San Francisco Sheriff's Department Frequently Asked Questions
CUSTODY DIVISION - JAILS
Q: HOW IS BAIL DETERMINED?A: Bail is determined in one of two ways. The first way bail is determined is by referring to the Felony and Misdemeanor Bail Schedule as established by the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. Deputy sheriffs use this bail schedule when determining a person’s bail at the time of booking. The second way a bail is determined is by the judge when a person appears in court. Some criminal charges require that bail be set by the judge.
Q: HOW DO I BAIL SOMEONE OUT OF JAIL?A: Bail information can be obtained by calling (415)551-0651, Monday thru Friday 08:00 am – 4:00 pm. During non-business hours, Monday thru Sunday you can call 415-553-1430 for bail information. Information on bail bond agencies may be obtained in the yellow pages. Information on bail bond agencies is also posted in the inmate housing areas.
Q: HOW DO I PUT MONEY ON AN INMATE’S ACCOUNT?A: Money can be placed on an inmate’s account seven days a week in person or online. In person go to the Keefe kiosk located at 425 7th Street in the lobby. There is also a kiosk in the lobby of the San Bruno complex available for approved registered visitors on visiting days only. The Sheriff's Department accepts cash deposits or money orders without surcharge from 8:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. on Wednesdays, and from 3:30p.m. - 7:30p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
ONLINE DEPOSITS
KEEFE ACCESS CORRECTIONS:
Inmate accounts can also be funded
online via Keefe at
www.inmatedeposits.com (Takes you to Keefe site)
The following are acceptable for deposit to an inmate’s account:
- United States currency (coins not accepted).
- Cashier’s checks, certified checks or money orders up to $100.00 dollars.
- Checks issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
- Some checks issued by the federal, state or local governments.
The following are not acceptable for deposit into an inmate’s account:
- Personal checks
A: Contact the Trust Officer at 415-554-4771 or send an email to: sfsd.trust@sfgov.org
Q: HOW DO I SEND A CARE PACKAGE?A: Please go to: www.sfcountypackages.com (Takes you Keefe Group)
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR MAIL PROCEDURES?A: There is no limit on the volume of mail a prisoner can send or receive, or with whom the prisoner can correspond. The county jail only accepts mail and or packages from the U.S. Postal Service.
Address mail to an inmate using the following format:Q: HOW DO I OBTAIN PROOF OF INCARCERATION?
A: Please come to 850 Bryant Street and take the elevator next to the snack shop to the 6th floor. Once on the 6th floor inform the deputy that you need a proof of incarceration. You will be provided a form to complete and will need to return 24 hours later to pick up your proof of incarceration. You must have valid identification to receive a proof of incarceration.
Q: HOW DO I GET LEGAL DOCUMENTS SIGNED?A: Please contact the SFSD Prisoner Legal Services at (415)575-4365 for assistance.
Q: HOW DO I PICK UP AN INMATE’S PROPERTY OR MONEY?A: The inmate must complete a property release form with signature and provide it to a deputy sheriff for his/her signature. The inmate can mail the completed form via U.S. mail to the person whom the property is being released or the person can come to the jail and pick up the property release form. The release of money must be a specific dollar amount. Individual items of property will not be released. Once the form is received the person whom the property is being released must bring the form and valid identification to the property window located at 425 7th Street, San Francisco to obtain the property.
Q: HOW DO I VISIT AN INMATE?A: Visiting is offered at all San Francisco County Jail Facilities, except County Jail #1, on Saturday, Sundays and holidays. Please see the page titled Jail Visiting for more facility specific information.
Q: HOW DO I FIND A COURT DATE OR CURRENT CHARGES?A: Please click Here.
Q: HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?A: To file a complaint against a sheriff’s department employee, please contact our Investigative Services Unit at (415)554-2380. To make a complaint not related to an employee, please state your issue / complaint in the Contact Us section of this website and someone will get back to you.
Q: HOW DO I SCHEDULE A PARENT CHILD VISIT?A: In order to participate in the parent child visiting program, inmates must first complete the parenting skills courses. Inmates must complete an action request expressing their interest in this program. The request will be reviewed to determine if they meet the requirements to participate in the program.
Civil Unit / Evictions
Q: WHAT IS THE EVICTION ASSISTANCE TEAM?A: The Eviction Assistance Team is a unit within the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department which provides assistance to people being evicted, including offering referrals and information for legal issues, relocation, medical issues and other eviction related matters. The Eviction Assistance Team cannot provide legal advice.
