Inmate Search

When someone is arrested in Maricopa County, family members and friends often need fast, accurate information. A reliable Maricopa County AZ inmate search can help you confirm whether a person is in custody, see where they are being held, check basic booking details, and plan how to stay in touch or provide support. This guide walks you through how the official Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) inmate search works, what information you can and cannot expect to see, and how to use related county resources for visitation, phone calls, money deposits, and safety or medical concerns.

Start Here: How the Maricopa County Inmate System Is Organized

Before you use any inmate search tools, it helps to understand who actually runs the jails and how the system is set up.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is the primary booking facility in the county. People arrested by many different law enforcement agencies are brought to MCSO facilities for booking and housing. Detention officers within the Custody Bureau manage the daily safety and security of inmates in multiple detention facilities across the county, including locations such as the 4th Avenue Jail, Towers, Watkins, Estrella, Lower Buckeye, and the Intake, Transfer, and Release (ITR) center.

The Custody Bureau is responsible for:

Intake and booking for new arrests
Housing people who are awaiting court
Housing some individuals after they have been sentenced
Providing daily necessities such as food, hygiene, and basic care

If you want to better understand the jail system while you’re searching for someone, you can review the Sheriff’s overview of how detention facilities operate on the official Custody Bureau Information page at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office: Custody Bureau Information page.

Access the Official Maricopa County Inmate Search Online

The main online Maricopa County AZ inmate search is run directly by the Sheriff’s Office. You do not need to use any private or third-party website to look up someone in county custody.

The official online lookup is found through the Inmate Information search tool: Inmate Information search tool.

On this page, you will see options to search:

By booking number, or
By last name, first name, and date of birth

The search is designed to take you directly to an individual’s inmate information if the details you enter match a person currently in custody.

Use a Booking Number to Find an Inmate Fast

If you already have a booking number from court paperwork, a prior phone call, or jail staff, this is usually the quickest way to perform a Maricopa County inmate search.

On the Inmate Information page:

Choose the option to Search by Booking Number.
Enter the full booking number exactly as provided.
Submit the search to go directly to the inmate’s record if the number is valid.

Using the booking number minimizes issues with name spelling, nicknames, and similar names. If the number is correct and the person is still in custody under that booking, you should see their information.

If no record appears, it could mean:

The number is mistyped or incomplete.
The individual has been released on that booking.
The person is in the custody of another agency or jurisdiction.

In those cases, double-check the number you received, and if necessary, contact the Sheriff’s Office directly for clarification.

Search by Name and Date of Birth When You Do Not Have a Booking Number

If you do not know the booking number, you can still run a Maricopa County inmate search using the person’s name and date of birth.

On the Inmate Information page:

Choose Search by Name & DOB.
Enter the last name.
Enter the first name.
Enter the date of birth using the format indicated (such as YYYYMMDD).
Submit your search to go directly to matching inmate information.

A few practical tips:

Try the legal name first, not a nickname.

If you are unsure of the exact spelling, consider alternate spellings that might have been used.

Make sure the date of birth is entered in the format shown on the page; if the system expects YYYYMMDD and you enter a different format, it may not return results.

If the system does not find anyone, it does not necessarily mean the person was not arrested. They may have been released quickly, booked under a different name, or taken to a different jurisdiction. When in doubt, following up by phone with the Sheriff’s Office is a reasonable next step.

Understand the Limits of Online Inmate Search Results

The official inmate search is very helpful, but it does have limits you should keep in mind. The Sheriff’s Office explains that:

Information on the site should not be relied upon for any type of legal action.

The Sheriff’s Office cannot guarantee that the information is current, accurate, or complete at every moment.

People in custody may use false identification information, and true identity can only be confirmed through fingerprint comparison.

In practice, that means:

Use the online results as a general guide, not as official proof for court or other legal processes.

If you need certified or official records (for example, for legal filings or background checks), you should go through the proper records channels, such as the MCSO criminal records unit or the courts.

If you are unsure whether the person you found is actually the one you are looking for, you may need additional confirmation from the courts, an attorney, or the Sheriff’s Office.

The online inmate record typically includes:

The inmate’s name as recorded at booking
Booking number
Basic charges or reasons for custody
Housing or jail location
Some status information about the inmate’s custody

Exact fields can change, but the purpose is to give families and the public a straightforward way to verify custody and plan next steps.

Find Out Where an Inmate Is Housed

Once your Maricopa County inmate search leads you to a specific record, one of the most important details is the facility or jail where the inmate is housed. MCSO operates multiple facilities, including:

4th Avenue Jail
Towers Jail
Watkins Jail
Estrella Jail
Lower Buckeye Jail
Intake, Transfer, and Release (ITR) center
512 Facility and transportation hubs

The inmate search record should indicate where the person is currently assigned. This information helps you:

Determine where mail should be addressed (following any jail-specific guidelines)
Understand which location’s visitation procedures apply
Know where to go if you are directed to an in-person service related to that inmate

Keep in mind that housing assignments can change. Inmates may be moved between facilities for classification, medical, or operational reasons. If a visit or other important contact is coming up, it is wise to check the inmate search again shortly beforehand to confirm the current location.

