Tulare County Inmate Search & Jail Inmate Search​ 2026

Tulare County Inmate Search: Complete Guide to Finding Someone in Custody

Step-by-step instructions to search inmates across all three Tulare County detention facilities — with verified official links, facility contacts, visitation details, and local insider tips for families in the Central Valley.

Sponsored Result

Search Arrests, Inmate and Mugshots Records

Searching Records...

Searching...
1
Searching Arrest Records Searching...
2
Checking Inmate Records Pending
3
Retrieving Mugshot Records Pending
4
Compiling Criminal Records Pending

Report Overview

Name:
State:
Search Date:

Your report may contain some or all of the following information:

  • Full Name
  • Age
  • Date of Birth
  • Known Addresses
  • Phone Numbers
  • Email Addresses
  • Relatives
  • Associates
  • Criminal Records
  • Arrest Records
  • Court Records
  • Mugshots
  • Traffic Violations
  • Warrants
  • Sex Offender Status
  • Background Check
View Full Report

Sponsored · Results powered by TruthFinder · For personal use only
Not for employment, tenant, credit or insurance decisions (FCRA)

Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you use a third-party people search service through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not affect the accuracy of the information provided. All official government links on this page are free to use and lead directly to verified county and state resources.

Quick Action: Tulare County Inmate Search Tools

🔍 Official Inmate Search Tool 🏛️ Tulare County Sheriff’s Office ⚖️ Court Case Search Portal 🔔 VINELink Victim Notification

Table of Contents

When a family member or friend is arrested in Tulare County, California, finding out where they are being held, what charges they face, and how to visit or contact them can be overwhelming. Tulare County is one of the largest counties in California’s Central Valley, spanning over 4,800 square miles with a population of more than 470,000 people. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office operates three separate detention facilities across the county, and understanding which facility holds your loved one is the first critical step.

This guide walks you through every method available for performing a Tulare County inmate search — from the official online tool to phone lookups, in-person visits, court record checks, and state prison searches. Every link on this page has been verified to point directly to official government websites so you can take action immediately without wasting time on outdated or broken resources.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office provides a free, publicly accessible online inmate search tool that covers all three county detention facilities. This is the fastest and most reliable method to locate someone currently in custody anywhere in Tulare County.

Step-by-Step: Using the Official Inmate Search Tool

1
Open the official Tulare County Inmate Search page — Go to tularecounty.ca.gov/sheriff — Inmate Search. This is the only official inmate search page operated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Do not use third-party sites that may charge fees for the same free information.
2
Browse or filter the inmate listing — The page displays a sortable table of all inmates currently in custody. You can click on column headings such as “Name,” “Jacket” (booking number), or “Facility” to sort the data. Use the search/filter box at the top of the table to type in any data field — for example, an inmate’s last name.
3
Search by name or booking number — Type the inmate’s last name into the filter field for the most accurate results. If you know the Jacket number (booking number), you can enter that instead. Partial name searches also work — for example, typing “JOHN” will show all inmates with “JOHN” anywhere in their name.
4
Click on the inmate’s row for full details — Once you find the person you are looking for, click on their row to view their full booking record. This typically includes their full legal name, date of birth, race, gender, booking date, housing facility, charges, bail amount, bond amount, court date, and court time.
5
Note the facility name and Jacket number — Write down the specific detention facility where the inmate is housed (Bob Wiley, Pre-Trial, or South County) and the Jacket number. You will need both of these when scheduling visits, sending mail, or depositing money into their commissary account.
Insider Tip: The official inmate roster only shows people currently in custody. If someone was recently released or transferred to state prison, they will no longer appear in this search. For recently released individuals, try the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) inmate locator at inmatelocator.cdcr.ca.gov.

What Information You Can Find in the Online Search

Data FieldWhat It Means
Jacket NumberThe unique booking/identification number assigned to the inmate when they were booked into Tulare County custody. This is essential for all communication and account management.
Full NameThe legal name under which the person was booked. Aliases are not always listed online.
Date of BirthUsed to verify identity when multiple people share the same name.
FacilityWhich of the three Tulare County detention facilities the inmate is currently housed in.
ChargesThe specific criminal charges (e.g., PC 459 — Burglary, VC 14601.1 — Driving on Suspended License).
Bond AmountThe total bail amount set by the court. “$0.00” typically means no bail has been set or the person is being held without bail.
Court Date / Court TimeThe next scheduled court appearance date and time.
Arresting AgencyWhich law enforcement agency made the arrest (Sheriff, Visalia PD, Tulare PD, Porterville PD, etc.).

All Tulare County Detention Facilities: Addresses, Phone Numbers, and Map

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Detentions Division operates three jail facilities. The division is overseen by Captain Cyrena Robles, with individual facility operations managed by designated lieutenants. When you locate an inmate through the online search, their record will indicate which of these three facilities they are housed in.

Bob Wiley Detention Facility

Address: 36712 Road 112, Visalia, CA 93291

Phone: (559) 735-1700

Capacity: Approximately 700 inmates

Type: Medium-security county jail for adult male inmates

Official Facility Page →

Adult Pre-Trial Facility

Address: 36650 Road 112, Visalia, CA 93291

Phone: (559) 735-1750

Capacity: Approximately 230 inmates

Type: Short-term holding for individuals awaiting trial

Official Facility Page →

South County Detention Facility

Address: 1960 W. Scranton Ave., Porterville, CA 93257

Phone: (559) 782-7800

Capacity: Approximately 519 inmates

Type: Full-service detention center serving southern Tulare County

Official Facility Page →

Local Insight: The Bob Wiley Detention Facility and the Adult Pre-Trial Facility are both located on Road 112 near Visalia — they are literally next door to each other. However, they serve different purposes. If someone was just arrested and is awaiting their first court hearing, they are most likely at the Pre-Trial Facility. If they have been in custody for a while or have been sentenced, they are more likely housed at Bob Wiley. South County in Porterville primarily serves individuals arrested in the southern part of the county, including cities like Porterville, Lindsay, and Exeter.

Bob Wiley Detention Facility — Google Map

South County Detention Facility — Google Map

If you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone directly, you can perform an inmate search by calling the detention facility where you believe the person is being held. All three Tulare County detention facilities have 24-hour phone lines staffed by booking sergeants who can confirm whether a specific individual is currently in custody.

Phone Search: What to Have Ready

Before calling, gather as much of the following information as possible to help staff locate the inmate quickly:

1
Full legal name — The name the person was booked under (first name, middle name, and last name). Avoid using nicknames or aliases, as these may not match booking records.
2
Date of birth — This is the single most important piece of identifying information besides the name, especially when searching for people with common names.
3
Approximate arrest date and location — If you know when and where the arrest occurred (e.g., “arrested in Porterville last night”), this helps staff narrow down the search immediately.
4
Call the appropriate facility — Call (559) 735-1700 for Bob Wiley / Pre-Trial in Visalia, or (559) 782-7800 for South County in Porterville. If you are unsure which facility to call, start with the main Sheriff’s Office number at (559) 802-9400.

In-Person Inmate Search

You can visit the Tulare County Sheriff’s Headquarters in person to inquire about an inmate’s custody status. The headquarters is located at:

DetailInformation
Address833 S. Akers St., Visalia, CA 93277
Phone(559) 802-9400
Fax(559) 740-4450
Emailinfo@tularesheriff.info
Office Hours8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (closed on holidays)
Records Unit Window8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (for CCW applications, document requests, Livescan fingerprinting)
Emergency Services24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID when visiting any Tulare County facility. Staff will verify your identity before providing inmate information, especially if you are requesting booking photos or detailed arrest records.

Understanding Booking Information and Jail Records

When someone is arrested in Tulare County, the booking process begins at the detention facility and typically takes anywhere from one to several hours depending on the facility’s current volume. During booking, the arrested individual is fingerprinted, photographed, and their personal information and charges are entered into the county’s jail management system.

What Information Is Publicly Available?

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department releases the following information to the public for individuals currently in custody: the inmate’s name, booking number (Jacket number), date of birth, race, gender, charges, bail amount, court dates, arresting agency, and the facility where they are housed. This information is accessible through the online inmate search tool and by contacting the detention facilities directly.

Important Restrictions on Record Releases

There are several important limitations on what information Tulare County will release publicly. Prior arrest information beyond the current booking is not released to the general public, as California law restricts the disclosure of criminal history records. Booking photos (mugshots) are only available while the individual is currently in custody — once an inmate is released, their booking photo can no longer be obtained through the Sheriff’s Department. To request booking photo information for a current inmate, you can contact the Booking Sergeant at the specific facility where the inmate is housed.

Important Legal Note: Under California law, criminal history information (rap sheets) can only be obtained through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and requires fingerprint-based background checks. The Tulare County Sheriff’s inmate search tool only shows current custody information, not historical arrest records. For a personal criminal history check, you can apply through the DOJ’s Live Scan process. The Sheriff’s Records Unit at 833 S. Akers St. in Visalia offers Live Scan fingerprinting services during business hours.

