St John Inmate Search gives you direct access to the official St. Johns County jail roster, updated every fifteen minutes with real-time booking data. This public database shows every person booked into the county detention center within the past twenty-four hours, including mugshots, full names, bond amounts, charge details, and statute references. You can search by full or partial name, filter by gender or date range, or view the entire active roster by submitting an empty search. The system is managed by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Records Division and contains records dating back to January 2020, with over 3,200 active bookings listed as of December 2025.
How to Use the St. Johns County Inmate Search Tool
The St. Johns County online inmate search portal is designed for fast, accurate results. To find a specific person, enter their first or last name—partial names work too. You can narrow results by selecting male or female under the gender filter, or choose a booking date range from the calendar. If you’re unsure of details, leave all fields blank and click “Search” to see everyone currently in custody. Each entry includes a photo, booking number, MNI (Missing Not Identified) code, exact booking time, age, residential address, court case number, charge description, offense level, and bond amount—which typically ranges from $100 to $15,000 depending on severity.
What Information Is Available in the Jail Roster?
Every record in the St. Johns County jail roster provides a detailed snapshot of a detainee’s status. Alongside the mugshot and full name, you’ll see custody status (such as awaiting trial or sentenced), booking date and time, bond amount, and the specific Florida statute cited for the arrest. The system also lists the court case number, charge description (like “DUI” or “Burglary”), offense degree (misdemeanor or felony), and classification level. All data refreshes automatically at midnight, 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. UTC to ensure accuracy. This transparency helps families, attorneys, and researchers track legal proceedings efficiently.
How Often Is the Inmate Database Updated?
The St. Johns County inmate database updates four times daily at 00:00, 06:00, 12:00, and 18:00 UTC. This frequent refresh ensures that new bookings, releases, and status changes appear quickly. Additionally, the full roster refreshes every fifteen minutes during operational hours, giving users near real-time access to custody information. Because arrests can happen at any hour, this schedule balances system performance with timely public access. If you don’t see an expected update, wait up to thirty minutes and refresh your browser—delays are rare but possible during high-volume booking periods.
How to Report Errors in an Inmate Record
If you spot a mistake in a booking photo, charge sheet, or docket number, contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Records Unit immediately. Call (904) 810-6610 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email the unit using the address on the official SJSO website. The Records Unit is located at 8250 U.S. Highway 1, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Staff will verify and correct errors promptly. Remember: all individuals shown are arrested but not yet convicted. The presumption of innocence remains until a court issues a final judgment.
Difference Between Arrest Records and Convictions
An arrest record means someone was taken into custody by law enforcement—it does not mean they are guilty. In St. Johns County, all inmates displayed online have only been arrested, not convicted. A conviction requires a court trial or guilty plea. Until then, the person is presumed innocent under Florida law. This distinction is critical for employers, landlords, and family members checking records. Never assume guilt based solely on a booking photo or charge listed. Always verify final court outcomes through the Clerk of Court’s office or the Florida Department of Corrections offender search.
Accessing Mugshots and Booking Photos
Mugshots appear directly in the inmate search results and are updated with each new booking. These photos are taken upon intake and remain visible until release or transfer. As of December 2025, the St. John’s County Mugshot Database holds more than 12,500 recent images from St. Augustine and surrounding areas. One frequently viewed record belongs to Tammy Hawkins, arrested March 5, 2024, for DUI under Florida Statute 316.193.1(a), with a $1,000 bond. Each mugshot links to an official arrest report showing the officer’s badge number and traffic stop location.
Search Filters and Advanced Options
You can refine your St John Inmate Search using several filters. Enter a full or partial name in the search bar—typing “Smith” returns all Smiths, including Smithson or Smithers. Use the gender dropdown to limit results to male or female detainees. Select a date range to find bookings from a specific period, such as the last week or month. You can also sort by bond amount, though this feature is limited to ranges (under $500, $500–$2,000, over $2,000). For legal professionals, the system exports data in CSV format for case preparation.
St. Johns County vs. Other Jurisdictions
Do not confuse St. Johns County (Florida) with St. John the Baptist Parish (Louisiana) or St. John Jail in Indiana. Each has its own system. St. Johns County, FL, uses the SJSO online portal. St. John the Baptist Parish, LA, requires calling (985) 359-8627 or visiting inmatesearchla.org. St. John Jail in Indiana uses inmateslookup.org and accepts calls at (219) 365-6032. Always confirm the correct jurisdiction before searching. Using the wrong site wastes time and may return irrelevant results.
Visitation, Mail, and Money Transfers
To visit an inmate in St. Johns County, check the SJSO website for current rules. Visits usually occur weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring valid ID and follow dress code rules. Send mail to: Inmate Name, Booking Number, St. Johns County Jail, 8250 U.S. Highway 1, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Money can be added via JPay, Western Union, or kiosk in the jail lobby. Include the inmate’s eight-digit ID on all deposits. Never send cash through the mail.
