Contra Costa County, California Inmate Search

An inmate search is a public search tool that enables individuals to look up inmates currently incarcerated in a county, state, or federal prison. In Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office operates the official inmate search tool that provides information on individuals incarcerated in the county's jail facilities.

It provides access to various types of information, including the names, booking dates and numbers, charges, jail locations, and custody statuses of current inmates. Additionally, requesters may also obtain information by contacting the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office at:

How to Find an Inmate in Contra Costa County Jail

Interested parties may find inmates currently detained in the Contra Costa County Jail system using the county's In-Custody Locator. This is the official search tool maintained by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office for locating incarcerated individuals in the county's detention facilities. Through the portal, the public may identify individuals housed in the Martinez Detention Facility, the West County Detention Facility, or the Marsh Creek Detention Facility.

The locator usually provides information such as the mate's personal details (name, booking number, date of birth, gender, etc.), arrest details, bond information, and charge details.

For information that may not be available online, interested individuals may contact the Sheriff's Custody Services through the following addresses:

How to Use the Contra Costa Jail Roster

Requesters may conduct an inmate search using the County's online roster by following the steps below:

• Visit the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office website and click on "In-Custody Locator".
• The In-Custody Locator page allows searches using an inmate's name (complete name) or booking number.
• To search by name, enter an inmate's first name and last name in the relevant fields and click "Search".
• Click on "Detail" (under the "Action" column) in the search result summary.
• The "Detail" icon provides comprehensive inmate information, including personal details (name, date of birth, gender, ethnicity, etc.), arrest information (arresting agency, arrest date/time, and type), bond details, and booking and charge information.

What Information is Included in the Contra Costa Inmate Roster

The Contra Costa County inmate roster usually offers inmate information, such as:

• Full Legal Name: The inmate's official name registered during the booking exercise.
• Booking Number: A unique tracking number assigned to an arrestee while being processed into jail.
• Arrest Information: This consists of basic details regarding the arrest, including the date/time of arrest and the agency responsible for the arrest.
• Facility Name: The name of the jail facility where the inmate is being housed (e.g., Martinez Detention Facility, West County Detention Facility, Marsh Creek Detention Facility)
• Bail Information: This outlines the amount set by the court for an inmate (if applicable), the court date, time, and location.
• Booking and Charges Details: Provides a summary of the inmate's unique ID number, when they were entered into custody, and a brief description of alleged offenses.

Inmate-related records that are inaccessible to the public under the California Public Records Act include juvenile records, sensitive personal information (Social Security numbers, addresses, or complete case files), medical/mental records, and expunged or sealed records.

Contact Details for Contra Costa Jail or Sheriff's Office

Individuals seeking official inmate records or visitation and custody-related information may contact the jail staff or the Sheriff's Office at the following addresses:

Jail Facility Overview in Contra Costa

Contra Costa County has three detention facilities designed to house different types of inmates. With a capacity of approximately 695, the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) is a maximum-security jail that serves as the county's primary intake facility for arrested individuals. The facility houses a combination of pre-sentenced and sentenced inmates who are ineligible for less restrictive environments.

The West County Detention Facility (WCDF) is the newest jail in Contra Costa County. Located in Richmond, this medium-security facility has a capacity of 1,096 inmates, including four housing units for men and one for women. It functions as a direct-supervision jail, allowing inmates to participate in classes, educational or vocational programs, dental or medical appointments, religious services, or social visits with family and friends.

Compared to the other two jails, the Marsh Creek Detention Facility (MCDF) is a minimum security jail. Often described as "the farm" because of its rural location, the MCDF has a capacity of 154 and typically accommodates individuals convicted and sentenced for lesser crimes.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in the Martinez Detention Facility

Friends and family wishing to send money to Inmates at the Martinez Detention Facility may use the following deposit methods:

• On-Site Lobby Kiosks: Using a debit or credit card, depositors may send money to inmates via the self-service kiosks located in the facility lobby.
• Telephone Deposits: Friends and family may call the designated line (1-866-0460) with a credit or debit card to make a deposit.
• Online Portal via SmartDeposit: Depositors may securely add funds to their accounts using a credit or debit card through the SmartDeposit website. They are expected to select "Contra Costa County" and enter the correct inmate name or booking number.

Money Orders and Cashier's Checks

Only the following means of payment are accepted for prisoners:

The Martinez Detention Facility only accepts funds for inmates in the form of money orders and cashier's checks. Personal checks or cash are typically returned to the sender, along with all other contents in the envelope.

Money orders, cashier's checks, and traveler's checks are expected to be made payable to the Office of the Sheriff, with the inmate's name and booking number appearing on the front of the check.

Inmate Search by Jail Facility

Regardless of their location (whether at the Martinez Detention Facility, West County Detention Facility, or Marsh Creek Detention Facility), all inmates are searchable via the county's official "In-Custody Locator database". In other words, there is no separate inmate roster for each facility. The same inmate search tool includes all adult custody locations.

Juvenile Detention

The Contra Costa Juvenile Hall is a separate system operated by the County Juvenile Department, not the Sheriff's Office. Individuals seeking information about juvenile custody may contact the Juvenile Hall directly or visit their official website.

Note: juvenile rosters are typically not made available in the same manner as adult rosters.

Contra Costa Visitation Rules and Schedules

Martinez Detention Facility Visitation Rules and Schedule

Who Can Visit

• Only individuals who have been approved and scheduled by the inmate are allowed.
• The Jail permits up to four visitors for each inmate per session.
• Visitors must be checked in and meet facility screening requirements.

Visitor ID and Approval Requirements

• All adult visitors are required to produce a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, passport).
• Each visitor is expected to be on the inmate's approved visitor list. They are also required to complete a registration form with their details and relationship to the inmate.

Dress Code and Behavior Expectations

• Visitors are required to pass through a metal detector and undergo screening of personal items. The facility does not permit belongings, such as cell phones, cameras, or bags.
• Visitors are not permitted to have physical contact with inmates.
• Visitors are prohibited from passing items or gifts to inmates during visitation. Violations will result in immediate termination.
• Inappropriate attire (such as revealing clothing, gang-related items, or head coverings without prior approval) or disruptive behavior may result in the denial or termination of the visit.

Visitation Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday:

• 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thursday

• 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday

• 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Note: Registration for scheduled visitors usually starts 30 minutes before the designated visiting time. The jail administration expects visitors to have their visit slip time-stamped and placed in the tray 30 minutes before their scheduled visit.

Mailing and Commissary Information

As of November 2022, the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office expects all incoming non-privileged inmate mail to be sent to Pigeonly Corrections' mail processing center.

Each detention facility has an assigned 4-digit mailing code. When writing an inmate, use the mailing code listed below to ensure the correct detention facility receives their mail:

Accepted Mail Requirements

• All mail is expected to have a return address.
• Envelopes cannot measure larger than 4 in. x 9½ in.
• Letters are required to fit on paper no larger than 8 ½ in. x 11 in.
• Greeting cards are not allowed to exceed 5 inches by 7 inches in size.
• Postcards are required to be 5 x 7 inches.
• Photographs are limited to 4" x 6" (maximum of ten images per parcel)

Mail Not Allowed

• Mail with glitter, rhinestones, glued items, and stickers.
• Photographs smaller/larger than 4 in. x 6 in.
• Photographs from 3rd-party vendors
• Unused/blank envelopes, paper, stationary, and stamps.
• Official documents.
• Electronic greeting cards with pop-ups or oversized designs.
• Personal checks and/or cash.
• Bulk mail.