The Bexar County Jail holds thousands of inmates in San Antonio, Texas. Whether you’re looking for a friend, a family member, or public information, this page helps you perform a quick and accurate inmate search.
Using just a name or State ID (SID), you can instantly check if someone is in custody. You’ll get details like booking date, charges, custody status, and—when available—mugshots. The data is pulled directly from official jail records to help you find the most current information available.
What is the Bexar County Jail?
The Bexar County Jail is the main detention center for San Antonio and the surrounding areas in Texas. Located at 200 N. Comal Street, it operates under the authority of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
This facility is responsible for holding people who are awaiting trial, serving short sentences, or being transferred to other jurisdictions. With space for over 4,500 inmates, the jail runs 24/7 and handles bookings, releases, and secure custody.
As a central detention center in Bexar, it supports local courts and law enforcement by ensuring safe inmate housing and legal compliance. Whether someone was arrested in downtown San Antonio or anywhere in the county, they’re most likely processed through this Bexar jail facility.
Inmates here may face charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The jail also manages medical care, inmate records, and visitation services.
How to Use the Inmate Search Tool
Using the inmate search tool is the fastest way to check if someone is held at the Bexar County Jail. Whether you’re looking for a recent arrest or confirming someone’s status, the tool provides direct access to records from official sources.
Enter Full Name or SID Number
Start by entering the inmate’s first and last name, or their SID (System Identification) number, into the search box above.
Use Partial Name if Unsure
Not sure about the spelling? You can still use partial names to locate possible matches. For example, typing “John Smi” will return results like “John Smith” or “Johnny Smiley.”
Click on the Matching Record
Once you see the correct entry, click on the inmate’s name to view details like charges, mugshots, booking date, and bond status.
Check Status and Jail Location
The tool will also show if the inmate is currently in custody, transferred, or released. Jail unit and housing location may also be listed.
This Bexar County jail lookup system updates regularly, so results are usually up to date. It’s connected with official detention databases to help the public search inmates in Bexar County without delay.
If no results appear, double-check the spelling or try using fewer characters.
What Information Can You Find?
When using the Bexar County jail roster, you gain access to detailed inmate records pulled directly from official databases. These records are meant to help friends, family, legal professionals, and the public stay informed.
Mugshots and Charges
Each inmate profile typically includes a booking photo (mugshot) along with a list of filed charges. The charges may be classified by severity, such as misdemeanor or felony, and often include the penal code section for reference.
Booking Date and Custody Details
You can view the exact booking date and time, which shows when the person was taken into custody. The record may also show the current location within the jail, such as the housing unit or floor.
Bond Information
If a bond has been set, the amount will be displayed. This includes whether the bond is cash-only or allows a surety. If no bond is listed, the person may be held without release or awaiting court action.
Custody Status
The custody status tells you if the person is still in jail, has been released, or transferred to another facility. This section may also list any upcoming court dates, probation holds, or detainer requests from other jurisdictions.
Using the Bexar County jail roster, you can quickly search inmate records, view mugshots across Texas, and confirm if someone is still in custody or eligible for release.
Mugshots: What’s Public & What’s Not
The Bexar County jail roster often includes booking photos, commonly known as mugshots. These images are part of public arrest records, but access to them follows state laws.
What’s Legally Viewable
Under Texas law, booking photos in Bexar County are considered public information once a person is booked into jail. These photos can appear on official databases and third-party search tools.
You can typically view mugshots unless:
- The inmate was released without charges
- The case is sealed by court order
- The subject qualifies for record removal under specific state rules
In these cases, the mugshot may be hidden or removed to protect privacy.
Texas Rules on Public Access
Texas has placed some limits on how Bexar mugshots are used. For example, mugshot websites that charge for removal must comply with Senate Bill 1289, which restricts profit-based mugshot publishing.
However, law enforcement agencies and court-backed tools may still display these photos legally. If a person believes their image is wrongly shared, they can request a review through the appropriate sheriff’s or clerk’s office.
Mugshots serve as a visual record in the Bexar County jail lookup process. But not every booking photo will stay public, especially if the case is resolved without conviction.
Bexar County Jail Roster: Real-Time Updates
The Bexar County jail roster provides current data on people held in county custody. It plays a vital role for families, legal teams, and anyone tracking the jail population in Bexar.
How Often Is the Roster Updated?
The online roster refreshes multiple times a day, based on input from booking officers, clerks, and court staff. Most updates happen in real time or within a few hours of changes at the jail.
If someone is newly booked, released, or moved between units, the change usually appears by the next update cycle. Delays are rare, but they can happen during weekends, holidays, or technical maintenance.
