Pima County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Pima County?
Inmate records in Pima County are official government documents maintained by the Pima County Sheriff's Department that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within county correctional facilities. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 31-221, which mandates the proper documentation of all persons in custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to an individual's case and are maintained by the court system, inmate records specifically track an individual's custody status and are maintained by correctional authorities. The Pima County Sheriff's Department is the primary agency responsible for maintaining these records for individuals housed in county facilities.
The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this process, the following occurs:
- Collection of personal identifying information
- Documentation of arrest details
- Recording of charges
- Capture of booking photographs (mugshots)
- Documentation of personal property
- Medical screening information
- Housing assignment details
Throughout an individual's incarceration, their inmate record is continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, court appearances, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information. Upon release, the record is updated to indicate the date and reason for release, though the record itself remains in the system as a historical document.
Are Inmate Records Public In Pima County?
Inmate records in Pima County are generally considered public records under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121), which establishes that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours." This statute creates a presumption of openness for government records, including basic inmate information.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department makes certain inmate information publicly available through their online inmate lookup system. However, not all information contained in an inmate's complete file is accessible to the public. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 31-221(C), certain information may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:
- Compromise ongoing investigations
- Threaten institutional security
- Endanger an individual's safety
- Violate federal privacy laws
- Contain protected medical information
Information that is typically publicly accessible includes:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
- Booking date and time
- Current charges
- Bond/bail amounts
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release dates (for sentenced inmates)
- Facility housing location (general information)
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
Members of the public seeking inmate information can access the Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate search portal for current custody information.
What's Included Inmate Records in Pima County
Inmate records in Pima County contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. The complete inmate file typically includes the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer information
- Custody classification level
- Housing assignment
- Cell/pod location
- Special housing needs or restrictions
- Disciplinary records during incarceration
Charge Information:
- Current charges (including statute numbers)
- Charge severity (felony/misdemeanor)
- Warrant information (if applicable)
- Case numbers
- Prior booking history (if applicable)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, etc.)
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case numbers
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
- Attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/earned credit calculations
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Release date and time (if released)
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer, etc.)
- Release conditions (if applicable)
- Probation/parole information (if applicable)
It should be noted that while this comprehensive information is maintained in the official records, only a subset is made available through public-facing systems in accordance with privacy laws and security protocols.
Pima County Prison System
The Pima County correctional system operates under the authority of the Pima County Sheriff's Department and is primarily focused on the detention of individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than one year. This system is distinct from the Arizona Department of Corrections, which manages state prisons housing individuals convicted of felonies and serving longer sentences.
The Pima County Adult Detention Complex (PCADC) serves as the main correctional facility for the county. This facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Pre-trial detainees are individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, while sentenced inmates are those who have been convicted of crimes and are serving sentences of typically one year or less.
The Sheriff's Department is responsible for the operation and management of all county detention facilities, including inmate supervision, facility security, inmate transportation, and record-keeping. For inquiries regarding the Pima County correctional system, members of the public may contact:
Pima County Sheriff's Department
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714
Phone: (520) 351-8111
Pima County Sheriff's Department
The Pima County correctional system operates in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes Title 31, which governs prisons and prisoners in the state, and is subject to oversight by county officials and state regulatory agencies.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Pima County
Pima County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's correctional system:
Pima County Adult Detention Complex (PCADC)
1270 W. Silverlake Road
Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: (520) 351-8111
Pima County Adult Detention Complex
The PCADC is the main detention facility in Pima County and houses the majority of the county's inmate population. This facility includes:
- Maximum security housing units
- Medium security housing units
- Minimum security housing units
- Special management units for inmates requiring segregation
- Medical and mental health units
- Intake and processing center
Pima County Minimum Security Facility
1300 W. Silverlake Road
Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: (520) 351-8111
Pima County Minimum Security Facility
This facility houses:
- Low-risk inmates
- Work release program participants
- Inmates in community service programs
- Inmates nearing the end of their sentences
Pima County Juvenile Detention Center
2225 E. Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: (520) 724-4600
Pima County Juvenile Court Center
While not part of the adult correctional system, this facility houses:
- Juveniles awaiting adjudication
- Juveniles serving court-ordered detention
Each facility operates under specific security protocols and programming designed to meet the needs of its particular inmate population while maintaining public safety in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code Title 5, Chapter 14, which establishes minimum standards for county jails.