Visitation Rules and Scheduling for Tulare County Jails

All Tulare County detention facilities allow visitation, but visits must be scheduled in advance and strict rules must be followed. Tulare County has implemented video visitation as the primary method for family communication, with both on-site and remote video visit options available.

Visitation Hours (All Facilities)

DayVisitation Hours
Monday7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Sunday7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

How to Schedule a Visit

1
Create an account — Tulare County uses a video visitation management system. You will need to register for an account online through the facility’s visitation portal. You will need a valid email address to set up your account.
2
Schedule your visit online or by phone — Once your account is created and approved, you can book a visit through the online system. Alternatively, you can call the specific facility to confirm inmate availability and schedule a visit: Bob Wiley / Pre-Trial at (559) 636-4655, or South County at (559) 782-7800.
3
Arrive 15 minutes early — Whether visiting in person or connecting remotely, make sure you are ready before the scheduled visit time. In-person visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID.

Remote Video Visitation

Tulare County offers remote video visitation, which allows you to visit an inmate from your home computer or Android device. Remote visits are available seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. To participate, you will need a computer or mobile device equipped with a camera and microphone, plus a reliable internet connection. Each remote video visit session lasts 30 minutes and costs $15. There is no limit to the number of visits you can schedule, but missed visits are not refunded.

Visitation Rules You Must Follow

Visitors must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All visits in Tulare County are non-contact and conducted through secure video terminals. You cannot bring any personal items into the visitation area, including cell phones, cameras, bags, or food. Dress appropriately — revealing clothing, torn clothing, or gang-affiliated attire is not permitted. All visitors are subject to search before entering the visitation area. Violating any visitation rule may result in your visit being terminated and future visitation privileges being suspended.

How to Contact an Inmate: Phone, Mail, and Money

Inmate Phone Calls

Inmates at Tulare County detention facilities can make outgoing calls to approved contacts. You cannot call into the facility to speak with an inmate directly. When first booked, California law entitles detainees to make free initial phone calls to family, friends, or an attorney. After that, daily phone access is available through the facility’s inmate calling system.

You can set up a prepaid phone account through Global Tel Link (GTL) at gtl.net or by calling (800) 483-8314. Inmates can also purchase prepaid calling cards through the jail commissary. Keep in mind that all inmate phone calls (except legally privileged attorney-client calls) are monitored and recorded. Never discuss pending criminal charges on an inmate phone call.

Sending Mail to an Inmate

Inmates at all Tulare County facilities can send and receive an unlimited amount of personal mail. All incoming mail is inspected by jail staff for prohibited items. Address your mail exactly as shown below:

📬
Mailing Address for All Tulare County Inmates:
[Inmate’s Full Legal Name] — Jacket #[Number]
Tulare County Detentions
36714 Road 112
Visalia, CA 93291

Note: This is the central mailing address for ALL Tulare County inmates, regardless of which facility they are housed in.

Mail Rules

All mail must include a complete return address with your first and last name. Only standard envelopes with proper postage are accepted — no padded envelopes. Prohibited items include anything depicting or inciting violence, racially motivated content, information about manufacturing weapons or drugs, explicit material, or any form of contraband. Soft-cover books, magazines, and newspapers are allowed, but they must be ordered directly from a recognized online vendor and shipped to the facility. Cash should never be sent through the mail.

Sending Money to an Inmate’s Commissary Account

Inmates use commissary funds to purchase items such as snacks, hygiene products, writing supplies, and prepaid calling cards. There are several ways to add money to an inmate’s commissary account in Tulare County:

Online Deposit

Use the facility’s electronic funds transfer system available through the Tulare County Sheriff’s website or through approved third-party services like ConnectNetwork.

Lobby Kiosk

Kiosks are located in the lobbies of Bob Wiley Detention Facility and South County Detention Facility. These accept cash, debit, and credit card deposits.

Money Order by Mail

Send a money order (not cash) addressed to the inmate with their full name and Jacket number to: Tulare County Detentions, 36714 Road 112, Visalia, CA 93291.

Bail and Bond Process in Tulare County

After booking, most inmates will have a bail amount set according to the Tulare County Bail Schedule. You can find the specific bail amount through the online inmate search tool. The bail amount varies widely depending on the charges — misdemeanor offenses may have bail under $5,000, while serious felonies can have bail set at $100,000 or more.

Options for Posting Bail

1
Cash bail — Pay the full bail amount in cash directly at the detention facility. This amount is refundable (minus any court fees) once the case is resolved, provided the defendant attends all court appearances.
2
Bail bondsman — Contact a licensed bail bond agent in Tulare County. You typically pay 10% of the total bail amount as a non-refundable premium to the bail bond company, and they post the full bail with the court on your behalf.
3
Property bond — In some cases, real property in Tulare County can be used as collateral for bail. This requires court approval and involves additional paperwork through the Tulare County Superior Court.
4
Own recognizance (OR) release — For lower-level offenses, the judge may release the defendant without requiring bail, on the condition they agree to attend all future court dates.
Local Tip: Bail amounts for Tulare County are set according to the Tulare County Superior Court Bail Schedule. For specific bail questions on a current inmate, call the detention facility directly — Bob Wiley / Pre-Trial at (559) 735-1700 or South County at (559) 782-7800. Staff can confirm the exact bail amount and whether the inmate is eligible for release.

Court Records and Case Search in Tulare County

If you need to look up court case details — including hearing dates, case status, filings, and dispositions — the Tulare County Superior Court provides its own separate online portal. This is different from the Sheriff’s inmate search tool and provides court-specific information rather than jail custody status.

How to Search Court Cases Online

1
Visit the Tulare County Superior Court Online Portal at online.tulare.courts.ca.gov.
2
Create a free account or log in — You must register for an account to use the Case Search feature. Registration is free and requires only basic personal information and an email address.
3
Search by case number or party name — Enter the case number if you have it, or search by the defendant’s last name. The system will return case summaries, filing information, party details, and hearing schedules.

Tulare County Courthouse Locations

CourthouseAddressPhone
Visalia (County Civic Center)221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93291(559) 730-5000
Porterville (South County Justice Center)300 E. Olive Ave., Porterville, CA 93257(559) 782-3700
Dinuba640 S. Alta Ave., Dinuba, CA 93618(559) 595-6400
Juvenile Justice Facility11200 Ave. 368, Room 201, Visalia, CA 93291(559) 738-2300

For in-person court record requests, the Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can also submit records requests by mail to the Visalia courthouse. Mail requests typically take approximately 15 business days to process from the date payment is received. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with all mail requests.

California State Prison Inmate Search (CDCR)

If someone has been sentenced to state prison and transferred out of Tulare County custody, they will no longer appear in the county’s inmate search system. In that case, you need to use the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) inmate locator tool.

How to Use the CDCR Inmate Locator

1
Visit the CDCR Inmate Locator at inmatelocator.cdcr.ca.gov.
2
Search by CDCR number or name — Enter the inmate’s CDCR number (if known) or their last name. You can also filter by county of commitment — select “Tulare” from the dropdown menu to narrow results.
3
Review the results — The CDCR locator provides the inmate’s current facility assignment, projected release date, and commitment offense information.

VINELink: Automated Victim Notification

If you are a victim of a crime and need to be notified when an inmate is released or transferred, you can register for free automated notifications through VINELink (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). Visit vinelink.com and search for the inmate by name or ID number. You can set up notifications by phone call, email, or text message. VINELink covers both county jail and state prison facilities across California.

Local Insider Tips for Tulare County Families

Timing Your Search After an Arrest

The booking process at Tulare County facilities can take anywhere from 1 to 48 hours. If someone was just arrested, they may not appear in the online inmate search immediately. Wait at least 4-6 hours after the arrest before checking the online system, or call the detention facility directly for real-time information.

North vs. South County Arrests

If the arrest happened in Visalia, Tulare, Dinuba, Woodlake, or surrounding northern Tulare County areas, the person will most likely be booked at Bob Wiley or the Pre-Trial Facility on Road 112 in Visalia. If the arrest happened in Porterville, Lindsay, Exeter, Springville, or other southern Tulare County areas, they will likely be at South County Detention Facility on Scranton Ave. in Porterville.

Public Defender Services

If your loved one cannot afford a private attorney, the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office can be contacted at tularecountypublicdefender.com. The Public Defender’s website also has its own inmate search page that mirrors the Sheriff’s tool, which can be useful as a backup.

Anonymous Crime Tips

Tulare County’s TipNow system allows community members to submit anonymous tips via SMS/text, voice, or email to help law enforcement. This is completely separate from the inmate search system and is designed for reporting crime, not for checking on inmates.

