San Mateo County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In San Mateo County?
Inmate records in San Mateo County are official government documents that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records are systematically maintained by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office in accordance with California Penal Code § 13100-13103, which establishes requirements for criminal justice record keeping.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions maintained by the Superior Court of San Mateo County
- Inmate records document the physical custody of individuals, their behavior while incarcerated, and administrative details of their confinement
The creation and maintenance of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Initial record creation occurs during booking and intake procedures
- Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes security classifications, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and program participation
- Records are finalized upon release but maintained according to statutory retention schedules
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division is the primary custodian of these records, maintaining them in compliance with state regulations and professional standards established by the California Board of State and Community Corrections.
Are Inmate Records Public In San Mateo County?
Inmate records in San Mateo County are partially accessible to the public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), specifically Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns and security considerations.
The following inmate information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information including name, date of birth, and physical descriptors
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Scheduled court appearances
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Current housing facility
However, certain information is explicitly exempted from public disclosure pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f) and other applicable statutes:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Detailed security classification information
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Records pertaining to juvenile inmates
- Information that would compromise institutional security
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains discretion to withhold certain information when disclosure would endanger the safety of a person involved in an investigation, jeopardize successful completion of an investigation, or reveal confidential sources.
What's Included Inmate Records in San Mateo County
Inmate records in San Mateo County contain comprehensive documentation organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Security classification
- Current housing assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Disciplinary incidents and outcomes
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor)
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency and jurisdiction
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount if eligible
- Bond type (cash, surety, etc.)
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Court-ordered conditions of release
Court Information:
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court location
- Assigned judge
- Case disposition if adjudicated
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Credit for time served
- Parole or probation eligibility dates
- Special conditions imposed by the court
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Type of release (completion of sentence, bail, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Release conditions
These records are maintained in electronic databases and physical files by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division in compliance with state regulations and professional standards.
San Mateo County Prison System
The San Mateo County correctional system operates under the jurisdiction of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, which administers local detention facilities for individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of up to one year. This system functions as part of California's broader correctional framework established under California Penal Code § 4000-4030.
It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons:
- County jails house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of one year or less
- State prisons, operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, house individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year
The San Mateo County correctional system includes multiple facilities designed to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. The system emphasizes both secure detention and rehabilitative programming aimed at reducing recidivism.
For inquiries regarding the San Mateo County correctional system, members of the public may contact:
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4911
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In San Mateo County
San Mateo County maintains several specialized correctional facilities to accommodate diverse inmate populations and security requirements:
Maguire Correctional Facility
300 Bradford Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4000
Maguire Correctional Facility
This maximum-security facility serves as the primary detention center for male inmates in San Mateo County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates with a capacity of approximately 688 beds. Services include medical and mental health care, educational programs, and religious services.
Maple Street Correctional Center
1300 Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4800
Maple Street Correctional Center
Opened in 2016, this modern facility houses both male and female inmates with a capacity of approximately 832 beds. The center emphasizes rehabilitative programming and features dedicated space for educational and vocational training. The design incorporates environmental sustainability features and improved visiting areas.
San Mateo County Women's Correctional Center
1590 Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4500
Women's Correctional Center
This specialized facility houses female inmates of all security classifications. Programming focuses on gender-responsive services including parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, and trauma-informed care. The facility has a capacity of approximately 84 beds.
San Mateo County Work Program Center
800 Barron Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4147
Work Program Center
This minimum-security facility administers alternative custody programs including work furlough, weekend work programs, and electronic monitoring. Eligible inmates may maintain employment while serving their sentences or perform community service in lieu of traditional incarceration.
Each facility operates under the oversight of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division and adheres to standards established by the California Board of State and Community Corrections.
Who's in Prison In San Mateo County
The San Mateo County jail system houses several distinct categories of individuals in accordance with California Penal Code § 4000, which authorizes county detention facilities to receive and keep specific classes of persons:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals arrested and awaiting arraignment
- Defendants who have been arraigned but await trial
- Persons who cannot post bail or are ineligible for bail
- Individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Sentenced Inmates:
- Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (up to one year)
- Individuals serving sentences for certain low-level felonies under California's Public Safety Realignment (AB 109)
- Persons serving split sentences with a combination of jail time and mandatory supervision
Special Populations:
- Individuals held on immigration detainers
- Persons in custody for probation or parole violations
- Individuals awaiting competency restoration for trial
- Persons temporarily housed while in transit to court appearances
Alternative Custody Participants:
- Work furlough program participants
- Weekend work program participants
- Electronic monitoring program participants
- Work release program participants
The demographic composition of the San Mateo County jail population fluctuates but generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains current population statistics and provides periodic reports to the Board of Supervisors and the California Board of State and Community Corrections.
Individuals convicted of more serious felonies with sentences exceeding one year are typically transferred to state prison facilities operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation rather than remaining in county custody.
How To Search for Inmate Records In San Mateo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in San Mateo County may utilize several methods to access this information:
Online Inmate Locator System:
- Visit the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Custody Information" section
- Enter the required search criteria (at least one is typically required):
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Booking number (if known)
- Date of birth
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate's name and booking photograph
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Charges
- Next court date (if applicable)
- Projected release date (if sentenced)
In-Person Record Requests:
-
Visit the Records Unit at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office:
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4911
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays) -
Complete a Public Records Request form
-
Provide identifying information about the inmate
-
Present valid government-issued photo identification
-
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction (if requesting copies)
Written Requests:
-
Submit a formal written request citing the California Public Records Act to:
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Records Unit
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063 -
Include in your request:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific records being requested
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Time period covered by the request
-
Allow up to 10 business days for a response pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c)
For information about criminal court cases related to an inmate, the public may access the Superior Court of San Mateo County's online case access system, which provides information about criminal proceedings separate from custody records.
