Guide
California Most Wanted at a Glance
In California, county sheriffs such as San Diego and Orange County post most wanted lists, and the state Department of Justice takes tips on California's Most Wanted Fugitives.
Guide
California Most Wanted Resources
Wanted lists for California, each on the site of the agency that posts it.
- San Diego Sheriff's Most WantedFugitives sought by the San Diego County Sheriff
- OC Sheriff Most WantedFugitives sought by the Orange County Sheriff
- DOJ California's Most Wanted TipsSend the state Department of Justice a tip on a fugitive
- FBI Los Angeles Field OfficeWanted and missing persons sought by FBI Los Angeles
- FBI Sacramento Field OfficeWanted and missing persons sought by FBI Sacramento
- FBI San Diego Field OfficeWanted and missing persons sought by FBI San Diego
- FBI San Francisco Field OfficeWanted and missing persons sought by FBI San Francisco
Wanted person listings change quickly. Before you act on one, confirm the warrant or fugitive status directly with the agency that posted it.
Guide
Warrants and Tips
Tips on California's Most Wanted Fugitives go to the DOJ Intelligence Operations Center at (916) 227-1280 or (888) 834-8200.
Guide
Federal Most Wanted & Fugitive Resources
Federal agencies publishing official fugitive, most-wanted, and high-priority suspect bulletins. These cover crimes that cross state lines or fall under federal jurisdiction.
- FBI Most WantedFederal Bureau of Investigation's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, terrorism suspects, kidnappings, and cyber criminals
- U.S. Marshals 15 Most WantedThe Marshals Service is the primary federal fugitive-apprehension agency with the 15 Most Wanted and Major Case Fugitives lists
- DEA Fugitive ListDrug Enforcement Administration major fugitives wanted for narcotics trafficking and related crimes
- ATF Most WantedBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives most-wanted suspects for firearms, arson, and explosives crimes
- ICE Most WantedImmigration and Customs Enforcement most-wanted fugitives for human smuggling, trafficking, and customs crimes
- U.S. Secret Service Most WantedSecret Service most-wanted suspects, primarily for financial crimes, counterfeiting, and cyber fraud
Straight answers
California Most Wanted, questions
Can I see a person's active arrest warrant online?
Sometimes. A few states and large counties publish active-warrant rosters; many do not. Calling the sheriff's non-emergency line (or the issuing court clerk) is the reliable confirmation method.
What should I do if I recognize a wanted fugitive?
Do not approach. Call 911 for immediate sightings, or use the agency's tip line (FBI: tips.fbi.gov; USMS: usmarshals.gov/tips). Reward programs exist for many Top Ten and 15 Most Wanted.
Are 'wanted' lists kept up to date?
Federal lists (FBI, USMS) are updated as cases change. State lists vary, some are near-real-time, others updated weekly. Treat any public list as a starting point, not a legal determination of current status.
Is there a national warrant database for the public?
No. The FBI's NCIC contains wants/warrants but is law-enforcement-only under 28 U.S.C. § 534. Public lists are agency-by-agency.
By state