Santa Barbara Police Blotter
Santa Barbara County police blotter records come from the Sheriff's Office on the Central Coast. The Who Is In Custody database shows current inmates at the Main Jail in Santa Barbara. This system serves cities like Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc. You can search for booking information online any time or call the Records Unit for detailed arrest records in Santa Barbara County.
Santa Barbara County Quick Facts
Sheriff Inmate Database
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff operates the Main Jail in Santa Barbara. All arrests in the county go through this facility. The Sheriff posts booking data online for public access. The Who Is In Custody database updates regularly with current inmate information.
Search for inmates at sbsheriff.org/home/who-is-in-custody. The database is free and available 24 hours a day. Type a name to see if someone is in custody. Results show charges, booking dates, and bail amounts. Click on a name for full details about the booking in Santa Barbara County.
For questions about inmates or records requests, call the Main Jail at (805) 681-4260. The Records Unit handles formal requests at (805) 681-4180. You can also email records@sbsheriff.org for information about getting copies of arrest reports and other documents from the Sheriff's Office.
| Main Jail | Phone: (805) 681-4260 |
|---|---|
| Records Unit |
Phone: (805) 681-4180 Email: records@sbsheriff.org |
| Inmate Search | sbsheriff.org/who-is-in-custody |
| Fees |
Standard reports: $15.00 (up to 10 pages) Local criminal history: $25.00 Clearance letter: $37.00 |
Search Arrest Records
Santa Barbara County provides free online access to inmate records. The Who Is In Custody system at sbsheriff.org/who-is-in-custody shows current bookings. Enter a name to see if someone is in jail. The database updates regularly as people get booked and released throughout Santa Barbara County.
For detailed arrest reports or past records not shown online, contact the Records Unit at (805) 681-4180 or email records@sbsheriff.org. They handle California Public Records Act requests. Standard reports cost $15.00 for up to ten pages. Local criminal history costs $25.00. Clearance letters are $37.00 in Santa Barbara County.
Some cities in Santa Barbara County have their own police departments. Santa Barbara and Santa Maria each operate independent police forces. These cities book people into the Sheriff's jail but keep their own arrest reports at city headquarters. Contact the specific city police department for reports on arrests made by city officers.
Many areas contract with the Sheriff for law enforcement. Unincorporated areas and smaller cities use Sheriff deputies. All arrests in those areas go through the Sheriff's jail system. Search the Who Is In Custody database for bookings from contract cities across Santa Barbara County.
Booking Information Details
Santa Barbara County booking records include basic facts about each arrest. Under California Government Code 7923.600, the Sheriff must release certain data to the public. This includes name, age, and physical description. It also covers charges and bail amount set by the court.
A typical Santa Barbara County booking entry shows these items:
- Full name and date of birth
- Booking date and time
- Physical description
- Arrest location
- Criminal charges
- Bail amount
The Who Is In Custody database shows booking logs only. Full arrest reports contain investigation details that fall under Penal Code 13300. The Sheriff may release reports after a case closes, but you must make a written request. Standard reports cost $15.00 for up to ten pages in Santa Barbara County.
Note: The database updates regularly, so check back often for the latest custody information.
Public Records Access
California law requires booking information to be public. The Sheriff posts it online at sbsheriff.org/who-is-in-custody under Government Code 7923.600. You do not need to explain why you want to search. Anyone can look up jail records in Santa Barbara County.
VINE Link provides free custody notifications. Sign up at vinelink.com or call 1-877-411-5588. Enter the person's name and your contact info. The system sends alerts by phone, email, or text when someone gets released from Santa Barbara County jail.
For written records requests, contact the Records Unit at (805) 681-4180 or email records@sbsheriff.org. They handle requests under the California Public Records Act. Fees apply based on the type of record. Standard reports are $15.00, local criminal history is $25.00, and clearance letters cost $37.00 in Santa Barbara County.
Court Case Information
After a booking in Santa Barbara County, cases move to Superior Court. The court has locations in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Court records show charges, hearings, and case outcomes. These files tie back to the original arrest but contain more detail than a booking log.
You can search court cases online through the Santa Barbara County Superior Court website. The system lets you look up cases by name or case number. Court files include criminal complaints, bail reviews, plea agreements, and sentencing documents. Most criminal cases are public unless sealed by court order.
For help with court records in Santa Barbara County, contact the Clerk's Office at your local courthouse. Staff can search files and make copies for a fee. Certified copies cost more than regular ones but are needed for some legal purposes. The court also posts calendars online showing upcoming hearings throughout Santa Barbara County.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Santa Barbara County. Each has its own jail system and arrest database. Check the county where the arrest occurred if you are not sure which database to search.