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Search West Virginia Inmate Records Online

Are West Virginia Inmate Records Open to the Public?

Yes, under the Freedom of Information Act, West Virginia inmate records are accessible to the public. Individuals seeking these records must submit a request to the Department of Corrections or the county sheriff. Requests can be made via mail to the official address of the respective agency.

West Virginia Inmate Search

Inmate records in West Virginia include various details such as the inmate's name, birth date, physical description, charges, sentencing information, release date, and conviction status. These records are provided by the West Virginia Department of Corrections and other local law enforcement agencies. To access this information, individuals can use the inmate search tools provided by these agencies.

Third-party websites also offer access to inmate records, often without geographical limitations. However, information from these sources may differ from official records. When using third-party sites, requestors need to provide the location of the record, including the state, county, and city, as well as the name of the individual.

How to Conduct a West Virginia Jail Inmate Search

To find someone in a West Virginia jail, individuals should contact the local sheriff's office or the jail division directly. The sheriff’s office provides information regarding current inmates. Alternatively, individuals can visit the sheriff’s office during working hours or call their official line to inquire about an inmate's status.

Differences Between West Virginia State Prisons and County Jails

West Virginia's correctional facilities include state prisons and county jails, each managed by different authorities. State prisons are operated by the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDOCR) and typically house inmates serving longer sentences for more serious crimes. County jails, managed by individual counties, usually detain individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences for lesser offenses.

State prisons focus on rehabilitation and reintegration programs, offering education, job training, healthcare, and mental health services. County jails, while also providing some services, primarily function as holding facilities for pre-trial detainees and short-term inmates.

Sending Money to an Inmate in West Virginia Prisons or Jails

To send money to an inmate in West Virginia, parties can use several methods. The fastest way is through electronic deposits via the ConnectNetwork website or app. Another option is JailATM, which requires creating an account to deposit funds. Additionally, money can be sent by phone using a designated Site ID.

Depositors need the inmate's full name and ID number to ensure the funds are correctly credited. These funds can be used by inmates for various needs, including purchasing items from the commissary.

How to Contact Inmates in West Virginia Prisons and Jails

Contacting inmates in West Virginia can be done through mail or phone. For phone communication, the GettingOut app provided by the WV Division of Corrections facilitates calls and video visits. This app is available for download on iOS and Android devices.

Inmates can also receive mail, which should include the sender's name and return address. The inmate's address must follow a specific format, including the inmate's full name, ID number, facility name, street address, city, state, and zip code.

Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in West Virginia Prisons and Jails

To visit an inmate in a West Virginia prison or jail, visitors must first determine the facility where the inmate is housed. This can be done using the prison lookup tool. Visitation rules vary by facility, but generally, visits must be scheduled by phone at least one day in advance.

Visitors are required to dress appropriately and present a valid government-issued photo ID upon entry. Facilities such as the Central Regional Jail and the Eastern Regional Jail have specific visitation scheduling procedures that must be followed.

How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in West Virginia

Locating an inmate in West Virginia involves using the inmate search tools provided by the WVDOCR. These tools allow individuals to search for inmates in both state prisons and county jails. Information required for the search typically includes the inmate's name and sometimes additional identifiers like birth date.

For those unable to find an inmate through online tools, contacting the WVDOCR directly for assistance is recommended. This ensures that the most current and accurate information is obtained.

Finding a County Inmate Roster in West Virginia

To find a county inmate roster in West Virginia, individuals can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the WVDOCR. Additionally, local sheriff’s offices maintain updated rosters of current inmates. These rosters are public information and can be accessed by providing the inmate’s first and last name.

The information is regularly updated to reflect changes in inmate status, ensuring that requestors receive accurate data about inmates in county jails.

How to Conduct a West Virginia Prison Inmate Search

Conducting a prison inmate search in West Virginia involves using the WVDOCR's online tools. Searchers need to provide the inmate's name and sometimes additional details to obtain results. This tool covers both daily incarcerations and long-term inmate records.

If difficulties arise in locating an inmate, contacting the WVDOCR directly can provide further assistance. This ensures that all necessary information is obtained accurately.

How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in West Virginia

To find an inmate's release date in West Virginia, individuals can access the inmate's records online or contact the jail administrator. In some cases, release dates may be restricted for safety reasons and only available to immediate family, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized officials.

For general inquiries, providing the inmate's name and ID number will typically yield the necessary information regarding their release date.

Facilities Managed by the West Virginia Department of Corrections

The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDOCR) oversees numerous facilities across the state, including:

  • Salem Correctional Center and Jail
  • South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • McDowell County Corrections/Stevens Correctional Center
  • Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail/Huttonsville Work Camp
  • Lakin Correctional Center and Jail
  • Northern Correctional Facility
  • Southern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • Southwestern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • Tygart Valley Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail/Slayton Work Camp
  • North Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • Denmar Correctional Center and Jail
  • Pruntytown Correctional Center and Jail
  • Saint Marys Correctional Center and Jail
  • Western Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • Northern Regional Jail
  • Ohio County Correctional Center and Jail
  • Potomac Highlands Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • Eastern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
  • Martinsburg Correctional Center and Jail

These institutions are responsible for the custody, care, and rehabilitation of inmates within the state.

Search Inmate Records in West Virginia