Riverside County Public Records /Riverside County Inmate Search

Riverside County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Riverside County?

Inmate records in Riverside County are official government documents maintained by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and correctional facilities that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13150, these records constitute an official chronological documentation of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system from the point of arrest through release.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:

Court records document judicial proceedings, hearings, and case dispositions
Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
Court records are maintained by the Riverside County Superior Court
Inmate records are maintained by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department

The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when an individual is processed into a detention facility. During this intake process, correctional staff collect biographical information, take photographs and fingerprints, inventory personal property, and document the reason for detention. Throughout incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical care, program participation, and visitation. Upon release, final disposition information is added to complete the record.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department, as the agency responsible for operating the county's detention facilities, serves as the official custodian of these records in accordance with California Government Code § 6252(e).

Are Inmate Records Public In Riverside County?

Inmate records in Riverside County are partially accessible to the public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, access is limited by specific exemptions designed to protect individual privacy, institutional security, and ongoing investigations.

According to California Government Code § 6254(f), certain information contained in inmate records must be disclosed to the public, including:

Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
Full name of the individual
Date of birth
Gender
Physical description
Date and time of booking
Location of arrest
Factual circumstances of arrest
Amount of bail set
Time and manner of release or location where the individual is being held
All charges the individual is being held upon

Information that is generally not publicly accessible includes:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary records
Detailed housing assignments
Social security numbers
Personal contact information
Victim information
Information that would compromise facility security

Members of the public seeking inmate information may access the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's online inmate locator system or submit a formal public records request for specific information not available through the online portal.

What's Included Inmate Records in Riverside County

Inmate records in Riverside County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's period of incarceration. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and other physical descriptors
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Fingerprints
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking
Arresting agency
Location of arrest
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
Current housing assignment
Classification level
Projected release date (if applicable)

Charge Information:

All current charges (including statute numbers)
Case numbers
Warrant information (if applicable)
Parole/probation holds (if applicable)
Immigration holds (if applicable)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount (if eligible)
Bond type
Bond status
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Next scheduled court appearance
Court case numbers
Name of assigned judge
Attorney of record

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Length of sentence
Conviction date
Sentencing date
Credit for time served
Eligibility for early release programs
Parole eligibility date (if applicable)

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Actual release date and time (if released)
Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer, etc.)
Post-release supervision requirements (if applicable)

These records are maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 1041, which establishes minimum standards for inmate record keeping in local detention facilities.

Riverside County Prison System

The Riverside County correctional system operates under the authority of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, which maintains jurisdiction over five detention facilities throughout the county. This system primarily houses individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than one year, or awaiting transfer to state prison facilities.

It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons:

County jails in Riverside County house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of one year or less for misdemeanors and some felonies
State prisons, operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, house individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year

The Riverside County jail system currently has a rated capacity of approximately 3,900 inmates but frequently operates above this capacity. The system processes over 60,000 bookings annually and manages an average daily population of approximately 3,600 inmates.

For information regarding inmates in Riverside County detention facilities, members of the public may contact:

Riverside County Sheriff's Department - Corrections Division
4095 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955-4500
Riverside County Sheriff's Department

Types of Correctional Facilities In Riverside County

Riverside County operates five distinct detention facilities, each serving different populations and security needs within the county correctional system:

Robert Presley Detention Center
4000 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955-4500
Robert Presley Detention Center

This maximum-security facility in downtown Riverside serves as the county's central booking facility and houses primarily pre-trial detainees. With a rated capacity of 1,111 inmates, it includes specialized housing for administrative segregation, protective custody, and mental health services.

Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility
1627 S. Hargrave Street
Banning, CA 92220
(951) 922-7300
Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility

Located in Banning, this medium/maximum-security facility has a rated capacity of 1,520 inmates and houses both pre-trial and sentenced individuals. The facility includes specialized housing units for veterans, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training programs.

Southwest Detention Center
30755 Auld Road
Murrieta, CA 92563
(951) 696-3900
Southwest Detention Center

Serving the southwest region of the county, this facility has a rated capacity of 1,111 inmates and houses both male and female inmates. It includes specialized housing for work release programs and minimum-security inmates.