How Reliable Is the Data?
The real-time inmate list in Bexar is managed by the county’s information systems and connected directly to jail records. While the roster reflects official entries, some data, like release status or pending charges, may shift quickly based on legal activity.
If you need to confirm an inmate’s status beyond what’s shown online, contact the Bexar County Adult Detention Center for direct verification. The online list is accurate for general tracking but may not reflect recent legal rulings or bail postings until fully processed.
SID & Name Lookup Explained
Searching jail records in Bexar County works best when you use a State Identification Number (SID). While name searches are common, they can sometimes return multiple results or inaccurate matches. A SID inmate lookup in Bexar gives a more reliable and focused result.
What Is a State ID (SID)?
A SID number is a unique code assigned to a person by the Texas Department of Public Safety. It stays with them across all criminal cases, arrests, and jail bookings in Texas, including those in Bexar County.
Unlike names, SID numbers don’t change, and they’re not shared with anyone else. Even if someone uses an alias or changes their name, their Bexar jail SID number remains the same.
Why Use a SID Instead of a Name?
Using a state ID to search inmates in Bexar County cuts down on wrong matches. It avoids issues like:
- Common or shared names
- Spelling errors
- Use of nicknames or aliases
SID searches pull up the exact inmate profile, including charges, booking details, and custody status. If you’re unsure of someone’s SID, you can still search by name, but results may need closer review to confirm.
Jail Visitation & Communication Rules
Connecting with someone held in Bexar County Jail is possible through approved visits or communication channels. Whether you’re planning to visit someone in Bexar jail or need to set up a video call, the process is straightforward when you follow the right steps.
How to Schedule a Visit or Video Call
Bexar County Jail offers both in-person visits and remote video calls. Visits must be scheduled in advance. Here’s how:
- Register online with the jail’s official visitation portal.
- Choose a time slot based on the inmate’s housing unit.
- Bring a valid ID when arriving for an on-site visit.
Each inmate is allowed a limited number of visits per week. Visiting hours vary by day and housing location, so checking the schedule before you plan is important.
For remote video calls, approved users must log in to the jail’s video platform. These calls are often available more frequently and can be scheduled from home.
Approved Communication Channels
There are several ways to stay in touch with someone at Bexar County Jail:
- Phone Calls: Inmates can make outbound calls using a prepaid or collect call system. Family members cannot call inmates directly.
- Video Calls: Available through the jail’s approved service provider. Both scheduled and on-demand options may be offered.
- Mail: Letters must include the inmate’s full name and SID number. All mail is screened for security.
- Messaging Apps: Some facilities allow text-like messaging through secure jail communication platforms.
To call an inmate in Texas, including Bexar County, you’ll need to create an account with the jail’s phone service provider and add funds to your balance.
Posting Bond & Inmate Release Info
If someone you know is held in Bexar County Jail, understanding how to post bond and track inmate release is often a top priority. Whether you’re arranging payment or waiting for someone to be released, here’s how the process works.
Bond Procedures and Payment Options
To secure release before trial, you can post bond using one of the following options:
- Cash Bond: Pay the full bond amount directly at the Bexar County Bond Office.
- Surety Bond: Use a licensed bail bond agent to post on your behalf, usually for a non-refundable fee.
- Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: Available in certain cases based on the court’s discretion. No money is required upfront, but the person must promise to return to court.
You can post bond online in Bexar County through the approved county system, which accepts payments 24/7. This method often saves time and lets you handle the process from home.
Bonds may be posted at:
- Bexar County Bond Office
- Online bond payment portal
- Authorized third-party services
Make sure to confirm the inmate’s name, SID, and exact bond amount before submitting any payment.
How to Check Inmate Release Dates
To track the release status of someone in custody:
- Visit the Bexar County Central Magistrate Search portal.
- Enter the inmate’s full name or SID number.
- Look for release status updates, including pending court actions or time served.
Processing time varies depending on the type of bond, court schedule, and booking status. For many cases, the release process begins within hours after bond is posted, but it may take longer during high-volume periods.
If you’re checking on a Bexar County inmate release, always verify details through the county’s official channels to avoid delays or confusion.
Contact the Bexar County Jail
If you need to speak directly with jail staff or get help with an inmate’s status, knowing how to contact the Bexar County Jail can save time and frustration. Whether you’re asking about visitation, bond status, or housing information, here’s how to get in touch.
Jail Address, Phone, and Email
Bexar County Adult Detention Center
200 N. Comal Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
- Main Phone (24/7): (210) 335-6010
- Jail Help Desk (Inmate Info): (210) 335-6201
- Fax: (210) 335-6199
- Email (Administrative): info@bexar.org
Tip: Always have the inmate’s full name and SID number ready when calling.