How To Find an Inmate in San Mateo County for Free?
San Mateo County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody:
Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
- Review results showing current custody status and location
- Note that the system updates information daily but may not reflect very recent bookings or releases
Telephone Information System:
- Call the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Custody Information Line at (650) 363-4915
- Follow the automated prompts to search by inmate name
- Receive basic information about custody status and facility location
- Note that this service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week
Superior Court Case Information:
- Visit the Superior Court of San Mateo County's criminal division website
- Access the public case information portal
- Search by defendant name
- Review case information including custody status indicators
- Note that court records may not immediately reflect recent custody changes
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the public lobby of any San Mateo County correctional facility during regular business hours
- Speak with reception staff
- Provide the name of the person you are attempting to locate
- Receive basic information about custody status and visiting procedures if the individual is in custody
For individuals who may be in state prison rather than county jail, the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) provides a free online database of all persons in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
These resources provide basic custody information only. More detailed records may require formal requests through the procedures outlined in the previous section.
How To Visit an Inmate In San Mateo County
Visitation with inmates in San Mateo County correctional facilities is governed by established procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Pre-registration is required for all visits at least 24 hours in advance
- Visitors with criminal records may require special approval
- All visitors are subject to search upon entry
- Visitors must comply with all facility rules and staff directions
Visit Schedule:
- Maguire Correctional Facility: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Maple Street Correctional Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Women's Correctional Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Visit duration is typically 30-60 minutes depending on facility and classification
- Schedule is subject to modification during holidays or emergency situations
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Visiting registration confirmation
- Essential medications (must be declared and approved)
- Locker key deposit (quarters for facility lockers)
- Baby care items if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tools or items that could be used as weapons
- Electronic devices including cell phones, smartwatches, or cameras
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50
- Letters, papers, or documents for inmates
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire required
- No revealing clothing (no exposed midriffs, cleavage, or undergarments)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No law enforcement or security-type uniforms
- No clothing resembling inmate attire
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
- No hats, hoods, or head coverings (religious exceptions may apply with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- Contact visits: Available for minimum and medium security inmates
- Non-contact visits: Required for maximum security inmates
- Professional visits: Available for attorneys and clergy with proper credentials
- Video visitation: Available at some facilities as a supplement to in-person visits
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Visitors with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visiting privileges
- Facility lockdowns may result in canceled visits
For current visiting information and to schedule a visit, contact:
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4000
Inmate Visiting Information
How To Send Money to a San Mateo County Inmate
San Mateo County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the approved third-party payment processor website
- Create an account or log in
- Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
- Select the deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit card, debit card, or electronic check
- Save the confirmation receipt
- Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit any San Mateo County correctional facility during lobby hours
- Locate the automated payment kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Enter inmate information (name and booking number)
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Collect receipt
- Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
Mail-In Money Orders:
-
Purchase a money order from an approved provider (U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram)
-
Make payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
-
Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
-
Mail to:
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
Inmate Accounts
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063 -
Include sender's full name and return address
-
Funds are typically available within 5-7 business days
Amount Limits and Fees:
- Online deposits: $5.00 minimum, $300.00 maximum per transaction
- Kiosk deposits: $5.00 minimum, $300.00 maximum per transaction
- Money order deposits: $5.00 minimum, no maximum
- Service fees apply to online and kiosk transactions (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount)
- No fee for properly submitted money orders
Prohibited Items:
- Cash sent through mail
- Personal checks
- Traveler's checks
- Foreign currency
- Money orders with incomplete information
- Third-party checks
Authorized Fund Uses:
Inmates may use funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Educational materials
- Release funds
Restricted Fund Uses:
Funds may not be used for:
- Payment of bail or bonds
- Fines or restitution (separate processes apply)
- Purchases for other inmates
- Items prohibited by facility rules
Deposits are subject to deduction for outstanding debts including medical co-pays, property damage, or court-ordered obligations in accordance with California Penal Code § 4025.
How To Send Jail Mail In San Mateo County
Correspondence with inmates in San Mateo County correctional facilities must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery:
General Mail Guidelines:
-
Address all mail with complete and accurate information:
Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, State, ZIP Code -
Include a complete return address with sender's full name
-
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
-
Mail that does not comply with facility rules will be returned to sender or discarded
-
Legal mail from attorneys must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" and include the attorney's name and bar number
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller)
- Money orders (following procedures in previous section)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (subject to review)
- Subscription magazines or newspapers (must come directly from publisher)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages (without prior approval)
- Padded or oversized envelopes
- Plastic, metal, or wooden items
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Polaroid photographs
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cards larger than 6"x9"
- Items with glitter, glue, tape, or other adhesives
- Cash or personal checks
- Pornographic materials
- Gang-related materials
- Correspondence containing threats, contraband, escape plans, or criminal activity
E-Messages (where available):
- Create an account on the approved third-party messaging service
- Purchase message credits
- Compose message (text only, no attachments)
- Submit for review
- Messages are typically delivered within 24-48 hours after approval
Mail Restrictions:
- Correspondence between inmates at different facilities requires prior approval
- Inmates may be restricted from corresponding with victims, witnesses, or co-defendants
- Volume limitations may apply (typically 10 incoming letters per week)
- Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Mail for San Mateo County inmates should be addressed to the specific facility where the inmate is housed:
Maguire Correctional Facility
Inmate Name and Booking Number
300 Bradford Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
Maple Street Correctional Center
Inmate Name and Booking Number
1300 Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
Women's Correctional Center
Inmate Name and Booking Number
1590 Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
All mail procedures are subject to change based on security considerations and facility policies.
Lookup Inmate Records in San Mateo County
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
California Incarcerated Records & Information Search