This page helps users complete an inmate search in Santa Barbara County, California, and understand the main custody information available through the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff’s Office provides the “Who Is In Custody” search for people currently in custody and lists jail contacts for additional inmate custody questions.
Who Is In Custody inmate search
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office provides the search for people in custody. Use the search fields to look for a person by name or custody identification information.
- First name
- Last name
- Inmate Number, also shown as CID
After entering the available details, review the matching custody information carefully. The online jail information area may include public details such as housing location, charges, custody status, and CID number.
- Open the Sheriff’s Office custody search.
- Enter the first name, last name, or CID information you have.
- Compare the displayed details with the person you are trying to identify.
- Contact the appropriate jail facility if custody information is unclear or more help is needed.
Important: the Sheriff’s Office states that data on the custody website should not be relied upon for legal action.
Custody information shown online
The online jail information area is designed to help the public check current custody details. It identifies the inmate search as a place where virtually all public information about an inmate is available.
Useful details may include the inmate’s housing location, charges, custody status, and CID number. If the information does not answer your question, use the jail contacts for inmate custody questions rather than relying on the website for legal purposes.
Jail facilities in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County custody operations include the Santa Barbara County Main Jail and the Northern Branch Jail. The Main Jail houses male and female inmates and provides incarceration and rehabilitative services for pretrial and court-sentenced inmates.
The Northern Branch Jail is located near Santa Maria and provides additional inmate housing for male and female inmates. Facility placement can affect visitation, mail, and in-person questions, so confirm the inmate’s location before taking the next step.
Visiting after an inmate search
Visitation rules depend on where the inmate is housed. South County social visits are non-contact and conducted through a visit window using telephone handsets. Each facility has a visit schedule, and schedules may change without notice.
For the Northern Branch Jail, visitors must register with Via Path before scheduling a visit. After approval, visitors receive a confirmation email and can schedule a visit. Northern Branch Jail visits take place at the facility, and visiting hours are listed as Sunday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Visitors must check in before the scheduled visit and present valid photo identification. A maximum of two visitors, including children, may visit an inmate at one time. Review the Sheriff’s Office inmate visitation information before making plans.
Mail, deposits, and inmate support services
Inmate mail must be sent through the U.S. Mail and properly addressed with the inmate’s name and CID number. Mail should be sent to the facility where the inmate is housed.
Friends and family may also use Sheriff’s Office inmate support services for funds, packages, and phone or tablet time. The inmate deposit system uses TouchPayOnline for deposits by phone, online, or kiosk, and requires the individual’s name and ID number with Site ID #293110.
The Sheriff’s Office also lists iCare packages and Telmate services for telephone and tablet time. Review the inmate deposit system information for service details before sending money or purchasing services.
Inmate custody contacts
Use these jail contacts for inmate custody questions, facility location questions, or follow-up after using the online custody search.
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Santa Barbara County Main Jail, 4436 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Phone: (805) 681-4260 -
Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail, 2301 Black Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Phone: (805) 554-3100
Common questions
Where can I search for an inmate in Santa Barbara County?
Use the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office “Who Is In Custody” search to look up people in custody by first name, last name, or CID.
What information can the custody search show?
The online jail information area may show public inmate details such as housing location, charges, custody status, and CID number.
Can I rely on the online custody data for legal action?
No. The Sheriff’s Office states that custody data on the website should not be relied upon for any type of legal action.
Who should I call for more inmate custody information?
Call the Santa Barbara County Main Jail at (805) 681-4260 or the Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail at (805) 554-3100, depending on the facility involved.
What should I confirm before visiting an inmate?
Confirm the inmate’s housing location, review the facility’s visitation rules, and bring valid photo identification. Northern Branch Jail visitors must register with Via Path before scheduling a visit.