How to Find Someone at San Mateo County (Maguire Facility) — step-by-step and how to get VINE custody alerts

Trying to find out if someone is in custody at San Mateo County (Maguire Facility)? You probably want two things: a reliable way to search, and a way to stop refreshing the page every hour. Here's how to use the San Mateo County inmate locator step-by-step, what to do if the name doesn't show up, and how to sign up for VINE custody alerts so you get notified when their status changes.

Start with the San Mateo County inmate locator. Enter the person's name exactly as you have it - the search requires both a first and last name. Fill in both fields, then click FIND INMATE. If you're unsure about spelling, try the most formal version first (the name that would appear on an ID). Small differences can keep a record from showing up.

When you get a match, treat what you see as a snapshot - not a guarantee. The San Mateo County inmate locator states that information shown for arrested or in-custody individuals represents the most recent data known to the Sheriff's Office. Details can change as someone moves through the system, so keep that in mind if you're using the results to plan your next step.

No results doesn't always mean the person isn't in custody. The San Mateo County inmate locator explains that names of people arrested and booked by San Mateo County agencies may not appear on the site due to exemptions under California Government Code section 6254(f). Frustrating when you just need a quick answer, but it's a known limitation of the public-facing tool.

1. Re-check the name fields - Make sure you entered BOTH first name and last name, then ran the search again.
2. Identify the arresting/local jurisdiction - If the person was arrested by a city police department or another local agency, note which one handled the arrest.
3. Contact the local jurisdiction directly - The county site’s guidance is to reach out to the local jurisdiction for information when a name doesn’t appear on the locator.

Don't want to keep checking the locator manually? Set up custody-status alerts through VINE. The San Mateo County inmate locator directs people to the California VINE website to register for custody status changes and criminal case information. Once you're registered and matched to the right person, VINE notifies you when their custody status changes - helpful if you're coordinating childcare, work, transportation, or the next step in the legal process.

• ✓ Use the person’s full legal first and last name when you search/register
• ✓ Have any extra identifiers you know handy (for example: date of birth or booking details) to help you pick the correct match
• ✓ Choose how you want to receive alerts (phone, email, and/or text)
• ✓ Finish the registration steps so the notifications actually activate

Troubleshooting

• ✓ Confirm you entered BOTH first name and last name, then clicked FIND INMATE
• ✓ Double-check spelling (try the formal/legal version of the name if you originally used a nickname)
• ✓ If the person still doesn’t appear, remember names can be withheld under Government Code section 6254(f)
• ✓ Follow the site’s direction to contact the arresting/local jurisdiction for information when a name isn’t listed
• ✓ If you’re trying to avoid repeated searches, register for custody-status notifications through California VINE

This guide covers what the San Mateo County inmate locator itself says: results reflect the most recent information known to the Sheriff's Office, some names may not appear due to Government Code section 6254(f), and the site points you to California VINE for custody and case notifications. It doesn't include facility phone numbers, booking timelines, or other details not provided in those statements. If you need confirmation beyond what the locator shows - especially when a name isn't listed - contact the arresting or local jurisdiction directly.