Inmate Search

If you need to find someone held in a Maricopa County jail, this guide walks you through every official route—from using the online Maricopa County AZ Inmate Search tool to understanding custody status, locating a housing facility, planning visitation, adding funds to an inmate account, and connecting your search with court case information. You’ll see where the Sheriff’s Office hosts inmate records, what the results mean, how to avoid common search mistakes, and which county justice agencies can help when you need more than a basic lookup.

Start here: use the official Maricopa County inmate search tool

Search confidently with the county’s primary database

The Sheriff’s Office hosts the authoritative search for people booked into county jails. The hub page—titled Inmate Information—lets you search two ways: by booking number (if you have it) or by entering a person’s last name, first name, and date of birth (YYYYMMDD). When you enter either set of identifiers, you’re taken directly to that individual’s custody profile displaying booking details and related information recorded by detention staff. Use the official Inmate Information page when you need current status straight from the source (release eligibility, housing notes, and similar metadata are maintained by the Sheriff’s Office).
Access the county hub at Inmate Information.

What the results typically include—and how to read them quickly

When you land on a record, expect to see:

Booking number and booking date/time to anchor the current custody event.

Name and date of birth exactly as recorded during intake (remember, aliases may appear).

Charges entered at booking or updated as courts file documents; charge lists can change as cases move forward.

Housing/location notation showing the facility where the person is assigned.

Status indicators such as released, transferred, sentenced, or awaiting court.

If a person uses a nickname or hyphenated surname, try multiple variants. For older bookings or complex name histories, the date-of-birth search dramatically reduces mismatches.

Use the booking-number search to skip straight to a match

A booking number is the fastest route to an exact record because it points to a single, specific intake. If a person has been booked multiple times across months or years, each event has its own booking number. When family members or attorneys share a booking receipt, input that number to avoid scrolling through near-matches.

Understand how jail intake and custody are managed in Maricopa County

What “Custody Bureau” means and why it matters to your search

Inside the Sheriff’s Office, detention operations—intake, housing, movement, safety, and release processes—are run by the Custody Bureau. Knowing this term helps you find the most relevant policies and service links for inmates and families. If you’re trying to learn who books inmates, where to deliver property, or how housing assignments are determined, the Custody Bureau’s official overview is a helpful orientation.
Review operational context at Custody Bureau Information.

Where inmates are housed: the county jail system at a glance

Maricopa County operates several detention facilities serving different purposes—intake, pretrial housing, specialty units, and transportation coordination. When the search shows a location notation (for example, Intake, Transfer, and Release or a named jail), expect it to refer to one in the county’s listed network. If you’re not sure what a facility name means, the Sheriff’s Office maintains an official “Find a Jail” page that explains where each site fits in the system and helps you orient travel and visitation plans.

Make the search work for you: practical tips that save time

Search by full legal name and format the date correctly

Enter last name, first name, then an eight-digit date of birth in YYYYMMDD format (for example, 19891230).

For hyphenated or compound surnames, run the search with and without the hyphen.

If you’re unsure about the legal first name (e.g., “Robert” vs. “Bob”), test both.

Re-run the search after court dates or transfers

Custody status can change quickly around arraignments, sentencing, or medical transfers. If you’ve checked recently but expect a change (release, transfer to another county facility, or return from court), re-run the search after the next calendar day’s processing. Intake and movement updates are recorded by detention staff and appear in the Sheriff’s Office system.

When you don’t see a match

No result doesn’t always mean no custody. Reasons include:

A spelling variation or DOB mismatch.

Recent bookings still being processed; records move from intake systems to the public portal after initial steps complete.

The person is housed by a different agency (for example, another county or a state Department of Corrections facility), which will not display here.

If you still can’t find a record but believe the person is in county custody, call the Sheriff’s Office main line listed at the end of this article for direct assistance.

After you find the inmate: next actions families and attorneys usually take

Confirm the facility and plan your visit

Once the Maricopa County AZ Inmate Search displays a profile, verify the facility listed and review the Sheriff’s Office visitation rules, IDs required, check-in procedures, dress guidelines, and any limits for minors or special populations. Policies and schedules are subject to change; the official page is your authoritative source for hours, rules, and any suspension notices.
Before traveling, read the current policy and schedule on Visitation.

Add funds to an inmate account the official way

Inmates use trust accounts for commissary purchases and certain communication services. The Sheriff’s Office publishes the authorized methods for making deposits, including in-lobby kiosks and approved online options. Always follow the steps from the official county page to ensure the funds are credited correctly and promptly to the intended booking.
Instructions and options are posted at Inmate Account Deposits.

Understand phone access and calling rules

Calling in or out of jails is governed by contracted systems and detention rules. The Sheriff’s Office outlines what families can expect, including when inmates can place calls, how numbers are approved, and what monitoring or recording policies apply. These rules interact with an inmate’s housing status and unit schedule, which is why it’s useful to confirm the facility and any unit-specific limits through official channels before setting expectations for call times.