When to Call the Jail Directly
You can contact the Bexar County Jail for several reasons:
- To confirm an inmate’s booking or release status
- To ask about visitation hours or video call eligibility
- To report urgent concerns involving medical or safety issues
- To get information about inmate mail or commissary
- To confirm bail or bond details before posting payment
Phone lines are busiest between 8 AM and 1 PM. For faster service, try calling early in the morning or after 3 PM.
Common Issues & How to Fix Them
Searching jail records doesn’t always go smoothly. If an inmate is not showing in Bexar County’s online search, or if something looks off, don’t panic—several common issues could be the reason.
No Match Found in the Roster
If the online search shows “No Records Found,” try these quick fixes:
- Double-check spelling: Even one wrong letter can return no results.
- Use partial names: Try searching just the first and last name.
- Add or remove middle names/initials: The system may store them differently.
If the person was just arrested, their record might not be uploaded yet. Booking data can take up to 4 hours to appear online.
Delay in System Updates
Bexar County’s jail database updates throughout the day. If your search is too early after an arrest, the record may still be pending. Try checking again after a few hours or contact the jail help desk directly at (210) 335-6201 for faster confirmation.
Mugshot or Name Appears Incorrect
Sometimes, jail records might show the wrong photo or spelling errors in the name. If you notice something off:
- Write down the SID number—this is the most reliable way to identify an inmate.
- Contact Bexar County Jail at (210) 335-6010.
Politely request a record correction or clarification. Be specific and provide supporting info if possible.
Wrong mugshot or identity issues can usually be fixed within a business day if flagged properly.
Legal Access & Privacy Rights
Understanding who can legally view inmate data in Bexar County helps avoid confusion and protects personal privacy. Texas law supports transparency while respecting the rights of those in custody.
Who Can Access Inmate Information?
Most Bexar County jail records are available to the public. Anyone can perform an inmate lookup by name or SID using the official jail portal. These public records typically include:
- Full name
- Booking date and time
- Charges
- Mugshot
- Release status
This access helps families, attorneys, and concerned residents stay informed.
Public Record Laws in Texas
The Texas Public Information Act allows public access to many government records, including inmate data. However, certain details are restricted, especially when they involve:
- Juvenile inmates
- Victims’ information
- Ongoing investigations
- Medical or mental health details
Agencies may redact or withhold parts of a record if sharing would violate privacy rules or legal protections.
Jail Privacy Rules and Exceptions
While basic inmate information is open to the public, jails follow strict privacy rules under both state and federal law. For example:
- Phone calls and visits may be monitored unless protected by attorney-client privilege.
- Inmate health records are confidential and require a release form.
- Personal identification numbers (like Social Security) are never shown.
If you think a record was wrongly withheld, you can file a request for review through the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Public access helps maintain accountability, but privacy rights still apply. For accurate information or help with a specific case, contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re trying to locate someone in the Bexar County Jail or simply want to understand how the inmate search system works, this section provides clear answers to commonly asked questions. Whether you’re a concerned family member or just curious about recent arrests, the information below will help guide you through the process.
How can I search for an inmate in the Bexar County Jail?
To find an inmate in the Bexar County Jail, you can use the official online inmate search tool provided by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Enter the inmate’s full name or booking number to access the latest custody status, booking date, and criminal charges. The tool regularly updated, making it a dependable resource for accurate jail records.
What information is included in the Bexar County inmate roster?
The Bexar County inmate roster contains vital details like the inmate’s full name, booking number, date of arrest, current charges, bond amount, and housing location. In many cases, mugshots and court dates are also included. This helps users verify the individual’s incarceration status without needing to call the jail directly.
Is the Bexar County Jail inmate search updated daily?
Yes, the Bexar County Jail inmate search is updated regularly, typically several times a day. These frequent updates ensure that information about arrests, releases, and inmate status remains current. However, system maintenance or booking backlogs may occasionally cause short delays in data visibility.
Can I find recently arrested individuals in Bexar County?
Yes, the Bexar County inmate search allows you to view recent bookings by checking entries listed by arrest date. You’ll find names, charges, and bond details of those recently brought into custody. This is particularly helpful for staying informed about new arrests within the county limits, including San Antonio.
What if I can’t find someone in the Bexar County Jail search?
If a search returns no results, the person may have been released, booked under a different name, or may be held in another facility. It’s important to double-check spellings and try variations of the name. If you’re still unsure, you can call the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office for additional assistance in locating the individual.