The call came and your heart sank. Your loved one was arrested in San Mateo County, California, and is now at the Maguire Correctional Facility. You’re left with that heavy feeling — where exactly are they, what are the charges, how much is the bond, and how do you start helping them right now?
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office provides a free public inmate locator. This guide gives you the exact steps to locate them quickly and shows you the practical actions that actually help families in Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City, and across San Mateo County.
San Mateo County Sheriff Inmate Search – Detailed Micro Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1 – Open the official inmate locator: Go directly to https://inmates.smcgov.org/.
- Step 2 – Search by name or booking number: Enter the last name and first name, or use the booking number if known. Click Search.
- Step 3 – Review the results carefully: Results show the mugshot (if available), charges, housing location, and status. Make sure it’s the right person.
- Step 4 – Save the key details: Screenshot the full record. Write down the booking number — you’ll need this number for visits, commissary, mail, and court inquiries.
- Step 5 – Need live confirmation?: Call the Maguire Correctional Facility at (650) 312-5300. Have the full name and date of birth ready.
- Step 6 – Set up free release alerts: Register at https://www.vinelink.com with the name or booking number. California uses VINELink for automated notifications.
San Mateo County Arrest Records – How to Get Full Details
- Step 1: The inmate locator already shows the main charges and booking information.
- Step 2: For the complete arrest report, contact the Sheriff’s Records division at (650) 312-5300.
- Step 3: Provide the full name and booking number. Ask about fees and how to request a copy.
What to Do After You Find the Inmate – Complete Action Plan
Check Next Court Date
- Go to the San Mateo County Superior Court or California Courts online case search.
- Search using the full name or booking number.
- Note the hearing date, time, and courthouse location.
Bail and Release Options
Bond amount appears in the locator results. Call (650) 312-5300 to confirm. Local bondsmen in Redwood City know the San Mateo County system well.
How to Schedule a Visit
- Call (650) 312-5300 for current visitation rules and scheduling (video visitation is widely used).
- Bring a valid photo ID. Dress code is strictly enforced.
- Confirm hours before you go — they can change.
Send Money for Commissary
Call the Maguire Correctional Facility at (650) 312-5300 for the current commissary deposit instructions and provider. Have the booking number ready. This money helps with phone calls, food, and basic needs.
Mail Letters and Photos
Send mail to the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City. Include the full name and booking number clearly on the envelope. Follow all mail rules or it may not reach them.
Insider Tips That Help San Mateo County Families
- The system is large — call (650) 312-5300 if the online locator doesn’t show anything right away.
- Call the facility early in the day when phone lines are less busy.
- Try spelling variations if the name doesn’t appear on the first try.
- Keep the booking number saved in your phone — you’ll use it for everything.
- Set up VINELink alerts immediately after you find the record.
- Video visitation is common — ask about it when you call.
Contact | Details |
|---|---|
Maguire Correctional Facility | (650) 312-5300 |
Maguire Correctional Facility | Redwood City, CA |
Official Sheriff Website | |
Inmate Locator |
Free notifications for custody changes. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Check state prison records if transferred. San Mateo County Courts
Look up court dates and cases.
Frequently Asked Questions – San Mateo County Sheriff Inmate Locator & Arrest Records
Go to the official inmate locator at https://inmates.smcgov.org/ and enter the name. It is completely free.
Yes. The official tool is free. Do not pay third-party websites for the same public information.
Usually within a few hours. If nothing shows, call (650) 312-5300 for live status.
They may have been released, transferred to state prison, or listed under a different spelling. Call (650) 312-5300 or check the California CDCR.
Bond details appear in the locator results. Confirm by calling (650) 312-5300.
Call (650) 312-5300 for current visitation rules and scheduling. Video visitation is widely used.
Register free at https://www.vinelink.com with the name or booking number for automated alerts.
Call (650) 312-5300 for the current commissary deposit instructions and provider.
Yes — mugshots are included in the official inmate locator results where available.
San Mateo County facilities (run by the Sheriff) hold people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. State prisons (run by CDCR) hold convicted felons with longer sentences.
Start with the online locator, then call the facility if you need faster answers. Keep the booking number saved — it opens every door. Take it one step at a time. Many families in San Mateo County have been right where you are and made it through.