Q: HOW DO I GET EVICTION HELP?A: There are many attorneys and organizations that provide legal assistance for people being evicted. The Eviction Assistance Team can provide you with a resource list of agencies that can assist you. You may contact these agencies if you have further questions or require assistance with any eviction related issues.
Q: WHAT IS AN EVICTION?A: An eviction is a court order to remove someone from their residence as the result of an unlawful detainer lawsuit and to return possession of real property to the property owner. A property owner must go through the proper legal procedure in order to have someone evicted.
Q: WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS?A: A person’s rights to possess the property depend on the specific facts of each case. A person facing eviction should seek legal assistance immediately.
Q: WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS ONCE I RECEIVE A NOTICE TO VACATE?A: Once a notice to vacate is posted, a tenant has three basic options: (1) vacate the premises, (2) ask the Court or the landlord to delay the eviction to give the tenant time to vacate or (3) ask the Court to reconsider the eviction order. If you want to delay the eviction or ask the Court to reconsider the eviction, you should seek legal assistance.
Q: HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO LEAVE AFTER I RECEIVE THE NOTICE TO VACATE?A: The notice itself will give the date the Sheriff is scheduled remove the occupants from the property. The minimum time before an eviction will take place is five days.
Q: WHAT IF I REFUSE TO LEAVE?A: The Sheriff has a duty remove every occupant from the property at the time of the eviction. Anyone refusing to leave may be subject to arrest.
Q: WHAT IF I DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE TO VACATE?A: If a tenant did not receive the legally required notice to vacate, it could be grounds to challenge the eviction order. The notice to vacate is either posted or served on the resident. A second copy is mailed to the person named in the eviction order (Writ of Possession of Real Property).
Q: WHAT IS A CLAIM OF RIGHT TO POSSESSION?A: The landlord (plaintiff) usually lists everyone living at the property (defendant) in the unlawful detainer lawsuit. An occupant of the property who was not listed as a defendant, but who wants to assert their right to live at the property, may file a “Claim of Right of Possession”, if the Pre-judgment Claim of Right was not served with the Summons and Complaint. In foreclosure related evictions, a Claim of Right may be accepted anytime.
Q: WHAT IF I AM NOT NAMED ON THE NOTICE OF EVICTION?A: The Sheriff must remove all occupants of a property during an eviction. If you are a resident of the property and you are not named in the eviction order you may be entitled to file a Claim of Right to Possession to assert your right to live at the property. Otherwise, the Sheriff will remove the resident and restore the property back to the property owner.
Q: WHAT IS A STAY? DOES THE SHERIFF GRANT STAYS?A: The Court can delay an eviction by ordering a “stay” of the eviction. Please refer to the list of agencies that can assist you in obtaining a stay from the court. A stay is a court order to delay an eviction. The Court is the only entity that can order an eviction be performed by the Sheriff. The Sheriff therefore has a legal obligation to enforce the Court order in an eviction case without delay. The Sheriff does not have the legal authority to grant a stay.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PERSONAL PROPERTY?A: California law requires the landlord to safely store all personal property for a period of 15 days within which time you can arrange to pick it up. The property may be kept on the premises or placed in storage.
Q: WHAT CAN I DO IF THE LANDLORD DOES NOT LET ME GET MY PERSONAL PROPERTY?A: The landlord must comply with state law and give you access to your personal property. You may seek assistance from the San Francisco Police Department or you may contact the agencies listed in the Eviction Assistance Team’s resource list for assistance.
Q: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY PETS?A: A tenant’s pets are the tenant’s responsibility. Animal Care and Control will be contacted to pick up any pets that remain on the premises.
Q: CAN I GO IN AND GET MY PROPERTY IF I WAS NOT PRESENT WHEN THE EVICTION OCCURRED?A: No. You must contact the landlord or manager to arrange to retrieve your property.
Q: CAN I RETURN TO THE BUILDING AFTER I WAS EVICTED FROM MY APARTMENT?A: An evicted tenant has no right to return to the apartment. The tenant may have the right to visit the building depending on the circumstances. You may contact the agencies listed in the Eviction Assistance Team's resource list for assistance.
Q: WHAT IF THE LANDLORD WILL NOT ACCEPT MY RENT PAYMENTS?A: Once an unlawful detainer lawsuit is brought, the landlord can choose not to accept rent payments. You should obtain legal assistance for your specific situation.
Q: CAN A LANDLORD LOCK ME OUT OR CHANGE THE LOCKS?A: No. A landlord cannot lock a tenant out of the property prior to an eviction. In California, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit and obtain a court order for eviction. The landlord can change the locks at the time of the eviction.
Q: CAN A LANDLORD SHUT OFF MY UTILITIES?A: No. The landlord must maintain minimum standards of habitability.
Q: DOES BANKRUPTCY STOP AN EVICTION?A: No. Filing for bankruptcy may delay an eviction in certain circumstances. Anyone considering filing for bankruptcy in order to stop or delay an eviction should seek legal advice.
For further information regarding tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities, go to www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/catenant.pdfCENTRAL WARRANT BUREAU (CWB)
Q: WHERE IS CWB LOCATED?A: CWB is located in the Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street (between Brannan and Harrison Streets), Room 460, San Francisco, CA.
Q: IS CWB ABLE TO RESCHEDULE COURT DATES?A: No. If you have an upcoming court date, the clerk of the court, located at 850 Bryant Street, Room 101, can reschedule you. If your court date has passed, CWB can perform a warrant check for you. If you have a citable misdemeanor warrant, we can issue you a citation with a future court date.
Q: IF I HAVE A FELONY OR NON-CITE ELIGIBLE MISDEMEANOR WARRANT WILL I BE ARRESTED?A: Yes, you will be arrested and booked into the San Francisco County Jail.
Q: CAN CWB ISSUE A TRAFFIC CITATION FOR AN OUTSTANDING TRAFFIC WARRANT?A: CWB does not issue traffic warrant citations. If the traffic warrant contains the letter “B” in the warrant number, you cannot reschedule a court date. The fine must be paid in its entirety.
Q: WHERE DO I OBTAIN A COPY OF A POLICE REPORT?A: It can be requested from the San Francisco Police Department, Records Management at 1245 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, from 8:00AM-5:00PM, Monday-Friday. For questions, please call 415-575-7232. There is no cost but you must be a party in the police report or have an affidavit from one of the parties requesting a copy.
Q: WHERE DO I OBTAIN A COPY OF MY CRIMINAL HISTORY?A: It can be requested from the Police Department located at the Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, Room 475, from 8:00AM-5:00PM. Pick up a request form at Window #9. After completing the request form bring it to Window #11. There is no cost.
Q: WHERE DO I OBTAIN A COPY OF MY MUG SHOT PHOTOGRAPH FOR IDENTIFICATION?A: It can be requested from the Police Department located at the Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, Room 475, from 8:00AM-5:00PM. You can pick up a request form at Window #9. After completing a request form bring it to window #11. There is no cost but many times there is wait time.
Q: I HAVE BEEN THE VICTIM OF IDENTIFY THEFT AND HAVE A WARRANT FOR MY ARREST. CAN CWB RESOLVE THIS MATTER?A: If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, you must go to the San Francisco Police Department’s Identification Bureau, Room 475. Your identification will be verified through fingerprints and if a warrant does not belong to you, the appropriate notifications will be placed in the Criminal Justice Information records.
Q: WHERE IS THE SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE?A: Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, Third Floor, Room #322, San Francisco, CA.
Q: CAN I CHECK TO SEE IF SOMEONE ELSE HAS AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT?A: No, you cannot perform a warrant check on a party other than yourself.
Q: WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ON APPLYING FOR A CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT?A: The Sheriff's CCW Policy is located here: SFSD CCW Policy.
CITY HALL SECURITY (CHS)
WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS HOURS OF CITY HALL?A: City Hall is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Q: WHERE IS THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE LOCATED?A: Room 456, 4th floor
Q: WHERE DO I OBTAIN A COPY OF MY CERTIFICATE OF BIRTH?A: Room 162, 1st floor.
Q: WHERE MAY I PAY MY PROPERTY TAXES?A: Room 162, 1st floor.
Q: WHERE IS THE LOADING DOCK FOR CITY HALL?A: The loading dock is located on the Grove Street side of the building.
Q: WHERE DO I OBTAIN A PASSPORT?A: Passport Office, Room 140, First Floor.
Q: WHERE IS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING?A: Room 250, 2nd floor, at the top of the rotunda staircase.
Q: HOW DO I SCHEDULE A TOUR OF CITY HALL?A: At the kiosk desk located on the Goodlett Street entrance.
Q: WHERE DO I GO TO GET MARRIED?A: County Clerk's Office, Room 140, First Floor.
Q:IS CITY HALL OPEN ON WEEKENDS?A: No, City Hall is open M-F. 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Q: WHERE DO I GO FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE?A: Office of Neighborhood Services, Room 160, First Floor.
COURT SERVICES – CIVIC CENTER COURTHOUSE (CCC)
Q: WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR THE CCC?A: The CCC operates from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.
