Inmate Search

Do you suspect that somebody you know is incarcerated but don't know where to start in your search for the inmate?

Start with the most likely jail

The best place to start is with the jail that you suspect they would be incarcerated in. Many county jails now make their booking records publicly available. You should go to the jail's website (you can usually find it with a google search) and look around for "inmate locator," "booking records," "inmate search," etc.

This will typically show you names as well as charges and expected release dates. Some of the codes may be hard to decipher - you can always call the jail up and ask them what they mean. You could also google the codes and see if you can find any indicators online of what they mean, but it's a shot in the dark.

Are you a victim in the case?

Many counties and states now use the "Vinelink reporting system" which allows victims and people of interest in a case to be automatically notified when an inmate is released. To find out if this service is available in your area, go to Vinelink.com. The system will notify you (usually with a phone call) a few days before the inmate is released, if possible, or shortly thereafter if they are released early for good behavior or something.

Calling the jail

Arrest records for adults are public records (juvenile records are not considered public) and as such you do have access to them one way or another. If they don't publish them online you can always perform an inmate "search" just by calling up the jail. In most areas they will look up the inmate for you and tell you the charges, but in some places they may ask you to come down to the jail and go through booking logs in person.

If you are refused access to inmate records you should talk to the sheriff - again, these are public records and you have a lawful right to them. Note that some old records may not be available - if an ex-inmate complies with the terms of their probation then they may be able to "expunge" their record. This means that all of the records related to their offense are sealed, and in some cases this includes the arrest records. These are still available to certain government agencies, but not to the general public.

In some cases you may want to consult with an attorney, if you have a loved on who is currently in jail. Be sure to do your research and look for local attorney reviews.