San Juan County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In San Juan County?
Inmate records in San Juan County are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office to document individuals who are or have been held in custody within the county's detention system. These records are distinct from court records: while the courts maintain case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail maintains custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to applicable public records laws.
Under New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1, public bodies are required to make public records available for inspection. Custody records maintained by the San Juan County Detention Center fall within the scope of this statute.
San Juan County Detention Center 1100 Municipal Dr, Aztec, NM 87410 (505) 334-6325 San Juan County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In San Juan County?
Inmate records in San Juan County are generally considered public records under New Mexico law. Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1, members of the public may inspect public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement and correctional facilities, unless a specific exemption applies.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the San Juan County Detention Center
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and booking
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the individual's detention
- Mugshots — booking photographs taken at intake
- Bond and bail amounts — the financial conditions of release set by the court
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held
Certain information may be withheld if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger a person's safety, or violate a court order. Juvenile records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under New Mexico law. The New Mexico Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving state sentences, while the San Juan County Detention Center maintains records for locally held individuals.
What's Included in Inmate Records in San Juan County
Inmate records maintained by the San Juan County Detention Center contain multiple categories of information compiled from booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Social Security Number (restricted from public disclosure)
- Address at time of arrest
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Facility and housing unit assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute(s) violated
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Case or docket number
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date
- Presiding court and judge
- Case number cross-reference
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, dismissal)
- Conditions of release or supervision requirements
San Juan County Prison System
San Juan County operates a local detention system designed to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of typically one year or less. The San Juan County Detention Center functions as the primary county jail, providing pre-trial detention, post-conviction incarceration for misdemeanor and lower-level felony sentences, and temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to state or federal facilities.
County jails differ from state prisons in both population and administration. The San Juan County Detention Center is administered by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and houses individuals charged with or convicted of offenses under local and state jurisdiction. Individuals convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding one year are typically transferred to a facility operated by the New Mexico Department of Corrections.
San Juan County Sheriff's Office 100 S Oliver Dr, Aztec, NM 87410 (505) 334-6325 San Juan County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In San Juan County
San Juan County's correctional infrastructure currently consists of the following facility:
San Juan County Detention Center The primary detention facility for the county, the San Juan County Detention Center houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, and individuals held on immigration or other federal detainers. The facility is operated under the authority of the San Juan County Sheriff's Office.
1100 Municipal Dr, Aztec, NM 87410 (505) 334-6325 San Juan County Detention Center
Individuals serving longer state sentences may be housed at facilities operated by the New Mexico Department of Corrections, including:
New Mexico Department of Corrections — Central Office 4337 NM-14, Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505) 827-8645 New Mexico Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In San Juan County
The San Juan County Detention Center houses several categories of individuals at any given time:
- Pre-trial detainees — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted; they are held because they are unable to post bail or have been denied bail by the court
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of one year or less
- Sentenced felons (short-term) — individuals convicted of lower-level felonies whose sentences fall within the county jail threshold
- Federal and immigration detainees — individuals held on behalf of federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), under intergovernmental agreements
- Individuals awaiting transfer — persons who have been sentenced to state prison and are awaiting transport to a New Mexico Department of Corrections facility
- Probation and parole violators — individuals held pending hearings on alleged violations of supervision conditions
How To Search for Inmate Records In San Juan County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in San Juan County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Online Search: The San Juan County Sheriff's Office may provide an online inmate roster or lookup tool through its official website. Members of the public may visit the San Juan County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the detention or inmate search section to query current inmates by name.
In-Person Request: Members of the public may submit a public records request in person at the San Juan County Sheriff's Office or Detention Center. Requests should be made in writing pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 14-2-8, which governs the procedures for inspecting public records in New Mexico.
- Visit the facility during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Submit a written request identifying the record sought and the individual's full name and date of birth
- Allow up to 15 business days for a response, as permitted under state law
By Telephone: Members of the public may call the San Juan County Detention Center at (505) 334-6325 to inquire about an individual's custody status.
Written/Mail Request: Written requests may be mailed to:
San Juan County Sheriff's Office — Records Division 100 S Oliver Dr, Aztec, NM 87410 (505) 334-6325 San Juan County Sheriff's Office
For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the New Mexico Department of Corrections Offender Search tool allows members of the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities.
