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Kern County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Kern County?

Inmate records in Kern County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Kern County Sheriff's Office that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county. These records constitute the official documentation of an individual's time in custody, from initial booking through release, as mandated by California Penal Code § 4024.

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

  • Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
  • Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
  • Court records are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern
  • Inmate records are maintained by the Kern County Sheriff's Office and state correctional facilities

The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when individuals are processed into custody following arrest. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6254(f), these records include booking photographs, arrest information, and custody status. Throughout incarceration, records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical care, and program participation. Upon release, records are finalized with discharge information but remain in the custody of the maintaining agency.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office maintains inmate records for individuals housed in county jail facilities, while the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) maintains records for inmates in state prison facilities located within Kern County.

Are Inmate Records Public In Kern County?

Inmate records in Kern County are partially accessible to the public under the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This law establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns and security considerations.

The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:

  • Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
  • Booking information (date and time of booking)
  • Charges filed against the inmate
  • Mugshot photographs
  • Bond/bail amounts
  • Expected release dates
  • Current housing facility

However, certain information within inmate records remains confidential under state law, including:

  • Medical and mental health information
  • Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
  • Detailed disciplinary records
  • Information that would compromise institutional security
  • Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

The Kern County Sheriff's Office provides public access to basic inmate information through their online inmate search portal. For more comprehensive records, members of the public may submit formal records requests to the Sheriff's Records Division. State prison inmate information for facilities in Kern County is accessible through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's inmate locator system.

What's Included Inmate Records in Kern County

Inmate records in Kern County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's time in custody. 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 identifying marks
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Assigned identification number

Custody Information:

  • Date and time of booking
  • Arresting agency
  • Booking officer
  • Current housing assignment
  • Custody classification level
  • Disciplinary incidents and hearings
  • Program participation

Charge Information:

  • Current charges (including statute numbers)
  • Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
  • Warrant information (if applicable)

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond/bail amount
  • Bond type
  • Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
  • Court-ordered conditions of release

Court Information:

  • Court case numbers
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Court orders affecting custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

  • Sentence length
  • Credit for time served
  • Projected release date
  • Parole or probation eligibility
  • Sentence modifications

Release Information:

  • Release date and time
  • Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
  • Post-release supervision requirements
  • Conditions of release

These records are maintained in compliance with state regulations and local policies governing records retention and management. The level of detail available to the public versus law enforcement or corrections officials varies based on applicable privacy laws and security considerations.

Kern County Prison System

The correctional system in Kern County operates on multiple jurisdictional levels, with facilities managed by both county and state authorities. The Kern County Sheriff's Office administers the county jail system, which primarily houses individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than one year, or awaiting transfer to state facilities. State prisons within Kern County are operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

County jail facilities are designed for shorter-term custody, while state prisons house individuals serving longer sentences for more serious offenses. The distinction is important for understanding where an individual may be housed and which agency maintains their records.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office Detentions Bureau oversees county jail operations:

Kern County Sheriff's Office - Detentions Division
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-7500
Kern County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals who:

  • Are awaiting arraignment or trial
  • Have been sentenced to county jail for misdemeanors or certain low-level felonies
  • Are being held on immigration detainers
  • Are awaiting transfer to state prison after sentencing
  • Have violated probation or parole

Under California's Public Safety Realignment Act (AB 109), certain non-violent, non-serious, non-sex offenders who previously would have served time in state prison now serve their sentences in county jails, increasing the population and complexity of the county jail system.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Kern County

Kern County houses a diverse array of correctional facilities at both the county and state levels, making it one of California's major centers for incarceration. These facilities include:

County Facilities:

Kern County Central Receiving Facility (CRF)
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-6850
Kern County Sheriff's Office

The Central Receiving Facility serves as the primary intake and booking center for the county jail system. All arrestees in Kern County are initially processed at this facility before being assigned to appropriate housing.

Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility
17695 Industrial Farm Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-7900
Kern County Sheriff's Office

This medium-security facility houses primarily unsentenced male inmates awaiting court proceedings.

Lerdo Justice Facility
17645 Industrial Farm Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-7900
Kern County Sheriff's Office

This facility houses both sentenced and unsentenced inmates and includes specialized housing units.

Lerdo Minimum Security Facility
17635 Industrial Farm Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-7900
Kern County Sheriff's Office

This facility houses minimum-security inmates, often those participating in work programs or nearing release.

State Facilities:

North Kern State Prison (NKSP)
P.O. Box 567
Delano, CA 93216-0567
(661) 721-2345
North Kern State Prison

A medium-security state prison that serves as a reception center for incoming inmates to the state system.

Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP)
P.O. Box 8800
Wasco, CA 93280-8800
(661) 758-8400
Wasco State Prison

A medium-security state prison that processes and evaluates incoming inmates before their assignment to permanent facilities.

California Correctional Institution (CCI)
P.O. Box 1031
Tehachapi, CA 93581
(661) 822-4402
California Correctional Institution

A mixed-security state prison housing minimum to maximum-security inmates.

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP)
P.O. Box 3130
Delano, CA 93216
(661) 721-6300
Kern Valley State Prison

A high-security state prison housing primarily maximum-security inmates.

California City Correctional Facility (CAC)
22844 Virginia Boulevard
California City, CA 93505
(760) 246-7600
California City Correctional Facility

A medium-security state prison operated by CDCR.

Each facility maintains its own records system while adhering to county or state standards for record-keeping and information management.

Who's in Prison In Kern County

The inmate population in Kern County correctional facilities encompasses individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. County jail facilities primarily house:

  • Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings who have not been convicted
  • Individuals who cannot afford to post bail or who have been denied bail
  • Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses (typically less than one year)
  • Individuals serving sentences for certain non-violent, non-serious, non-sex felonies under California's Public Safety Realignment Act (AB 109)
  • Parole and probation violators awaiting hearings or serving revocation terms
  • Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison following sentencing
  • Persons held on immigration detainers for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

State prison facilities in Kern County house:

  • Individuals serving sentences for felony convictions, typically exceeding one year
  • Persons convicted of serious or violent offenses
  • Inmates at various security classification levels, from minimum to maximum security
  • Individuals participating in rehabilitation and vocational programs
  • Persons serving life sentences or determinate sentences
  • Inmates undergoing reception and classification processing before permanent placement

The demographic composition of Kern County's incarcerated population generally reflects statewide trends, with disproportionate representation of certain racial and socioeconomic groups. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the state prison facilities in Kern County collectively house thousands of inmates, making the county one of the largest centers of incarceration in California.

The average daily population in Kern County jail facilities fluctuates but typically ranges between 2,000-2,500 inmates, while the combined population of state prison facilities in the county exceeds 15,000 individuals.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Kern County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Kern County may utilize several methods to access this information. The availability and comprehensiveness of records depend on whether the individual is housed in a county or state facility.

For inmates in Kern County jail facilities:

  1. Access the Kern County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal:

    • Visit the Kern County Sheriff's Office website
    • Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
    • Enter the inmate's name or booking number if known
    • Review the basic custody information provided

  2. Submit a formal records request to the Sheriff's Records Division:

    • Complete a Public Records Act request form
    • Submit the request in person, by mail, or electronically
    • Specify the information being requested
    • Provide identifying information about the inmate
    • Allow up to 10 business days for a response, per Government Code § 6253(c)

Kern County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-7500
Kern County Sheriff's Office

For inmates in state prison facilities within Kern County:

  1. Use the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's inmate locator system:

    • Enter the inmate's full name or CDCR number
    • Review the information provided, including current location and basic sentence information
    • Note that photographs are not available through this system

  2. Submit a formal records request to the specific state prison facility:

    • Contact the facility's records department directly
    • Complete required forms specifying the information requested
    • Provide proof of identity if requesting records beyond basic public information
    • Submit the request according to facility guidelines

  3. Contact the CDCR's Public Records Act office for broader records requests:

    • Submit requests via email, mail, or fax
    • Clearly identify the inmate and specific records sought
    • Allow up to 10 business days for initial response

When searching for inmate records, requesters should be prepared to provide:

  • Inmate's full legal name
  • Date of birth (if known)
  • Booking number or CDCR number (if known)
  • Approximate date of incarceration (if known)

Certain information may require demonstration of legal standing or relationship to access, particularly for confidential or protected records.

How To Find an Inmate in Kern County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Kern County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. These free search methods provide basic custody information sufficient for most public needs.

