San Bernardino Prison Inmate Search: Updated Database Access

San Bernardino Prison Inmate Search: Updated Database Access

Introduction

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search database that allows the public to access information about current inmates. This database is a valuable resource for victims of crime, family members of inmates, and the general public. However, the database also raises concerns about privacy and security.

Background

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office launched its online inmate search database in 2002. The database contains information about all inmates currently housed in the county jail system. This information includes the inmate's name, age, race, gender, booking number, charges, and custody status.

The database is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users can search for inmates by name, booking number, or charge. The database also allows users to view a list of all inmates currently housed in the county jail system.

Benefits of the Database

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office's online inmate search database provides several benefits to the public. First, the database allows victims of crime to track the status of their cases. Victims can search for the inmate who committed the crime against them and view their booking information, charges, and custody status. This information can help victims feel more informed about the criminal justice process and can help them prepare for the possibility of the inmate being released.

Second, the database allows family members of inmates to stay informed about their loved ones. Family members can search for the inmate by name or booking number and view their charges, custody status, and scheduled court dates. This information can help family members stay connected with their loved ones and can help them plan for the future.

Third, the database provides the general public with information about the criminal justice system. The database allows users to view a list of all inmates currently housed in the county jail system. This information can help the public understand the types of crimes that are being committed in their community and can help them make informed decisions about their safety.

Concerns about Privacy and Security

While the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office's online inmate search database provides several benefits to the public, it also raises concerns about privacy and security. First, the database contains personal information about inmates, including their names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. This information could be used by identity thieves or other criminals to commit fraud or other crimes.

Second, the database is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that anyone with an internet connection can access the database and view the personal information of inmates. This could pose a safety risk for inmates, as their personal information could be used to track them down or harass them.

Third, the database is not encrypted. This means that the data stored in the database could be intercepted by hackers or other unauthorized individuals. If the data were intercepted, it could be used to commit fraud, identity theft, or other crimes.

Recommendations

To address the concerns about privacy and security, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office should take the following steps:

Conclusion

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office's online inmate search database is a valuable resource for victims of crime, family members of inmates, and the general public. However, the database also raises concerns about privacy and security. The Sheriff's Office should take steps to address these concerns by encrypting the database, limiting access to the database, and providing training to employees. By taking these steps, the Sheriff's Office can help to protect the personal information of inmates and to ensure that the database is used for its intended purposes.