John J. Benoit Detention Center
46057 Oasis Street
Indio, CA 92201
(760) 863-8990
John J. Benoit Detention Center

This newer facility in the eastern Coachella Valley region replaced the former Indio Jail with expanded capacity and modern design. With a rated capacity of 1,626 inmates, it houses both pre-trial and sentenced individuals and includes specialized medical and mental health housing units.

Cois M. Byrd Detention Center
30755 Auld Road
Murrieta, CA 92563
(951) 696-3900
Cois M. Byrd Detention Center

Located adjacent to the Southwest Detention Center, this facility primarily houses female inmates and those requiring specialized medical care. It has a rated capacity of approximately 500 inmates.

Who's in Prison In Riverside County

The Riverside County detention facilities house a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population generally consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting arraignment
Defendants who have been arraigned but are awaiting trial
Individuals who have not posted bail or were denied bail
Approximately 60% of the county's jail population consists of pre-trial detainees

Sentenced Individuals:

Persons serving sentences of one year or less for misdemeanor convictions
Individuals serving sentences for felony convictions with terms of 364 days or less pursuant to California Penal Code § 1170(h)
Approximately 40% of the county's jail population consists of sentenced individuals

Special Populations:

Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison
Persons held on immigration detainers
Individuals participating in work release or other alternative custody programs
State prison inmates temporarily housed in county facilities for court appearances

According to data from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects:

Approximately 85% male and 15% female
Average age of 34 years
Approximately 45% Hispanic, 30% White, 20% Black, and 5% other ethnicities
Approximately 25% of inmates have diagnosed mental health conditions requiring treatment

The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 27 days, while sentenced inmates serve an average of 120 days in custody.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Riverside County in 2026

Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Riverside County detention facilities may utilize several methods to access inmate records:

Online Inmate Locator System:

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate information system that provides basic custody information:

Visit the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information page
Select "Inmate Information Search"
Search using one of the following criteria:
- Last name and first name
- Booking number
- Case number
Review the results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Booking number
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bail amount
- Next court date
- Facility location
- Projected release date (if applicable)

In-Person Records Request:

For more detailed information not available through the online system, individuals may submit a records request in person:

Visit the Records Bureau at the Riverside County Sheriff's Department headquarters:

Riverside County Sheriff's Department - Records Bureau
4095 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(951) 955-2400
Complete a Public Records Act request form
Provide specific information about the inmate (full name, date of birth, approximate booking date)
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.10 per page)

Written Records Request:

Written requests may be submitted by mail:

Prepare a written request including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration (if known)
- Purpose of request (optional)
Mail the request to:

Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Attn: Records Bureau
P.O. Box 512
Riverside, CA 92502
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response

Requests are typically processed within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time as permitted under the California Public Records Act.

How To Find an Inmate in Riverside County for Free?

Riverside County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county detention system:

Online Inmate Locator:

The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's online inmate information system:

Access the Riverside County Sheriff's Department website
Navigate to the "Inmate Information" section
Enter the inmate's information (last name is required, first name is recommended)
The system will display current custody status, facility location, and basic case information
This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Telephone Information Line:

For those without internet access, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department maintains an automated telephone information system:

Call the Inmate Information Line at (951) 955-4500
Follow the automated prompts to search by name
The system provides basic custody information including facility location and booking number
This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Facility Information Desks:

Each detention facility maintains an information desk where staff can verify if an individual is in custody:

Visit the public lobby of any Riverside County detention facility during regular business hours
Provide the name and date of birth (if known) of the person you are trying to locate
Staff will confirm if the individual is in custody and at which facility
No identification is required to make this basic inquiry

Court Records Search:

The Riverside County Superior Court maintains public access terminals where case information can be searched:

Visit any Riverside County Superior Court location during regular business hours
Use the public access terminals to search by name
Court records will indicate if an individual is in custody and their next court date
This service is available at no cost, though printing documents may incur fees

For individuals seeking information about persons who may be in state prison rather than county jail, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Inmate Locator provides a free online search tool.

How To Visit an Inmate In Riverside County

Visiting an inmate in Riverside County detention facilities requires adherence to specific procedures established to maintain security and order. The following guidelines apply to all Riverside County detention facilities, though some facility-specific variations may exist:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be 18 years of age or older with valid government-issued photo identification
Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proper documentation
Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance through the online visitation scheduling system
Visitors are limited to two 30-minute visits per week per inmate
A maximum of two visitors are permitted per visiting session
All visitors must pass through security screening, including metal detectors
Visitors with outstanding warrants, on probation/parole, or with felony convictions within the past three years may be denied visitation privileges

Visit Schedule:

Each facility maintains specific visiting hours:

Robert Presley Detention Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Southwest Detention Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
John J. Benoit Detention Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Cois M. Byrd Detention Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled visit time for processing.

