National City Jail Records
National City jail roster records are kept by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The city does not run its own jail. When National City Police arrest someone, that person is booked into a San Diego County detention facility. The Sheriff operates all jails in the county and maintains all custody records. National City has a population of about 61,000 and is located in the South Bay region near Chula Vista. Most inmates arrested in National City are taken to South Bay Detention Facility in Chula Vista or to other county jails based on classification. The Sheriff's online search tool provides access to all booking records for people arrested in National City.
National City Quick Facts
San Diego County Jail System
The San Diego County Sheriff runs the jail system for National City and all other cities in the county. National City does not have its own jail. All inmates arrested in National City are booked into county facilities. The Sheriff handles all bookings, detention, and custody records. This system serves over three million people across San Diego County.
Most people arrested in National City are taken to South Bay Detention Facility in nearby Chula Vista. This jail holds both men and women in separate areas. Inmates may also be sent to San Diego Central Jail, George Bailey Detention Facility, Las Colinas for women, or other locations depending on bed space and classification. The Sheriff decides where to house each inmate.
| Facility | South Bay Detention Facility |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 Third Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91910 |
| Phone | 858-974-2222 (General Information) |
| Website | www.sdsheriff.gov |
All custody records for people arrested in National City are maintained by the Sheriff. You can search for inmates online using the county system. The search shows which facility holds each person, booking details, charges, and bail amounts.
Search National City Inmates
You can search for inmates arrested in National City through the San Diego County online system. The tool is free and covers all seven county jails. Go to apps.sdsheriff.net/wij to start. You need a last name or booking number.
Enter the last name of the person you are looking for. You need at least three letters. Results show full name, date of birth, booking date, charges, bail amount, and current facility. Click on a name to see more details. The system updates regularly, so recent arrests appear within hours. If someone was just arrested in National City, check back later if they do not show up right away.
The search covers all San Diego County jails. This includes South Bay, San Diego Central, George Bailey, Las Colinas, Vista, East Mesa, and juvenile facilities. Inmates may be moved between jails, so the search shows their current location. If you cannot find someone, call the Sheriff's detention line at 858-974-2222 for help.
Note: The online search is available 24 hours a day and provides the most current custody information for the entire county.
VINE Custody Alerts
VINE is a free service that tracks inmates in county jails. You can sign up to get alerts when someone is released or moved. VINE works for all San Diego County jails, including inmates arrested in National City.
Visit vinelink.dhs.gov and select California, then San Diego County. Search by name or offender ID. Once you find the inmate, you can register for notifications. VINE will alert you by phone, email, or text when there is a change in custody status. You can also call 877-411-5588 to search or register by phone.
VINE only covers county jails. If an inmate is transferred to state prison, you need to use the CDCR system. Visit ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov to search for state inmates. VINE is best for tracking someone while their case is pending in local court.
National City Police Department
National City Police make arrests in the city. They do not operate a jail for long-term detention. All arrested persons are taken to county jails. For arrest records or police reports, contact National City Police. For custody records and inmate information, contact the Sheriff.
| Department | National City Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 1200 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950 |
| Phone | 619-336-4411 (Non-Emergency) |
| Records | 619-336-4589 |
| Website | www.nationalcityca.gov/police |
The police department is located on National City Boulevard. The department has over 100 officers serving the city. If you need information about a recent arrest, call the non-emergency line. For police reports or older records, contact the records unit. Reports are public records but may have a copy fee.
Once someone is booked into county jail, all custody questions go to the Sheriff. The police department does not track inmates after they leave police custody. Use the Sheriff's online search or call 858-974-2222 to find someone in jail.
South Bay Cities
National City is part of the South Bay region of San Diego County. Other nearby cities use the same county jail system. All inmates may be held at any facility in the county. The Sheriff's search tool covers everyone.
Major cities in San Diego County include:
All these cities share the same jail system. You search for inmates the same way no matter where they were arrested. The online tool works countywide.
Visiting Inmates from National City
Visiting someone in San Diego County jail requires advance scheduling. Most facilities now use video visitation. Each jail has its own rules. South Bay Detention Facility, where many National City inmates are held, offers both video and limited in-person visits. Check the Sheriff's website for current procedures.
Video visits are scheduled through Securus Technologies. Go to securustech.net to create an account and book a visit. There is a fee for each session. You can visit from home or from a kiosk at the jail. In-person visits may require approval and are limited to certain times and days.
To send money to an inmate, use the approved deposit service listed on the Sheriff's website. You need the inmate's full name and booking number. Inmates use funds for commissary, phone calls, and other needs. Do not send cash or checks to the jail. Use only the official vendor.
Legal Resources for National City
If you or someone you know is in custody, legal help may be needed. The San Diego Defender's Office provides public defense for people who cannot afford a private lawyer. If you qualify, the court will appoint a public defender when you are arraigned. For questions about public defender services, call 619-338-4700 or visit www.sdcda.org.
Legal Aid Society of San Diego offers free civil legal help to low-income residents. They do not handle criminal defense but can assist with related issues like family law or housing. Call 877-534-2524 or visit www.lassd.org. For court information, contact the San Diego County Superior Court at 619-450-5703 or visit www.sdcourt.ca.gov. The South Bay Courthouse in Chula Vista handles many cases for National City residents.
San Diego County Jail Roster
National City is in San Diego County. All jail bookings from the city are processed by the San Diego County Sheriff. The county jail system serves all cities and unincorporated areas. For complete information on county facilities, inmate services, and additional resources, visit the San Diego County jail roster page.