Stay Connected Through Calls and Messages

Maintaining contact can be important for both the inmate and their family or support network. Maricopa County provides structured ways to communicate that are regulated for safety and security.

Setting up Phone Contact with an Inmate

Phone calls from jail are regulated and usually must be either collect calls or calls made through an approved system. The Sheriff’s Office explains how phone contact works on the official Inmate Telephone System page: Inmate Telephone System page.

While details can change over time, you can generally expect that:

Inmates place outgoing calls; the public usually cannot call into housing units.

Calls may be limited in duration and frequency depending on classification and facility rules.

Calls are commonly recorded and may be monitored, so it is best to avoid discussing sensitive legal strategy.

If you have trouble receiving calls or setting up an account through the jail’s phone provider, review the guidance on the Inmate Telephone System page and follow its instructions.

Plan Your Visit Using Inmate Search Information

Knowing where someone is housed is the first step toward visiting. The inmate’s location and status will determine which visitation schedule and rules apply.

The Sheriff’s Office provides detailed rules and instructions for visiting people in custody on the inmate visitation rules and schedules page: inmate visitation rules and schedules.

In general, you should:

Confirm the inmate’s current facility through the online inmate search before planning a visit.

Review the visitation rules for that facility, including:
Allowed identification
Dress code
Prohibited items
Check-in procedures and required arrival time

Understand whether visitation is in-person, video-based, or a combination, depending on facility operations.

Check any age requirements and special rules for visiting with children.

Because jail operations can change due to security needs, staffing, or emergencies, it is a good habit to recheck the visitation page and your inmate search results close to the date you plan to visit.

Send Money and Provide Essentials Safely

One of the most common questions after a Maricopa County inmate search is: “How do I put money on their books?”

The Sheriff’s Office explains how to deposit money on the official Inmate Account Deposits page: Inmate Account Deposits page.

Based on the information provided by MCSO, you can expect:

Money can be added at kiosks located in the main lobbies of the jails where inmates are housed.

There is an option to add money online through services identified by the Sheriff’s Office (follow the instructions on the deposits page).

Funds placed on an inmate’s account may be used for:
Commissary items such as snacks, hygiene products, and writing supplies
Some communication services, depending on how the account system is set up

When adding funds, double-check:

The inmate’s full name
The booking number associated with the current incarceration

Entering incorrect information could result in a delay or the funds being applied to the wrong account. If you believe a mistake was made, contact the Sheriff’s Office for guidance.

In addition, some facilities may provide access to inmate tablets for approved messaging, educational materials, or other services. Information about these programs is provided through official MCSO custody and inmate services pages that can be accessed from the same Inmate Information section.

Use Family-Focused Resources During the Inmate Search Process

Searching for someone in jail is usually part of a larger situation that affects families emotionally, financially, and practically. Maricopa County provides information tailored to families and loved ones through the Information for Families section: Information for Families section.

This section is designed to help you:

Understand what to expect when a family member enters custody

Learn about basic jail procedures in plain language

Find links to key topics such as self-surrender, inmate accounts, visitation, and communication

When using the inmate search tool, it can be useful to review the Information for Families pages at the same time so that the raw booking information is put into context. For example, once you know where the inmate is housed, you can use the family information pages to understand that facility’s processes and what your responsibilities or options are as a loved one.

Self-Surrender and How It Relates to Inmate Search

Some people do not enter custody through an immediate arrest; they may be ordered by a court to self-surrender at a specific time and place. The Sheriff’s Office provides instructions for this process through its self-surrender information pages within the Inmate Information section.

If someone is planning to self-surrender, keep in mind:

They will typically be booked through the same intake process as other inmates.

After the self-surrender and booking are completed, they should appear in the Maricopa County inmate search system once their information is processed.

There may be a delay between the person physically surrendering and their name appearing in the online search, especially during busy periods.

Families can use the inmate search later that day or the following day to confirm that the surrender was processed and to see where the person has been housed.

Know the Difference Between Inmate Search, Mugshots, and Criminal Records

It is important to understand that an inmate search is not the same as a full criminal history check. Each tool offered by Maricopa County serves a different purpose:

Inmate Search – Shows current jail custody information for people booked into MCSO facilities.

Mugshots – Public booking photos and related information for individuals processed through MCSO, accessible through the Sheriff’s mugshot pages.

Criminal Records – Official records related to a person’s criminal history, which may involve court records and other documentation.

If your goal goes beyond simply confirming whether someone is in jail right now, you might need additional resources. The Sheriff’s Office directs people seeking broader records to its Criminal Records page: Criminal Records page.

