Fontana Inmate Locator
Fontana jail roster information is managed by San Bernardino County Sheriff. When police in Fontana make an arrest, the person is booked into a county jail. Most go to West Valley Detention Center in nearby Rancho Cucamonga. The Sheriff posts all booking data online. You can search for free at any time. The system shows name, charges, booking date, and bail info. Updates happen throughout each day. Fontana has over 200,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the county that relies on the county jail system for all custody operations.
Fontana Quick Facts
Search the Jail Roster
The San Bernardino County jail roster includes all inmates from Fontana. You search online at jimsnetil.shr.sbcounty.gov. This database covers every county detention facility. Enter a last name or booking number to start. Results show current custody status and location. The site also lists bail amounts and scheduled court dates.
Searches are free and public. No login is required. You can use any device with internet access. The system updates several times daily with new Fontana arrests. If someone was recently booked, check back in a few hours. Records for people no longer in custody may not appear. For past bookings, contact the Sheriff at (909) 350-2476.
VINE Custody Notifications
VINE lets you track inmates in Fontana and across California. Sign up at vinelink.dhs.gov or call 877-411-5588. You get alerts when an inmate is released or moved. Alerts come by phone, text, or email. This is useful for victims and families who need to know custody changes right away.
Set up is fast. Enter the inmate name or booking number. Pick your alert method. VINE sends updates any time status changes. Many use this instead of calling the jail every day. It works for all San Bernardino County facilities that hold Fontana arrestees.
Fontana Police Contact
Fontana Police Department handles all arrests within city limits. The main station is at 17005 Upland Avenue. Call (909) 350-7700 for general info. For records, call (909) 350-7740. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The station lobby closes on weekends.
| Department | Fontana Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 17005 Upland Avenue Fontana, CA 92335 |
| Phone | (909) 350-7700 |
| Records | (909) 350-7740 |
| Website | fontana.org/police |
You can request police reports at the records counter. Some documents are public under California law. Others are restricted. Staff will explain what you can get. Jail and booking records come from the Sheriff, not the police. The police can tell you if someone was arrested but not where they are held.
Where Fontana Inmates Are Held
Fontana does not run its own jail. All inmates go to county facilities. West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga is the closest. It is at 9500 Etiwanda Avenue. Phone is (909) 350-2500. This facility handles most bookings from the western part of San Bernardino County, including Fontana.
Other county jails include Central Detention Center in San Bernardino and Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center. Inmates may be moved between facilities. Housing assignments depend on classification, charges, and space. The online roster shows current location. If you plan to visit, confirm the facility first.
Each jail has different rules for visits, phone calls, and mail. Check the Sheriff website for details. You can also call the specific facility. West Valley Detention Center allows video visits and some in-person visits. Schedules change, so verify before you go.
Bail and Court Dates
Bail amounts for Fontana arrests follow the county schedule. Judges can also set custom amounts. You pay bail at the jail or use a bail bond company. Bonds cost about 10% of the total bail. This fee is not refunded. Cash bail requires the full amount up front. You get it back after the case ends if the person goes to all court dates.
Court dates are listed on the jail roster. Fontana criminal cases go to San Bernardino Superior Court. The closest courthouse is at 351 North Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino. Call (909) 708-8747 for case info. Missing court leads to a warrant and possible re-arrest. Keep track of all scheduled dates.
Some people are released on their own recognizance. This means no bail is required. They sign a promise to appear in court. OR release is common for minor charges or first-time offenders. Serious crimes usually require bail or the person stays in jail until trial.
Note: Release times vary based on when bail is posted and how busy the jail is at that moment.
Legal Help in Fontana
If you need a lawyer for a criminal case in Fontana, several resources can help. The San Bernardino County Bar Association runs a referral line at (909) 885-1986. They connect you with local attorneys. The first meeting is often low cost. Public defenders are assigned to people who cannot afford a lawyer. The court handles these appointments at arraignment.
Inland Counties Legal Services offers free help to low-income residents. Their San Bernardino office serves Fontana. Call (888) 245-4257 to see if you qualify. They handle some criminal matters and can refer you for others. California Rural Legal Assistance also works in the area. Their phone is (800) 337-0690.
Other Large Cities in the County
Fontana is one of many cities in San Bernardino County that use the same jail system. All bookings from these cities appear on the county roster. Inmates may be housed at different facilities, but the search process is the same for everyone.
Nearby cities with jail roster access include:
San Bernardino County Information
Fontana is in San Bernardino County. The County Sheriff operates all jails and maintains the official jail roster. For more on county facilities, phone numbers, and inmate services, see the full county page.