Important: Every year, Tulare County law enforcement agencies collectively arrest and book approximately 47,500 individuals, maintaining an average daily inmate population of around 2,400 across all county facilities. During peak booking periods (weekends and holidays), wait times for online search results to update and for phone inquiries may be longer than usual. Plan accordingly if you need to coordinate bail, visitation, or legal representation quickly.

Official Resources and Contact Directory

Tulare County Law Enforcement and Courts

State and Federal Inmate Search Tools

Facility Contact Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I search for an inmate in Tulare County for free?
Visit the official Tulare County Sheriff’s inmate search page at tularecounty.ca.gov. The search is completely free and requires no account or registration. You can filter the inmate listing by name or booking number. You can also call any of the three detention facilities 24 hours a day for free inmate status information.
How long after an arrest will an inmate appear in the online search?
The booking process at Tulare County facilities typically takes between 1 and 48 hours. Most inmates will appear in the online search system within 4 to 6 hours after arrest. During high-volume booking periods such as weekends or holidays, it may take longer. If you need immediate confirmation, call the detention facility directly.
What is a Jacket number in Tulare County?
A Jacket number is the unique booking identification number assigned to each individual when they are booked into a Tulare County detention facility. This number is used for all administrative purposes including scheduling visits, sending mail, depositing money, and tracking court appearances. You can find the Jacket number through the online inmate search tool.
Can I get an inmate’s mugshot from Tulare County?
Booking photos are only available for individuals who are currently in custody at a Tulare County detention facility. Once an inmate is released, their booking photo can no longer be obtained from the Sheriff’s Department. To request a mugshot of a current inmate, contact the Booking Sergeant at the specific facility where the inmate is housed. Prior arrest photos and criminal history records are not released to the public.
Which jail will someone be in if they were arrested in Porterville?
Individuals arrested in Porterville and southern Tulare County are typically booked and housed at the South County Detention Facility located at 1960 W. Scranton Ave., Porterville, CA 93257. The phone number is (559) 782-7800. However, inmates may be transferred between facilities depending on housing needs, so always verify through the online inmate search or by calling the facility directly.
How do I send mail to someone in Tulare County jail?
All inmate mail for Tulare County is sent to one central address regardless of which facility the inmate is housed in. Address your mail to: [Inmate’s Full Legal Name] — Jacket #[Number], Tulare County Detentions, 36714 Road 112, Visalia, CA 93291. Include a complete return address with your full name. All mail is subject to inspection. Do not send cash, contraband, padded envelopes, or any prohibited materials.
How do I find out if someone has been transferred to state prison?
If an inmate no longer appears in the Tulare County inmate search, they may have been released, had charges dropped, or transferred to the California state prison system. Use the CDCR Inmate Locator at inmatelocator.cdcr.ca.gov to search for individuals in state custody. For federal inmates, use the BOP Inmate Locator at bop.gov/inmateloc.
Can I visit an inmate remotely using my phone or computer?
Yes. Tulare County offers remote video visitation from personal computers and Android devices. Remote visits are available seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You need a device with a camera and microphone plus a stable internet connection. Each 30-minute session costs $15, and visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance. Register through the facility’s online visitation system and provide the inmate’s name and Jacket number.
How do I look up court dates for a Tulare County inmate?
Court dates are displayed in the inmate’s record on the Sheriff’s online inmate search tool. For more detailed case information including filings, party details, and case summaries, use the Tulare County Superior Court Online Portal at online.tulare.courts.ca.gov. You will need to create a free account to search court cases. You can also call the court directly at (559) 730-5000 for the Visalia courthouse or (559) 782-3700 for the Porterville courthouse.
What should I do if I cannot find someone in any inmate search system?
If you cannot locate someone through the Tulare County inmate search, the CDCR state prison locator, or the federal BOP locator, there are several possible explanations. They may have been released on bail or own recognizance, transferred to a facility in another county, or the booking process may still be in progress. Call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 802-9400 during business hours for assistance. You can also try VINELink at vinelink.com to search across multiple facilities and set up notifications.

Related Resources on Our Site

Tulare County Inmate Search Home Tulare County Jail Information Tulare County Arrest Records Visalia Jail Inmate Lookup Porterville Jail Inmate Search Tulare County Mugshots Guide Tulare County Bail Bonds Tulare County Court Records

Need to Search for an Inmate Right Now?

Use the official Tulare County Sheriff’s Office inmate search tool — it is free, updated in real time, and covers all three county detention facilities.

Search Tulare County Inmates Now →