CDCR Inmate Search: How to Find California Department of Corrections Inmates

Understanding CDCR Inmate Search

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) operates one of the largest prison systems in the United States, housing over 95,000 inmates across 34 adult institutions. If you need to locate someone incarcerated in California's state prison system, the CDCR provides a free online inmate locator tool that allows you to search their database by name or inmate identification number.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the exact steps to search for inmates in the CDCR system, explains what information you'll find, and provides alternative methods for locating individuals in California's criminal justice system.

How to Use the Official CDCR Inmate Locator

The CDCR maintains an online database accessible to the public at no charge. Here's how to perform a search:

Step 1: Access the CDCR Website

Navigate to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website and locate their Inmate Locator tool. The database is updated regularly and contains information on current inmates as well as individuals released since 1977.

Step 2: Choose Your Search Method

You can search using two primary methods:

• Name Search: Enter the inmate's last name (required) and optionally their first name to narrow results. The system accepts partial names, which is helpful if you're unsure of exact spelling.
• CDCR Number Search: If you know the inmate's six-digit CDCR identification number, this provides the most accurate results.

Step 3: Review Search Results

The system will display a list of inmates matching your search criteria. Each result includes the inmate's name, CDCR number, and current location or release status. Click on the specific inmate to view their full profile.

Step 4: View Detailed Inmate Information

Once you select an inmate, you'll see comprehensive details including:

• Current institution and location
• Admission date to CDCR custody
• Age and physical characteristics
• County of commitment
• Criminal offense and sentence length
• Parole eligibility date
• Scheduled release date (when applicable)

What Information the CDCR Database Contains

The CDCR inmate locator provides substantial information, but it's important to understand its scope and limitations. The database includes all individuals currently incarcerated in California state prisons, as well as parolees under CDCR supervision. It also maintains historical records for inmates released since 1977.

However, the CDCR system does not include:

• County jail inmates (these are maintained by individual county sheriff departments)
• Federal prison inmates (managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons)
• Immigration detention facilities
• Juvenile detention records
• Out-of-state transfers to non-California facilities

If your search doesn't return results in the CDCR system, the person may be held in one of these alternative facilities.

Alternative Methods to Find California Inmates

County Jail Searches

Many people arrested in California are held in county jails rather than state prisons, especially for misdemeanors or while awaiting trial. Each of California's 58 counties maintains its own inmate roster. Large counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County offer online searchable databases, while smaller counties may require phone inquiries.

Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator

For federal crimes, inmates are housed in federal facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons operates a separate inmate locator that searches federal prisons nationwide. This system uses a similar search interface where you can look up inmates by name or registration number.

Comprehensive Criminal Records Search

If you need broader information beyond just current incarceration status, our Criminal Records Search tool allows you to search sex offender registries, corrections records, arrest records, and court documents nationwide. This is particularly useful when you're unsure which facility might be holding someone or when you need historical criminal record information beyond what CDCR provides.

Common Reasons People Search CDCR Inmates

Understanding why someone might need inmate information helps frame the importance of accessible public records:

• Family members and friends looking to locate loved ones and arrange visitation
• Attorneys and legal professionals seeking client information for case preparation
• Victims of crimes monitoring offender status and release dates
• Journalists and researchers investigating criminal justice issues
• Employers and landlords conducting background checks
• Bail bond agents tracking defendants

California's public records laws generally make inmate information accessible to protect public safety and maintain transparency in the corrections system.

Visiting an Inmate in CDCR Custody

Once you've located an inmate, you may want to arrange a visit. CDCR facilities have specific visiting procedures that vary by institution. Here are the general requirements:

Visitor Approval Process

Before you can visit, you must be on the inmate's approved visitor list. The inmate typically initiates this process by submitting a visiting form with your information. CDCR will conduct a background check on potential visitors, which can take several weeks to complete.

Scheduling and Hours

Each CDCR facility has designated visiting days and hours, usually on weekends. Some institutions require advance reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the specific facility's visiting information on the CDCR website after locating the inmate.

What to Bring

Visitors must bring valid government-issued photo identification. Most facilities have strict rules about clothing, prohibited items, and what can be brought into visiting areas. Money for vending machines is typically allowed in small amounts.