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
Visiting appointment confirmation number
Vehicle keys (all other personal items must be secured in lockers)
If bringing a minor, birth certificate or court documents proving guardianship

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Food or beverages
Purses, backpacks, or large bags
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Medications (unless medically necessary with prior approval)
Revealing or gang-affiliated clothing

Dress Code:

Visitors must adhere to the following dress code requirements:

No revealing clothing (no exposed midriffs, cleavage, or undergarments)
No shorts above mid-thigh
No tank tops, halter tops, or sleeveless garments
No see-through clothing
No gang-related attire or symbols
No clothing similar to inmate attire (solid orange, blue, or white)
No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Riverside County offers two primary types of visitation:

Contact visits: Available only for certain classification levels and requires prior approval
Non-contact visits: Standard visitation through glass partitions with telephone communication

Visit Restrictions:

Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for:

Violation of facility rules
Disruptive behavior
Attempting to introduce contraband
Providing false information during registration
Inmate disciplinary status

These regulations are established pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 1062, which governs visiting procedures in local detention facilities.

How To Send Money to a Riverside County Inmate

Riverside County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses.

Approved Deposit Methods:

Online Deposits
- Visit the Riverside County Sheriff's Department inmate deposit page
- Create an account with the authorized vendor (currently TouchPay)
- Enter the inmate's name and booking number
- Complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
- Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
- Funds are generally available within 24 hours
Kiosk Deposits
- Visit any Riverside County detention facility during lobby hours
- Use the automated kiosk machines located in the public lobby
- Enter the inmate's information
- Insert cash or use a credit/debit card
- Receive a printed receipt
- Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
- Service fees apply for credit/debit transactions
Money Order by Mail
- Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make payable to "Riverside County Sheriff's Department" with inmate's name and booking number in memo line
- Do not send personal checks or cash
- Mail to the specific facility where the inmate is housed
- Include sender's full name and return address
- No service fees apply
- Processing time is typically 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Maximum single deposit: $300
Maximum weekly deposit: $500
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500
Minimum deposit amount: $1.00

Transaction Fees:

Online deposits: 3-5% of deposit amount
Kiosk deposits (credit/debit): $2.95 per transaction
Kiosk deposits (cash): No fee
Money orders: No fee

Prohibited Uses of Funds:

Inmate funds may not be used for:

Purchasing items for other inmates
Paying for legal services without prior approval
Gambling or betting activities
Purchasing contraband items
Paying fines or restitution (separate processes exist)

Approved Uses of Funds:

Inmate funds may be used for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Video visitation services
Medical co-pays
Release funds

Deposits are processed in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 1068, which establishes standards for inmate fund accounts in local detention facilities.

How To Send Jail Mail In Riverside County

Correspondence with inmates in Riverside County detention facilities must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and compliance with facility regulations.

Mailing Address Format:

All mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, CA ZIP Code

For example:

John Doe, #1234567
Robert Presley Detention Center
4000 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501

Approved Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, maximum size 5"x7")
Photographs (maximum 10 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6", no Polaroids)
Money orders (see previous section for details)
Legal documents (clearly marked as "Legal Mail")
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to security review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps inside the envelope
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented items
Cash or personal checks
Plastic or laminated items
Pornographic or obscene materials
Gang-related content
Items containing threats or describing criminal activity

Mail Regulations:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery
Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies must be clearly marked as "Legal Mail" and will be opened in the inmate's presence
Mail containing contraband will be rejected and may result in criminal charges
Excessive mail (more than 10 letters per week from the same sender) may be restricted
All incoming mail must have a return address
Envelopes with lipstick marks, stains, or unknown substances will be rejected

Electronic Messaging:

Riverside County currently offers a limited electronic messaging system through its inmate tablet program:

Create an account on the Riverside County inmate messaging portal
Purchase messaging credits
Compose and send messages (subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail)
Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours after security review
Fees apply per message (currently $0.25 per message)

These mail regulations are established pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 15, § 1063, which governs correspondence in local detention facilities.

Lookup Inmate Records in Riverside County

California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS)

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation