Sacramento County Jail is a secure detention facility run by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. It holds people waiting for trial or serving short sentences. The jail provides medical care, mental health support, education, and job training to help inmates return to the community safely. Families and friends can visit, send mail, and stay in touch through phone and video calls. This page gives clear, up-to-date information on how to find an inmate, visit, post bail, send money, and use all available services at Sacramento County Jail.
Inmate Search and Jail Roster
Finding someone in Sacramento County Jail is simple with the online inmate lookup tool. This system shows current inmates, their charges, booking dates, bail amounts, and court dates. You can search by full name or inmate ID number. The roster updates daily to keep information accurate. If you can’t find a person online, call the jail or visit in person with valid ID.
How to Use the Inmate Lookup Tool
Go to the official Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department website. Click on “Inmate Roster” and enter the person’s first and last name. You can also use their booking number if you have it. The results show full name, photo (mugshot), charges, bail amount, court date, and housing location. Always double-check spelling. Try nicknames or middle names if the first search fails.
Offline Search Options
If you don’t have internet access, call the jail’s public information line at (916) 874-6752. Staff can help locate an inmate if you provide their full name and date of birth. You can also visit the jail lobby and use the public kiosk or ask staff for help. Bring a photo ID for verification.
What Information Is Public?
California law allows public access to basic inmate records. This includes name, booking date, charges, bail amount, and court schedule. Mugshots are also public unless sealed by a court. Medical records, disciplinary reports, and personal messages are private and not shared.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Visits help inmates stay connected with family and friends. Sacramento County Jail offers both in-person and video visits. All visits must be scheduled in advance. Visitors must follow strict rules for safety and security.
In-Person Visitation
In-person visits happen Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Schedule your visit online or by calling the visitation office. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. You must bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Only two visitors are allowed per inmate per visit.
Dress Code and Security
Wear modest clothing. No hats, sunglasses, shorts, tank tops, or clothing with offensive words or images. All bags and purses are banned. You’ll go through a metal detector and may be patted down. Phones, keys, and wallets must stay in lockers outside the visiting room.
Virtual Video Visits
Video visits let you talk face-to-face from home. Schedule online using the jail’s approved platform. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. You need a computer or smartphone with a camera and stable internet. Video visits cost a small fee paid by the visitor.
Sending Mail to Inmates
Inmates can receive letters, photos, and approved books. All mail is checked for safety. Follow these rules to avoid delays or rejection.
How to Address Mail
Write the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope. Use this format:
Inmate Full Name
Booking Number
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Allowed and Prohibited Items
Send plain white envelopes with handwritten or typed letters. Photos must be 4×6 inches or smaller—no Polaroids. Books and magazines must come directly from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other approved retailers. No stickers, glue, tape, or drawings. No cash, checks, or gift cards.
Mail Screening Process
Staff open and read all incoming mail. They remove anything that could hide drugs or weapons. If mail breaks the rules, it’s returned or destroyed. Inmates get a notice if their mail is rejected.
Bail and Release Information
Bail lets someone leave jail before trial by paying money as a promise to return to court. The judge sets the bail amount based on the crime and risk of fleeing.
How to Post Bail
Call the Booking Office at (916) 874-6752 to confirm the bail amount. You can pay with cash, credit card, or through a bail bondsman. Payments are accepted at the jail lobby or online via the official payment portal. Once paid, the inmate is released after paperwork is completed.
Bail Bonds
If you can’t afford full bail, hire a licensed bail bondsman. They charge 10% of the bail amount and post the rest for you. The fee is non-refundable. The bondsman may ask for collateral like a car or house.
Release Process
After bail is posted, staff process the release within 1–4 hours. The inmate gets their personal items back and signs release forms. If no bail is set, the person stays in jail until their court date.
Sending Money to Inmates
Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene items, and phone time from the commissary. Family and friends can add money to their account safely.
Ways to Send Money
Use the jail’s online portal at JPay.com or call (800) 574-5729. You can also deposit cash or debit cards at the kiosk in the jail lobby. Money orders by mail must be made out to the inmate and include their booking number. Personal checks and cash are not accepted.
Fees and Limits
Online deposits have a small service fee. Kiosk deposits are instant. Mail deposits take 3–5 days. There’s no limit on how much you can send, but inmates can only spend $100 per week on commissary items.
Commissary and Inmate Purchases
The commissary sells food, soap, toothpaste, socks, and writing supplies. Inmates order once a week. Items arrive within 24–48 hours.
