San Antonio Arrest Records and Jail Roster

San Antonio does not operate its own jail. When someone is arrested in San Antonio, they are booked into the Bexar County Jail. To find a current inmate or check a booking record, you need to search the Bexar County Sheriff's jail roster. This page explains how to do that and what information you will find.

Bexar County Jail Handles San Antonio Arrests

Texas cities do not run county jails. When the San Antonio Police Department or any other agency makes an arrest in San Antonio, the person is transported to the Bexar County Jail for booking. That is where you will find the jail roster, inmate search, and all booking records. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office operates the facility and keeps the roster updated throughout each day.

You can search the Bexar County jail roster online through the Sheriff's Office website. The search lets you look up inmates by name or booking number. Results show the inmate's booking photo, full name, charges, bond amount, and booking date. Only active inmates in current custody appear in live search results.

You can also search through Jail Exchange also lists facility details and links to the inmate search.

Note: If the person you're looking for is not in the system, they may have already been released or the record may not have been processed yet. Call the jail directly to confirm custody status.

San Antonio Police Department

The San Antonio Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving San Antonio. Officers from the department make arrests for misdemeanor and felony offenses in the city. State troopers, county deputies, and federal agents may also make arrests in San Antonio. All of those arrests go to the Bexar County Jail for processing and booking.

For non-emergency calls, contact the San Antonio Police at (210) 207-7273. For emergencies, always call 911. The police department does not hold inmates. All arrests are transferred to the Bexar County Jail shortly after arrest.

What the Jail Roster Shows for San Antonio Inmates

Each entry on the Bexar County jail roster for a San Antonio arrestee includes the same booking information as any other inmate. The booking number is assigned at intake. The roster also shows the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and booking photo. Charges are listed by statute or offense name, and bond amounts appear once set.

Other details may include the booking date and time, the arresting agency (which would show San Antonio Police Department or another agency), and the projected release date if one has been set. Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, most basic booking information is a public record. Some details may be missing early in the process before bail has been set or charges have been filed.

Bond amounts are set by a magistrate or judge. Misdemeanor cases may allow for early release using a bail schedule. Felony charges require a magistrate hearing, which must happen within 48 hours of arrest under Texas law. You can post bond at the Bexar County Jail or work with a licensed bail bondsman.

VINE Victim Notification for San Antonio Inmates

If you want automatic alerts when an inmate's custody status changes, use the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program. Bexar County participates in VINE. You can register at VINELink or by calling 1-877-894-8463. The service sends notifications by phone, email, or text when someone is released, transferred, or escapes.

VINE is free and confidential. It works for inmates at the Bexar County Jail and at state prisons through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Registration is available any time, 24 hours a day.

Searching Older Records and Transfers

The live jail roster only shows people currently in custody. If the person you're looking for has already been released, you will need to submit a public records request. The Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request booking records and other government records. Submit your request to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. The agency must respond within 10 business days.

For inmates who were convicted and sent to state prison, use the TDCJ Inmate Search to find their current location. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains statewide criminal history records at dps.texas.gov. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards oversees county jail operations statewide.

Inmate Mail and Visitation

All inmate mail, visits, and commissary for San Antonio arrestees go through the Bexar County Jail. To send mail, address it with the inmate's full legal name and booking number. All incoming mail is inspected. Do not include cash, explicit photos, or contraband. Standard letters are the accepted form of mail.

Visitation requires valid government-issued photo ID. The jail may use in-person or video visitation. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Call the Bexar County Jail at (210) 335-6000 to confirm current visitation hours and scheduling requirements before going. Commissary deposits can be made through the jail's deposit system. Check with the facility for accepted methods and limits.

Bexar County Jail Roster

San Antonio is in Bexar County. All arrest records for San Antonio residents go through the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. For full county-level information including all search options, visitation rules, and bond procedures, visit the Bexar County page.

View Bexar County Jail Roster