Use the inmate search when you want to:

Confirm that someone is currently in custody
Find their booking number
See basic information about charges and housing location

Use the criminal records process when you need:

Official documentation for employment or licensing
Certified records for legal or administrative purposes
A more complete view of a person’s criminal history

Get Help if You Are a Crime Victim

Sometimes the person using the inmate search is not just a family member or friend of the inmate, but also a victim seeking information about the case. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office offers a dedicated Victim Services section that explains crime victim rights, opt-in notifications, and other support.

While the inmate search tells you whether someone is in custody, Victim Services can help with:

Understanding the stages of a criminal case

Receiving notifications about release or status changes when you opt in

Getting clarification on terms, hearings, and what to expect as a case moves through the system

If you are using the inmate search because you are concerned about your safety or want to understand where a defendant is, consider also reviewing the Victim Services resources linked from the main Sheriff’s Office website.

Take Action When You Have Safety or Medical Concerns

In some situations, you may be using the Maricopa County inmate search because you are urgently worried about someone’s safety, health, or vulnerability in custody. In addition to contacting the Sheriff’s Office directly, there are specific official tools you can use.

If you have concerns about an inmate’s medical condition, you can use the county’s online form to report an inmate medical condition: online form to report an inmate medical condition.

This form is designed to provide clinical liaison staff with information that may help them understand medical issues you are aware of, such as:

Existing serious health conditions
Medications the inmate was taking before custody
Urgent concerns about mental health or risk of self-harm

When submitting the form, have as much accurate information as possible, including:

The inmate’s full name
Booking number (found through the inmate search)
Date of birth
Facility if known

For safety issues such as potential abuse, harassment, or fear of retaliation, Maricopa County also provides information about standards and protections through its PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) pages and related compliance sections linked from the Inmate Information area. Using the inmate search to gather basic details, then combining that with the appropriate contact or reporting tool, is often the most effective approach.

When You Need More Than an Online Inmate Search

Sometimes, the online inmate search does not answer your questions. You might be unsure why someone is not showing up, need clarification on what a status means, or want to ask about visitation, property, or release procedures. In those cases, contacting the Sheriff’s Office directly is appropriate.

The Sheriff’s Office provides a central point of contact through the MCSO Contact Us page: MCSO Contact Us page.

From there, you can find ways to:

Reach out with questions or concerns

Submit comments or complaints

Get help routing your inquiry to the correct unit (for example, custody, records, or victim services)

When you call or submit a form, have this information ready if possible:

Inmate full name

Booking number

Your relationship to the inmate

A clear explanation of your question (for example, “I cannot find my brother in the inmate search,” or “I need clarification about the visitation schedule for Estrella Jail”).

Having these details in front of you will help staff respond more efficiently.

Official inmate search contact information

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 550 West Jackson, Phoenix Arizona 85003, United States
Phone: (602) 876-1000

Maricopa County Inmate Search FAQs

How do I get to the official inmate lookup, not a third-party site?

To be sure you’re using the county’s own records, start on the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Information page. From there you can use the online form to search by booking number or by last name, first name, and date of birth in the required YYYYMMDD format. Using the official inmate information search keeps you on a government site that is tied directly to the Sheriff’s custody system, rather than a commercial directory.

Why might the person I’m searching for not show up?

Several issues can cause “no records found” even when you believe someone was arrested. The name may have been entered under a different spelling or legal name, or the date of birth may not match the format the system expects. The person could also have been released, transferred to another jurisdiction, or booked under false identifying information. The Sheriff’s Office notes that online data is not guaranteed to be current or complete and that true identity is confirmed by fingerprints, not by what appears on screen, so it’s normal to double-check spellings and try again later if you’re unsure.

How can the search results help me with phone calls and visits?

Once you locate an individual, pay close attention to the facility listed in the record (for example, 4th Avenue, Estrella, or Lower Buckeye). That location determines which visitation and phone rules apply. After confirming the jail, you can review the official Inmate Telephone System page and the county’s Visitation rules and schedules to see how calls are placed, what kind of visits are allowed, and any limits on time, clothing, identification, or items you can bring.

How do I safely add money using information from the inmate search?

The name and booking number you see in the search are the key details you’ll need to deposit funds correctly. Maricopa County explains the approved options on its Inmate Account Deposits page, including lobby kiosks at jail facilities and online payments identified by the Sheriff’s Office. Always match the booking number and full name exactly as they appear in the inmate’s record to avoid delays or misapplied deposits.

Where can families learn more while using the inmate search?

If you’re a spouse, parent, or other support person, the basic search results can feel incomplete on their own. The Sheriff’s Office provides an Information for Families section that explains jail procedures, self-surrender, communication options, and what to expect after booking. Reviewing those pages alongside the inmate’s record can help you understand what the status codes mean, how the facility operates, and which next steps make the most sense for your situation.