Mendocino County Jail Records

Search Mendocino County Inmates

The Mendocino County Sheriff uses NewWorld software for public inmate searches. This system lets you look up current inmates and recent bookings. Enter a last name and first name in the search fields. The database returns matching records with custody information.

Search results display key booking data. You see the inmate's full name and physical description. Booking number appears for each custody stay. Booking date shows when they arrived at the jail. Charges list alleged crimes with California code sections. Bail amount appears if set by a judge or bail schedule.

The NewWorld system updates regularly as bookings and releases happen. Current custody status shows if the person is still in jail or has been released. Housing location tells you which facility or unit holds them. The system works on computers and mobile devices without requiring registration.

For questions not answered in the online system, call the Mendocino County Jail in Ukiah. Staff can provide information about visiting hours, mail procedures, and inmate accounts. Have the person's name and booking number ready when you call.

Mendocino County Jail Operations

The Mendocino County Jail is located in Ukiah, the county seat. This facility processes all bookings for arrests made throughout the county. Cities like Ukiah, Fort Bragg, and Willits all bring arrestees here for detention. The jail has capacity for over 200 inmates in various housing units.

Booking procedures include fingerprinting and photographing each arrestee. Staff conduct background checks to search for outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions. Medical screening happens during intake to identify health needs. Classification determines housing assignments based on charges, criminal history, and behavior. Men and women are housed in separate areas of the facility.

Inmates can make phone calls during scheduled times each day. Visitation happens on specific days of the week. Many facilities now use video visitation instead of in-person contact. Check with the jail for current policies. Mail gets screened before delivery to prevent contraband from entering the facility.

The jail commissary sells approved items to inmates. Family members can put money on an inmate's account for commissary purchases and phone calls. Ask jail staff about deposit methods and what payment types they accept. Many jails now offer online deposit options through third-party vendors.

Details in Booking Records

Mendocino County booking records contain information required by California law. The full legal name of the arrestee appears first. Date of birth helps confirm you have the right person. Physical description includes height, weight, hair color, and eye color. This data comes from the booking process when staff measure and photograph the inmate.

Each booking receives a unique number in the jail system. This number tracks the person through their custody stay and court proceedings. Booking date and time show when the person arrived at the facility. This might differ from the arrest date if transport took time.

Charges list alleged crimes with code sections. PC stands for Penal Code. HS means Health and Safety Code. VC indicates Vehicle Code. Common charges include PC 12025 for carrying concealed weapon, PC 166 for contempt of court, and HS 11359 for marijuana possession for sale. Multiple charges can appear on one booking record. Bail amounts get set by judges or the bail schedule.

The arresting agency shows which law enforcement department made the arrest. Mendocino County Sheriff handles many arrests but you might also see Ukiah Police, Fort Bragg Police, Willits Police, or California Highway Patrol. Hold information indicates if another county or state wants the person for different charges.

Request Mendocino County Records

The Inmate Inquiry system provides free basic booking information. For certified copies or detailed arrest reports, contact the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. Submit your request in writing to the Records Division. Include the name of the person, date of arrest, and what specific documents you need.

Detailed requests should specify the type of record. Arrest reports contain more information than booking sheets. Incident reports describe what happened during the arrest. Property receipts list items taken from the person. Tell staff exactly what you need so they can locate the right files efficiently.

California law gives agencies 10 days to respond to public records requests. Mendocino County can extend this by 14 days for complex requests that require extensive searching. Simple booking records usually come back faster than multi-document requests. The county charges copying fees for paper documents. Ask about costs before submitting a formal request.

Some records have legal restrictions. Active investigation files might be exempt from immediate disclosure. Juvenile records require special authorization and court approval. Medical information stays confidential under privacy laws. The Records Division will explain what they can release and what must remain sealed under state law.

Note: Crime victims may qualify for free copies of certain reports under California victim rights laws.

Mendocino County Court Proceedings

The Mendocino County Superior Court handles criminal cases from local arrests. The courthouse is in Ukiah near the jail facility. Inmates make their first court appearance within 48 hours if they remain in custody. The judge reviews charges and sets bail at this arraignment hearing. Public defenders get appointed for people who cannot afford private attorneys.

Court records are separate from jail booking records. Case files include charging documents, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. You can request these from the Court Clerk's Office. Some court information is available online through California court websites. Other records require visiting the courthouse in person or sending a written request.

Jail staff transport inmates to the courthouse for all required appearances. The schedule gets coordinated between the jail and court to ensure defendants make their hearings on time. Family members can attend most court proceedings which are open to the public under California law. Check with the courthouse for specific courtroom locations and hearing times.

VINE Custody Notifications

The VINE system works in Mendocino County for custody status alerts. VINE means Victim Information and Notification Everyday. Register at vinelink.vineapps.com/state/CA or call 1-877-411-5588. Search for an inmate by name and sign up for notifications about custody changes.

VINE sends alerts when someone gets released from Mendocino County Jail. You can also get notifications about transfers to other facilities or upcoming court dates. Choose phone calls, text messages, or emails for your alerts. The system updates regularly from the jail database. Crime victims use this to stay safe and informed. Families use it to know when a relative will be released. The service is free and you can register anonymously.

Mendocino County Resources

Several organizations provide assistance with criminal justice matters in Mendocino County. Legal aid programs help people who cannot afford private attorneys. Bail bonds companies operate in Ukiah and Fort Bragg to arrange release from jail. Victim advocate programs offer support and explain rights during the criminal process.

The California Department of Justice maintains comprehensive statewide criminal records. You can request your own record for employment or licensing purposes. This requires fingerprints and a $25 fee. The DOJ record shows arrests and convictions from all California counties including Mendocino. Processing takes several weeks so plan ahead if you need this documentation.

For concerns about jail conditions or inmate treatment, contact the Board of State and Community Corrections. This state agency inspects jails and investigates complaints about safety and operations. You can also raise issues directly with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office if you have concerns about how the jail operates.

Nearby California Counties

Mendocino County borders several other counties. Each maintains its own jail system and booking records: