Nevada County Public Records /Nevada County Inmate Search

Nevada County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Nevada County?

Inmate records in Nevada County are official documents created and maintained by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and its correctional facilities to document the custody status, personal history, and institutional conduct of individuals held in local detention. These records are distinct from court records: while the Superior Court of California, County of Nevada maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail maintains custody records that track an individual's physical presence within the correctional system.

The record creation process begins at booking and intake, when a person is first received into custody. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and program participation. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to public access under applicable law.

Under California Penal Code § 832.7 and the broader framework of the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.), custodial agencies are required to maintain accurate records of persons in their custody. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of inmate records for the county's local detention facilities.

Are Inmate Records Public In Nevada County?

Inmate records in Nevada County are generally accessible to members of the public under California law. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, public agencies are required to make records available for inspection and copying upon request, unless a specific exemption applies. California law further provides that basic booking and custody information is considered a matter of public record.

The following categories of information are currently accessible to the public:

Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in county custody
Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and booking
Charges filed — the specific criminal charges associated with each individual
Mugshots — booking photographs taken at intake
Bond and bail amounts — the amount set by the court for pretrial release
Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
Housing facility — the specific correctional facility where the individual is held

Certain records may be withheld where disclosure would endanger an individual, compromise an ongoing investigation, or violate medical privacy protections under state or federal law. Members of the public may search for an incarcerated person through the Nevada County Sheriff's Office online portal.

What's Included In Inmate Records in Nevada County

Inmate records maintained by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive set of data fields compiled from booking through release. The following categories represent the standard components of a complete custody record:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth
Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Identifying marks, scars, or tattoos

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Current housing facility and cell assignment
Custody status (pretrial, sentenced, or held on a hold)

Charge Information:

Specific criminal charges (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
Statute violated
Case or docket number associated with each charge

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set by the court
Bond type (cash, surety, or own recognizance)
Current bail status

Court Information:

Next scheduled court date
Assigned courtroom and judicial officer
Case number cross-reference with Superior Court records

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Length of sentence imposed
Sentence start date
Credits applied (good time, work time)
Projected release date

Release Information:

Actual release date and time
Release type (completion of sentence, bail posted, transfer, or other disposition)
Conditions of release, if applicable

Nevada County Prison System

Nevada County operates a local jail system administered by the Corrections Division of the Nevada County Sheriff's Office. The county jail system is designed to house individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or certain felony convictions, and individuals held on immigration or other agency detainers. Persons convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding one year are typically transferred to a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) state prison facility, which operates separately from the county system.

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office oversees all aspects of local detention, including intake, classification, programming, and release. The Sheriff's Office also manages civil process, active warrant information, and online crime reporting services.

Nevada County Sheriff's Office Eliza Cook Civic Center 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959 Phone: (530) 265-1218 Nevada County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Nevada County

The Nevada County Sheriff's Department currently operates two correctional facilities serving the county's detention needs.

Wayne Brown Correctional Facility Dedicated on December 17, 1991, the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility is the primary detention center for Nevada County. It is rated by the Board of State and Community Corrections to house 283 inmates and serves as the main booking and housing facility for the county. The facility is located in Nevada City and handles the majority of pretrial and sentenced populations. Members of the public may access the inmate visitation list and jail media report through the county's official website.

Wayne Brown Correctional Facility 29 Lower Grass Valley Road Nevada City, CA 95959 Phone: (530) 265-1218, ext. 2100 Corrections Division — Wayne Brown Correctional Facility

Truckee Substation Jail The Truckee Substation Jail is a smaller satellite facility serving the eastern portion of Nevada County, including the Truckee area. It provides short-term holding capacity for individuals arrested in that region.

Truckee Substation Jail 10990 Donner Pass Road Truckee, CA 96161 Phone: (530) 265-1218, ext. 2101 Nevada County Sheriff's Office — Frequently Asked Questions

Who's in Prison In Nevada County

The Nevada County jail system houses several distinct populations under a single administrative structure. Individuals currently held in county custody generally fall into the following categories:

Pretrial detainees — persons arrested and charged with a criminal offense who have not yet been convicted and are unable to post bail or were denied bail
Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to one year in county jail
Sentenced felons (short-term) — individuals convicted of certain felony offenses who, under California's realignment legislation (Assembly Bill 109), serve their sentences locally rather than in state prison
Probation and parole violators — individuals held pending a hearing on an alleged violation of supervision conditions
Civil detainees and holds — persons held on immigration detainers, mental health holds, or other civil authority
Individuals awaiting transfer — persons awaiting transport to state prison, another county, or a federal facility

How To Search for Inmate Records In Nevada County in 2026

Members of the public may conduct inmate searches through several official channels maintained by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office. The following steps outline the available methods:

Online inmate search — Visit the official inmate locator portal on the Nevada County website. Enter the individual's first and last name or booking number to retrieve current custody status and facility assignment.
Telephone inquiry — Members of the public may call the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility directly at (530) 265-1218, ext. 2100, or the Truckee Substation Jail at (530) 265-1218, ext. 2101, during regular business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status.
In-person request — Individuals may appear in person at the Nevada County Sheriff's Office at 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959, during public counter hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to request custody information.
California Public Records Act request — For records beyond basic custody information, members of the public may submit a formal written request pursuant to Government Code § 6253 to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by email as directed by the agency.
Jail Media Report — The Sheriff's Office publishes a periodic jail media report listing recent bookings, which is accessible through the county's public records and inmate information page.