Use county records the right way: public records, criminal records, and case status

Distinguish the jail record from court case records

The online inmate profile is a custody record—it shows who is booked, where they’re housed, and what charges are associated with the booking. Court case information (filings, minute entries, hearing dates) lives with the Judicial Branch and Clerk of the Superior Court. If you need docket details, minute entries, or certified records tied to a case number, you’ll need to engage those offices.

Request criminal records or other public records from the Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Office provides instructions for requesting criminal records and other public records maintained by the agency. That’s the path for reports in the Sheriff’s custody (distinct from court records). If your request involves a police report number handled by MCSO or Sheriff-maintained investigative files subject to release under state law, start with the agency’s official page.
Begin with Criminal Records.

Connect your inmate search to court proceedings

To track hearings or ask questions about criminal court processes, go to the Superior Court’s criminal department information. The court explains how matters progress (arraignment, pretrial conferences, trial settings, sentencing) and how the public can get assistance or directional information.
For court guidance and contacts, consult the Maricopa County Superior Court – Criminal Department.

Contact the Clerk of the Superior Court for case file services

The Clerk’s Office is the custodian of case files and official court documents. For help with file access, certified copies, and case-level administrative questions, the Clerk publishes a contact page with service channels. If your inmate search suggests a case is in Superior Court and you need document copies, the Clerk’s office is your next official stop.
Use the Clerk of the Superior Court contact page.

Request Judicial Branch records under court rules

Some records are requested through the Judicial Branch’s records process (for example, administrative records of the courts under Rule 123). If your need falls under that category, the Judicial Branch lists how to submit a request and whom to contact for status updates.
See Judicial Branch records requests.

Visitation preparation: documents, arrival, and timing that prevent turn-aways

Bring the right identification and arrive early

Visitors are routinely asked to present valid government-issued photo identification. Plan to arrive before scheduling windows close to allow for check-in and security screening. Because each jail has distinct movement schedules, arriving late can mean missing the visit window—even if you pre-registered.

Know the dress code and contraband rules

Dress and property rules are posted by the Sheriff’s Office for facility safety. Prohibited items (outside food, certain clothing) can vary by unit. Review the policy linked above and follow detention staff directions at all times. If unsure about an item, leave it behind.

Visiting with minors or during special circumstances

If a visitor is a minor or if the inmate is on medical observation or special housing, certain limits may apply. Check the visitation page and, if needed, call the listed phone number at the end of this article for clarification before traveling.

Money, property, and communication: what families most often ask after a search

Deposits and commissary: use only official channels

Only use the deposit methods listed by the Sheriff’s Office to reduce delays and misapplied funds. Keep your confirmation receipt and note the booking number you used. If you suspect an error, contact the Sheriff’s Office with the booking number ready so detention finance staff can research the transaction.

Mail and phone: follow facility-specific procedures

Mailing addresses can vary by jail and by inmate location. The Sheriff’s Office establishes content and packaging rules for safety. Phone access is subject to unit schedules and system availability; inmates typically place outgoing calls during dayroom time. Review call rules via the detention information pages and plan around the housing unit’s schedule.

When your search leads to release planning or self-surrender

Self-surrender basics

If a judge has ordered someone to self-surrender to begin a sentence, the Sheriff’s Office provides a process and location details on its detention information pages. Self-surrender is handled differently than spontaneous arrest bookings—arrivals are staged to confirm identity, court paperwork, and property intake. Search the inmate system after the self-surrender window to see when the booking posts.

Release timing and record updates

After a court hearing or completion of release processing, a profile may remain visible during administrative updates. If you see a “released” indicator, that reflects the Sheriff’s Office custody status. For clarity on post-release conditions (probation, fines, reporting), consult the court’s paperwork or contact the Clerk’s Office using the official link above.

Mugshots and public information: what to know before you click

Where official mugshot images are posted

If a mugshot is available for public release, the Sheriff’s Office hosts those images on its own website. When you need a photo tied to the booking event, the official source is the same agency that conducts intake photography. Availability can be limited for privacy, investigative, or legal reasons, so not every booking will have a posted image.
Browse the official gallery at Mugshot.

Use images responsibly

Images and booking data are provided as a public service with disclaimers about accuracy and currency. The Sheriff’s Office cautions that false identification occurs and that only fingerprint comparison conclusively verifies identity. Treat photos and charge lists as snapshots of a moment in time, not final case outcomes.

Accuracy notes and common pitfalls for any Maricopa County AZ Inmate Search

Expect living data—charges and statuses change

An initial booking may list fewer or more general charges than what appears after prosecutors file. Conversely, some charges may be dismissed or amended. Make periodic checks if you’re tracking a case; the Sheriff’s Office custody record reflects the best available information but is not the court of record.

