Oceanside Inmate Records
Oceanside jail roster records are kept by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The city does not operate its own jail. When Oceanside Police arrest someone, that person is booked into a San Diego County detention facility. The Sheriff runs all jails in the county and maintains all custody records. Oceanside has a population of about 175,000 and is the third largest city in San Diego County. Most inmates from Oceanside are taken to Vista Detention Facility in nearby 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 Oceanside.
Oceanside Quick Facts
San Diego County Detains Oceanside Inmates
The San Diego County Sheriff operates the jail system for Oceanside and all other cities in the county. Oceanside does not have a city jail. All arrested persons are taken to county facilities. The Sheriff handles booking, housing, and release of inmates. This system serves over three million residents across the county.
Most people arrested in Oceanside are booked at Vista Detention Facility. This jail is in Vista, about ten miles east of Oceanside. It holds male inmates only. Female inmates from Oceanside go to Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee or other facilities. The Sheriff may also send inmates to San Diego Central Jail, George Bailey Detention Facility, or other locations depending on bed space and classification.
| Facility | Vista Detention Facility |
|---|---|
| Address | 325 South Melrose Drive Vista, CA 92081 |
| Phone | 858-974-2222 (General) |
| County Website | www.sdsheriff.gov |
All custody records for people arrested in Oceanside are maintained by the Sheriff. You can search for inmates online using the county system. The search shows which facility holds each person and provides booking details, charges, and bail amounts.
How to Search Oceanside Inmates
You can search for inmates arrested in Oceanside through the San Diego County online system. The tool is free and updated often. Go to apps.sdsheriff.net/wij to start your search. You need at least a last name or booking number.
Type the last name of the person you are looking for. You need at least three letters. The system will show results for all San Diego County jails. Results include full name, date of birth, booking date, charges, bail amount, and current location. Click on a name to see more details like court dates and expected release if available.
The search covers all seven county detention facilities. This includes Vista, San Diego Central Jail, Las Colinas, George Bailey, South Bay, East Mesa, and the juvenile facility. 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 database updates regularly, but very recent arrests may take a few hours to appear in the system.
Track Inmates with VINE
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 Oceanside.
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.
Oceanside Police Department
Oceanside Police make arrests in the city. They do not hold inmates for long. All arrested persons are taken to county jails. OPD does not have a city jail for long-term detention. For arrest records or police reports, contact the police department. For custody records, contact the Sheriff.
| Department | Oceanside Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 3855 Mission Avenue Oceanside, CA 92058 |
| Phone | 760-435-4900 (Non-Emergency) |
| Records | 760-435-4747 |
| Website | www.oceansideca.org/police |
The police department is located on Mission Avenue near downtown Oceanside. The department has over 200 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.
Other North County Cities
Oceanside is in the North County 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 near Oceanside 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 Oceanside Inmates
Visiting someone in San Diego County jail requires advance scheduling. Most facilities now use video visitation. Each jail has its own rules. Vista Detention Facility, where many Oceanside 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.
For phone calls from inmates, you may need to set up a prepaid account with the jail phone provider. Calls are monitored and recorded. The Sheriff's website has information on accepting calls from inmates in San Diego County jails.
Legal Resources for Oceanside
If you or someone you know is in custody, legal help may be needed. Several groups in San Diego County offer services to people in jail or facing charges. Some provide free help to those who qualify based on income. Others can refer you to private attorneys.
The San Diego Defender's Office provides public defense for people who cannot afford a 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. 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 North County Regional Center courthouse in Vista handles many cases for Oceanside residents.
San Diego County Jail Records
Oceanside is in San Diego County, and all jail bookings from the city go through the San Diego County Sheriff. The county jail system serves all residents and visitors across the county. For more on county facilities, inmate services, and additional resources, visit the San Diego County jail roster page.