Contacting CDCR Inmates

Beyond visits, there are several ways to communicate with inmates in CDCR custody:

Mail Correspondence

All CDCR facilities accept mail for inmates. Address letters to the inmate's full name, CDCR number, and the facility's mailing address. Incoming mail is inspected for contraband, so avoid sending anything prohibited such as stamps, cash, or certain types of photos.

Phone Calls

Inmates can make outgoing collect calls or prepaid calls to approved phone numbers. You cannot call inmates directly. Many families set up prepaid phone accounts to reduce the high cost of collect calls from correctional facilities.

Email and Messaging Services

CDCR has partnered with third-party vendors to provide electronic messaging services at some facilities. These systems allow approved contacts to send messages to inmates, though there are per-message fees and messages are monitored.

Understanding CDCR Number Format

Every inmate in California's state prison system receives a unique CDCR number upon admission. This six-character identifier follows them throughout their time in CDCR custody and remains associated with them even after release. Understanding this numbering system helps when conducting searches:

The CDCR number format consists of a letter followed by five digits (e.g., A12345). The letter prefix generally indicates the era when the person first entered CDCR custody, though the system has evolved over time. When searching by CDCR number, you must enter it exactly as formatted, including the letter prefix.

If you have court documents, arrest records, or previous correspondence related to a California inmate, the CDCR number should appear on those documents and provides the most reliable search method.

Privacy Considerations and Legal Access

While inmate information is generally public record in California, certain details have privacy protections. The CDCR inmate locator displays information relevant to public safety and victim notification but withholds some personal details like full dates of birth, complete criminal histories, and certain medical information.

If you need more comprehensive background information for employment screening, tenant screening, or legal proceedings, you may need to request official criminal history reports through proper channels. Our Background Checker tool provides comprehensive background reports with trust scores that can supplement public inmate search data.

What to Do If You Can't Find Someone

If your CDCR search returns no results, consider these possibilities:

• Name variations: Try different spellings, nicknames, or maiden names
• Recent booking: Very recent arrests may not yet appear in the CDCR system if the person is still in county jail awaiting transfer
• Released status: The person may have already been released or transferred out of CDCR custody
• Different facility type: Check county jails, federal facilities, or out-of-state institutions
• Expunged records: Some older records may be sealed or expunged under California law

For a more comprehensive search that checks multiple databases simultaneously, consider using broader criminal records search tools that aggregate data from various sources beyond just CDCR.

Tracking Release Dates and Parole Information

One of the most valuable features of the CDCR inmate locator is the ability to view projected release dates and parole eligibility information. This is particularly important for victims who want notification when an offender is released, or for family members planning for a loved one's return.

California law provides specific rights for crime victims to receive notification when an inmate is released or transferred. You can register for CDCR's Victim Notification System to receive automated alerts about changes to an inmate's status.

Keep in mind that release dates can change based on earned credits, disciplinary actions, or legal proceedings. The dates shown in the inmate locator are projections based on current information but are subject to modification.

Accessing Additional Criminal Records

While the CDCR inmate search is excellent for finding current California state prisoners, you may need additional resources for comprehensive criminal background research. Our Criminal Records Search helps you access sex offender registries, arrest records, court documents, and corrections records from multiple jurisdictions nationwide.

This broader approach is particularly useful for employers conducting pre-employment screening, individuals investigating someone's criminal history, or researchers compiling comprehensive background information. The tool searches multiple databases simultaneously, saving time compared to checking each county and state system individually.

Staying Updated on CDCR Policy Changes

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation periodically updates its policies, facility operations, and online systems. Changes to visiting procedures, communication methods, and data availability can affect how you search for and interact with information about inmates.

The CDCR website maintains current information about each facility, including temporary closures, policy updates, and system maintenance schedules. If you're having trouble accessing the inmate locator, check for system status updates or planned maintenance windows.

Conclusion

The CDCR inmate search system provides a straightforward, free method to locate individuals incarcerated in California's state prison system. By entering a name or CDCR number, you can quickly find current location information, projected release dates, and basic details about an inmate's conviction and sentence.

Whether you're a family member seeking to arrange a visit, a victim tracking an offender's release, or a professional conducting background research, understanding how to effectively use the CDCR inmate locator ensures you can access the public information you need. For broader criminal records searches beyond California's prison system, comprehensive tools that check multiple databases simultaneously can provide more complete results.