any remaining balance to the inmate upon release through check or debit card.

Inmate Search by Jail Facility

The Santa Clara County Inmate Locator offers details such as custody status, charges, housing unit, and booking information for adult inmates. These records are updated regularly, particularly in the first few days after booking. Requesters may also contact the Main Jail Complex in San Jose or the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas to obtain information about current or recently released inmates. For the most up-to-date information, individuals may call the inmate information line at (408) 299-2305.

Juvenile inmate information is confidential under California law. Only authorized individuals may access these records through the Probation Department.

Santa Clara Visitation Rules and Schedules

Both the Main Jail and Elmwood Correctional Facilities use the Online Visitor Registration (OVR) system. Visitors must complete registration and receive approval before booking a visit, a process that may take up to seven business days. Individuals with a felony conviction who have served time in a California state prison are typically barred from entering jail grounds unless they obtain prior written permission from the Facility Commander. Furthermore, individuals who are on probation or have a recent conviction may be ineligible to visit.

Each visit may include up to two adults, and children under adult supervision may accompany them. Children are required to present a birth certificate or proof of legal guardianship. Approved adult visitors must present valid photo identification at check-in. Jail staff require visitors to pass through metal detectors and may instruct them to search or remove items for screening. Jail staff also prohibit phones, recording devices, and other contraband, and anyone who violates these rules risks criminal prosecution or a permanent visitation ban.

The table provides an overview of visitation rules for Santa Clara County jails.

Mailing and Commissary Information

Santa Clara County inspects all inmate mail, except legal correspondence, which staff open in the inmate's presence. Senders should use plain white envelopes with white or lined paper and include a return address. To ensure delivery, all incoming mail must include:

• Inmate's Full Name
• Booking number (CEN)
• Housing Location
• Facility Address.

A mail for a Santa Clara County inmate should be in this format:

The Santa Clara County Department of Corrections prohibits photos larger than 4x6 inches and any images showing nudity, sexual activity, or gang-related content. All mail must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service, as the facilities do not accept packages or correspondence from private couriers. Do not send money, stamps, personal checks, packages, or any items containing glitter, stickers, glue, or stains. Greeting cards with multiple layers or electronic components are also prohibited.

Individuals may fund a Santa Clara County inmate's commissary by depositing cash, credit, or debit cards at the payment kiosks located in the jail lobbies. Online deposits are also available through approved third-party payment portals. Alternatively, money orders may be sent to the inmate's trust account. Money orders must be made payable to the Santa Clara County Department of Corrections and include the inmate's name and PFN.

Note: The mailing address for money orders is the facility's physical address. Be sure to label the mail as a deposit for 'Inmate Services' so it is processed correctly.