San Mateo Inmate Search gives you fast, accurate access to real-time jail records in San Mateo County. Use the official online tool to find current inmates, view charges, booking dates, bail status, and release information. This public service helps families, legal professionals, and community members stay informed. The county jail system updates inmate data daily, ensuring transparency and accountability. Whether you’re looking for a loved one or verifying legal details, this resource delivers trusted, up-to-date results.
How to Use the San Mateo County Inmate Search Tool
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office runs the official inmate locator. It’s free, public, and updated every few hours. You can search by name or booking number. The system shows only active inmates currently held in county jails. Results include full name, age, booking date, charges, bail amount, and housing location. No registration is needed. The tool works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Go to the official website and click “Inmate Search.” Type the person’s last name and first name. You can also enter a booking number if you have it. The system will show all matching records. If no results appear, the person may not be in custody or the name might be spelled differently. Try common nicknames or alternate spellings. Always double-check the details before taking action.
Search Options Available
- Search by full name (last name, first name)
- Search by booking number
- Filter by date range (for recent bookings)
- View mugshots if available
- Check release dates and court schedules
What Information Is Shown
Each inmate record includes key facts. You’ll see the person’s full legal name, age, and photo if uploaded. The booking date tells you when they entered jail. Charges are listed with court case numbers. Bail amounts appear if set. You’ll also see which facility holds the inmate and their housing unit. Some records show upcoming court dates or release estimates.
Not all data is public. Personal details like home address, phone number, or medical info are never shown. The system follows California privacy laws. Only verified, non-sensitive data is displayed. This protects inmate safety and complies with state regulations.
San Mateo County Jail Roster: Live Inmate List
The San Mateo County jail roster is a live list of everyone currently in custody. It updates multiple times per day. The roster includes people held at the Maple Street Correctional Center and the Youth Services Center. It does not include federal inmates or those in state prisons. Only county-level arrests appear here.
The roster is sorted by booking date. Newest entries show first. You can scan the list to see who was recently arrested. Each entry links to a detailed profile. This helps users quickly locate someone without knowing their exact name. The list also shows gender, age, and primary charge.
Facilities Included in the Roster
- Maple Street Correctional Center – Main adult jail
- Youth Services Center – For minors under 18
- Temporary holding at sheriff substations
How Often Is the Roster Updated?
The roster refreshes every 2 to 4 hours during business days. Overnight updates may be less frequent. Real-time changes happen when someone is booked, released, or transferred. The system syncs with court and law enforcement databases. This ensures accuracy and timeliness.
San Mateo County Sheriff Inmate Search: Official Process
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office manages all inmate records. Their website is the only official source for jail data. Third-party sites may show outdated or incorrect info. Always verify details using the county tool. The sheriff’s office also handles visitation, phone calls, and mail for inmates.
To use the official search, visit the sheriff’s website and find the “Inmate Information” section. Click “Search for an Inmate.” Enter the required details. The system will display results within seconds. If you need help, call the jail information line. Staff can assist with basic questions but cannot give legal advice.
Contact Information for Inmate Inquiries
For phone support, call (650) 363-4000. This line operates Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours, leave a message. Calls are returned the next business day. You can also email inmateinfo@smcgov.org for non-urgent requests. Include the inmate’s full name and booking number if known.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Visitation at the Maple Street Jail occurs on weekends and select weekdays. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Wednesday evenings run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors must schedule appointments online at least 24 hours ahead. Walk-ins are not allowed.
All visitors must bring a valid photo ID. Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian present. Dress code rules apply: no hats, hoods, or revealing clothing. Bags and phones are not permitted inside. Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. More visits may be allowed for legal counsel.
San Mateo Inmate Records: What’s Public and What’s Not
San Mateo inmate records are public under California law. Anyone can request them. The county provides online access to protect privacy while ensuring transparency. Records include booking photos, charges, and custody status. They do not include medical files, disciplinary reports, or personal correspondence.
Mugshots are published only if the inmate is charged with a felony or certain misdemeanors. Not all arrests result in photo release. The decision follows state guidelines. Once posted, mugshots remain online until the person is released or the case is closed. Expunged records may still appear briefly due to system delays.
Types of Charges Listed
- Felonies (e.g., assault, theft, drug crimes)
- Misdemeanors (e.g., DUI, trespassing, vandalism)
- Traffic violations with jail time
- Warrants from other counties
How Long Are Records Kept Online?
