Fresno County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Fresno County?
Inmate records in Fresno County are official documents maintained by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records serve as the official documentation of an individual's interaction with the county's criminal justice system from the point of arrest through incarceration and release.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains these records pursuant to California Government Code § 6250-6270, which establishes the California Public Records Act. This legislation governs the maintenance, accessibility, and disclosure of public records throughout the state of California, including inmate records.
Inmate records typically include:
- Booking information
- Custody status
- Scheduled court appearances
- Charges and case numbers
- Sentencing information
- Projected release dates
- Facility housing assignments
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau is responsible for maintaining these records and can be contacted at:
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
2200 Fresno Street, Suite 208
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8600
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Are Inmate Records Public In Fresno County?
Inmate records in Fresno County are generally considered public information in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain information about individuals in custody.
The following aspects of inmate records are typically available to the public:
- Inmate's full name
- Booking number
- Current charges
- Bail amount
- Custody status
- Next scheduled court date
- Expected release date (when applicable)
However, certain information within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure under Government Code § 6254, which protects:
- Medical and mental health information
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Information that may compromise ongoing investigations
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Records that may endanger the safety of an individual if disclosed
Members of the public seeking inmate information may access basic details through the Fresno County inmate search portal or by contacting the Fresno County Sheriff's Office directly. For more comprehensive records, individuals may submit a formal public records request pursuant to the CPRA.
Law enforcement agencies, court officials, and authorized legal representatives may have access to more detailed inmate information than what is available to the general public, as permitted by California law.
What's Included Inmate Records in Fresno County
Inmate records maintained by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive documentation related to an individual's incarceration. These records are maintained in accordance with California Penal Code § 13100-13103, which establishes requirements for criminal justice agency record-keeping.
Standard inmate records in Fresno County include:
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Demographic Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
-
Case Processing Details:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Criminal charges (including California Penal Code references)
- Court case numbers
- Bail or bond information
- Court appearance schedules
- Sentencing information
-
Custody Management Information:
- Current housing assignment
- Classification level
- Disciplinary records
- Visitation logs
- Commissary and telephone usage
- Projected release date
-
Administrative Documentation:
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results (with privacy restrictions)
- Program participation records
- Work assignments within the facility
The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno maintains additional records related to criminal proceedings, which may complement the inmate records held by the Sheriff's Office. These court records often contain detailed information about case dispositions, sentencing, and other judicial determinations.
Fresno County Prison System
The Fresno County correctional system operates under the authority of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, as established by California Government Code § 26600-26609, which outlines the Sheriff's responsibility to keep and operate county jails. This system is distinct from the California state prison system managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Fresno County's correctional facilities primarily house:
- Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
- Offenders serving sentences of less than one year
- State prisoners temporarily housed for court appearances
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division administers these facilities with an operational focus on security, inmate welfare, and rehabilitation programs. The system operates in compliance with Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations, which establishes minimum standards for local detention facilities.
Administrative oversight of the Fresno County jail system is headquartered at:
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division Administration
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8400
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are typically transferred to state prison facilities operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which maintains separate record systems accessible through the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) platform.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Fresno County
Fresno County maintains several types of correctional facilities, each serving specific functions within the local criminal justice system. These facilities operate under the authority granted by California Penal Code § 4000-4030, which establishes provisions for the operation of county jails.
Main Jail (Fresno County Jail)
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8600
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
The Main Jail is a maximum-security facility primarily housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences for misdemeanors and low-level felonies, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities. This facility includes specialized housing units for various classification levels and inmates with special needs.
North Annex Jail
1265 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8400
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
The North Annex primarily houses minimum to medium-security inmates, including those participating in work programs and educational opportunities. This facility focuses on rehabilitation and reentry preparation.
South Annex Jail
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8350
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
The South Annex houses female inmates of various classification levels and provides gender-specific programming and services.
Satellite Jail
1265 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8450
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
This facility primarily processes new arrestees and houses inmates temporarily before classification and assignment to appropriate housing units.