How To Find an Inmate in San Juan County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in San Juan County at no cost through the following methods:
- San Juan County Sheriff's Office Website — The official website at San Juan County Sheriff's Office may provide a current inmate roster or lookup function at no charge.
- Telephone Inquiry — Members of the public may call the San Juan County Detention Center at (505) 334-6325 to request custody status information verbally, free of charge.
- In-Person Inquiry — Visiting the detention center in person and requesting basic custody information from the front desk is available at no cost during regular business hours.
- New Mexico DOC Offender Search — For individuals who may be in state custody, the New Mexico Department of Corrections provides a free online offender search tool.
- New Mexico Courts Case Lookup — The New Mexico Courts Case Lookup system allows members of the public to search court case records, which may include information about an individual's custody status and scheduled hearings.
How To Visit an Inmate In San Juan County
Members of the public wishing to visit an inmate at the San Juan County Detention Center must comply with the facility's visitation policies and procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures: All visitors must be pre-approved by the facility before a visit is permitted. Visitors are required to submit a visitation application and receive approval from detention staff. Approval may be denied based on the inmate's classification, disciplinary status, or the visitor's background.
Visit Schedule: Visitation schedules are set by the San Juan County Detention Center and are subject to change. Members of the public should contact the facility directly at (505) 334-6325 to confirm current visitation hours and scheduling requirements.
What to Bring:
- Government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Visitation approval documentation if required
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Controlled substances or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices (unless specifically authorized)
- Unauthorized food or beverages
- Cash or valuables beyond what is permitted
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry. Specific dress code requirements should be confirmed with the facility.
Visit Types:
- In-person contact visits — where permitted based on inmate classification
- Non-contact visits — conducted through a barrier (glass or partition)
- Video visitation — remote visits conducted via video platform, which may be available through the facility's contracted service provider
Visit Restrictions: Visits may be suspended or restricted based on the inmate's disciplinary record, facility lockdowns, or court orders. Individuals with certain criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges.
How To Send Money to a San Juan County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the San Juan County Detention Center through approved methods. These funds allow inmates to purchase items from the commissary, make phone calls, and cover other authorized expenses.
Approved Methods:
- Online deposits — The facility may utilize a third-party service provider such as Access Corrections or a similar platform. Members of the public may visit the provider's website to deposit funds using a credit or debit card.
- Kiosk deposits — Lobby kiosks at the detention facility may accept cash or card deposits directly into an inmate's account.
- Money order by mail — Money orders made payable to the inmate (with the inmate's full name and booking number noted) may be mailed to the facility.
Amount Limits: Deposit limits per transaction or per day may apply and are set by the facility or its contracted service provider. Members of the public should confirm current limits by contacting the San Juan County Detention Center at (505) 334-6325.
Fees: Transaction fees may be assessed by the third-party service provider. These fees vary by deposit method and amount.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail
- Personal checks
- Funds intended for unauthorized purposes
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Inmate trust account funds may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and other facility-approved services. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the trust account without authorization.
How To Send Jail Mail In San Juan County
Members of the public may send written correspondence to inmates held at the San Juan County Detention Center in accordance with the facility's mail policies.
Approved Methods:
- U.S. Mail — Standard first-class mail sent to the inmate's name and booking number at the facility address is the primary approved method.
Mail should be addressed as follows: [Inmate Full Name, Booking Number] San Juan County Detention Center 1100 Municipal Dr, Aztec, NM 87410
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All incoming mail is subject to inspection by detention staff for contraband and security purposes, consistent with NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1 and facility policy
- Envelopes must be plain white; padded envelopes or packages may be rejected
- Letters must be written on plain paper; no glitter, stickers, staples, or paper clips
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; Polaroid or instant-print photos are typically prohibited
- No hardcover books; paperback books may be accepted only if sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer
- No cash, checks, or money orders enclosed in mail
- Sexually explicit material, content depicting violence, or material that could compromise facility security is prohibited
- Mail from attorneys is treated as privileged legal mail and handled separately under applicable law
Mail that does not comply with facility rules will be returned to the sender or destroyed. Members of the public should contact the San Juan County Detention Center at (505) 334-6325 to confirm current mail policies before sending correspondence.