Finding out which jail someone is in can be achieved through several methods.

Here are some steps and resources you can use…

Online Inmate Locator Tools – Most jurisdictions have online inmate locator tools provided by their departments of corrections or local law enforcement agencies.

Here are steps to find these tools…

• State and County Jails – Visit the official website of the state’s Department of Corrections or the county sheriff’s office. Look for an inmate search or inmate locator tool.
  • Example – If the person is in California, you would visit the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) website.
• Federal Prisons – Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate locator tool for those held in federal facilities.
  • Website – BOP Inmate Locator
• City Jails – Larger cities often have their own inmate search tools on their police department websites.

Phone Inquiries – If online searches are not yielding results, you can call the facilities directly…

• Local Jails – Contact the local police department or county sheriff’s office.
• State Prisons – Call the state’s Department of Corrections.
• Federal Prisons – Contact the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

When calling, you will need the person’s full name, date of birth, and possibly other identifying information.

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) – VINE is a free service that allows you to track the custody status of offenders in many states…

• Website –  VINE Link
• Features – You can register for notifications about changes in custody status, such as transfers, releases, or other updates.

Third-Party Websites – There are third-party websites that aggregate inmate information from various jurisdictions. Some examples include…

• InmateAid – InmateAid Inmate Locator
• JailBase – JailBase
• Inmate Locator – Inmate Locator

These websites may have search tools that cover multiple jurisdictions but always verify information with official sources.

Contact an Attorney – If you’re having difficulty locating someone, consider contacting an attorney who may have additional resources and methods to find out where a person is being held.

Local Court Records – Check local court records if the person has had a recent court appearance. These records often indicate where the individual is being held.

Steps to Follow…

• Gather Information – Have the person’s full name, date of birth, and other identifying information ready.
• Start Locally – Begin your search with local jails and county facilities if the person was recently arrested.
• Expand Your Search – If you can’t find them locally, check state and federal resources.
• Use Online Tools – Utilize online inmate locators provided by correctional departments, VINE, and third-party websites.
• Make Phone Calls – Contact the facilities directly if online searches are not successful.
• Check Court Records – Look at recent court records for information about the person’s detention status.

By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you should be able to locate the jail where someone is being held.