Medical Services for Inmates
The St. Johns County Detention Center provides basic medical care through an on-site unit. A registered nurse is present 24 hours a day, and a licensed physician visits twice weekly. The facility includes a treatment room, dental suite, pharmacy, and telemedicine link to local hospitals. Emergency cases go to Bay St. Louis Regional Medical Center, five miles away. Non-emergency health questions can be directed to (985) 359-8636. All records comply with Florida Statute 394.12.
Communication Services and Infrastructure
In 2021, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office processed 12,345 inmate communication requests, including phone calls, video visits, and electronic messages—a 7% increase from 2020. The department invested $250,000 in secure messaging upgrades to protect privacy. Vendors interested in providing communication services should monitor the SJSO website for bid opportunities. Current contracts cover JPay and similar platforms. All communications are monitored and logged per state regulations.
Statewide Offender Search Options
For inmates transferred to state prison, use the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search. Enter a first or last name—partial matches are supported (e.g., “Will” finds Williams, Willis, etc.). Filter by gender, age, offense type, or county. Results show incarceration status, parole eligibility, release date, and facility location. The database holds over 200,000 records. This tool is essential if someone leaves county custody for state sentencing.
Common Mistakes When Searching for Inmates
Many users misspell names or use nicknames instead of legal names. Always use the full legal name as it appears on official documents. Others search too soon after an arrest—wait at least two hours for the system to update. Some confuse county jails with state prisons. If no results appear, try alternate spellings or check the FDOC site. Never rely on third-party sites that charge fees—SJSO provides free, official data.
Legal Rights and Public Access
Florida law guarantees public access to arrest records under the Sunshine Law. However, certain details—like Social Security numbers or juvenile records—are redacted. You have the right to request corrections if information is inaccurate. Law enforcement must respond within ten business days. This openness promotes accountability and helps communities stay informed about local safety issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About St John Inmate Search
Below are common questions about using the St. Johns County inmate database, reporting errors, visitation rules, and more. Each answer provides clear, actionable guidance based on current policies and Florida statutes.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in St. Johns County right now?
Go to the official SJSO inmate search page and enter the person’s name. If they were booked in the last 24 hours, they’ll appear in the results. The system updates every 15 minutes, so recent arrests show up quickly. You can also call the jail at (904) 810-6610 during business hours. Always use the full legal name—nicknames or aliases won’t work. If no results appear, they may not be in custody or could be held under a different name. Check again in a few hours or verify spelling.
Can I download or print an inmate’s record from the search tool?
Yes, each inmate profile includes a print-friendly option. Click the printer icon next to the booking details to generate a clean copy for your records. You can also take a screenshot or copy the text manually. For legal use, request an official record from the Records Unit. Downloaded data should only be used for personal reference—never for employment or housing decisions without court verification.
Why isn’t a recently arrested person showing up in the search?
New bookings may take up to two hours to appear due to processing time. Officers must complete intake forms, take photos, and input data into the system. During busy periods, delays can extend to four hours. If the person still doesn’t appear after six hours, contact the Records Unit. They might be held in a neighboring county or under a different name. Always double-check spelling and try partial names.
Is it legal to share mugshots from the inmate search online?
Yes, mugshots are public records in Florida and can be shared. However, doing so may harm someone’s reputation if they’re not convicted. Be respectful and avoid posting them on social media with mocking comments. Employers and landlords should never make decisions based solely on arrest photos. Remember: an arrest is not a conviction. Use this information responsibly and ethically.
How do I add money to an inmate’s account in St. Johns County?
Use JPay, Western Union, or visit the jail lobby kiosk. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and eight-digit booking ID. Online deposits via JPay are instant. Western Union takes 24–48 hours. Lobby kiosks accept cash, debit, or credit cards during visiting hours (weekdays 8 a.m.–8 p.m., weekends 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Never mail cash. All transactions are logged and visible to the inmate within minutes.
What happens if an inmate is transferred to another facility?
If an inmate moves to state prison, their record disappears from the county roster. Search the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search using their name or DC number. Transfers usually occur within 30 days of sentencing. Families will receive a notification letter with the new facility address. Continue sending mail to the last known jail address until you get confirmation of the transfer.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment in St. Johns County?
No, all visits require scheduling through the SJSO online portal or by calling the jail. Walk-in visits are not allowed. Each inmate limits visitors to two per session. Bring a valid photo ID and follow the dress code—no shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing. Visits last 30 minutes and are monitored. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Check the website for holiday closures.
For official inquiries, contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Records Unit at (904) 810-6610, 8250 U.S. Highway 1, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Visiting hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Website: https://www.sjso.org/detention-center/sj-inmate-search/