Who's in Prison In Pima County
The Pima County detention facilities house a diverse population of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The inmate population generally consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
- Persons who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Individuals awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
- Persons held on warrants from other jurisdictions
Sentenced Inmates:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences of up to one year
- Persons convicted of certain low-level felonies serving shorter sentences
- Individuals serving time for probation violations
- Persons serving weekend or intermittent sentences
Special Populations:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Persons held on immigration detainers
- Individuals participating in work release or other alternative sentencing programs
- Persons with special medical or mental health needs
According to data from the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the daily population of the county's detention facilities averages approximately 1,800 inmates, though this number fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and other factors.
It is important to note that individuals convicted of more serious felonies and those serving sentences longer than one year are typically transferred to facilities operated by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, rather than remaining in county custody.
The demographic composition of the Pima County inmate population generally reflects broader criminal justice trends, with disproportionate representation of certain socioeconomic and demographic groups, consistent with patterns observed throughout the American criminal justice system.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Pima County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Pima County may utilize several methods to access these records. The Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains current systems that allow for efficient searching of inmate information. The following steps outline the process for conducting an inmate search:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Pima County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information page
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" option
- Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
- Inmate's last name (required)
- Inmate's first name (optional, but recommended)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Click the "Search" button
- Review the results, which will display basic information about currently incarcerated individuals matching the search criteria
- Select an individual record to view additional publicly available details
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Pima County Sheriff's Department Records Section during regular business hours:
Pima County Sheriff's Department Records Section
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714
Phone: (520) 351-4600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identifying information about the inmate you are seeking information about
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
Telephone Search Method:
- Call the Pima County Adult Detention Center at (520) 351-8111
- Follow the automated prompts for inmate information
- Provide the requested information about the inmate you are seeking
- Basic custody status information may be provided over the phone
For more comprehensive records beyond basic custody information, interested parties may need to submit a formal public records request pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01, which governs the procedures for requesting public records in Arizona.
How To Find an Inmate in Pima County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Pima County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by county agencies. The following resources are available to the public without charge:
Pima County Sheriff's Department Online Inmate Lookup:
The most efficient method for locating an inmate is through the Sheriff's Department's online inmate search tool:
- Access the Pima County Sheriff's Department Inmate Lookup portal
- Enter the inmate's information (last name is required; first name is recommended for more accurate results)
- Review the search results, which include:
- Inmate's full name
- Booking number
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing location (general)
- Next court date (if scheduled)
Pima County Library Inmate Search Assistance:
The Pima County Public Library offers assistance with inmate searches for those without internet access:
- Visit any Pima County Public Library branch
- Request assistance with the inmate search from library staff
- Use the public computers to access the Sheriff's Department website
- Library staff can provide guidance on navigating the search system
Telephone Inquiry:
For those without internet access, basic inmate information can be obtained by phone:
- Call the Pima County Adult Detention Center at (520) 351-8111
- Follow the automated prompts for inmate information
- Provide the inmate's name when prompted
- Basic custody status information will be provided
Court Records Search:
If you know the case number or court where the individual's case is being heard, you can also check:
- Visit the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review court records, which often indicate custody status
These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's custody status. For more detailed information, a formal public records request may be necessary, which might involve fees for document reproduction.
How To Visit an Inmate In Pima County
Visiting an inmate at a Pima County detention facility requires adherence to specific protocols established by the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The following information outlines the current visitation procedures:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits must be scheduled in advance through the online visitation scheduling system
- Visitors must arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled visit time
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Visitors are subject to security screening, including metal detection and personal item inspection
- Maximum of two visitors per inmate per visit session
- Visitation is conducted through video visitation terminals at most facilities
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, seven days a week
- Each inmate is allowed two 30-minute visits per week
- Visit schedules vary by housing unit; specific times can be found on the Pima County Sheriff's Department website
- Special holiday schedules may apply and are posted in advance
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID)
- Visitation confirmation number
- If visiting with children, bring birth certificates establishing relationship
- Small clear plastic bag for essential items only (keys, ID, medication if needed during visit)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Illegal substances or alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches)
- Cameras or recording devices
- Food or beverages
- Purses, backpacks, or large bags
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, mini skirts)
- No gang-related attire or colors
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
-
On-site Video Visitation:
- Conducted at video terminals located at the detention facility
- No physical contact with inmates
- Free of charge
-
Remote Video Visitation:
- Conducted from any location with internet access and appropriate equipment
- Requires creation of an account with the video visitation provider
- Fees apply (typically $10-15 per 30-minute session)
-
Professional Visits:
- Available for attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals
- Separate scheduling system and extended hours
- May include contact visits in designated areas
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Visitors who violate rules may have visitation privileges suspended or revoked
All visitation procedures are established pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R5-14-102, which governs county jail operations and inmate rights.
