Access Ontario Jail Roster
Ontario jail records are kept by the San Bernardino County Sheriff. All arrests in Ontario go through county jail facilities. West Valley Detention Center handles most bookings from Ontario and nearby cities. The Sheriff posts an online roster that anyone can search for free. You can look up inmates by name or booking number. The system shows charges, bail, booking date, and housing location. Updates happen multiple times each day with new arrests and releases. Ontario has about 175,000 people and is one of the major cities in the county that depends on the Sheriff for all detention services.
Ontario Quick Facts
Search Ontario Jail Records Online
The San Bernardino County Sheriff maintains the jail roster at jimsnetil.shr.sbcounty.gov. This database includes all inmates from Ontario. You search by entering a last name or booking number. Results show current inmates and their status. Bail amounts and court dates are also listed. The site is free to use. No login is needed.
Booking info appears within a few hours of arrest. The system refreshes throughout the day. If you do not find someone right away, try again later. People who have been released may not show up in active searches. For older records from Ontario, call the Sheriff at (909) 350-2476. They can look up past bookings that are no longer online.
Where Ontario Inmates Are Held
Ontario does not have its own city jail. All inmates go to San Bernardino County facilities. Most Ontario arrests are booked at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. The address is 9500 Etiwanda Avenue. Phone is (909) 350-2500. This jail serves the western part of the county.
Other facilities include Central Detention Center in San Bernardino and Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center. Inmates may be moved based on classification and bed space. The online roster shows where each person is held. If you need to visit or send mail, confirm the location first. Each jail has its own rules for visits and phone calls.
West Valley Detention Center is about 15 minutes from Ontario. It handles booking, pretrial detention, and releases. Video visits are available. In-person visits may require advance scheduling. Check the Sheriff website for current visiting hours and rules.
VINE Custody Alerts
VINE is a free alert system for inmate status changes. It works in all California counties. Register at vinelink.dhs.gov or call 877-411-5588. You enter the inmate name or booking number. Then pick how you want alerts sent. Options are phone, text, or email. You get notified when an inmate is released, moved, or has a court date.
VINE is popular with victims and families. It saves you from calling the jail every day. Alerts come any time of day or night. You can track multiple inmates at once. This is helpful if you need to know when someone gets out of jail in Ontario right away.
Ontario Police Department
Ontario Police Department handles arrests in the city. The main station is at 2500 South Archibald Avenue. Call (909) 395-2001 for general info. Records can be requested at (909) 395-2626. The station is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Lobby access is limited on weekends.
| Department | Ontario Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 2500 South Archibald Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 |
| Phone | (909) 395-2001 |
| Records | (909) 395-2626 |
| Website | ontarioca.gov/Police |
The police can provide arrest reports and related documents. Some records are public under California law. Others have restrictions. Staff will explain what you can access. Jail and custody info comes from the Sheriff. The police can tell you if someone was arrested but not where they are now held in Ontario.
Bail and Release
Bail for Ontario arrests follows the county bail schedule or court orders. You pay bail at the jail or use a bail bond company. Cash bail requires the full amount. Bonds cost about 10% of total bail. This fee is not returned. Bonds are popular because they cost less up front.
Release times vary. If you post bail in the morning, release may happen the same day. Nights and weekends take longer. Call (909) 350-2500 to ask about wait times. Some charges have no bail. Others require a judge to set bail at a hearing. The jail roster shows bail amounts when they are set.
After release, all court dates must be attended. Missing court leads to a warrant and possible re-arrest. The roster lists court dates for inmates. Once out, you must track your own schedule. Ontario cases go to San Bernardino Superior Court. The courthouse is at 351 North Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino. Call (909) 708-8747 for case info.
Note: Some inmates are released on their own recognizance without posting bail.
Public Access to Booking Info
California Government Code section 6254(f) requires release of certain arrest details. This includes name, age, booking date, location, charges, and bail. The Sheriff follows this law by posting the jail roster online. Anyone can search for Ontario inmates at no cost. Juvenile records do not appear. Sealed cases are hidden as well.
Medical and mental health info stays confidential. Mugshots may not be online. For more detailed records, you may need to file a public records request. Contact the Sheriff at (909) 387-3700 to learn the process. Some requests cost money for copies. Staff will explain fees and timelines for Ontario booking records.
Legal Resources in Ontario
If you need a lawyer for a criminal case, the San Bernardino County Bar Association offers a referral service at (909) 885-1986. They connect you with local attorneys. The first meeting is often at a reduced rate. Public defenders are assigned to people who cannot afford private counsel. The court makes these appointments at arraignment.
Inland Counties Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents. Call (888) 245-4257 to see if you qualify. They assist with some criminal matters and provide referrals. California Rural Legal Assistance also serves the area at (800) 337-0690. These groups can help you understand your rights and options in Ontario.
Other Cities in San Bernardino County
Ontario is one of many cities that use the San Bernardino County jail system. All bookings appear on the same online roster. Inmates from different cities may be housed at the same facilities. The search process is the same for everyone.
Nearby cities using the same jail system include:
San Bernardino County Jail Records
Ontario is in San Bernardino County. The County Sheriff operates all detention facilities and maintains the official jail roster. For more on county jails, phone numbers, and inmate services, visit the full county page.