CDCR runs one statewide search tool, CIRIS, not a separate locator for each institution.
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California doesn’t run a separate inmate search tool for each prison. Instead, CDCR maintains one statewide locator, CIRIS (California Incarcerated Records and Information Search), that covers every institution including Sierra Conservation Center. Search by name or CDCR number to confirm someone’s current location.
Go to ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov and enter the person’s first and last name, or their CDCR number if you have it. CDCR number searches are more reliable since names can have multiple spellings or common matches. The tool returns basic identifying information along with the institution where the person is currently housed.
Since CIRIS is a statewide tool, a search can return someone housed at any CDCR institution, not only Sierra Conservation Center. Double check the result specifically lists Sierra Conservation Center before assuming that’s where to send mail, money, or plan a visit. Note that SCC also operates satellite conservation fire camps, so confirm whether your family member is housed at the main SCC campus or a camp before sending anything.
A few common reasons a name doesn’t appear in CIRIS: they were only recently sentenced and haven’t been transferred from county jail yet, they were released, they’re housed under a legal name different from the one you searched, or there’s a temporary lag between an actual transfer and CIRIS updating.
Try searching with only the last name, or double-check the spelling of both names. If you have their CDCR number from a previous letter or court document, search with that instead, since it’s less prone to name-matching errors. If you still can’t locate them, call SCC’s Public Information Officer, Lieutenant W. Whitley, at (209) 984-5291 ext. 5499, or check with the county court where they were sentenced to confirm their custody status.
If someone you’re tracking gets transferred to a different CDCR institution, CIRIS updates to reflect their new location, though there can be a short delay. Before sending mail, money, or scheduling a visit, always recheck CIRIS close to the date you plan to act, since transfers can happen with little notice.
6 of 6 questions
Use CIRIS, CDCR's statewide inmate locator, at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov. Search by name or CDCR number, then confirm the result lists Sierra Conservation Center as the current institution.
Inmate SearchNo. CDCR uses one statewide tool, CIRIS, for every institution instead of a separate locator per facility.
Inmate SearchSCC jointly operates 30 adult male conservation fire camps across California. If CIRIS lists a specific camp, confirm with SCC directly whether mail, money, and visits go to the camp or the main Jamestown campus, since the process can differ.
Inmate SearchThey may still be in county jail awaiting transfer, recently released, listed under a different name spelling, or their transfer into CIRIS hasn't updated yet. Try searching with their CDCR number alone if you have it.
Inmate SearchCIRIS updates as CDCR processes transfers and status changes, but there can be a short lag right after a move. Recheck close to your planned visit or transaction date.
Inmate SearchCall SCC's Public Information Officer, Lieutenant W. Whitley, at (209) 984-5291 ext. 5499 to confirm current status, especially if you suspect a recent transfer hasn't updated yet.
Inmate SearchGet approved, then schedule through VSA.
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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 14, 2026.