How To Send Money to a Pima County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Pima County detention facilities have several methods available for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used by inmates to purchase items from the commissary, make phone calls, and access other services.
Available Deposit Methods:
-
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate money services page
- Create an account with the contracted financial service provider
- Enter the inmate's information (full name and booking number)
- Select deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on deposit amount)
-
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit a kiosk located in the lobby of the Pima County Adult Detention Center
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Enter inmate information
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Receive printed receipt
- Lower service fees than online deposits (typically $1.50-$5.00)
-
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order from a post office or authorized vendor
- Make payable to "Pima County Inmate Trust Fund" with inmate's name and booking number in memo line
- Mail to: Pima County Adult Detention Center Inmate Trust Fund 1270 W. Silverlake Road Tucson, AZ 85713
- No service fees apply
- Processing time: 5-7 business days
-
In-Person Cash Deposits:
- Visit the Pima County Adult Detention Center during lobby hours
- Complete deposit slip at service counter
- Provide inmate information and your identification
- Submit cash payment
- Receive receipt
- No service fees apply
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $1.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total per inmate: $500.00
- Maximum account balance allowed: $1,500.00
Deposit Fees:
- Online deposits: $2.50-$10.00 (based on amount)
- Kiosk deposits: $1.50-$5.00 (based on amount)
- Money orders: No fee
- In-person cash deposits: No fee
Prohibited Funds:
- Personal checks
- Cashier's checks
- Third-party checks
- Cash sent through mail
- Cryptocurrency
Authorized Fund Uses:
Inmates may use funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Telephone calls
- Video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Educational materials
Prohibited Fund Uses:
Funds cannot be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Restitution payments
- Court fees or fines
- Transfers to other inmates
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes § 31-230, which governs inmate accounts and financial transactions.
How To Send Jail Mail In Pima County
Corresponding with inmates housed in Pima County detention facilities requires adherence to specific guidelines established by the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The following information outlines the current mail procedures:
General Mail Guidelines:
All non-legal mail sent to inmates must be addressed as follows:
Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number Pima County Adult Detention Center 1270 W. Silverlake Road Tucson, AZ 85713
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages, single-sided)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, pop-up, or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6", no Polaroids)
- Money orders (must be separate from letters)
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, maximum 5 pages)
- Blank writing paper and envelopes (white only, maximum 10 sheets)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Hardcover books or magazines
- Newspapers or newspaper clippings
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes with stamps
- Photos depicting gang symbols, nudity, or illegal activities
- Any items containing biohazards, unknown substances, or contraband
Mail Inspection Process:
All non-legal mail is opened, inspected, and screened for contraband before delivery to inmates. Mail containing prohibited items will be rejected and either returned to sender or placed in the inmate's property. Incoming mail that violates facility rules may be held as evidence if it appears to be related to criminal activity.
Legal Mail Guidelines:
Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies must be clearly marked as "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Privileged" and include the sender's bar number or agency information. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate and inspected for contraband but not read by staff.
E-Messages:
The Pima County detention facilities offer an electronic messaging system for faster communication:
- Visit the Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate services website
- Create an account with the contracted service provider
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages (maximum 2,000 characters)
- Fees apply (typically $0.50 per message)
- Messages are subject to screening and monitoring
Books and Publications:
Books and publications must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor. The following restrictions apply:
- Soft-cover books only
- No hardcover books
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- No magazines with staples
- No content depicting violence, gang activity, or sexually explicit material
All mail procedures are established pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R5-14-105, which governs inmate mail privileges in county detention facilities.
Lookup Inmate Records in Pima County
Pima County Sheriff Department Inmate Lookup
Pima County Sheriff's Department Jail Information
Pima County Public Library Inmate Search Resources