Popular Commissary Items
- Snacks: Chips, cookies, ramen noodles
- Hygiene: Toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo
- Clothing: Undershirts, socks, thermal wear
- Stationery: Paper, envelopes, pens
How to Place Orders
Inmates use a tablet or paper form to choose items. Funds are deducted from their account. Family can add money anytime. Orders are delivered to their housing unit.
Phone Calls and Communication
Inmates can call approved numbers using a prepaid account. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and may be recorded.
Setting Up Phone Access
Family must create an account with the jail’s phone provider, usually Securus or Global Tel Link. Add funds online or by phone. Only numbers on the inmate’s approved list can receive calls.
Call Rules
No three-way calls, call forwarding, or recording. Calls from the jail cost about $0.25 per minute. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls.
Medical and Mental Health Services
Sacramento County Jail provides full medical care. New inmates get a health check within 24 hours.
Medical Care
Doctors, nurses, and dentists are on-site. Chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are managed. Prescriptions are filled daily. Emergency care is available 24/7.
Mental Health Support
Psychologists and counselors offer therapy for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Group sessions cover anger management and trauma. Substance abuse programs include detox and counseling. Inmates can request help at any time.
Education and Job Training Programs
The jail offers classes to help inmates build skills for life after release.
GED and Adult Education
Free GED classes are held daily. Tutors help with math, reading, and science. Passing the GED improves job chances.
Vocational Training
Inmates learn carpentry, plumbing, welding, and computer skills. Certificates are given upon completion. These skills help find work in construction, tech, and trades.
Work Release and Life Skills
Low-risk inmates can join work release programs. They work outside the jail during the day and return at night. Classes teach budgeting, job interviews, and conflict resolution.
Inmate Rights and Grievance Process
All inmates have rights protected by law. They can speak up if treated unfairly.
Basic Rights
- Safe and clean housing
- Medical and mental health care
- Freedom from abuse or discrimination
- Access to legal materials and courts
- Right to practice religion
How to File a Grievance
Inmates can write a complaint to the jail staff. Forms are available in housing units. Staff must respond within 7 days. If unresolved, the issue goes to the Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs.
Jail Locations and Contact Info
Sacramento County operates two main jails: the Main Jail downtown and the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC) in Elk Grove.
Main Jail
651 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 874-6752
Visiting Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC)
12200 Zinfandel Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Phone: (916) 874-1800
Visiting Hours: Sat–Sun, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Official Website
sacsheriff.com/jail
Emergency Contacts
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Sacramento County Jail. Below are clear answers based on current policies and procedures.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Sacramento County?
Use the free inmate lookup tool on the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. Results show current status, charges, and court dates. If no match appears, call (916) 874-6752 or visit the jail lobby with a photo ID. The roster updates every 24 hours, so recent bookings may take time to appear.
Can I visit an inmate on weekends?
In-person visits at the Main Jail are only on weekdays. The Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC) allows visits on weekends. Check the official website for exact times and scheduling. Virtual video visits are available seven days a week with advance booking. Always confirm hours before traveling.
What happens if my mail gets rejected?
Mail that breaks rules—like containing stickers, cash, or oversized photos—is not delivered. Staff will return it to sender or destroy it. The inmate receives a written notice explaining why. To avoid issues, use plain white envelopes, write clearly, and only send approved books from retailers like Amazon.
How much does it cost to post bail?
Bail amounts vary by charge. Misdemeanors may be $1,000–$10,000; felonies can be $10,000 or more. You can pay full bail with cash or credit card at the jail. Or use a bail bondsman who charges 10% (non-refundable) and posts the rest. Confirm the exact amount by calling the Booking Office at (916) 874-6752.
Can inmates get therapy for addiction?
Yes. Sacramento County Jail offers substance abuse programs including detox, counseling, and group therapy. Inmates can self-refer or be referred by staff. Programs follow state guidelines and focus on recovery and relapse prevention. Medication-assisted treatment is available for opioid use disorder under medical supervision.
Are mugshots public record?
Yes, mugshots taken during booking are public in California unless sealed by a court. They appear on the inmate roster and may be requested via public records. Some people seek expungement after charges are dropped, but removal isn’t automatic. Contact the Sheriff’s Records Unit for formal requests.
What jobs can inmates do inside the jail?
Inmates can work in kitchen, laundry, cleaning, and maintenance roles. These jobs teach responsibility and earn small wages. Skilled inmates may assist in vocational training labs. Work assignments depend on behavior, health, and security level. Participation is voluntary and supports daily jail operations.