Match the right person when names repeat

Maricopa County’s large population means multiple people can share the same first and last name. Always confirm the date of birth and, where possible, reference a booking number to ensure you’re viewing the right person. If the person has a common name and you have no DOB, consider calling the Sheriff’s Office with any additional identifying detail you legally possess.

Coordinate with court calendars

If your goal is to attend a hearing or learn about a sentencing, the inmate search can confirm custody and location, but hearing times, courtroom locations, and filing status belong to the court. Use the Superior Court and Clerk links above to connect your search with official court calendars and file information.

When to call instead of clicking

Situations that benefit from speaking with a live staff member

Medical or safety concerns that require immediate attention.
Questions about property release or urgent travel planning for visitation.
Complex identification scenarios where names or dates conflict.
Clarification on release status right after a court hearing.

The Sheriff’s Office main line (listed below) can route you to the appropriate unit or facility for help.

What families should do after an arrest in Maricopa County

Run the inmate search and write down the booking number

Start on the Inmate Information page. Once you have the profile, copy the booking number exactly—it’s your key for deposits, questions to detention staff, and property references.

Confirm the facility and check visitation

Go to the Visitation page for rules and schedules. If you’re traveling from outside the metro area, call ahead using the Sheriff’s Office contact information after reviewing the online policy, especially during holidays or unusual circumstances.

Add funds using the official deposit instructions

Follow Inmate Account Deposits to credit the account for commissary and eligible communications. Save your receipt and note the booking number you used.

Link the custody record to the court case

Use the Superior Court and Clerk links above to find case-level information, request documents, or plan for hearings. The jail record tells you where the person is; the court record tells you what’s happening on the legal side.

Glossary for first-time users of the Maricopa County AZ Inmate Search

Booking number

A unique identifier for a single jail intake event. If someone was booked multiple times, there’s a separate number for each event.

Intake, Transfer, and Release (ITR)

The county’s primary intake facility where new arrestees are processed, and where many releases and inter-facility transfers are staged.

Housing location

The specific jail or unit where a person is assigned. This can change due to classification, medical needs, or operational requirements.

Custody status

Indicates whether a person is in custody, released, transferred, or otherwise not currently housed by the Sheriff’s Office.

Who to contact if your search raises safety, medical, or legal-process questions

If your inmate search points to a concern that needs official attention—such as a medical update, a question about approved property, or clarity on release paperwork—use the contacts at the end of this article. When calling, have the full name, date of birth, and booking number ready to help staff locate the correct record.

Departments and contacts

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office — Address: 550 W Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 — Phone: (602) 876-1000

Maricopa County Superior Court – Criminal Department — Phone: 602-506-8575

Clerk of the Superior Court – Maricopa County — Phone: 602-372-5375

Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County – Records — Phone: 602-506-3204

Maricopa County Inmate Search FAQs

How should I enter details to get an exact match?

Use the legal last name, first name, and an eight-digit date of birth in YYYYMMDD format. Small variations matter—try hyphenated surnames with and without the hyphen, and test formal vs. nickname first names. If you already have the booking number, that’s the most precise search key because each intake has its own unique identifier. Run your lookup directly on Inmate Information.

What will the custody profile show—and what’s not in it?

A returned record typically lists booking number and timestamp, the person’s name and DOB as recorded at intake, current housing assignment, and charges associated with that booking. Because jail data reflects a point in time, charges and status can update as the case moves. The Sheriff’s Office notes that people may use aliases and true identity is confirmed by fingerprints; treat the page as a custody snapshot, not a court docket. For context on who runs intake and housing, review Custody Bureau Information.

Why isn’t there a result when I’m expecting one?

Common reasons include a spelling or DOB mismatch, a very recent intake still moving from intake systems to the public portal, or the person being held by another agency. Re-check after the next processing window and try alternate name formats. If you obtain the booking number later, return to Inmate Information and search by that number to bypass near-matches.

How do I confirm where someone is housed and plan a visit?

Once a profile appears, note the listed facility and unit. Visiting rules, identification requirements, dress guidance, registration steps, and any suspension notices are posted by the Sheriff’s Office and can change. Always verify the latest details before traveling by checking Visitation.

How do money deposits and communication work after I find the record?

Commissary and certain services draw from the inmate’s trust account, and deposits must follow the Sheriff’s Office’s authorized methods. Use the booking number shown on the custody profile to ensure funds are credited to the correct intake. Start with Inmate Account Deposits; phone and tablet access follow facility and unit rules.

Where are official booking photos posted?

If a booking photo is released for public view, it will appear on the Sheriff’s Office site. Availability can vary based on privacy, investigative, or legal limits. Check Mugshot for images associated with the booking event you located.