In addition to these facilities, Fresno County operates specialized detention programs including:
- Work release programs (authorized under California Penal Code § 4024.2)
- Electronic monitoring (authorized under California Penal Code § 1203.018)
- Day reporting centers
- Treatment-based alternatives to incarceration
Each facility maintains its own internal records, though all inmate information is centralized in the Sheriff's Office records management system for consistency and accessibility.
Who's in Prison In Fresno County
The Fresno County correctional system houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. According to data maintained by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office pursuant to California Penal Code § 6031.4, which requires the reporting of jail population statistics, the county's facilities typically house between 2,800 and 3,200 inmates daily.
The inmate population generally consists of:
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Pre-trial detainees: Individuals awaiting court proceedings who have not posted bail or were denied bail. These detainees comprise approximately 60-65% of the total population.
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Sentenced offenders: Persons serving court-imposed sentences of less than one year for misdemeanors or certain felonies. This group represents roughly 25-30% of the population.
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State prisoners: Inmates who have been sentenced to state prison but are temporarily housed in county facilities for court appearances or other administrative reasons, accounting for approximately 5-10% of the population.
-
Federal detainees: Individuals held under contract with federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, comprising approximately 1-5% of the population.
Demographic analysis of the Fresno County inmate population indicates:
- Male inmates constitute approximately 85-90% of the population
- Female inmates represent approximately 10-15% of the population
- The average age of inmates is 34 years
- Approximately 40% are Hispanic/Latino, 30% White, 20% African American, and 10% other ethnicities
The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno maintains records of criminal proceedings that result in incarceration, while the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation tracks individuals who have been transferred from county custody to state prison facilities.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Fresno County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Fresno County may utilize several official channels to access this information. The California Public Records Act, Government Code § 6253(a), establishes that public records shall be available for inspection during regular office hours of the governmental agency.
Online Inmate Locator System
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal accessible through their official website. To utilize this resource:
- Navigate to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Information" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the required search criteria (at least one is required):
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Booking number
- Date of birth
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Next court date
- Projected release date (if applicable)
In-Person Record Requests
Individuals may request inmate records in person at:
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
2200 Fresno Street, Suite 208
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8600
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Requestors should be prepared to:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification
- Specify the records being requested
- Pay applicable copying fees (currently $0.25 per page)
Court Records Search
For information about criminal cases associated with incarceration, the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno provides case information through their online portal or at:
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
State Prison Records
For individuals transferred to state custody, records may be accessed through the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) maintained by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
How To Find an Inmate in Fresno County for Free?
Fresno County provides several no-cost options for locating inmates currently held in county correctional facilities. These services are provided in accordance with California Government Code § 6253, which stipulates that public records shall be open to inspection at no charge during the regular business hours of the governmental agency.
Online Inmate Locator
The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the Fresno County Sheriff's Office online inmate search tool:
- Visit the Fresno County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Custody Search" section
- Enter the inmate's information (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which include current custody status and facility location
This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and requires no registration or payment.
Telephone Information Line
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated inmate information line:
- Call (559) 600-8600
- Follow the automated prompts for inmate information
- Provide the requested information about the inmate you are trying to locate
- Available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
In-Person Inquiry
Individuals may inquire about an inmate's custody status in person at:
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Public Information Desk
2200 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3111
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Court Records Search
The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno provides free public access terminals at:
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Public terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
These terminals allow visitors to search court cases that may contain information about an individual's incarceration status.
How To Visit an Inmate In Fresno County
Visitation with inmates housed in Fresno County correctional facilities is governed by regulations established pursuant to California Penal Code § 4571, which authorizes the Sheriff to establish visiting procedures. All visitors must comply with these regulations to maintain facility security and ensure orderly visitation.
General Visitation Guidelines
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or older with valid government-issued photo identification
- Minors may visit only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Visitors must schedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- A maximum of two visitors are allowed per visiting session
- All visitors are subject to search and must clear security screening
- Appropriate attire is required (no revealing clothing, gang-related attire, or clothing resembling inmate uniforms)
Scheduling a Visit
Visits may be scheduled through:
- The online visitation scheduling system available at Fresno County Sheriff's Office website
- The visitation scheduling telephone line: (559) 600-8484
- In-person at the facility (subject to availability)
Visitation Locations and Hours
Main Jail (Fresno County Jail)
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8600
Visitation Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
North Annex Jail
1265 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8400
Visitation Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
South Annex Jail
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8350
Visitation Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Video Visitation
Fresno County offers video visitation services at designated terminals within the facilities or remotely via internet connection. Remote video visits require:
- Registration through the approved video visitation provider
- Payment of applicable fees ($12.99 per 25-minute session)
- Compatible computer or mobile device with webcam and internet connection
Professional Visits
Attorneys, clergy, and other professional visitors may arrange special visits by contacting:
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Professional Visitation Coordinator
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-8400
Professional visits are typically available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and require proper professional credentials.
How To Send Money to a Fresno County Inmate
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These transactions are processed in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 1045, which establishes guidelines for inmate financial accounts in local detention facilities.
Online Deposits
The most efficient method for sending funds is through the authorized online payment processor:
- Visit the Fresno County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Services" or "Commissary" section
- Select the approved payment processor link
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's information (full name and booking number)
- Select the deposit amount (minimum $10.00, maximum $300.00 per transaction)
- Complete the payment using a credit or debit card
- Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of the transaction amount)
Kiosk Deposits
Self-service kiosks are available in the lobby of each detention facility:
Main Jail Lobby Kiosk
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Available 24 hours daily
North Annex Lobby Kiosk
1265 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Available 24 hours daily
Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. A receipt is provided for all transactions, and funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-2 hours.
Mail-In Money Orders
Money orders may be sent via postal mail to:
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Inmate Accounts
P.O. Box 872
Fresno, CA 93712
Requirements for mail-in money orders:
- Made payable to "Fresno County Sheriff's Office Inmate Accounts"
- Inmate's full name and booking number in the memo line
- Sender's full name and return address
- Maximum amount of $300.00 per money order
- No personal checks or cash accepted
Processing time for mail-in deposits is typically 3-5 business days from receipt.
Deposit Restrictions
- Maximum monthly deposit limit: $900.00 per inmate
- Funds from unidentifiable sources will be returned
- Deposits from individuals with active restraining orders against the inmate will be rejected
- All deposits are subject to a 10% deduction for any outstanding restitution orders pursuant to California Penal Code § 2085.5
How To Send Jail Mail In Fresno County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Fresno County correctional facilities is subject to specific regulations established pursuant to California Penal Code § 4570-4575, which governs communications with persons in custody. All mail must comply with these regulations to ensure delivery.
Mailing Address Format
All mail must be addressed as follows:
Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Facility Name
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Example:
John Doe, #1234567
Fresno County Main Jail
1225 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Acceptable Mail Items
- Letters (maximum 10 pages, standard white paper only)
- Greeting cards (plain paper only, no musical, pop-up, or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (see previous section for requirements)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as "Legal Mail" on the envelope)
Prohibited Items
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Colored paper or envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Any items containing glitter, glue, or adhesive substances
- Pornographic or obscene materials
- Gang-related content
Mail Inspection Procedures
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband and compliance with facility regulations. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the presence of the inmate.
Electronic Messaging
Fresno County offers a secure electronic messaging system for communication with inmates:
- Visit the Fresno County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Services" section
- Select the approved electronic messaging provider
- Create an account and purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages (maximum 2,000 characters)
- Attach photos if desired (additional fee applies)
Electronic messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail and are typically delivered within 24-48 hours after review.
Mail Restrictions
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office reserves the right to reject any correspondence that:
- Threatens the security of the facility
- Contains plans for criminal activity
- Violates any state or federal law
- Exceeds the stated limitations
- Is addressed to an inmate who has been released or transferred