How can I find out which facility a person has been taken to after an arrest in a major California county like Los Angeles or San Diego?

To locate an arrested person, you should use the county sheriff's online inmate search tool or call the arresting agency's jail information line directly. Information is usually available a few hours after the person has been formally booked. Here are the steps to find someone in custody: Step 1: Collect Essential Information Gather the arrested person's full legal name and their date of birth. This information is critical for an accurate search. If you have a booking number, that is the most effective piece of information to use. Step 2: Check the County Sheriff's Online Inmate Locator Major California counties have public online databases. For Los Angeles County, search the Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center. For San Diego County, use the Sheriff's Department "Who's in Jail?" online tool. These systems will show the person's booking information, charges, and current housing facility. Step 3: Call the Arresting Agency If the online search yields no results, the person may not be booked yet or may be held at a local city jail. Call the non-emergency line for the police department that made the arrest (e.g., LAPD, Long Beach PD, San Diego PD) and ask for jail information. Step 4: Contact a Bail Bonds Company Bail bond agents are experienced in navigating the jail system and can often locate an individual quickly as part of their service. They have direct lines of communication and expertise in the booking process. Important Details and Nuances California law requires law enforcement to make certain arrest information public, per Government Code § 7923.610. However, there is often a delay of several hours between the physical arrest and the person appearing in the public database. Under Penal Code § 851.5, an arrested person has the right to make at least three phone calls within three hours of booking. Warnings and Limitations Information about juvenile arrests is confidential and will not be found in public databases. If an arrest just occurred, you may need to wait 4-12 hours before information becomes available. The location listed online may not reflect a very recent transfer between facilities. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, or if you wish to secure legal representation for the arrested person, consult with a qualified California attorney.