Q: WHERE DO I OBTAIN A CIVIL OR DOMESTIC VIOLANCE RESTRAINING ORDER?A: CCC, Room #509, 5TH Floor.
Q: WHERE DO I FILE A SMALL CLAIMS MATTER?A: CCC, Department 103, 1st Floor.
Q: WHERE DO I GO TO ADDRESS FAMILY MATTERS?A: CCC, Department #402, 4th Floor.
Q: HOW DO I OBTAIN A JURY EXCUSE NOTE?A: Questions regarding jury excuses are handled in the Jury Room #007, lower level.
Q: WHERE IS THE ACCESS CENTER AND WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED?A: The access center is located at the CCC, Room #509. They provide assistance with legal information such as:
- Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- Small Claims
- Evictions (Residential)
- Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Nullity of Marriage
- Establish Paternity/Parental Relationship
A: Yes. Go to Room number 007, lower level.
Q: MAY I LEAVE MY POCKET KNIFE WITH A DEPUTY?A: No. You are not allowed to bring weapons of any type into the CCC.
Q: WHY DO I NEED TO REMOVE MY BELT BEFORE SCREENING?A: To insure a proper safety and security screening at the magnitometer, we require the removal of belts.
Q: WHERE IS THE LAW LIBRARY?A: The law library is located at 401 Van Ness Avenue.
Q: WHERE IS THE COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTER (CJC) AND WHAT TIME DOES COURT BEGIN?A: The Community Justice Center is located at 575 Polk Street and court begins at 1:30 pm.
Q: WHAT RESOURCES ARE OFFERED AT THE CJC?A: Treatment services, housing and completion of programs.
Court Services - Hall of Justice Criminal Courts (HOJC)
There is a map in the Hall of Justice which can be utilized to tell you where certain departments and courtrooms are located. Q: WHERE DO I LOCATE WHERE MY CASE IS BEING HEARD?A: The court calendar can be found at Room 101.
Q: IS A DEPUTY SHERIFF ABLE TO SIGN OFF ON A FIX IT TICKET CIATAION?A: Yes, however; our primary function is to insure the safety and security of the HOJ Criminal Courts.
Q: WHERE ARE THE TRAFFIC COURTS LOCATED?A: HOJ, 2nd Floor.
Q: MAY I HUG AN INCARCERATED PERSON WHILE THEY ARE IN COURT?A: No contact is permitted with incarcerated persons to insure safety and security.
Q: DOES THE HOJ PROVIDE CHILDCARE?A: Yes. The childcare center is located on the 1st floor, of the HOJ.
Q: WHERE IS THE JURY ASSEMBLY ROOM?A: HOJ, 3RD Floor, Room #307.
Q: WHAT TIME DOES COURT BEGIN?A: Court rooms open between 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
COURT SERVICES – JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER (JJC)
Q: WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION OF THE JJC?A: The JJC operates from 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Q: HOW DO I OBTAIN CHARGING INFORMATION FOR A MINOR CHILD?A: The phone number for information regarding incarcerated minors is (415)753-7501.
Q: HOW DO I SCHEDULE A VISIT FOR A MINOR CHILD?A: The number for scheduling a visit is (415)753-7501.
Q: WHEN MINOR CHILDREN ARE ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO CUSTODY, WHERE ARE THEY HOUSED?A: Minor children, if booked, are housed at the Juvenile Justice Center located at 375 Woodside Avenue, San Francisco.
Q: HOW DO I DETERMINE MY CHILD’S PROBATION OFFICER?A: You may call (415)753-7800 or (415)753-7501 for this information.
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (DEM)
Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS BUILDING?A: It houses the Office of Emergency Services and is the dispatch center for the Sheriff’s Department, Police Department and Fire Department / Emergency Medical System.
Q: WHERE IS THIS BUILDING LOCATED?A: 1011 Turk Street, San Francisco.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS HOURS OF DEM?A: DEM is open to the public 24 hours a day.
Q: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT IN THIS BUILDING?A: Deputy sheriffs provide law enforcement services to this building, its staff and surrounding neighborhood. Deputies patrol the inner and outer perimeter of the building to make sure the building is safe and secure. The deputies enforce the laws, make arrests and enforce the parking regulations on Turk Street. Cadets are non-sworn employees who provide support.
Q: WHAT IS CAD?A: CAD is the acronym for computer aided dispatching.
Q: HOW DO I OBTAIN A COPY OF A CAD REPORT?A: You must complete and submit a request form located in the front lobby of DEM.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO OBTAIN A COPY OF A CAD REPORT?A: Once a request is submitted, it can take between five to ten business days to get the report.