How To Find an Inmate in Nevada County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Nevada County custody is available at no cost through official county resources. The following methods are currently available without charge:

Free online search — The Nevada County Sheriff's Office provides a no-cost search tool for incarcerated persons on its official website. Users may search by name to determine whether an individual is currently in custody and at which facility.
Inmate visitation list — The county publishes a current inmate visitation list that identifies individuals in custody at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility along with applicable visiting hours.
Telephone inquiry — Calling the facility directly at (530) 265-1218 is free of charge and staff can confirm custody status during business hours.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Inmate Locator — For individuals who may have been transferred to state prison, the CDCR maintains a free online inmate locator at www.cdcr.ca.gov.
Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator — For individuals held in federal custody, the Federal Bureau of Prisons provides a free search tool at www.bop.gov.

How To Visit an Inmate In Nevada County

Visitation at Nevada County correctional facilities is governed by facility rules established by the Corrections Division and applicable provisions of California law. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable requirements.

Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list prior to the visit. Visitors are required to present valid government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visits may be denied if the visitor is not on the approved list, is under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, or has been previously barred from the facility.

Visit Schedule Visiting hours at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility are published on the county's inmate and visitation information page. Schedules are subject to change based on facility operations, lockdowns, or administrative needs. Members of the public are advised to verify current hours before traveling to the facility.

What to Bring

Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
Any required documentation for professional visits (attorneys, clergy, or medical personnel)

What NOT to Bring

Weapons of any kind
Controlled substances or alcohol
Unauthorized food or beverages
Electronic devices not pre-approved by facility administration
Cash or valuables beyond what is permitted by facility policy

Dress Code Visitors must dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (typically orange or blue), exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated symbols or insignia is prohibited. Facility staff retain the authority to deny entry to any visitor whose attire is deemed inappropriate.

Visit Types

In-person contact visits — available to approved visitors on the inmate's list, subject to scheduling and facility capacity
Non-contact visits — conducted through a glass partition where contact visits are not available or have been restricted
Professional visits — attorneys, licensed medical professionals, and clergy may be entitled to confidential visits under California law

Visit Restrictions Visits may be suspended or restricted during facility emergencies, lockdowns, or as a disciplinary measure. Individuals with certain criminal histories, active warrants, or prior facility violations may be denied visitation privileges.

How To Send Money to a Nevada County Inmate

Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account to allow the individual to purchase approved items from the jail commissary. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office currently authorizes the following methods for sending money:

Online deposits — Funds may be deposited electronically through the jail's approved third-party payment service provider. Members of the public should access the deposit portal through the Nevada County Sheriff's Office website or by contacting the facility directly for the current approved vendor.
Money order by mail — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be mailed to the facility. Personal checks are generally not accepted.
In-person kiosk deposits — Some facilities provide on-site kiosk terminals where visitors may deposit funds using a debit or credit card.

Amount Limits Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by facility policy. Members of the public should verify current limits by contacting the facility at (530) 265-1218.

Fees Third-party payment processors typically charge a transaction fee. The fee amount varies by provider and payment method. The county itself does not retain these fees.

What You Cannot Send

Cash sent through the mail
Personal checks
Funds from unverified or anonymous sources

What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used to purchase commissary items such as hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and phone time. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court-ordered fees directly from the trust account without authorization.

How To Send Jail Mail In Nevada County

Mail sent to inmates at Nevada County correctional facilities is subject to inspection pursuant to facility policy and applicable California law. All incoming and outgoing correspondence may be reviewed by facility staff to ensure compliance with security requirements.

Mailing Address — Wayne Brown Correctional Facility Inmate Full Legal Name, Booking Number 29 Lower Grass Valley Road Nevada City, CA 95959

Rules for Sending Mail

All mail must include the sender's full return address; anonymous mail will not be delivered
Letters must be written on plain white paper; cards and publications may be subject to additional restrictions
Photographs are generally permitted but must be standard size and must not depict nudity, gang imagery, weapons, or other prohibited content
Books and magazines must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer; items sent from private individuals may be rejected
Mail containing contraband, coded language, or content that poses a security threat will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action
Legal mail from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged correspondence and is opened only in the presence of the inmate, consistent with protections under California Penal Code § 2600