Kern County Jail Roster Search

Kern County operates one of California's larger jail systems with multiple facilities throughout the county. The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that shows current custody information. You can look up anyone held in Kern County jails by searching their name or booking number. The database updates multiple times per day with new bookings and releases. Each record includes the inmate's name, age, booking date, charges, bond amount, and facility location. The search is free to use and does not require registration. Most searches take only seconds to complete. The main jail is on Norris Road in Bakersfield but the county runs several other detention facilities. All inmates appear in the same online search system regardless of which facility holds them.

Kern County Jail Contact Info

The main jail is at 1350 Norris Road in Bakersfield. This is the primary detention facility for Kern County. Staff work around the clock to process bookings and answer questions. Call 661-391-7500 any time to reach the jail. This line connects you to personnel who can confirm if someone is in custody.

When you call, have the person's full name ready. A booking number makes the search faster. Staff tell you if the person is there, what charges they face, and when their next court date is scheduled. For visiting information, ask about hours and what ID you need to bring.

Mail for inmates goes to 1350 Norris Road with the inmate's full name and booking number on the envelope. All mail gets screened before delivery. Do not send cash or items the jail prohibits. Check the rules first to avoid rejection or delays in delivery.

Search Kern County Inmates Online

Kern County runs an online inmate search at kernsheriff.org/Inmate_Info that shows everyone currently in custody. Type in a last name, first name, or booking number. The system pulls up matching records instantly. You see the person's age, booking date, charges filed, and which facility holds them.

The database shows bond amounts if a judge has set bail. Some records include expected release dates. Not all inmates have this info listed yet. Call the jail if you need more details than what appears in the online search results.

The system updates throughout the day. New bookings appear within hours of arrival. Released inmates drop off the list right after they leave. If you do not find someone, they may have posted bail or been transferred to state prison or another county.

Note: The database had 1,746 inmates listed as of early 2026, showing the size of the Kern County jail system.

Kern County VINE Tracking

VINE provides real-time updates on inmate status in Kern County. Visit vinelink.dhs.gov and search by name or booking number. You can sign up for alerts that notify you when someone gets released, transferred, or has a court date. This service is free and works across all California counties.

Set up text or email notifications in just a few minutes. You get instant alerts when custody status changes. This keeps you informed without having to call the jail every day to check on someone. VINE also shows transfer information if an inmate moves to a different facility.

You can call VINE too. The phone system uses voice prompts to help you search for inmates and register for notifications. Both the website and phone line access the same information about people held in Kern County jails.

Kern County Detention Facilities

Kern County runs several jail facilities. The main jail on Norris Road in Bakersfield handles most bookings. Other facilities hold different types of inmates based on their custody level and case status. All facilities fall under the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

When you search for an inmate online, the system shows which facility holds them. This helps if you want to visit or send mail. Each facility has its own address but all use the same phone number for general inquiries.

The county moves inmates between facilities sometimes. VINE alerts tell you when this happens. You can also call the main jail number to find out where someone is currently located if they got transferred recently.

Inmate Services and Communication

Kern County works with Securus Technologies for inmate phone calls. Inmates call collect or you can set up a prepaid account to accept calls. Visit the Securus website to add money and manage your account for calls from Kern County inmates.

Access Corrections handles commissary deposits and inmate packages in Kern County. You can send money online through their website. Search for the Kern County Jail and follow the prompts to deposit funds for an inmate. Some people use this to send care packages too, but the jail has strict rules about what you can send.

VINE provides free custody tracking and alerts. This helps family members and victims stay informed about releases and transfers without calling the jail repeatedly. Sign up once and get automatic notifications when status changes.

Note: Third-party vendors charge fees for their services. Compare costs before choosing a provider for phone calls or money deposits.

Major Cities in Kern County

Bakersfield is the largest city in Kern County and serves as the county seat. Bakersfield Police Department arrests go to the Kern County Jail on Norris Road. The city has its own police force but uses the county jail system for detention.

Smaller cities throughout Kern County also use the county jail system. Sheriff deputies patrol unincorporated areas and book their arrests into county facilities. The system serves the entire county regardless of where the arrest happened or which agency made it.

Nearby County Jail Resources

If you do not find who you need in Kern County, try nearby counties. People sometimes get arrested in one county and transferred later. Here are surrounding counties:

• Tulare County - North with jail in Visalia
• Kings County - Northwest near Hanford
• San Luis Obispo County - West on the coast
• Inyo County - Northeast in the Eastern Sierra
• View all California counties

Each county has its own jail system and search tool. Some use online databases like Kern County. Others post weekly lists. VINE works in all California counties if you need to track someone across county lines.