Q: HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED WHEN A CAD REPORT IS READY?A: The DEM Custodian of Records will give you a call once the report is ready.
Q: HOW DO I OBTAIN THE CAD REPORT ONCE COMPLETED?A: You may pick up the report in person at DEM or you may have it mailed to your address of record. DEM does not charge a fee for mailing this report.
Q: MAY I OBTAIN AN AUDIO COPY OF A CAD REPORT?A: Yes. When you fill out the CAD report form, you may indicate an audio recording through a compact disc. The CD costs $35. The Custodian of Records will give you more information about how to pay for the CD once ready.
Q: DO I NEED IDENTIFICATION WHEN PICKING UP A CAD REPORT?A: Yes. You need to bring a valid picture ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or any ID that is issued by a government agency or municipality). We will only give the CAD report to the name of the person who is requesting the report. If you want someone else to pick up the report, you should write that person’s name on the CAD request form. Law enforcement personnel obtaining a CAD report must show identification.
Q: WHO MAY I CALL REGARDING CAD REPORTS?A: You may call the DEM Custodian of Records Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. at (415) 553-3826.
Q: HOW DO I SERVE A SUBPOENA TO THE CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS?A: Place the subpoena in the lock box in the front lobby. A sheriff’s employee will sign the service form.
Q: DO I NEED TO SHOW IDENTIFICATION PRIOR TO ENTERING DEM?A: Yes. For security reasons, all persons entering DEM, who do not work in the building, must sign in and exchange a valid picture ID for a visitor's pass. The visitor pass indicates to the Sheriff’s Department staff that you have official business in the building. Your ID will be returned to you when you return the visitor badge.
Q: Does DEM have a website?A: Yes. It is http://sfdem.org/
INSTITUTIONAL PATROL UNIT AT LAGUNA HONDA (LHH) and SFGH HOSPITALS
Q: WHAT IS THE GENERAL INFORMATION NUMBER FOR LHH?A: Operators may be reached at (415) 759-2300 and (415) 682-2300. They provide general information for LHH (visiting hours, patient location, directions)
Q: HOW DO I CALL THE SHERIFF’S SUBSTATION AT LHH?A: The telephone number is (415) 759-2319.
Q: IS VISTOR PARKING ALLOWED AT LHH?A: There are approximately 25 three hour visitor parking spaces throughout the grounds. All other parking stalls are by permit only and are strictly enforced.
Q: WHAT IS THE GENERAL INFORMATION NUMBER FOR SFGH?A: Operators may be reached at (415) 206-8000. They provide general information for SFGH (visiting hours, patient location, directions).
Q: HOW DO I CALL THE SHERIFF’S SUBSTATION AT SFGH?A: The telephone number is (415) 206-8063.
Q: IS VISITOR PARKING ALLOWED AT SFGH?A: There are two pay parking lots, one is directly in front of the building, and the second is across the street from the hospital. The streets surrounding SFGH are 1 hour parking only.
Q: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT AT LHH AND SFGH?A: Deputy sheriffs provide general law enforcement services to staff at both hospitals and the surrounding neighborhoods. Deputies patrol the inner and outer perimeter of the buildings to make sure the building is safe and secure; they enforce the laws, make arrests, and identify crime prevention methods. Deputy sheriffs also provide this service to the clinics around the City and County of San Francisco. Institutional Police officers, employed by the Sheriff’s Department, have powers of arrest while on duty, and assist in this function. Cadets are non-sworn employees who provide support.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (PUC) BUILDING
Q: WHO DESIGNED THE BUILDING?A: The building was designed by KMD and built by Webcor Builders.
Q: HOW AND WHY IS THE PUC BUILDING GREEN?A: The PUC is certified LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency & Design) Platinum and is the greenest building of its size in North America. The PUC has an integrated, hybrid solar array (691 panels on the rooftop) and wind turbine installation (4 total) and can generate up to 227,000 kWh/year or 7% of the buildings energy needs. 525 Golden Gate Avenue consumes 32% less energy than similarly sized office buildings.
Q: MAY I TAKE A TOUR OF THE PUC BUILDING?A: Yes. You may sign up for tours on the PUC website: www.sfwater.org/hq. Schools and professional groups may be accommodated by emailing 525ggtours@sfwater.org
Q: MAY I PAY A PG&E BILL AT THE PUC?A: No. The PUC only deals with water bills and new installations.
Q: DO I NEED TO SIGN IN IF I AM PAYING A BILL OR EATING AT THE CAFÉ?A: No. The PUC lobby is open to the public. The café is open from 7am - 4pm and the PUC customer center is open from 8am - 5pm.