Finding someone in federal custody

People charged with federal crimes, investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, or U.S. Marshals, aren't usually listed in county sheriff searches. Federal custody has its own records.

The BOP inmate locator

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) runs a public inmate locator covering people in BOP custody from 1982 onward. You can search by name or by BOP register number. Results show the facility and, for those still in custody, a projected release date.

Before sentencing: U.S. Marshals custody

Someone recently arrested on federal charges is usually held by the U.S. Marshals Service, often in a county jail or private facility under contract, and may not appear in the BOP locator yet. California has four federal districts (Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern). The case can be found through PACER or by contacting the clerk of the relevant U.S. District Court.

Tips

• Try spelling variations and include a middle name if you know it.
• Ages shown are approximate, so don't rule out a near match.
• The BOP locator doesn't cover people held in state prisons or county jails.

Read more in our article Finding someone in federal custody or ICE detention.