For county jail inmates:

  1. Use the Kern County Sheriff's Office Inmate Population Information Center:

    • Visit the Kern County Sheriff's Office website
    • Select the "Inmate Search" function
    • Enter the inmate's first and last name
    • Results will display current inmates matching the search criteria
    • Information provided includes booking number, charges, bail amount, and next court date

  2. Contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office Detention Bureau by telephone:

    • Call the general information line at (661) 391-7900
    • Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
    • Inquire about basic custody status information
    • Be prepared to explain your relationship to the inmate

For state prison inmates in Kern County facilities:

  1. Access the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS):

    • Enter the inmate's name or CDCR number
    • Review results showing current location, age, and admission date
    • Note that this system covers all state facilities, not just those in Kern County

  2. Contact the specific state prison facility directly:

    • Call the facility's general information line
    • Provide the inmate's full name and CDCR number if known
    • Request confirmation of the inmate's presence at that facility

When using these free search methods, users should be aware of certain limitations:

  • Information is typically limited to current inmates only
  • Historical custody records may not be available through these systems
  • Detailed case information requires access to court records through the Superior Court of California, County of Kern
  • Information about inmates recently booked or transferred may experience delays in system updates
  • Juvenile inmates' information is not publicly accessible through these systems

These free search methods are designed to provide basic location and custody status information while protecting sensitive details in accordance with privacy laws and security protocols.

How To Visit an Inmate In Kern County

Visiting an inmate in Kern County requires adherence to specific procedures that vary between county and state facilities. All visitors must comply with established rules designed to maintain security and order within correctional environments.

Visit Rules and Procedures for County Facilities:

The Kern County Sheriff's Office establishes visiting policies for county jail facilities pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 15, § 1062. Visitors must:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled visiting time
  • Present valid, government-issued photo identification
  • Register at the visitor processing area
  • Submit to security screening procedures
  • Be on the inmate's approved visitor list (for certain facilities)

Visit Schedule:

  • Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility: Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Lerdo Justice Facility: Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Lerdo Minimum Facility: Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Central Receiving Facility: Limited visiting; call (661) 868-6850 for schedule

What to Bring:

  • Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
  • Vehicle keys (no other personal items permitted in visiting area)
  • If visiting with children, birth certificates showing parental relationship

What NOT to Bring:

  • Cell phones or electronic devices
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Tobacco products
  • Food or beverages
  • Purses, bags, or backpacks
  • Excessive cash (over $50)
  • Medications (unless medically necessary with prior approval)

Dress Code:

  • Conservative, appropriate attire required
  • No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, see-through fabrics)
  • No gang-related attire or colors
  • No clothing resembling inmate attire
  • Appropriate footwear required (no open-toed shoes in certain facilities)

Visit Types for County Facilities:

  • Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone communication)
  • Contact visits (limited availability, typically for minimum-security inmates)
  • Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
  • Virtual visits (video visitation available at some facilities)

Visit Rules for State Facilities:

State prison facilities in Kern County follow CDCR regulations for visitation. General requirements include:

  • Prior visitor application and approval process
  • Background check for all visitors
  • Adherence to specific visiting days and hours for each facility
  • Compliance with dress code and contraband restrictions

Visit Restrictions:

  • Persons on parole or probation require special permission to visit
  • Former inmates must wait 3 years after release to visit (unless immediate family)
  • Visitors with criminal histories may be denied based on security assessment
  • Visitors exhibiting signs of intoxication will be denied entry
  • Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination

For specific visiting information for state facilities, contact:

North Kern State Prison
P.O. Box 567
Delano, CA 93216-0567
(661) 721-2345
Visiting Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Wasco State Prison-Reception Center
P.O. Box 8800
Wasco, CA 93280-8800
(661) 758-8400
Visiting Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

All visitors are advised to verify current visiting hours and requirements before traveling to any facility, as schedules and policies may change.

How To Send Money to a Kern County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates in Kern County correctional facilities have several authorized methods for sending funds. These methods vary between county and state facilities, with specific procedures established to ensure security and proper accounting.

For Kern County Jail Inmates:

The Kern County Sheriff's Office provides the following options for depositing funds:

  1. Online Deposits:

    • Visit the Kern County Sheriff's Office website
    • Navigate to the inmate services section
    • Select the approved third-party payment processor
    • Create an account or proceed as a guest
    • Enter the inmate's information and payment details
    • Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of deposit amount)

  2. Kiosk Deposits:

    • Visit any Kern County jail facility during lobby hours
    • Use the automated kiosk machine in the lobby
    • Follow on-screen instructions
    • Retain receipt as proof of deposit
    • Lower fees than online deposits (typically 3-5%)

  3. Money Order by Mail:

    • Purchase a money order payable to "Kern County Sheriff's Office"
    • Write inmate's full name and booking number on money order
    • Include sender's full name and return address
    • Mail to: Kern County Sheriff's Office Inmate Accounting
      1350 Norris Road
      Bakersfield, CA 93308
    • No fees for this method, but processing takes 5-7 business days

For State Prison Inmates in Kern County:

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) authorizes these methods:

  1. JPay Electronic Deposits:

    • Visit JPay
    • Create an account
    • Select California as the state
    • Enter inmate's CDCR number and facility
    • Complete payment information
    • Fees range from $1.99 to $8.95 depending on amount sent

  2. Money Order by Mail:

    • Purchase money order payable to "CDCR Inmate Trust"
    • Include inmate's full name, CDCR number, and facility
    • Complete CDCR Form 1839 (available online)
    • Mail to the specific facility where inmate is housed
    • No service fees, but processing takes 7-10 business days

Amount Limits:

  • County facilities: Maximum $300 per deposit, $500 per week
  • State facilities: Maximum $1,000 per money order, no monthly limit
  • Additional restrictions may apply for inmates with certain convictions

Fees:

  • Electronic deposits: Vary by provider and amount sent (typically $1.99-$12.95)
  • Kiosk deposits: Lower fees than online options
  • Money orders: No processing fees

What Money Can Be Used For:

  • Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
  • Telephone account funding
  • Educational materials
  • Restitution payments (may be subject to mandatory deductions)
  • Medical co-payments

What Money Cannot Be Used For:

  • Contraband purchases
  • Payments to other inmates
  • Staff gratuities
  • Outside purchases beyond approved vendors

All funds sent to inmates are subject to verification and may be placed on hold pending investigation if suspicious activity is detected. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 5006, a percentage of deposits may be deducted for restitution, administrative fees, and other court-ordered obligations before funds become available to the inmate.

How To Send Jail Mail In Kern County

Corresponding with inmates in Kern County correctional facilities requires adherence to specific guidelines established to maintain security and prevent contraband introduction. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection, with the exception of privileged legal correspondence.

For Kern County Jail Inmates:

Mail must be addressed as follows:

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

Example:

John Doe, #1234567
Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility
17695 Industrial Farm Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Acceptable Mail Items:

  • Letters on plain white or lined paper
  • Greeting cards (no musical, oversized, or padded cards)
  • Photographs (maximum 4"x6", no Polaroids)
  • Money orders (following proper procedures)
  • Legal documents
  • Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

  • Packages or padded envelopes
  • Plastic, metal, or wooden items
  • Stickers or adhesive labels
  • Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
  • Perfumed or scented items
  • Cash or personal checks
  • Pornographic materials
  • Gang-related content
  • Correspondence containing threats or criminal plans

For State Prison Inmates in Kern County:

Mail addressing follows this format:

Inmate's Full Name, CDCR Number
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, State ZIP

Example:

John Doe, #A12345
North Kern State Prison
P.O. Box 567
Delano, CA 93216-0567

Additional State Prison Mail Rules:

  • All mail must include a return address
  • Books and magazines must be sent directly from publishers or approved vendors
  • Photographs must not contain nudity, gang symbols, or depict criminal activity
  • Mail may be rejected if it presents a threat to security or contains contraband
  • Inmates may receive a maximum of 10 photographs per envelope

E-Messaging Options:

Some facilities offer electronic messaging services through approved vendors:

  1. For county facilities:

    • Visit the Kern County Sheriff's Office website
    • Navigate to inmate services section
    • Follow links to approved messaging service
    • Create account and purchase messaging credits
    • Messages subject to same screening as physical mail

  2. For state facilities:

    • CDCR contracts with JPay for electronic messaging
    • Visit JPay
    • Create account and select facility
    • Purchase "stamps" for electronic messages
    • Attach approved digital photos (additional fee)

All correspondence with inmates is subject to monitoring and may be used as evidence in administrative or criminal proceedings. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 15, § 3135, correctional facilities may restrict mail privileges for security reasons or as a disciplinary measure.

Individuals sending mail to inmates should be aware that providing false information or attempting to introduce contraband may result in criminal prosecution under California law.

Lookup Inmate Records in Kern County

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