Active inmates stay on the roster until release. After release, records may remain online for 30 to 90 days. Then they are archived. Archived records can be requested through the sheriff’s records unit. There is a small fee for printed copies. Digital requests are usually free.
Find an Inmate in San Mateo County: Step-by-Step
Finding an inmate in San Mateo County takes just a few minutes. Start by gathering the person’s full name and approximate booking date. If you have a booking number, use that for faster results. Then go to the official inmate search page.
Type the name into the search box. Use the format: Last Name, First Name. Avoid middle names or initials unless certain. Click “Search.” Review the results. Match the name, age, and charges to confirm it’s the right person. Click the name to see full details.
If No Results Appear
No results mean the person is likely not in custody. They could be in a different county, state prison, or released. Try searching nearby counties like San Francisco or Santa Clara. You can also call the jail to confirm. Sometimes names are misspelled in the system. Try variations like “Jon” instead of “John.”
Using Booking Numbers
Booking numbers are unique IDs assigned at arrest. They start with “SM” followed by digits (e.g., SM123456). If you have this number, enter it directly. The system will pull the exact record. Booking numbers are given to arresting officers, lawyers, and family members during intake.
San Mateo County Detention Facility: Locations and Services
The main San Mateo County detention facility is the Maple Street Correctional Center. It sits at 3000 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063. This jail houses adult males and females. It has capacity for over 800 inmates. The facility includes medical units, visitation areas, and program spaces.
The Youth Services Center is at 1200 Maple Street, same campus. It holds minors arrested in the county. Juveniles are separated from adults at all times. The center focuses on education and rehabilitation. Most youth are released within days or transferred to state facilities.
Facility Features
- 24/7 medical and mental health staff
- On-site pharmacy and dental care
- Educational classes (GED, literacy)
- Substance abuse counseling
- Religious services (chaplain available)
- Work release programs for eligible inmates
Security Levels
The jail uses three security levels. Minimum security inmates live in open dorms. Medium security includes locked cells with controlled movement. Maximum security is for high-risk individuals. Classification happens within 72 hours of booking. Inmates can appeal their level if conditions change.
San Mateo County Inmate Information: Charges, Bail & Release
Inmate information includes charges, bail amounts, and release dates. Charges are listed by court case number. Each charge has a description and severity level. Bail is set at arraignment, usually within 48 hours of booking. Judges consider flight risk and public safety.
Bail can be paid in cash, via bond, or through a bail bondsman. Cash bail must be paid in full at the jail. Bonds require a 10% fee to a licensed agent. Once paid, the inmate is released within hours. Failure to appear in court results in bail forfeiture.
Release Process
Release happens after bail is paid, charges are dropped, or sentence is served. Inmates receive a release form with next steps. They get their personal items back. Transportation is not provided. Families must arrange pickup. Medical prescriptions are given if needed.
Estimated Release Dates
The system shows estimated release dates based on sentence length and credit for time served. These are not guarantees. Court delays, new charges, or appeals can change timing. Always check the online tool for the latest status. The sheriff’s office does not predict exact release times.
San Mateo County Inmate Visitation: Rules & Scheduling
Visitation connects inmates with family and friends. It’s allowed under strict rules to maintain safety. All visits are non-contact and monitored. Visitors sit behind glass or on phones. Physical contact is not permitted except for brief handshakes during attorney visits.
Appointments must be made online. Go to the sheriff’s website and click “Visitation.” Choose the inmate, date, and time slot. Confirm your ID and relationship. You’ll get a confirmation email. Arrive 15 minutes early. Late arrivals may lose their slot.
Allowed Items for Visitors
- Photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
- Keys (in clear plastic bag)
- Medical devices (with approval)
Prohibited Items
- Cell phones
- Bags, purses, or backpacks
- Food, drinks, or gum
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Cameras or recording devices
San Mateo County Inmate Phone Calls: How They Work
Inmates can make outgoing calls but cannot receive them. Calls are collect or prepaid through a third-party service. Families can set up accounts online to accept charges. Calls are limited to 15 minutes. They may be recorded and monitored for security.
Phone access is available daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Inmates get a set number of calls per week based on behavior. Calls to lawyers are private and not recorded. Inmates must register their phone numbers in advance. Changes take 24 hours to process.
Cost of Calls
Call rates vary by provider. Typical cost is $0.25 to $0.35 per minute. Prepaid plans offer discounts. Families can deposit money into an inmate’s phone account. Funds are used automatically for calls. Unused balances remain until release.
San Mateo County Inmate Address & Mail Guidelines
Mail is a key way to stay in touch. Inmates can send and receive letters. All mail is inspected for contraband. Use the correct format to avoid delays. Include the inmate’s full name and booking number on every piece.
Send mail to:
Inmate Name & Booking Number
Maple Street Correctional Center
3000 Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
Allowed Mail Items
- Letters on plain paper
- Photos (4×6 inches or smaller)
- Postcards
- Legal documents
Prohibited Mail Items
- Stickers, glue, or tape
- Polaroids or instant photos
- Cash, checks, or money orders
- Books or magazines (must come from publisher)
San Mateo County Inmate Booking Number: How to Get It
The booking number is created when someone is arrested and processed. It’s printed on the intake form given to law enforcement. Families often receive it from the arresting officer or court clerk. You can also find it using the online inmate search by name.
Booking numbers help track inmates across systems. Use them for visits, calls, mail, and legal filings. Keep the number safe. Share it only with trusted people. If lost, call the jail or search online again.
San Mateo County Inmate Facility Location & Map
The main jail is at 3000 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063. It’s near Highway 101 and Woodside Road. Free parking is available in the county lot. Public transit serves the area via SamTrans buses. The Youth Services Center is next door at 1200 Maple Street.
San Mateo County Inmate Search Online: Tips for Accuracy
Online search is the fastest way to get inmate data. Use the official site to avoid scams. Third-party sites often charge fees or show old info. The county tool is free and updated regularly. Always check the date on the record to confirm it’s current.
Search during business hours for best results. Night and weekend updates may lag. If you can’t find someone, wait a few hours and try again. New bookings can take time to appear. For urgent needs, call the jail directly.
Common Search Mistakes
- Using nicknames instead of legal names
- Misspelling names (e.g., “Smith” vs “Smyth”)
- Searching too soon after arrest
- Using third-party sites that aren’t updated
San Mateo County Jail Inmate Lookup Tool: Features
The lookup tool is built for speed and accuracy. It uses a secure database linked to law enforcement systems. Results load in under 5 seconds. The interface is simple: one search box and a results table. No ads or pop-ups appear.
You can sort results by name, date, or charge. Print or email records directly from the page. The tool works on all devices. Mobile users get a simplified view for easier reading. Accessibility features support screen readers and keyboard navigation.
San Mateo County Inmate Search by Date, Name & Booking Number
You can search by date to see who was booked on a specific day. This helps track recent arrests. Enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format. The system shows all bookings from that day. Combine with name search for better accuracy.
Searching by last name shows all inmates with that surname. Useful for common names. Add the first name to narrow results. Booking number search is the most precise. Use it when you have the exact ID.
San Mateo County Inmate Status: Active, Released or Transferred
Inmate status tells you where a person is. “Active” means they’re in jail. “Released” means they’ve left custody. “Transferred” means they’ve moved to another facility. Status updates within hours of change.
If someone is transferred, the new location may not appear immediately. Check back in 24 hours. For state transfers, contact the California Department of Corrections. Federal transfers go to BOP facilities.
San Mateo County Inmate Charges: Felony vs Misdemeanor
Charges determine jail time and bail. Felonies are serious crimes with longer sentences. Misdemeanors are less severe. Both appear on the inmate record. Charges can change as cases progress. Always check for updates.
Bail for felonies is usually higher. Some charges require no bail. Judges decide based on risk. Inmates can request bail reduction hearings. Lawyers help with these requests.
San Mateo County Inmate Mugshots: When Are They Released?
Mugshots are released after booking if charges are filed. Not all arrests lead to photos. The sheriff’s office follows state law. Photos help identify suspects but can harm reputations. Once posted, they stay online unless sealed by court order.
You can view mugshots on the inmate search page. Click the photo icon next to the name. Some older records lack images due to policy changes. Newer bookings almost always include photos.
San Mateo County Inmate Database: How It’s Maintained
The database is managed by the Sheriff’s Office Records Division. Staff enter data from arrest reports, court filings, and jail logs. Systems cross-check for errors. Backups run nightly. Security prevents unauthorized access.
Data is shared with courts, probation, and law enforcement. Privacy is protected under California law. Only authorized personnel can edit records. Public users see read-only versions.
San Mateo County Jail Search by Name: Best Practices
Use the full legal name when searching. Avoid nicknames or shortened versions. If unsure, try common variations. Check middle initials if known. The system is case-insensitive but spelling matters.
Search one name at a time. Multiple names slow the system. Clear the search box between attempts. Use the “Reset” button to start over. Save results by printing or bookmarking the page.
San Mateo County Inmate Search Official Website
The official website is https://www.smcsheriff.com. Go to the “Inmate Information” section. Click “Inmate Search.” This is the only trusted source. Do not use unofficial sites. They may have wrong data or hidden fees.
The site is secure (HTTPS) and updated daily. It’s maintained by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. For questions, use the contact form or call (650) 363-4000.
San Mateo County Inmate Search Public Records: Your Rights
California law gives the public right to access jail records. You don’t need a reason to search. Records are free online. For copies, there may be a small fee. Requests must be in writing.
Some records are exempt, like juvenile files or ongoing investigations. Denials can be appealed. The sheriff’s office must respond within 10 days. Most requests are approved quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about inmate search, visitation, and legal rights. Below are clear answers based on current policies. These reflect the most common concerns from families, lawyers, and community members.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in San Mateo County?
Use the official inmate search tool on the San Mateo County Sheriff’s website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. The system shows current inmates, charges, and custody status. If no results appear, the person may not be in custody. You can also call (650) 363-4000 for help. Always use the county site—not third-party pages—to ensure accuracy. The tool updates every few hours, so recent bookings may take time to show. For urgent needs, visit the jail in person with valid ID.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment?
No, all visits require a scheduled appointment. Walk-ins are not allowed. You must book online at least 24 hours in advance. Choose a time slot during visiting hours: weekends 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Wednesdays 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID and follow dress code rules. Bags, phones, and food are not permitted. Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. Legal visits may have different rules. Arrive early to complete check-in.
How do I send money to an inmate?
You can send money online, by phone, or in person. Use the Access Corrections portal or call (866) 345-1884. Deposits go into the inmate’s trust account for commissary purchases. In-person deposits can be made at kiosks in the jail lobby using cash, debit, or credit. Mail checks or money orders to the jail address with the inmate’s name and booking number. Funds are available within 24 hours. There are fees for some methods. Keep receipts for your records.
Are inmate phone calls monitored?
Yes, all inmate phone calls are recorded and may be monitored except for calls to attorneys. Inmates must register phone numbers in advance. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and can only be made to approved numbers. Families can set up prepaid accounts to accept charges. Call rates range from $0.25 to $0.35 per minute. Calls are available daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monitoring helps ensure safety and prevent illegal activity. Recorded calls can be used in investigations if needed.
What happens if an inmate is released?
When an inmate is released, they receive their personal items and a release form. Medical prescriptions are provided if needed. Transportation is not arranged by the jail—families must pick them up. Release can happen after bail is paid, charges are dropped, or a sentence is completed. The online roster updates within hours. Released inmates may still have court dates. They should contact their lawyer or probation officer. Records stay online for 30 to 90 days before archiving.
Can I get a copy of an inmate’s full record?
Yes, but only certain parts are public. You can view basic info online for free. For full records, submit a written request to the Sheriff’s Records Unit. Include the inmate’s name, booking number, and your contact info. There may be a fee for copies. Some details, like medical or disciplinary files, are not released due to privacy laws. Requests are processed within 10 days. Denials can be appealed. Juvenile records are sealed and not accessible.
How do I report incorrect inmate information?
If you see wrong data online, contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately. Call (650) 363-4000 or email inmateinfo@smcgov.org. Provide the inmate’s name, booking number, and the error details. Staff will verify and correct the record if needed. Errors can include wrong charges, release dates, or housing units. Updates may take 24 to 48 hours to appear online. Always double-check with official sources before acting on inmate data.
Official Website: https://www.smcsheriff.com
Phone: (650) 363-4000
Visiting Hours: Saturdays & Sundays 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Wednesdays 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Address: 3000 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063